Austria's PhD graduates abandon academia amid funding cuts and dwindling opportunities
PhD graduates in Austria are facing shifting career paths, with many moving away from academia. While natural science graduates often remain in universities, economics graduates tend to enter public administration. Meanwhile, the number of doctoral students has fallen by about 25% over the last 15 years due to funding cuts and stricter admission rules.
In the 2023/24 academic year, nearly half of all doctoral students at Austrian universities came from abroad. Yet exact figures on international enrolment remain unclear. The decline in PhD numbers reflects broader challenges, including budget constraints and limited access to programs.
Amra Mujadzic, a recent graduate from the Vienna BioCenter, valued the independence of her research but struggled with unpredictable hours and high expectations. Now, she is exploring careers in consulting or communications rather than staying in academia. Bernhard M., another Vienna BioCenter graduate, has been searching for a pharmaceutical industry role since March 2025 without success. At 43, he feels too old to pursue a traditional academic career.
Susanne Leeb, who leads the Career Center of the Ludwig Boltzmann Society, describes a 'shock paralysis' among PhD holders entering the job market. The center supports students and postdocs in transitioning to non-academic fields, stressing that university positions are increasingly rare.
The decline in PhD graduates and the shift toward non-academic careers highlight changing opportunities in Austria. Many, like Mujadzic and Bernhard M., are adapting by seeking roles in industry or public administration. The Career Center continues to guide graduates through this evolving job landscape.
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