Scholarship in Austria: Requirement and more

Studying in Austria combines academic excellence, rich cultural experiences, and a safe, welcoming environment for international students. With a wide range of prestigious universities and specialised programmes, this European country is a top destination for those seeking world-class education. However, funding your studies abroad can be a major challenge. This is where a scholarship plays a crucial role in easing the financial burden. In this article, we’ll explore the best scholarships to study in Austria.

Scholarships in Austria offer many benefits, including reduced or waived tuition fees, living expense support, and access to academic and professional networks. They also help students focus fully on their studies, without the stress of financial pressure.

In 2025, the number of funding options has grown significantly. These include scholarships from the Austrian government and international organisations. Below, you’ll find an overview of the top scholarship programmes available, what they offer, and how to apply successfully. From partial grants to fully funded opportunities, you’ll discover options tailored to your goals and academic needs.

Dreaming of studying in Austria but not sure where to start? Keep reading. Here you’ll find the key info to take your first step towards academic success.

The best scholarships to study in Austria

Austria offers a wide range of scholarships to support international students at various academic levels. These scholarships are funded by the Austrian government, universities, and private organisations. Each has its own requirements and benefits. Below, we’ve listed the best options for studying in Austria in 2025, plus tips to help you apply successfully.

1: Austrian Government Scholarship (OeAD)

• This scholarship is offered by the Austrian Agency for International Cooperation in Education and Research (OeAD). It’s aimed at international students who want to study for a bachelor’s, master’s or conduct research in Austria.
• General requirements:
  • Have an outstanding academic record in the previous level of studies.
  • Be accepted into an Austrian university.
  • Submit a detailed study plan or research proposal.
• Coverage and benefits:
  • Monthly stipend of between €1,050 ($1,195) and €1,500 ($1,707), depending on the level of studies.
  • Partial or total exemption from tuition fees.
  • Health insurance
  • Travel cost support: Available in certain cases.
• Type of studies covered: Undergraduate, Master’s, research, and short-term programmes.
• Target group: International students of all nationalities interested in academic programmes in Austria.
• How to apply: Visit the official OeAD website (www.grants.at) to create a profile, complete the online application, and upload the required documents.
• Opening date: Usually in January.
• Closing date: Usually in April.

Programme 2: Erasmus+ Scholarships

• This European Union programme supports student mobility for joint Master’s degrees at European universities, including Austrian institutions.
• General requirements:
  • Be accepted into an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (EMJMD) programme.
  • Meet the academic requirements set by the specific programme.
  • Have a strong command of English or German, depending on the course.
• Coverage and benefits:
  • Full payment of tuition fees.
  • Monthly allowance to cover living expenses.
  • Covers travel costs and health insurance.
• Type of studies offered: Joint master’s degrees.
• Target group: International students of any nationality interested in master’s programmes in Europe.
• How to apply? Visit the official Erasmus+ website and search for programmes that include Austrian universities. Apply directly through the relevant university consortium.
• Opening date: Usually in October of the previous year.
• Closing date: Between December and January.

Programme 3: Vienna University of Technology (TU Wien) Scholarships

• Overview: TU Wien offers dedicated scholarships for international students interested in master’s programmes focused on technology and applied sciences.
• General requirements:
  • A previous university degree related to the chosen programme.
  • A minimum academic average of 8/10 or equivalent.
  • Meet the required language proficiency (English or German), depending on the programme.
• Coverage and benefits:
  • Partial or total exemption from tuition fees.
  • Possible subsidies for accommodation and transport.
• Type of studies: Master’s programmes in engineering, IT, and applied sciences.
• Target group: International students with academic backgrounds in technical or scientific fields.
• How to apply: Visit the official TU Wien website and fill in the international scholarship application form.
• Opening date: February.
• Closing date: June.

Scholarship 4: Scholarship Foundation of the Republic of Austria

• This programme offers both full and partial scholarships for international students who want to study in Austria, especially in fields related to humanities, social sciences, and the arts.
• General requirements:
  • Submit a well-structured study or research proposal.
  • Provide a letter of acceptance from an Austrian institution.
  • Be under 35 years old for master’s programmes or under 40 for PhD programmes.
• Coverage and benefits:
  • Monthly grants of up to €1,000 (around $1,070).
  • Partial tuition coverage.
  • Support for international travel expenses.
• Type of studies offered: Master’s degrees, PhD programmes and research projects.
• Targeted at: Students from developing or emerging countries who meet academic criteria.
• How to apply: Fill out the online application at the official OeAD portal (www.grants.at) and upload the required documents.
• Opening date: January.
• Closing date: March.

Scholarship 5: Helmut Veith Stipend for Female Computer Scientists

• This programme is exclusively for women interested in studying computer science in Austria, specifically at TU Wien (Vienna University of Technology).
• General requirements:
  • Be accepted into a master’s programme in Computer Science at TU Wien.
  • Demonstrate outstanding academic performance.
  • Have a good command of the English language.
• Coverage and benefits:
  • Annual stipend of €6,000 ($6,400) to cover living expenses.
  • Full tuition fee waiver.
• Type of studies: Master’s degrees in Computer Science.
• Target group: International women interested in computer science.
• How to apply: Submit your application directly to the TU Wien admissions committee, including all required documents such as motivation letters and references.
• Opening date: November of the previous year.
• Closing date: January.

These scholarships represent just a fraction of the opportunities available to study in Austria in 2025. Each programme has its own features, so it’s important to evaluate which one best suits your goals and academic needs.

Scholarship 6: IST-BRIDGE Postdoctoral Fellowship Program

• This programme is offered by the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (IST Austria). It’s aimed at international postdoctoral researchers who want to carry out research projects in various scientific fields.
• General requirements:
  • Hold a PhD in a science or technology-related field.
  • Have relevant academic publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
  • Submit an innovative and detailed research proposal.
  • Demonstrate outstanding academic performance.
• Coverage and benefits:
  • Competitive salary to cover living expenses.
  • Financial support for research and conference attendance.
  • Additional professional training, including career development guidance.
  • Access to cutting-edge labs and research resources.
• Type of studies offered: Postdoctoral programmes in biology, physics, mathematics, computer science, and engineering.
• Target group: International researchers who earned their PhD within the last five years.
• How to apply: Complete the online application on the IST Austria portal and upload the required documents, such as recommendation letters, CV, and research proposal.
• Opening date: April.
• Closing date: October.

Programme 7: Joint Study Scholarship – University of Vienna

• The University of Vienna offers this scholarship to international students interested in exchange or joint study programmes with partner institutions.
• General requirements:
  • You must be enrolled at a university partnered with the University of Vienna.
  • Applicants need to show outstanding academic performance.
  • You must meet the language requirements of the programme (English or German).
  • A motivation letter and a detailed study plan are required.
• Coverage and benefits:
  • Monthly stipend to help cover living expenses.
  • Tuition fee reduction or full exemption.
  • Travel support may be available in some cases.
• Type of studies offered: Exchange programmes across a wide range of academic disciplines.
• Target group: International undergraduate and master’s students interested in academic exchange programmes.
• How to apply: Candidates must apply through the international office of their home university and follow the University of Vienna’s application procedures.
• Opening date: February.
• Closing date: May.

Scholarship 8: Marshall Plan Scholarship

• This programme, managed by the Austrian Marshall Plan Foundation, is tailored for international students aiming to conduct research projects in partnership with Austrian universities, especially in the fields of technical and natural sciences.
• General requirements:
  • Be enrolled at a university that has a partnership agreement with the Austrian Marshall Plan Foundation.
  • Present a well-structured research project that’s relevant to academic or technical development.
  • Demonstrate outstanding academic performance.
• Coverage and benefits:
  • Financial support to cover travel, accommodation, and living expenses.
  • Access to research facilities at the host university.
  • Support for publishing research results.
• Type of studies offered: Research programmes for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students in technical and natural sciences.
• Target group: International students enrolled at universities with exchange agreements with Austrian institutions.
• How to apply: Students must apply through the international office at their home university and meet the programme’s specific requirements.
• Opening date: March.
• Closing date: July.

Final tips for securing scholarships to study in Austria

Studying in Austria with a scholarship is entirely possible—and it can be a life-changing experience. However, the application process takes time, preparation, and dedication. In this final section, we’ll share essential strategies, tips, and tools to improve your chances of success. From building a strong application to standing out from other candidates, here’s how to boost your chances of getting a scholarship to study in Austria:

How to prepare a successful application

1. Research and organise your options:
Before you apply, take time to research all available scholarships in Austria. Understand the requirements, opening and closing dates, and which documents you’ll need. Create a timeline to keep your applications on track and avoid last-minute stress.

2. Customise each application:
Even if scholarships seem similar, don’t send a generic application. Tailor your motivation letters and study proposals to match each programme. Show how your goals align with the scholarship’s purpose

3. Strengthen your academic profile:
Many scholarships are awarded based on academic performance. Improve your grades if possible and request recommendation letters from professors who can highlight your strengths and potential.

4. Meet the language requirements:
Austria offers programmes in both English and German. Submit valid certificates such as IELTS or TOEFL for English, or an ÖSD exam for German if needed.

5. Create a clear value proposal:
If the application requires a research plan or study project, make it strong and specific. Explain how studying in Austria will support your career goals and contribute to your academic field.

Common mistakes when applying for scholarships

1. Not reading the guidelines carefully:
Each scholarship has specific requirements. Submitting incomplete or late documents can lead to instant disqualification.

2. Failing to show genuine interest:
Evaluators want applicants who are truly motivated to study in Austria. Clearly explain how the programme aligns with your long-term goals.

3. Underestimating the motivation letter:
This is one of the most important documents. Avoid writing a generic letter—be specific and authentic about your ambitions and reasons for applying.

4. Forgetting to check the details:
Grammar errors, incorrect numbers or poorly named files can weaken your application. Always double-check everything before submitting.

5. Not asking for feedback:
Ask mentors, professors or friends to review your application. Their insights can help you spot weaknesses and improve your chances.

Additional resources for finding scholarships

There are several trusted tools and platforms to help you find the right scholarship. Below is a list of reliable resources that can guide your search:

1. Official scholarship portals:

• Grants.at: This is Austria’s official scholarship database. Managed by the Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research, it lists funding options for undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD programmes.
• OeAD – Austrian Agency for Education and Internationalisation: Offers detailed information about scholarships, exchange programmes, and step-by-step guides for international students.

2. Austrian universities:
Top institutions like the University of Vienna, TU Graz, and University of Innsbruck offer internal scholarships for international students. Visit the official websites of each university to explore current opportunities and application processes.

3. International organisations:
Foundations such as Erasmus+, DAAD, and UNESCO offer various scholarship schemes that may be used for studying in Austria.

4. Social media & student forums:
Join student communities on platforms like LinkedIn, Reddit, or Facebook. Many students share personal experiences, tips, and real-time updates on scholarship applications. Join these communities to get first-hand advice.

Practical examples of applications

To better understand how to apply for a scholarship, let’s look at the step-by-step process for the OeAD Scholarships programme:

1. Read the programme requirements carefully:
Before applying, check all the details on the official OeAD website. Make sure you meet all criteria, including academic eligibility, language proficiency, and required documentation.

2. Gather the required documents:
For the OeAD programme, you’ll need at least:

• Your academic transcript translated into English or German.
• A tailored motivation letter.
• Two recommendation letters from professors.
• Your CV in Europass format.
• A valid language proficiency certificate.

3. Write a compelling proposal:
The motivation letter is key for this programme. Explain why Austria is ideal for your academic growth, how the scholarship will shape your future, and what contributions you plan to make in your field of study.

4. Submit your application before the deadline
: Most applications are submitted online. Complete the form and ensure all documents are correctly uploaded.

5. Prepare for interviews:
Some programmes include interviews during the final selection stage. Practice your answers and present strong arguments to show your academic and professional commitment.

Study in Austria: A smart investment in your future

Austria combines top-tier education, cultural diversity and a student-friendly environment. Its rich history, modern infrastructure and support for international students make it a top choice for academic growth.

Scholarships not only reduce costs but also open the door to global networks. They boost career opportunities and help you grow personally and professionally.

If you’re thinking of studying in Austria, start planning today. Explore the scholarships mentioned here, organise your documents and contact universities to clarify any doubts. Every step you take brings you closer to your goal of studying in one of Europe’s most prestigious destinations. Now’s the time to take action.

Frequently Asked Questions about scholarships to study in Austria

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