PhD in Comparative History

Up to 5 studentships

Historical Studies at CEU is recognized for its conscious interdisciplinarity and the wide geographical range of our faculty and students’ interests. We have particular strengths in the history of Central Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean, whilst also researching and publishing on diverse topics from the US through to central and eastern Asia. Chronologically, our research covers late antiquity to the present day, with students encouraged to follow their individual interests rather than working on faculty-led projects.

The PhD in Comparative History is a four-year program accredited in Austria and the US. We strongly welcome applicants with an interdisciplinary proposal who wish to examine the interconnectedness of historical cultures and geographies. For the first year of the program, students are based in Vienna where they will attend courses in historiography, methodology, and any languages they need for their proposed research, as well as choosing from a wide range of elective classes. The second and third years of the doctorate are often spent on archival research, field trips and conference participation. During this time, students will also have opportunities to develop their teaching skills and organize conferences and workshops. The fourth year is spent writing the dissertation, supported by our faculty and PhD community.

For the academic year 2027/28, we are offering up to 5 funded PhD places, awarded on the basis of academic merit. We offer:

• A full tuition waiver
• A monthly stipend
• A research allowance, currently 5,200 EUR, for the duration of the program
• Dedicated PhD office space
• Regular events with prestigious external speakers
• Close ties to the Viennese academic community, including the universities, libraries and archives
• A proven record of external grants and international collaborations with universities and research institutes

To apply, please submit two letters of recommendation, your research proposal and a writing sample in English through the CEU application portal by January 15, 2027 (click Apply button above to access). We strongly encourage prospective students to contact members of our faculty to discuss their proposed projects. For any questions, please email our PhD coordinator, Dr. Margaretha Boockmann, at boockmannm@ceu.edu.

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