Office of the Regional Government of Lower Austria - Science and Research Promotion of the Province of Lower Austria

What you get

You receive a grant or a low-interest loan from the Province of Lower Austria for a science or research project. The amount is not fixed. It is set case by case, based on your project and the available budget. Grants of up to 2,000 EUR go through a simpler procedure. This is the general funding line of the provincial Science and Research Department (Abteilung Wissenschaft und Forschung). It covers research that falls outside the specific named programmes.

Who can apply

• Link to Lower Austria: Either you yourself or your project must have a clear connection to Lower Austria. For you, this means that you live there, were born there, or that your organisation is based there. For the project, it means that a significant part of it takes place in Lower Austria or that the subject matter relates to the region.
• What is funded: A scientific or research project, including academic events, which strengthens science and research in Lower Austria.
• Timing: Applications must be submitted before the project begins, not afterwards.
• Field of study: Applicants from all disciplines are welcome to apply.
• Nationality: Any nationality can apply.
• Realistic budget: You are able to provide a detailed breakdown of costs and a realistic funding plan, and without this support, the project would not be feasible.

How to apply

There is no deadline, so you can submit an application at any time, provided you do so before your project begins. Submit the ‘Application for a Financial Grant’ form together with a project description, a cost estimate and proof of your legal status. You can do this online via the state’s e-form portal or by email. The authority will then make a decision based on the funds available.

How realistic are your chances?

This is not a mass grant scheme, but rather a project grant tied to Lower Austria, meaning that the pool of eligible applicants is limited. If your project has a genuine regional focus and you submit a sound, realistic financial plan, your prospects are good. Please note, however, that there is no legal entitlement to funding and that this depends on the funds still available. It is therefore advisable to submit your application well in advance of the project start date.