Guide for Pakistani PhD students for PhD based Research in Austria

Author: Sohail Khan

Document version: v1.1

Introduction In this guide I will discuss about how to get PhD funding for Austria. As the starting point, there are two scenarios 1. You are applying for admission after getting HEC scholarship 2. You are applying for a scholarship in Austria In both cases these guide lines can be helpful. Research Proposal Tips The typical starting point is writing a research proposal and motivation letter. There are number of research proposals formats available on the internet. In my perspective following points should be kept in mind when writing a research proposal: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. A concise title Description (core area of research) Work history Motivation (Bringing your research background in line with the task and benefits of the proposed work) Research work in identification of the problems Research work in identification of solutions Proposed methodology of solutions Implementation and validation Results and intended outcomes Difficulties and challenges Conclusion References

You can include a flow chart or diagram. No topic should have less than 2 or 3 lines. I will recommend proofreading the research proposal from your colleague and taking expert advice from at least 3 PhD faculty members working in relevant area. Motivation Letter Tips The second step is the motivation letter. I recommend it should have following parts 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Research description Brief history of literature review Problems to be addressed and intended solutions Your research experience relevance with the topic Motivation regarding implementation and intended outcomes

Searching for Scholarships The next step is finding scholarship position Following links can be helpful http://www.euraxess.at/jobs/in_austria/ http://www.studyguide.at/ Career and open positions in Austrian public sector and private sector research organization at http://www.bmi.gv.at/cms/BMI_Niederlassung/zertifizierung/Forschungseinrichtun.aspx

http://www.oead.at/welcome_to_austria/education_research/research_in_austria/research_organisati ons/public_organisations/EN/ http://www.oead.at/welcome_to_austria/education_research/research_in_austria/research_organisati ons/universities_fh/EN/ Along the way join the group of scholars in Austria at ATScholars@yahoogroups.com The list of supervisors as compiled by ATScholars yahoo group can be found in the download section of the group. Following are the research funding bodies in Austria http://www.oead.at/welcome_to_austria/education_research/research_in_austria/research_funding/E N/ Legal Issues For legal and practical issues regarding entry in Austria http://www.oead.at/welcome_to_austria/legal_practical_issues/entry_to_austria/nationals_of_third_co untries/EN/ Foreign Researcher Guide Foreign researchers guide on BMI website http://www.bmi.gv.at/cms/bmi_forscher/ Guide for Pakistani students http://www.scribd.com/doc/104488544/StudyInAustria-V2-0-July2012 Website of Austrian Embassy Islamabad http://www.bmeia.gv.at/en/embassy/islamabad.html

Author contact: Sohail Khan Email: sohail.ceme@gmail.com