UniVie Doctoral School Computer Science

Final Phase

This checklist gives you an overview of the final phase of your doctorate at the University of Vienna, Faculty of Computer Science, covering the

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the SSC, the DoCS or your supervisor.

More detailed information is available on the official website of the Center of Doctoral Studies. All forms mentioned below are available on the website of Studienpräses.

Phase 1 – Requirements for graduation

Before you can start the final phase, the following requirements must be fulfilled:

Phase 2 – Assignment of thesis reviewers

At least 4 weeks before thesis submission, send the following documents to the SSC by Servicedesk:

  • Form SL.D3 - Assignment of a thesis to reviewers – nomination of 3 reviewers.
    • 3 reviewers must be proposed (please discuss this with your supervisor).
    • At least 1 external reviewer (not affiliated with the University of Vienna).
    • Reviewers must be professors or hold a habilitation (or equivalent qualification).
    • No shared publications with the candidate or supervisor in the last 5 years.
    • No close personal relationship with the doctoral candidate.
  • CV + publication list of each proposed reviewer.
  • Form SL.D4 - Assignment of a thesis to reviewers - Abstract with the abstract you have written.

Phase 3 – Submission and review of the doctoral thesis

Submit/ upload the doctoral thesis via u:space – the cover page will be generated automatically.

  • Files up to 200 MB can be uploaded.
  • For questions regarding uploading or file conversion, please contact the First Level Support of the University Library: u-theses.ub(at)univie.ac.at.
  • There is no template – the thesis may be formatted freely within reasonable limits.

After receiving the upload confirmation, forward it to the SSC by Servicedesk and ask for an appointment to bring 2 hardcover copies to the SSC office.

  • 2 printed copies of the doctoral thesis (A4, hardcover, double-sided).
  • Within 10 days of uploading to u:space.
  • The uploaded version must be identical to the printed copies.

After submission: The reviewers have up to 4 months to evaluate your doctoral thesis. Once all reviews have been received and the grade has been entered, the SSC will notify you by e-mail. The grade will then be visible in u:space, and you can register for the public defense.

Phase 4 – Registration for the public defense

At least 2 weeks before the planned public defense, send the following document to the SSC by Servicedesk:

  • Form SL.P4 - Registration for defense.
    • The examination committee must consist of at least 3 members.
    • The committee is appointed by the SPL; doctoral candidates may propose members.
    • All members must hold a habilitation or equivalent qualification.
    • Your supervisor and reviewers may be part of the committee, but it is not required.
    • The chairperson:
      • cannot be your supervisor.
      • must be affiliated with the University of Vienna.
    • The format of the public defense (on-site/digital/hybrid) should be clarified in advance with the chairperson when scheduling.
    • The SSC books the room for the public defense.

Phase 5 – After the public defense

  • The SSC issues your final degree within 4 weeks.
  • You will receive an e-mail from the SSC with a request to participate in the quality assurance survey by Statistics Austria (Higher Education Statistics).
  • Your final certificate and other documents will be sent to you as PDF via e-mail.
  • If you would like an additional printed copy, you must request it separately from the SSC by Servicedesk and collect it in person (or by proxy).