Austrian Study Grant Authority - Federal Aid for Students - "Selbsterhalterstipendium"

What you get

In Austria, you can receive up to around 679 EUR per month in state study grants, with the rate increasing from the age of 27. The grant is paid for the standard duration of study plus one grace semester, up to around 42 months. What makes this option special is that your parents’ income is completely disregarded, as you have already been supporting yourself through work. If you have a child, you’ll receive around 157 EUR more per month, and there are additional payments for students with a disability. You’ll also automatically receive a travel allowance. The money comes from the Austrian Student Aid Authority.

Who can apply

• Self-support: Before you received the benefit, you supported yourself for at least 4 years (48 months), during which time you earned an annual income of at least 11,000 EUR. Military service, community service and voluntary service are also taken into account.
• No parental income check: Your parents’ income is not taken into account. However, if you are married or in a civil partnership, your partner’s income will be taken into account.
• University: You are a full-time student at an Austrian university, university of applied sciences, university of teacher education, accredited private higher education institution or recognised conservatoire.
• Nationality: You are an Austrian citizen or a foreign national with equivalent status (e.g. an EEA national with a right of permanent residence, a migrant worker or a recognised refugee).
• Age: Normally, you must start your degree programme before 33. Each additional full year in which you are self-funded from the age of 4 extends this deadline by one year, up to the age of 37. From the age of 38, you are no longer eligible.
• Study progress: You have passed a sufficient number of exams, are on track to complete your degree within the standard duration, and have not yet obtained an equivalent qualification. You may change your degree programme up to twice.
• Earnings limit: If you work whilst studying, you are allowed to earn up to around 17,677 euros per year (2026) before your grant is reduced.

How to apply

You can apply for the grant online using your ID Austria via the Student Financial Aid Authority’s portal, or by post using a paper form. For the winter semester, you should submit your application between 20 September and 15 December. For the summer semester, you should submit your application between 20 February and 15 May. The grant is awarded with effect from the start of the semester. First, your insurance documents will be checked to determine whether you are able to cover your own living costs.

How realistic are your chances?

This is a statutory entitlement, not a selection process: if you meet the eligibility criteria, you will receive the grant – so there is no panel you need to convince. The real hurdle is providing rigorous proof of financial self-sufficiency: you must have earned at least 11,000 EUR per year for four years, in addition to meeting the requirements regarding age and academic progress. If you can provide clear evidence of these four years and submit your application by the deadline, your chances are good.