WKO-Forschungsstipendium (Erzherzog-Johann-Zukunftsfonds der WKO Steiermark)

What you get

You get a one-off payment of 2,500 EUR for writing a diploma or master's thesis on a topic that matters for the economy of Styria (the Austrian region around Graz). The money comes from the Erzherzog-Johann-Zukunftsfonds, a fund run by the Styrian Chamber of Commerce (WKO Steiermark). Your supervising institute also receives 500 EUR. Each academic year 22 of these scholarships are awarded. At the closing event in summer, the thesis with the strongest economic relevance wins an extra 1,000 EUR prize.

Who can apply

• Where you study: You are enrolled at one of nine Styrian universities or colleges: University of Graz, TU Graz, Medical University of Graz, Art University Graz, Montanuniversitaet Leoben, FH Joanneum, FH Campus 02, PH Steiermark or PPH Augustinum.
• Type of work: You are writing a diploma thesis, master's thesis or a thesis in a teacher-training degree. It can be in progress or already finished.
• Topic: Your thesis must clearly relate to the Styrian economy, for example in metal, construction, installations, health, energy or economics. This economic link is the key criterion.
• Timing: You must have started your thesis in the 2024/2025 academic year for the current round.
• Financial need: Not required. You get the award regardless of your financial situation.

How to apply

You apply at your own university by 24 October 2025 and include a clear one-page outline of your thesis. Each university pre-selects its strongest applications and passes them on. A 12-member expert jury then decides in December 2025 who receives a scholarship.

How realistic are your chances?

This award is cut narrowly: you must study at one of nine specific Styrian institutions and write a thesis with a clear economic angle, so the applicant pool is limited. With 22 places each year and at least one scholarship per institution when enough people apply, prospects are solid for a well-matched thesis. The jury weighs economic relevance most, so make that link concrete in your outline.