Application period for entry in the Winter semester of 2026/2027: 15.01.2026 - 15.02.2026 (23:59 CET)
After entering your data, you will receive an e-mail with a link to upload your application documents.
Admission process for the doctoral programme
Admission to the artistic doctoral programme is based on a three-stage, qualitative selection process.
First Step: Application materials
Applicants must submit the following application materials in either German or English:
- A copy of their Master’s thesis, Diploma thesis, or comparable written work gained in a subject-appropriate Masters-, Diploma, or equivalent course of study
- A motivation letter
- A description and documentation of previous artistic and academic studies, artistic experience, and competencies
- A written agreement of a principal supervisor at the Anton Bruckner Private University and a co-supervisor at a partnering educational institution (both academic supervision and artistic supervision are required)
More information and a list of supervisors at ABU - A research exposé for the proposed dissertation project (topic, research questions, methods, literature)
Second Step: Verification of fulfilment of the admission requirements
A review of the fulfilment of the qualitative admission requirements will be conducted by the Vice President for Research on the basis of the written submission.
Third Step: Oral presentation of the PhD project (next date: 02.06.2026 at ABU)
In the case of positive assessment of the written submission, applicants will be invited to give an oral presentation of their doctoral project before the doctoral committee in an admission colloquium setting in order to demonstrate their academic and artistic potential for the accomplishment of the doctoral programme. Applicants will present their research concept and engage in a subsequent discussion about the research questions, the current state of research and literature, and methods.
First artistic supervision
Primary artistic supervision is possible in the following disciplines:
- Historical performance practice
- Instrumental performance studies
- Composition
- Theory and practice of artistic research
- Contemporary performance practice
- Contemporary dance
First scholarly supervision
Primary scholarly supervision is possible in the following disciplines:
- Interpretation Research
- Cultural Studies in the field of Musicology
- Musicology
- Music Education
Secondary supervision at partner universities
For secondary supervision at the partner universities Paris Lodron (Salzburg), University of Art and Design Linz, Bern University of the Arts (Switzerland) and University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna, please select a professor according to your subject area from the list of professors at the respective university. The links will take you to the universities or the corresponding institutes or contact persons.
At our partner institution, Bern University of the Arts (HKB), only scholarly (not artistic) secondary supervision is available. To arrange secondary supervision, please contact Prof. Martin Skamletz, Head of the Institute of Interpretation (martin.skamletztyrhkb.bfhrch).
Information about language skills
If doctoral students decide to write their dissertation in English an adequate command of the English language is required. We therefore recommend that applicants are proficient in English to level C1 as set out in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. It is not necessary to provide written evidence with your application. However, the Admissions Board may ask you to submit evidence of language skills after consideration of your exposé and the oral admission exam.