University of Salzburg - Support for short term scientific works

Grant for short-term thesis research abroad

You will receive a monthly allowance towards your living costs, as well as a one-off travel allowance of up to 700 EUR. The allowance is intended to support your research work abroad, for example in a laboratory, a library, an archive, a scientific collection or in the field. The monthly amount is not fixed. It depends on your destination country and your own budget plan, and covers only part of your costs, not the full amount. Depending on your degree programme, the funding lasts between 14 days and 6 months: up to 1 months for a Bachelor’s thesis, up to 3 months for a Diplom or Master’s thesis, and up to 6 months for a doctoral thesis. It is awarded by the Department of International Relations at the University of Salzburg (PLUS). If you are employed by the university and continue to receive a net salary of more than 730 EUR per month during your leave of absence, you will only receive half of the maximum monthly grant.

Who can apply

• University: You must be a duly enrolled student at the University of Salzburg and be working towards an Austrian degree or a postdoctoral qualification. Visiting students are not eligible to apply.
• Study stage: Bachelor students apply from the 3rd semester, with at least two semesters of the relevant programme completed. Master students can apply from the 1st semester if their earlier studies are finished.
• Residence: Your main place of residence is in Austria.
• Nationality: You are an EEA citizen or have equivalent status under the Austrian Scholarship Act.
• Timing: You have not yet started your research abroad when you apply.
• Field of study: Open to all subjects.
• What it does not cover: Course or tuition fees, as well as travel to conferences or meetings.

How to apply

Please submit the application form to the International Relations Office. Please enclose a research plan, two letters of reference (one of which must be from your supervisor, confirming that the stay is necessary), your academic transcript and a written confirmation from the host institution abroad. There are four application deadlines each year: 15 November, 1 February, 1 April and 1 June. A university committee selects the scholarship recipients.

How realistic are your chances?

This scholarship is very strictly defined. Only students enrolled at the University of Salzburg who are resident in Austria and have a specific research need abroad, supported by their supervisor, may apply, meaning that the pool of applicants is small in each round. If you clearly meet these criteria and can demonstrate why the trip is essential for your final thesis, your chances are good. Confirmed supervision abroad and a sound financial plan are more important than a polished application letter.