Record Number of Applications for “Digital Transformation in Learning”

In fall 2025, six new PhD positions will be filled in the “Digital Transformation in Learning” program at IT:U – Interdisciplinary Transformation University Austria. A total of 346 applications were received from around the globe. This remarkable number highlights the growing international recognition of the program’s interdisciplinary approach and the increasing importance of AI-driven educational research.

IT:U and Johannes Kepler University (JKU) are celebrating a major success with their joint PhD program Digital Transformation in Learning. As part of the international call for applications for six new PhD positions at IT:U, a total of 346 applications were received from both domestic and international candidates: approximately 27 % from Asia, with India and China leading the way; 25 % from Europe, with top applicants from Austria, Turkey, and Hungary; 21 % each from the Middle East and Africa; and nearly 5 % from North and South America. Particularly encouraging is the high percentage of female applicants, which stands at 49 %. This result reflects the growing relevance of responsibly integrating artificial intelligence and other technologies into educational processes.

Demographics about the Applicants

Artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies are transforming when, what, and how we learn – both in higher education and in the workplace. Developing innovative learning technologies that promote personalized learning and reshape traditional teaching methods is at the core of the PhD program here at IT:U.”
Stefanie Lindstaedt, IT:U Founding President

“For many years, the JKU Linz School of Education has been training the teachers of the future – practice-oriented, grounded in research, and with a strong focus on technological innovation through our university-wide emphasis on ‘Digital Transformation’. We are now bringing this expertise directly into the new PhD program. The positive feedback we’ve received confirms how vital it is to continuously evolve higher education and adapt it to the demands of a digital society.”
Stefan Koch, JKU Rector

*Stefanie Lindstaedt, IT:U Founding President, and Stefan Koch, JKU Rector

The Digital Transformation in Learning PhD Program was developed by IT:U and JKU to explore how digital technologies – especially artificial intelligence – are reshaping education and learning processes. The program is led by Sebastian Dennerlein (IT:U) and Markus Hohenwarter (JKU), with doctoral candidates supported by an interdisciplinary team of professors from both universities, benefiting from the shared infrastructure and resources of the joint campus.

“We are thrilled by the response. This reflects our growing research community and the increased recognition of our young PhD program. For our PhD students, this presents a unique opportunity to help shape the future of learning.”

Sebastian Dennerlein, Assistant Professor of Digital Transformation in Learning at IT:U

“As part of the joint doctoral program between ITU and JKU, we aim to further develop teaching in a research-based manner and prepare students for the educational realities of tomorrow using modern methods and digital tools.”

Lana Ivanjek, Physics Education Researcher at JKU and on the Supervisory Board of the Program