AK-Styria - Research Award of the "Kammer für Arbeiter und Angestellte für Steiermark" for Diploma Theses, Master Theses and Dissertations

Benefit

The Arbeiterkammer Steiermark (the statutory chamber representing employees in the Austrian state of Styria) pays a one-off grant for completed academic theses on topics relevant to workers and employees. The amount depends on the type of thesis: EUR 250 for a bachelor's thesis, EUR 500 for a diploma or master's thesis, and EUR 750 for a dissertation. AK experts review each submission and decide on its merits; there is no automatic entitlement.

Eligibility

• University: You studied at an Austrian university, university of applied sciences, or university of education.
• AK membership: You, one of your parents, your spouse, or your live-in partner must be a member of the Arbeiterkammer Steiermark. A live-in partner qualifies only if you share a registered address.
• Thesis timing: Your thesis was written and officially graded between August 2025 and July 2026.
• Topic: Your thesis closely addresses a subject relevant to the AK's work, such as labour and social law, income distribution, work-life balance, gender equality, consumer protection, vocational education, occupational health and safety, or the history of the labour movement.
• No prior funding: Your thesis has not received funding from any other source.
• Age: You are not yet entitled to a state old-age pension at the time of application.
• Nationality: Open to all nationalities.

How to apply

Submit your application by post to AK Steiermark in Graz. The postmark deadline is 31 July. Include your completed application form, a bound copy of the thesis, the examiner's grade, an abstract of up to five pages, and a short cover letter explaining the topic's relevance to the AK. Successful applicants are notified in writing and invited to a ceremony in Graz in late autumn where the grant is presented.