Organizer Information
The University of Innsbruck, founded in 1669, is a leading research and educational institution in western Austria, hosting 28,000 students and 5,500 staff. The Department of Art History provides advanced research opportunities in art history, theory, and visual studies. The Kontakt Collection, established in 2004 by the ERSTE Foundation in cooperation with Erste Group, is a non-profit organization devoted to promoting artistic developments in Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe, with over 1,400 works by 180 artists. Together, they support scholarly research that engages with art from 1960 to the present in these regions.
Title & Description
Doctoral Scholarship in Art History – University of Innsbruck / Kontakt Collection (2026–2028)
This fully-funded doctoral scholarship supports a dissertation in Art History, Art Theory, or Visual Studies with a focus on Central, Eastern, or Southeastern European art from 1960 to the present. The scholarship provides a monthly stipend of €1,120 for up to 24 months. Candidates will receive academic supervision from Univ.-Prof. Dr. Magdalena Nieslony, with optional co-supervision. Projects should engage with the themes and artistic stances represented in the Kontakt Collection, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to contemporary scholarship on underrepresented European art.
Categories
- Visual Arts
- Research
- Art History
- Scholarship
- Curatorial
Eligibility
- Applicants must hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Art History, Art Theory, Visual Studies, or a comparable field with excellent academic performance.
- Enrollment in the doctoral program at the University of Innsbruck is required before scholarship disbursement.
- National / International applicants are eligible (must have a bank account in SEPA countries for stipend payments).
- Scholarship cannot be combined with employment at the University; up to 15 hours per week of outside employment is allowed.
Program Benefits & Awards
- Monthly stipend of €1,120 (SEPA bank transfer) for up to 24 months.
- Academic supervision from a recognized expert in the field.
- Opportunity to conduct in-depth research on Central, Eastern, and Southeastern European art.
- Access to the Kontakt Collection resources and scholarly network.
- Contribution to international scholarship and potential dissemination in publications.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Doctoral research proposal (max. 5 pages)
- Bibliography for the proposal (max. 2 pages)
- A chapter of their Master’s thesis or equivalent scholarly work (max. 20 pages)
- Dissertation timeline
- Curriculum vitae (CV) with a list of publications
- Copies of the final examination certificate and the university degree
- Contact details of two references (no letters required)
- Completed application form
How to Apply?
Submission email: scholarships@uibk.ac.at
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 15 April 2026
- Interview Dates (Innsbruck): 22–24 June 2026
- Scholarship Start Date: 1 October 2026
- Duration: Up to 24 months (interim review after 12 months; two interruptions possible)
Location
University of Innsbruck, Austria
Additional Details
- Scholarship must be acknowledged in any publications arising from funded research.
- Employment at the University is not allowed, but external work ≤15 hours/week is permitted.
- SEPA bank account required for stipend disbursement.
- Co-supervision is possible with qualified scholars eligible for doctoral examination.
- Preference for projects aligning with Kontakt Collection’s thematic focus.