Are you preparing to start your academic journey in Austria? While tuition fees in Austria are relatively affordable, managing daily living expenses is just as important. Ensuring you have adequate funding is key to making the most of your student experience.
Although full-degree scholarships for bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD programmes are limited, there are still several funding opportunities available for international students. Here’s a breakdown to help you navigate your options:
💡 Where to Start: Austria’s Main Scholarship Database
The best place to begin is grants.at – Austria’s most comprehensive online database for scholarships and research funding. You can search by:
- Country of origin
- Type of funding
- Academic level
- Field of study
⚠️ Note: Most scholarships listed on grants.at are not managed by OeAD, so be sure to contact the funding body directly for application information.
🏛️ OeAD Scholarship Programmes
The OeAD (Austria’s Agency for Education and Internationalisation) offers a variety of scholarships for:
- Undergraduate students
- Graduate students
- Doctoral candidates
- Researchers
These grants typically support short-term stays for study or research—not full academic programmes.
🏫 Institutional Scholarships
Some Austrian universities may offer their own scholarships or grants to international students and researchers. However, these are limited and competitive. Be sure to:
- Check the grants.at database
- Contact your university of interest for any internal funding options
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
📅 When should I apply for a scholarship?
It depends on the programme. Some scholarships allow applications before you’re formally admitted to a university, while others require it. Always check individual deadlines on grants.at.
🌍 Who else funds foreign students besides OeAD?
OeAD is a major funder, but there are others—both within Austria and in your home country. Check with local educational authorities and international organisations.
📏 Is there an age limit for scholarships?
Requirements vary by programme. Always read the specific eligibility criteria.
🏠 What does a scholarship cover?
Most OeAD scholarships include a monthly stipend. Health insurance and accommodation costs are usually deducted from this amount. OeAD can assist with arranging housing (average monthly cost: €220–€550), with a €18 monthly administration fee.
🌐 Are there scholarships for students from specific countries?
Yes. Use filters on grants.at to search by nationality and field of study to find tailored opportunities.
📚 Scholarships for Undergraduate and Master’s Students
OeAD does not offer full-degree scholarships for bachelor’s or master’s programmes. However, you can explore:
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degrees: These are open to students of all nationalities and often come with full scholarships.
- External funding sources via grants.at
🎓 Scholarships for Doctoral/PhD Students
Like other levels, OeAD does not fund entire PhD programmes. However:
- The Ernst Mach Grant – Worldwide supports international PhD candidates pursuing research stays in Austria.
- Additional research-related funding is available via grants.at
🔍 Looking for Research Jobs or PhD Positions?
Check out Euraxess Jobs – a European platform that lists:
- PhD positions
- Research fellowships
- Academic vacancies in Austria and across Europe
Euraxess Service Centres offer free support to help with your move, paperwork, and settling into Austria.
✅ Final Tip: Start Early and Stay Informed
Since most scholarships have strict deadlines and specific requirements, we recommend starting your search as early as possible. A strong and well-prepared application can greatly increase your chances of securing funding.
🔗 Visit: www.grants.at for the latest scholarship listings and updates.
