University of Vienna (Vienna/Austria) - Short academic stays abroad

Short academic stays abroad (KWA) at the University of Vienna

You will receive a grant of monthly grant of up to 1,050 EUR (from 650 EUR) for a research stay abroad. The stay will last between 2 weeks and a maximum of 3 months. You will also receive a flat-rate travel allowance of between 200 and 900 EUR, depending on the country. If your stay lasts longer than half a semester, you will not be required to pay tuition fees to the University of Vienna. You must continue to pay the compulsory ÖH membership fee. The scholarship, administered by the University’s International Office, funds laboratory work, field research and research in archives, libraries and scientific collections outside Austria, carried out as part of your final thesis. This is a contribution towards the costs of accommodation, travel and study, not a full cover of costs, and meal costs are not included.

Who can apply

• Degree level: You are enrolled on a diploma, master’s, doctoral or PhD programme at the University of Vienna.
• Thesis stage: The secretariat for your degree programme has already approved your topic for your final thesis or dissertation. Doctoral students must have successfully completed their public presentation before the Faculty Board.
• Timing: You are within 4 years of starting your Master’s or PhD programme. This period is extended by 2 years per child.
• Purpose of the trip: The period abroad is intended for research in connection with your final dissertation. Conferences, work placements, seminars, summer schools and Erasmus+ placements are not eligible for funding.
• Field of study: Open to all disciplines.
• Nationality: All nationalities can apply.
• Destination: Worldwide, with the exception of countries for which the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a travel advisory of level 3 or higher.

How to apply

You must apply online via the university’s ‘Mobility Online’ tool before your trip begins. There are three application deadlines each year: from 15 January to 15 February, from 15 April to 15 May, and from 15 September to 15 October. A panel will assess your research proposal in comparison with the other applications. You will be notified of the result by email approximately 6 to 8 weeks after the application period has ended.

How realistic are your chances?

This funding is available exclusively to students at the University of Vienna who already have an approved thesis topic and a detailed research plan for their period of study abroad. This ensures that the pool of applicants remains small and clearly defined. The selection process is competitive and is based on the quality of your research plan and your academic performance to date. A clear application setting out why the period abroad is essential is crucial for the grant to be awarded. If your topic genuinely requires work to be carried out abroad and you can demonstrate this, your chances are good.