For academically driven individuals who aim to pursue a PhD while also developing teaching experience, the IBS PhD Scholarship offers a unique pathway. This scholarship is specifically available for enrolled PhD students at IBS Hungary who take on teaching duties as Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs).
Through this scheme, students gain teaching experience, receive financial support, and build professional skills—while progressing through the IBS Doctoral Programme.
Who Is Eligible for the IBS PhD Scholarship?
The scholarship is only available to:
- Students already enrolled in the IBS PhD Programme
- Students who teach on regular BSc-level modules as GTAs
Most GTAs begin teaching from Semester 3, but this depends on:
- Successful completion of the first annual review exam, and
- A successful demo teaching session upon arriving in Budapest
Teaching appointments are not guaranteed, as academic progression must always take priority.
How Selection Works
The selection process considers two main factors:
1️⃣ Fulfilment of PhD Programme Requirements
Applicants must first meet all academic and admission standards for the PhD Programme. Their academic progress always comes first.
2️⃣ Assessment for GTA Appointment
If a PhD student indicates interest in becoming a GTA:
- The Centre for Academic Services reviews their suitability
- Teaching ability, expertise, and professional background are evaluated
- The Rector makes the final decision, based on recommendations from the Head of Academic Services
Training for GTAs
Students appointed as GTAs must participate in:
- Teacher training sessions, in addition to
- Mandatory PhD workshops
These trainings ensure that GTAs are prepared for classroom teaching and academic responsibilities.
Teaching Workload
GTAs typically teach 4–8 hours per week, where each class is 45 minutes.
Work includes:
- Leading seminars
- Marking assignments
- Handling academic administration
IBS aims to schedule teaching one day per week, but this cannot be guaranteed every semester.
Special Flexibility for PhD Candidates
Once upgraded from PhD Student to PhD Candidate (usually after the first Annual Review), students may request:
- To concentrate teaching into one semester,
- Allowing the other semester free for field research.
This flexibility is granted upon written request and approval.
Scholarship Grant & Tuition Discount
GTA teaching hours determine the level of tuition fee discount.
The grant is deducted directly from the tuition fee.
| Weekly Teaching Load (45-min classes) | Grant / Tuition Discount |
|---|---|
| 2 classes | 20% |
| 4 classes | 40% |
| 6 classes | 60% |
| 8 classes | 80% |
This makes the PhD pathway significantly more affordable while offering valuable teaching experience.
How to Apply for the IBS PhD Programme & Scholarship
Students can apply through AUFIN, the official partner assisting with:
- Admission process
- Document preparation
- Visa support
- Scholarship guidance
To start your IBS PhD application and be considered for the GTA Scholarship:
📩 Contact AUFIN: scholars@aufin.org
The AUFIN team will guide you through every step of the application and ensure all requirements are met.
