University of Vienna (Vienna/Austria) - Support scholarship

Support scholarship of the University of Vienna

You will receive a grant of one-off payment of up to 3,600 EUR (from 750 EUR), which is intended to help you complete an academic thesis – that is, a diploma thesis, Master’s thesis or doctoral thesis. The funding covers the additional costs incurred as a result of your research. Examples include rail or economy-class air travel for research stays outside Vienna, attending a conference at which you are giving a presentation, or, under certain conditions, laboratory materials, hardware, software and photocopies. Not covered are living costs, rent, your Wiener Linien ticket, or the printing and binding of your thesis. The University of Vienna awards this grant twice a year in accordance with the Austrian Student Finance Act (StudFG).

Who can apply

• University: You are enrolled on a standard degree programme at the University of Vienna (programme code begins with ‘UA’), including teacher training programmes run in collaboration with another Austrian higher education institution.
• Your work: You are currently working on a final-year dissertation or PhD thesis which has not yet been completed.
• Field of study: Open to all subjects.
• Grades: Your ECTS-weighted average mark is 2.50 or higher, taking into account all results, including any failed examinations.
• Extra costs: You can demonstrate that your research work involves above-average costs. You should set these out in a statement of costs and a funding plan, both of which have been approved by your supervisor.
• Reference: You must have at least one assessment from a supervisor or a lecturer at the University of Vienna who is qualified to teach independently, confirming your ability to complete the thesis.
• Nationality: You are an Austrian citizen or a foreign national or stateless person who is treated as equivalent under the StudFG.
• Study duration: You are still within the standard duration of your degree programme. A second degree or employment will not extend this period.
• Age: There is no age restriction.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted exclusively by email; it is not possible to apply in person. The call for applications is published twice a year, in the summer term (around March or April) and in the winter term (around October). The application deadline is approximately three to four weeks after the call for applications is published. A scholarship committee will review your application documents, and the Studienpräses (the university’s academic affairs office) will then make the decision without an interview taking place.

How realistic are your chances?

The criteria for awarding this grant are quite strict. You must be enrolled at the University of Vienna, be working on a thesis or doctoral dissertation, have a grade point average of 2.50 or higher, and be able to demonstrate that you have high research costs. As a result, the number of people eligible for funding remains small. If you clearly meet these conditions and can demonstrate your additional costs on the basis of a plan endorsed by your supervisor, your chances are good. Please note that there is no legal entitlement to this funding and that its award depends on the funds allocated each year.