How the fees work. EU/EEA and Swiss students pay no tuition within the standard duration plus two semesters, then EUR 363.36 per semester. Most other students pay EUR 726.72 per semester (about EUR 1,453 a year); nationals of a list of least developed countries are exempt. The compulsory student union fee (ÖH-Beitrag) is EUR 26.20 per semester.
About this programme
PhD in Transformation Studies. Art x Science is a PhD programme at Johannes Kepler University Linz in Linz, taught in English. It runs for 3 years (6 semesters) and carries 180 ECTS credits. The register gives Linz as the campus town. It lists the academic degree as Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). Johannes Kepler University Linz is a public university in Upper Austria.
What you will study
This is a doctoral programme run jointly by Johannes Kepler University Linz and the University of Applied Arts Vienna. It is taught in English and leads to a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) after 180 ECTS. You study in Linz and in Vienna, and the programme is built around transdisciplinary research where art, science and civic studies meet.
What you study
The curriculum splits into four blocks. Concepts and Topics in Transformation Studies. Art x Science carries 12 ECTS. Practices and Methods in Transformation Studies. Art x Science carries 15 ECTS. Communication and Implementation in Transformation Studies. Art x Science carries 18 ECTS. The dissertation, including the oral defence, carries 135 ECTS.
The programme focuses on your academic dissertation and an artistic project. You reflect on the methods and approaches used in transdisciplinary research. You look at how different knowledge cultures can be brought together to examine and drive transformation processes. You also work on how to present findings to different audiences.
Because you are based at both universities, you can take courses in engineering, technology, natural sciences, social sciences and art.
How the programme is organised
Team supervision is a prerequisite for the dissertation. One supervisor is based at Johannes Kepler University Linz, the other at the University of Applied Arts Vienna. The two institutions are setting up a shared inter-university space, the Art x Science School for Transformation.
You need to be on site at both locations, in Linz and in Vienna. The programme page says organising travel between the two cities can be challenging, and it points to information on commuting, green travel and reduced-rate student tickets.
Who it suits
It suits people who want to do transdisciplinary research at the crossroads of art and science. The programme page describes the ideal candidate as an aspiring scholar, researcher or scientist who wants to shed light on solutions to global challenges.
You should be comfortable working in co-creative settings with a range of partners, and in diverse transdisciplinary teams. The programme aims to build your ability to conduct independent research, to steer transdisciplinary initiatives, and to share findings inside and outside the research community.
Admission, language and next steps
Teaching is in English. Applications go directly to the institution, not through a central portal. The programme page states that new applications are expected for the 2027/28 academic year, with dates and further information announced in January 2027. Check the JKU programme page for the exact application period and requirements.
Questions go to artxscience(at)jku.at. The page also links to the course catalogue and curriculum, the admissions office and student advising services.
What the register says
The inter-university PhD programme in Transformation Studies. Art x Science focuses on transdisciplinary knowledge production. The transdisciplinary research approach combines art, science and society and aims to develop creative and innovative ways of thinking and research. The dissertation should be dedicated to transformation and innovative research at the interface of art and science.
Text as the Austrian national register publishes it. Some entries are in German. For the current content and structure, use the official programme page.
Job opportunities after graduating
- Transdisciplinary researcher working across art and science
- Researcher in academic and artistic settings
- Roles shaping and coordinating transdisciplinary initiatives
- Work on transformation processes with civic and other partners
- Research communication and public engagement
- Collaborative, co-productive research teams
Before you apply
There is no central application portal in Austria: you apply to the institution, here Johannes Kepler University Linz. A public university sets the admission requirements and dates for this level, so read them on the programme page. Entry requirements and language tests are set by the institution, so start from the official programme page. Our guides cover tuition fees, the student residence permit and housing.
Facts on this page come from the Austrian national register (BMFWF open data and studienwahl.at, which states the language of instruction). Fees are in euros as the register lists them. "Not listed" means the register has no figure, not that the programme is free. Always confirm requirements, fees and dates with the institution.
Quick answers
Is PhD in Transformation Studies. Art x Science taught in English?
Yes. The register’s study finder lists English as the language of instruction at Johannes Kepler University Linz. Confirm the language of the examinations and the thesis with the institution.
How long does it take?
The register records 3 years (6 semesters) of study and 180 ECTS credits. Sixty ECTS credits are one academic year of full-time study.
Where is it taught?
The register lists Linz as the campus town for this programme at Johannes Kepler University Linz.
How do I apply?
There is no central application portal in Austria: you apply to the institution, here Johannes Kepler University Linz. A public university sets the admission requirements and dates for this level, so read them on the programme page.
What does it cost?
EU/EEA and Swiss students pay no tuition within the standard duration plus two semesters, then EUR 363.36 per semester. Most other students pay EUR 726.72 per semester (about EUR 1,453 a year); nationals of a list of least developed countries are exempt. The compulsory student union fee (ÖH-Beitrag) is EUR 26.20 per semester. Fees are in euros as the register lists them; confirm the amount for your intake with Johannes Kepler University Linz.
Is this programme officially listed?
It comes from the Austrian national register (BMFWF open data and studienwahl.at, which states the language of instruction). The OeAD, the Austrian agency for international education, publishes the official information for international students at studyinaustria.at. The programme page at Johannes Kepler University Linz is linked from this page so you can compare.