State Scholarships - State Scholarships

What you get

Whilst studying abroad, you will receive a supplement of extra 250 to 582 EUR per month on top of your regular Austrian student grant. The exact amount depends on where you are going. For countries such as Germany, France, Switzerland or destinations outside Europe, you will receive the higher rate. For many central and southern European EU countries, such as Spain, Poland, the Czech Republic or Hungary, you’ll receive the lower rate. If you’re only receiving the basic amount of the Austrian student grant, each amount will be increased by 180 EUR. The funding covers a period of one month up to 20 months, and your regular Austrian student grant will continue to be paid in parallel. Under the Erasmus+ programme, you will also retain your full Erasmus+ grant. You may receive a flat-rate travel allowance (based on distance) and a grant towards a language course. This is a state grant provided by the Austrian Student Finance Authority.

Who can apply

• You already get an Austrian grant: You must be receiving an Austrian student grant at the time of application. This benefit is simply a top-up to that grant.
• Where you study: You are enrolled at an Austrian university, university of applied sciences, private higher education institution, teacher training college or theological college. Conservatoires are not included.
• Nationality: Open to Austrian nationals and to certain foreign nationals and stateless persons who are treated as equivalent under Austrian law.
• Field of study: All participants are eligible to take part.
• How far into your studies: You must be in at least your third semester. The first two semesters of a Bachelor’s degree do not count, and PhD students are not eligible for this additional benefit.
• The stay abroad: The period spent abroad must last at least one month, and the period of study completed abroad must count towards your Austrian degree. Work placements are not eligible for funding. The only exception is the clinical year in medicine.

How to apply

You can apply for the grant online using your digital signature from ID Austria, or by using form SB AS 1 from the Austrian Student Financial Aid Authority. Please submit your application no later than three months after the start of your studies abroad.

How realistic are your chances?

This is a statutory entitlement, not a competitive process: if you meet the eligibility criteria, you will receive the grant. The biggest hurdle is the entry requirement. You must already be in receipt of an Austrian study grant and have completed your second semester. If you clear this hurdle and your period abroad counts towards your degree, your chances are good – provided you apply within the three-month window.