University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna·Music Therapy
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Music Therapy
The PhD program in Music Therapy fosters advanced research into the impacts and methodologies of music therapy. Students develop their research projects, contribute to the academic community, and prepare for roles in academia or specialized clinical practice.
The PhD program emphasizes research methodologies, theoretical frameworks, and practical applications of music therapy in diverse contexts. Students explore innovative practices and contribute to the field’s development.
Spanning 6 semesters, the program includes coursework, research phases, and the completion of a dissertation. Regular seminars support peer learning and professional growth.
Candidates gain expert research skills, critical thinking, and the ability to conduct independent studies in music therapy. They become leaders in the field, prepared for academic or specialized clinical careers.
Periods can differ for EU/EEA and non-EU applicants. Always confirm on the official site before applying.
Winter 2026/27
No tuition
EU/EEA students, within the standard study period (plus the ~€25 ÖH student union fee per semester).
€727 / semester
Non-EU / third-country rate. Always confirm on the official site.
€ 25,20 ÖH-Beitrag plus gegebenenfalls anfallende Studiengebühren im Umfang von € 363,36 bzw. € 726,72
Third-country (non-EU/EEA) applicants generally need to have their prior qualifications legalised and translated for the admission application. Exact rules depend on the country that issued each document — always confirm with the university's admissions office.
Program-specific items — a CV, letter of motivation, an entrance exam (e.g. GMAT, GRE, SAT) or a portfolio — vary by degree. Check this program's requirements above and its official page.
The level of legalisation your certificates need depends on your country of origin:
Apostille
If your country is part of the Hague Apostille Convention, an Apostille from the competent authority of the issuing country is sufficient.
No legalisation
A small number of countries have a bilateral agreement with Austria and need no further legalisation.
Full diplomatic legalisation
For all other countries: the full chain — pre-certification by the issuing country's authorities (e.g. Ministry of Education and Ministry of Foreign Affairs), then legalisation by the competent Austrian representation (embassy/consulate).
Translations are usually done after legalisation. Check the required order with the issuing authorities and the Austrian representation.
After admission: proof of sufficient funds, health insurance and the student residence permit are part of the visa process — not university admission. We cover those in the guides.
mdw is regularly ranked among the world's top universities for music and performing arts, spanning orchestral instruments, composition, conducting, film, and drama (Max Reinhardt Seminar).
Visit university site€350–€650 / month (dorm room)
1040 WienSingle rooms, double roomsAkademikerhilfe
Mayerhofgasse 3, 1040 WienSingle & shared roomsAkademikerhilfe
1080 WienSingle rooms, double roomsHome4students