Medical University of Innsbruck - Support scholarship

Support scholarship (Förderungsstipendium) of the Medical University of Innsbruck

You will receive a one-off payment of 750 EUR to 3,600 EUR per academic year grant to support an academic project that has not yet been completed, such as a bachelor’s thesis, a master’s thesis or a doctoral thesis. The funds are earmarked for specific costs: travel and accommodation costs for specialist conferences, conference fees, specialist literature not available in the university library, costs for empirical studies, and travel costs for research stays (2nd-class rail travel, economy-class flights, public transport). Once the grant has been awarded, you must provide evidence of each expenditure in the form of invoices issued in your name. The scholarship is awarded by the Medical University of Innsbruck in accordance with the Austrian Student Financial Support Act (StudFG). It does not cover living costs, rent, general equipment such as a computer or office supplies, tuition fees or the binding of your thesis.

Who can apply

• University: You are a student at the Medical University of Innsbruck (studying medicine, dentistry or a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree programme in molecular medicine).
• Your project: You have a thesis or dissertation that is not yet finished and that the responsible academic body has already registered and approved.
• Grades: Your current average mark is 2.5 or higher.
• Timing: You are within the standard duration of your degree programme plus one additional semester. An extension of the duration of your studies is only permitted for valid reasons.
• Nationality: You are an Austrian citizen or a person without nationality, or a stateless person who is treated as equivalent under the StudFG. This includes recognised refugees and people who have been residing in Austria for a considerable period of time.
• Prerequisites met: You meet the requirements set out in the degree programme for starting your dissertation.

How to apply

You should apply by email, providing a description of your project, a breakdown of costs and a funding plan. You will also need at least one reference from a university lecturer who has completed their habilitation (a lecturer authorised to supervise doctoral theses), confirming that you are capable of carrying out the work to a standard above the average. There are usually two application deadlines per year: one in March (deadline: 31 March) and one in October (deadline: 31 October). Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

How realistic are your chances?

This award is cut narrowly. Only degree students at this one university, with a registered thesis, a grade average of 2.5 or better and an expert endorsement, can apply, so the eligible group is small. If you clearly meet those conditions and submit a solid, well-costed project plan, your prospects are good. Note that there is no legal entitlement to the award, and the same project cannot be funded twice.