Nursing Practice & Leadership
Applications & Admissions

Applicants to this postgraduate Ph.D. program must hold a professional qualification in nursing, pediatric nursing, psychiatric nursing, elder care, or midwifery. Additionally, they must have completed a Bachelor’s and Master of Science degree in Nursing Science (300 ECTS) or a comparable degree in Nursing Science or related disciplines (e.g., midwifery), ensuring a solid foundation of knowledge.

Proficiency in German (C1 level) and English (B2 level) is required, as well as proof of at least two years of professional experience in the nursing or healthcare sector.

The number of study places is limited to 30 per calendar year.

The suitability of applicants is determined through a multi-stage admission process, which must also be completed in the event of a change in research topic during the Ph.D. program in Nursing Practice & Leadership.

The application process is conducted electronically, including through the website of Paracelsus Medical University (PMU) in Salzburg:

• Electronic application submission by January 31 of each calendar year, including a motivation letter of 1,000 to 1,500 words outlining the applicant’s educational and career goals, and explaining why they wish to pursue scientific work within the Ph.D. program in Nursing Practice & Leadership.
• Simultaneous submission of the required documentation in electronic form: certificates of professional qualification in general or psychiatric nursing, pediatric nursing, elder care, or midwifery; Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Nursing Science or a comparable discipline; résumé; passport photo; proof of at least two years of professional experience in the nursing and healthcare sector. Additionally, a research proposal of 2,500 to 3,000 words—format available in the download section—detailing the research interests and methodological approach.
• Internal university review of the submitted documents to ensure completeness and accuracy.
• The selection of applicants is carried out according to the admission requirements by the Ph.D. Commission of the Institute of Nursing Science and Practice at PMU.

The PMU is committed to equal opportunity, regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion or belief, age, or sexual orientation, and to creating positive, career-promoting conditions for women.