20 Best Scholarships in Austria: Fully Funded and Partial Funded
Austria is an attractive European destination for international students because of its respected universities, strong research environment, and wide range of study programmes.
International students can find fully funded PhD positions, government-funded research grants, exchange scholarships, and partial tuition scholarships in Austria. However, fully funded scholarships covering an entire bachelor’s or master’s degree are relatively limited.
This guide explains 20 scholarships and funding opportunities that can help international students study or conduct research in Austria.
Quick Details
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Host Country | Austria |
| Funding Types | Fully Funded and Partially Funded |
| Study Levels | Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD and Research |
| Eligible Applicants | International students and researchers |
| Fields | Multiple academic fields |
| Main Providers | OeAD, Austrian universities and research institutes |
| Application Period | Varies by scholarship |
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Read Guide →Are There Fully Funded Scholarships in Austria?
Yes. Fully funded opportunities are available in Austria, especially for PhD students and researchers.
For example, the Institute of Science and Technology Austria provides fully funded PhD positions with salaries and social security coverage. The Vienna BioCenter also offers fully funded PhD positions.
Government programmes such as the Ernst Mach grants provide monthly financial support for eligible international students and researchers visiting Austria.
Bachelor’s and master’s applicants should remember that many Austrian scholarships are partial rather than fully funded.
1. ISTA Fully Funded PhD Program
The Institute of Science and Technology Austria, commonly known as ISTA, offers one of the strongest fully funded PhD opportunities in Austria.
Students from different countries can apply. The programme covers several scientific fields, including biology, chemistry and materials, computer science, data science, mathematics, neuroscience, and physics.
PhD students are employed by ISTA rather than studying without financial support.
Benefits
- No tuition fees
- Competitive monthly salary
- Full social security coverage
- Health insurance coverage
- Conference and workshop support
- Research facilities and training
For the 2027 intake, the application deadline is January 8, 2027.
2. Vienna BioCenter PhD Program
The Vienna BioCenter PhD Program is an excellent option for international students interested in life sciences.
It brings together major research institutions and universities in Vienna and accepts talented applicants from around the world.
The programme normally lasts around four to five years and is fully funded through employment contracts.
Benefits
- Fully funded PhD position
- Salary
- Employment benefits
- Advanced research facilities
- International research environment
- Professional training
Research areas include molecular biology, cell biology, genome biology, developmental biology, biochemistry, biotechnology and related fields.
The Autumn 2026 call has an application deadline of October 15, 2026.
3. Ernst Mach Grant – Worldwide
The Ernst Mach Grant – Worldwide is an Austrian government-supported programme for international researchers.
It is designed mainly for PhD students, postgraduates, postdoctoral researchers and university researchers who want to complete a short research stay in Austria.
The programme is not designed to finance a complete bachelor’s, master’s or PhD degree in Austria.
Benefits
- Monthly financial support
- Research opportunity in Austria
- Access to Austrian universities and research institutions
- Support for international academic cooperation
The funding period is generally between one and nine months.
For the 2027/28 academic year, the application deadline is December 1, 2026.
4. Ernst Mach Grant for Austrian Universities of Applied Sciences
This programme is especially useful for students currently studying at universities outside Europe.
Bachelor’s and master’s students can complete part of their studies at an Austrian University of Applied Sciences.
Bachelor’s applicants normally need to have completed at least four semesters before the scholarship period begins.
Benefits
- Monthly scholarship support
- Study experience in Austria
- Access to Austrian Universities of Applied Sciences
- International academic experience
Applicants must first receive acceptance as an exchange student from an eligible Austrian University of Applied Sciences.
For the upcoming round, the deadline is February 1, 2027.
5. Ernst Mach Grant – ASEA-UNINET
The Ernst Mach Grant under ASEA-UNINET supports eligible students and researchers from selected Southeast Asian countries.
Eligible countries include Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.
Different funding categories are available, including full PhD studies, postdoctoral research and music-related study opportunities.
Benefits
- Financial support
- Full PhD funding opportunities
- Research support
- Study opportunities in Austria
- International academic cooperation
The exact duration and requirements depend on the funding category.
The application deadline for the 2027/28 round is March 1, 2027.
6. Ernst Mach ASEA-UNINET Short-Term Research Grant
ASEA-UNINET also provides shorter research opportunities for eligible academics and researchers.
The programme is useful for applicants who do not need funding for a complete degree but want to conduct a research project at an Austrian institution.
Benefits
- Research funding
- Academic collaboration
- Access to Austrian research institutions
- International research experience
Eligibility depends on nationality, academic status and the specific call.
7. Ernst Mach Follow-Up Grant
The Ernst Mach Follow-Up Grant is intended for eligible postdoctoral researchers and university lecturers from non-European developing countries.
Applicants must previously have received an OeAD-administered scholarship and meet the required period between their previous scholarship and the new research stay.
Benefits
- Monthly scholarship
- Research opportunity in Austria
- Academic networking
- Continued cooperation with Austrian institutions
This is a specialised programme and is not available to first-time OeAD applicants.
The application deadline for the next round is February 1, 2027.
8. Franz Werfel Fellowship
The Franz Werfel Fellowship is designed for young university teachers and researchers whose academic work focuses on German language and Austrian literature.
It allows successful applicants to conduct research at Austrian universities, libraries, archives and research institutions.
Benefits
- Financial support
- Research stay in Austria
- Access to libraries and archives
- Academic networking
- Possible follow-up support
The fellowship normally supports stays of several months.
For the 2027 round, application deadlines include March 1 and September 15, 2027.
9. CEEPUS Scholarship
CEEPUS stands for the Central European Exchange Programme for University Studies.
It supports student and teacher mobility between participating countries in Central, Eastern and Southeastern Europe.
Students can study in Austria for a limited period through participating university networks.
Benefits
- Scholarship from the host country
- Tuition-fee exemption within participating networks
- Short- and long-term mobility opportunities
- Study and research experience
- Academic networking
The programme is available only to eligible applicants connected to CEEPUS member countries and institutions.
Deadlines vary according to the type of mobility, with important application dates generally including June 1 and November 1.
10. Indonesia–Austria Scholarship Programme
The Indonesia–Austria Scholarship Programme is designed for eligible Indonesian students who want to pursue doctoral studies at an Austrian university.
Applicants must meet the admission requirements for doctoral study in Austria.
Benefits
- Long-term doctoral funding
- Study and research in Austria
- Academic support
- International research experience
The standard scholarship period is 36 months, with possible extension in certain cases.
This programme is specifically for eligible Indonesian applicants.
11. Scholarship Foundation of the Republic of Austria
The Scholarship Foundation of the Republic of Austria offers specialised funding opportunities for eligible international students.
One programme supports master’s-level study in International Relations for applicants who meet its historical and nationality-related eligibility requirements.
Benefits
- Financial support
- Master’s-level study opportunity
- Study in Austria
- International academic experience
This is a specialised scholarship, so applicants should carefully check the nationality and background requirements before applying.
The scholarship period is generally nine months, and the listed application deadline is April 1.
12. Aktion Austria–Czech Republic Scholarships
The Aktion Austria–Czech Republic programme promotes academic cooperation between Austria and the Czech Republic.
It offers different funding opportunities for eligible students, graduates, researchers and academic staff.
Benefits
- Study and research support
- Short-term research opportunities
- Academic exchanges
- Bilateral university cooperation
The programme has different calls and deadlines depending on the scholarship category.
It is primarily intended for applicants connected with Austria and the Czech Republic.
13. Aktion Austria–Hungary Scholarships
The Aktion Austria–Hungary programme supports academic exchange between Austria and Hungary.
Funding is available through different schemes for eligible postgraduate students, researchers and academic staff.
Benefits
- Research funding
- Academic exchange
- Short research stays
- Language and academic cooperation
- Networking opportunities
Depending on the funding category, stays can range from a few days to several months.
Several application periods may be available during the year.
14. Aktion Austria–Slovakia Scholarships
Austria and Slovakia also cooperate through a bilateral academic funding programme.
The programme supports higher education, scientific cooperation, research mobility and academic exchange between the two countries.
Benefits
- Research mobility
- Academic exchange
- Bilateral cooperation
- Support for young researchers
- Research and teaching opportunities
Different application conditions apply depending on the type of scholarship or project.
15. APPEAR Scholarships
APPEAR is a programme of Austrian Development Cooperation supporting higher education and scientific cooperation.
Scholarship opportunities can include master’s and PhD funding linked to APPEAR academic projects. Individual PhD scholarship opportunities may also be available under specific programme arrangements.
Benefits
- Master’s or PhD support under eligible projects
- Research opportunities
- Academic cooperation
- Capacity-building opportunities
- International research networks
Eligibility is closely connected to APPEAR partner countries, projects and programme requirements.
Applicants should therefore check whether their country and academic institution are eligible before applying.
16. Helmut Veith Stipend at TU Wien
The Helmut Veith Stipend is an important scholarship for female students interested in computer science.
It supports eligible women pursuing an English-taught master’s programme in Computer Science at TU Wien.
Relevant programmes include Data Science, Business Informatics, Logic and Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, Visual Computing and other eligible computer science programmes.
Benefits
- €7,000 per year
- Tuition-fee waiver
- Study at TU Wien
- Access to advanced computer science programmes
The scholarship is awarded annually.
The application deadline is normally November 30.
17. TU Wien Merit Scholarships
TU Wien offers merit scholarships to eligible students with strong academic performance.
These scholarships are generally awarded to students who have already demonstrated excellent results during their studies.
Benefits
- Financial award
- Recognition of strong academic performance
- Support for existing students
Award amounts and requirements depend on the relevant faculty and scholarship call.
Some TU Wien merit scholarships provide approximately €750 to €1,500.
These are partial scholarships and do not normally cover the full cost of studying and living in Austria.
18. TU Wien Funding Grants
TU Wien also offers funding grants for eligible students carrying out scientific or artistic academic work, including certain diploma theses and dissertations.
Benefits
- Financial support for academic work
- Thesis and research support
- Funding for eligible university students
Depending on the faculty and call, grants can range from approximately €750 to €3,600.
Applicants must check the rules of their specific faculty because requirements and deadlines may differ.
19. Webster Vienna Private University Scholarships
Webster Vienna Private University offers partial scholarships for newly admitted bachelor’s and master’s students.
Scholarships consider factors such as academic achievement and financial need.
Benefits
- Tuition support
- Available to bachelor’s and master’s students
- Multi-year scholarship possibilities
- International students can apply
New student scholarship awards can range from €3,000 to €12,000 per academic year depending on the scholarship level and eligibility.
These scholarships are partial and do not normally cover all study and living expenses.
Applicants must first receive admission to an eligible degree programme before being considered for the scholarship.
20. Modul University Vienna Scholarships
Modul University Vienna offers several scholarship and tuition-support schemes.
The exact scholarships available can change by intake. Current opportunities include university scholarship initiatives that provide partial reductions in tuition fees.
For example, eligible MCC Scholarship recipients can receive tuition awards covering 25%, 50% or 75% of tuition fees.
Benefits
- Partial tuition coverage
- Bachelor’s and master’s opportunities depending on the scheme
- International study environment
- Additional academic and professional development opportunities
Because scholarship schemes and eligible nationalities can change, applicants should check the current scholarship call before applying.
Fully Funded vs Partial Scholarships in Austria
| Scholarship | Level | Funding Type |
|---|---|---|
| ISTA PhD Program | PhD | Fully Funded |
| Vienna BioCenter PhD Program | PhD | Fully Funded |
| Ernst Mach Worldwide | Research/PhD/Postdoc | Funded Research Stay |
| Ernst Mach UAS | Bachelor’s/Master’s | Funded Study Stay |
| Ernst Mach ASEA-UNINET | PhD/Research/Music | Full or Major Funding |
| CEEPUS | Bachelor’s/Master’s/PhD | Mobility Funding |
| Indonesia–Austria Programme | PhD | Long-Term Funding |
| Franz Werfel Fellowship | Research | Fellowship Funding |
| Helmut Veith Stipend | Master’s | Partial + Tuition Waiver |
| TU Wien Merit Scholarship | Multiple | Partial |
| TU Wien Funding Grant | Multiple | Partial |
| Webster Vienna Scholarships | Bachelor’s/Master’s | Partial |
| Modul University Scholarships | Bachelor’s/Master’s | Partial |
Who Can Apply for Scholarships in Austria?
Eligibility is different for every programme.
In general, applicants may need:
- A strong academic record
- A relevant previous degree
- Proof of admission when required
- Language proficiency
- CV
- Motivation letter
- Academic transcripts
- Recommendation letters
- Research proposal for research-based programmes
- Passport or identification documents
Some scholarships are open worldwide, while others accept applicants only from specific countries.
Always check the individual scholarship requirements before preparing an application.
Can International Students Apply?
Yes.
Many Austrian scholarship and research programmes accept international applicants. Some programmes, such as the Ernst Mach Grant – Worldwide and the ISTA PhD Program, have a strong international focus.
Other scholarships are limited by nationality, region, university, academic subject or stage of study.
Can Students from Developing Countries Apply?
Yes, depending on the programme.
Austria offers several funding schemes aimed specifically at students and researchers from developing countries.
However, being from a developing country does not automatically make an applicant eligible. Each scholarship has its own list of eligible countries and academic requirements.
Can You Study in Austria for Free?
It is possible if you receive a fully funded PhD position or a scholarship that covers your major expenses.
However, most international bachelor’s and master’s students should not assume that they will receive a complete scholarship.
Some scholarships cover tuition only, while others provide a monthly allowance. Some research grants are designed only for short stays rather than complete degrees.
Applicants should calculate tuition, accommodation, insurance, food, transportation and residence costs before accepting an offer.
How to Find More Scholarships in Austria
International students should use Austria’s official scholarship database, grants.at, to search for additional funding opportunities.
The database allows applicants to search according to nationality, academic level, field of study, target country and type of funding.
Students should also check the scholarship pages of their chosen Austrian university because some institutions provide their own grants and financial assistance.
How to Apply for Scholarships in Austria
The application process depends on the scholarship.
A simple process is:
- Choose your study level and subject.
- Find an eligible Austrian university or research institution.
- Check whether your nationality is accepted.
- Read the scholarship requirements carefully.
- Prepare your academic documents.
- Obtain admission or a supervisor confirmation if required.
- Prepare a strong CV and motivation letter.
- Submit the application before the deadline.
Do not assume that one application automatically covers both university admission and scholarship funding. Many Austrian programmes require separate applications.
Tips for Winning an Austrian Scholarship
Start preparing early. Scholarship applications can require recommendation letters, admission documents, research proposals and certified academic records.
Choose programmes that closely match your academic background instead of applying randomly.
Your motivation letter should clearly explain your academic goals, relevant experience, reason for choosing Austria and how the scholarship will support your future plans.
For research scholarships, finding a suitable Austrian supervisor can also be an important part of the application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Austria offer fully funded scholarships?
Yes. Fully funded opportunities are particularly available at PhD and research level. ISTA and the Vienna BioCenter are important examples.
Are Austrian scholarships available for bachelor’s students?
Yes, but options are more limited. Some exchange, mobility and university scholarships support bachelor’s students.
Are there scholarships for master’s students?
Yes. Master’s applicants can find government mobility grants, specialised scholarships and university-based partial scholarships.
Can I apply without IELTS?
This depends on the university and scholarship. There is no single IELTS rule for all Austrian scholarships. Applicants must meet the language requirements of their chosen programme.
Can I apply for more than one scholarship?
In many cases, yes, but applicants must check the rules regarding double funding. Some programmes do not allow recipients to receive another scholarship during the same funding period.
Are all Austrian government scholarships fully funded?
No. Funding levels vary. Some provide monthly allowances for research or study stays, while others support specific expenses or particular periods of study.
What is the main scholarship website for Austria?
The main official database is grants.at. It provides information about scholarships and research grants available for study and research in Austria and abroad.
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