University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna (Vienna/Austria) - Josef Dichler award

Josef Dichler award

You will receive a one-off prize of up to 3,000 EUR for piano performances at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna (mdw). Up to three prizes will be awarded as part of a piano competition: 3,000 EUR for first place, 2,000 EUR for second place and 1,000 EUR for third place. The money will be paid out in a single instalment. The prize is sponsored by the mdw Foundation, which was established in memory of Josef Dichler, who taught concert piano at the mdw for almost three decades. It is awarded every two to four years, not every year.

Who can apply

• University: You are studying at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna (mdw).
• Field of study: You are enrolled on a piano course, such as concert piano, piano accompaniment, piano chamber music or piano and new music. Preparatory and postgraduate piano courses, as well as the programme for highly gifted pianists, are also included.
• Level: Bachelor’s, Master’s or the degree programmes listed are all acceptable.
• Enrolment: You are enrolled on your main art subject for the summer term 2026.
• Nationality: Any nationality can apply.
• Performance: You are taking part in a piano competition consisting of two rounds. You must prepare the required repertoire: works by Chopin, Liszt or Schumann, as well as a set etude in the first round; a classical sonata, a work by Schubert or Brahms, and a piece from the 20./21. century in the second round.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted via the mdw’s online form by 18 October 2026 at 23:59. Please upload your certificate of enrolment, proof of your academic progress, your CV and your ID. If you pass the pre-selection stage, you will perform live at the mdw in two rounds in early November 2026.

How realistic are your chances?

This prize is very selective: only piano students at the mdw can apply, so the field of entrants is small. The winner is decided in a live competition, so your chances depend directly on how well you perform the demanding compulsory piece. If you are a strong pianist at the mdw and prepare the repertoire thoroughly, you have a real chance of winning the prize.