Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna (Vienna/Austria) - Work Scholarship

Work Scholarship of the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna

You will be given 650 EUR per month for 12 months (October to September) to carry out an art project or a short specialist course. This is intended to prepare you for a career or freelance work in the arts. The project or course must take place at an institution other than the one where you obtained your first degree, and you must complete it within 12 months. The funding comes from the Austrian Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research and is awarded by the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna. Only two people receive this grant each year. It is not intended to fund subsequent Master’s or doctoral studies.

Who can apply

• Degree: You have completed your diploma or master’s degree at the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna and graduated with distinction (the highest mark).
• Timing: Applications should be submitted around the time of graduation. In justified exceptional cases, applications may also be submitted up to one year after graduation.
• Field of study: All art subjects taught at the academy.
• Nationality: You are a citizen of Austria, an EEA country or Switzerland. Certain nationals of non-EEA countries and stateless persons who are covered by the Austrian Student Financial Aid Act are also included.
• Age: You are under 35. The last day you can apply is your 35 birthday.
• Your plan: You have a specific art project or a specialised course that you can complete within 12 months. Subsequent Master’s or PhD studies do not count towards this.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted via the Academy’s online application system. Please submit a project proposal, your CV, proof of nationality and a portfolio. A scholarship committee will put forward the two scholarship recipients in June, and the Ministry will confirm the selection in July or August.

How realistic are your chances?

The selection criteria for this grant are very strict: you must be a graduate of this particular university, have achieved the highest marks in your degree, be under 35 years of age, and submit a well-thought-out project proposal. This keeps the pool of eligible applicants small. If you clearly meet the criteria and submit a convincing, concrete project proposal, you have a genuine chance of success. However, as only two people are selected each year, it all comes down to having a convincing plan. Please note that no new call for applications has been announced since 2023, as the funding guidelines are currently being revised.