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Overview
The PhD program in Political Science - Political Theory at Central European University (CEU) bridges the Doctoral Program in Political Science and the Doctoral Program in Philosophy through close cooperation in training doctoral students. The track focuses on moral and political philosophy and institutional political theory. It attracts scholars who plan to work on normative problems in politics, addressing foundational theoretical questions and questions related to specific political institutions and practices.
Careers
As a graduate of the doctoral program in Political Science, you will be well prepared to compete for positions at prestigious academic institutions and in other professional areas where critical thinking, communication and advanced research skills are particularly important, such as public administration, data analysis, publishing, journalism and media.
Get more details
Visit programme websiteProgramme Structure
Research areas:
- Democratic
- Liberalism
- Political obligation and legitimacy
- Justice
- Global and intergenerational justice
Check out the full curriculum
Visit programme websiteKey information
Duration
- Full-time
- 48 months
Start dates & application deadlines
- Starting
- Apply before
-
Language
English
Duolingo English Test 130
TOEFL® IBT OR
100
OR 5
PTE Academic 76
IELTS 7
IELTS & PTE Test Preparation
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- Live classes with current and ex-examiners
- Accurate score assesment, always
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Credits
240 ECTS
Delivered
On Campus
Campus Location
- Vienna, Austria
Disciplines
Public Policy Political Science View 5 other PhDs in Political Science in AustriaExplore more key information
Visit programme websiteWhat students do after studying
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Academic requirements
GRE® Required
GMAT Required
English requirements
Duolingo English Test 130
TOEFL® IBT OR
100
OR 5
PTE Academic 76
IELTS 7
IELTS & PTE Test Preparation
E2 Language Test Prep Trusted by 7M+ Students
Admission to your dream university starts with a high IELTS or PTE score. Earn your target score with E2's guided test preparation.
- Study on your own schedule
- Live classes with current and ex-examiners
- Accurate score assesment, always
- E2 Score Guarantee - Get your score or your money back!
Other requirements
General requirements
- Applicants should have an MA or equivalent in political science studies or a related discipline.
- Two letters of recommendation from professors familiar with you work
- Statement of purpose (maximum 500 words)
- Research proposal (maximum 1,500 words excluding references). The research proposal must be rooted in the relevant scholarly literature and demonstrate an understanding of the state of the art in your field.
- Political Theory (PT): normative political theory, including the topics of democratic theory, liberalism, political obligation and legitimacy, theories of justice, and global and intergenerational justice.
Students who submit doctoral research proposals on:
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Make sure you meet all requirements
Visit programme websiteTuition Fees
Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.
-
International Applies to you
Applies to youNon-residents15000 EUR / year≈ 15000 EUR / year -
EU/EEA Applies to you
Applies to youEU/EEA Nationals15000 EUR / year≈ 15000 EUR / year
Additional Details
Doctoral programs (year 1): 15,000 EUR Doctoral programs after comprehensive examination (years 2,3, and 4): 5,000 EUR
Living costs
Vienna
Austria
861 - 1331 EUR / month
The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.
Funding
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Scholarships Information
Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Political Science - Political Theory.
Available Scholarships
You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.
Provided by university
Grant
500 EUR
Deadline
15 Jan 2027
Academic Achievement Award for First-Year Doctoral Students
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Provided by university
Grant
800 EUR
Deadline
15 Jan 2027
Award for Advanced Doctoral Students
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Provided by university
Grant
1500 EUR
Deadline
07 Nov 2026
Winter School Grant
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Anytime
Summer courses of Lectures for Institutes of Languages from the University
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Nov 2026
ServiceScape Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3500 USD
Deadline
15 Nov 2026
ACES Scholarships
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1550 EUR
Deadline
31 Oct 2026
ELES-Scholarship (Ernst-Ludwig-Ehrlich-Studienwerk)
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1300 EUR
Deadline
01 Feb 2027
Ernst Mach Grant for studying at an Austrian University of Applied Sciences
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility in Austria
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2026
$1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
01 Mar 2027
Voice Talent Online Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
13 Jan 2027
Dream Chaser Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1300 EUR
Deadline
01 Mar 2027
Ernst Mach Grant - ASEA-UNINET
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
31 Dec 2026
Scholarship for students with disabilities
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1300 EUR
Deadline
01 Feb 2027
Ernst Mach Grant - Worldwide
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1300 EUR
Deadline
15 Oct 2026
Semester grant and grant for short-term stays of the "Aktion" Austria-Czech Republic
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
31 Dec 2026
Grants of the Leopold Figl Foundation for students with residence in Lower Austria
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
715 EUR
Deadline
31 Mar 2027
Ernst Mach Follow-Up Grant
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1500 USD
Deadline
Not specified
The Annual IELTS from 6 to 9 Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
12000 USD
Deadline
11 Jan 2027
Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme
Read more about eligibility
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