ÖGB (Federation of Austrian Trade Unions) - Johann Böhm Fonds - Grant of the ÖGB (Federation of Austrian Trade Unions)

ÖGB Johann Böhm scholarship

You will receive up to 5,000 EUR for a dissertation on a topic of relevance to employees and trade unions. The Austrian Trade Union Federation (ÖGB) supports academic work that underpins its positions or deals with the history of the Austrian trade union movement. The grant will be paid in two instalments. You will receive the first instalment once the ÖGB has discussed your proposal with you, and the second as soon as you submit your completed, approved thesis. The exact amount depends on the length of your thesis and the number of applications received. You must acknowledge the ÖGB as the funding body in your thesis and in any subsequent publications, provide the ÖGB with a free copy, and grant permission for publication through the ÖGB’s own press service.

Who can apply

• Your thesis: You are writing a bachelor’s, diploma, master’s or doctoral thesis at a university or university of applied sciences.
• Topic: Your dissertation should focus on a trade union-related topic such as health, care, pensions, employment law, collective agreements, the EU, the labour market, digitalisation and AI, climate and energy, or trade union history. It should support the ÖGB’s positions.
• Union membership: You are a member of a trade union at the time of your application.
• Financial need: In your personal statement, you can explain why you need this money to complete your dissertation.
• Field of study: All disciplines are accepted. The focus is on the social sciences, economics and law.
• Nationality: Any nationality can apply.

How to apply

The deadline for applications is 15 May. You must submit an outline of your dissertation, in which you explain its relevance to the trade union, as well as written confirmation from your supervisor that the topic has been approved, a timetable, a CV and a personal statement. The ÖGB Scholarship Advisory Board will make a decision within three months.

How realistic are your chances?

This grant is very narrowly defined. Your dissertation must relate to a trade union topic, you must be a trade union member and you must demonstrate financial need – which is why only a few people are eligible. If you clearly meet these conditions and your topic genuinely supports the work of the ÖGB, your chances are good. A well-reasoned proposal and a clear explanation of your financial need are more important than a polished presentation.