Fachverband der Fahrzeugindustrie Österreichs - Study support

What you get

You will receive a one-off cash prize for an outstanding final-year project in the field of automotive engineering. The Austrian Automotive Industry Association awards a total of around 42,000 EUR annually, divided into approximately 10 prizes for the best diploma, master’s and doctoral theses. A five-member jury decides on the amount of the prize money for each award, so there is no fixed sum per prize. This is an award for a completed thesis, not a monthly scholarship.

Who can apply

• Degree: You have finished a diploma thesis, master's thesis or doctoral dissertation.
• University: You have completed your degree at the Vienna University of Technology, Graz University of Technology, Johannes Kepler University Linz or the University of Leoben.
• Field: Your dissertation focuses on automotive engineering or a closely related technical field and is of benefit to the Austrian automotive industry.
• Timing: Your thesis was approved no more than 3 years before the start of the submission period.
• Nationality: Any nationality can apply.
• Extra step for Linz and Leoben: If you studied at JKU Linz or the University of Leoben, your supervising professor must send the jury a written assessment.

How to apply

Submit your final thesis to the professional association every year between 1 October and 31 December. This can be done in person, by registered post or electronically. Please enclose a detailed CV and a comprehensive summary setting out the innovative aspects of your work and how the industry could benefit from it. The judging panel will then select the winners, who will be honoured at an academic ceremony.

How realistic are your chances?

The target group is narrowly defined: you must be a graduate of one of the four Austrian universities listed and have recently written a final-year dissertation in the field of automotive engineering, meaning that only a small number of people meet the criteria. With around 10 prizes awarded each year, a compelling, industry-relevant final-year dissertation has a genuine chance of success. The quality and practical value of your thesis are crucial – so make sure you clearly explain in the summary why it is significant for the industry.