List of Scholarships in Austria for International Students – Fully Funded and Government Scholarships

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Austria is one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for international students. The country is known for its high-quality universities, internationally recognized degrees, strong research environment, safe cities, and excellent quality of life.

Every year, thousands of international students choose Austria for Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, research, and exchange studies. However, the cost of studying and living abroad can be a major concern, particularly for students from developing countries.

Scholarships can make studying in Austria much more affordable.

There are several sources of financial support available to international students, including:

Austrian government scholarships
OeAD scholarships
University scholarships
Research grants
PhD positions
European scholarships
Exchange scholarships
Scholarships for specific countries
Scholarships for specific academic fields

One of the most important resources for students is grants.at, Austria’s largest scholarship and research-grant database. It contains more than 1,200 funding opportunities covering scholarships, grants, research funding and other financial support.

However, students should understand an important point before applying.

Austria has relatively few scholarships that fully finance an entire Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD degree. The official Study in Austria portal states that full-degree scholarships are limited and recommends checking grants.at as well as individual higher education institutions.

Scholarships in Austria, article provides a comprehensive overview of important scholarships and funded opportunities in Austria for international students, including the Ernst Mach Grant, Erhard Busek Grant, Helmut Veith Stipend, ISTA fully funded PhD positions, OeAD scholarships, and other funding opportunities. Apply for More Fully Funded Scholarships Here.

Scholarships in Austria – Quick Summary

Scholarship	Main Information
Ernst Mach Grant – Worldwide	Research/study stay in Austria for international PhD students, postgraduates, postdocs and researchers; 1–9 months; annual deadline normally February 1
Ernst Mach Grant – Austrian Universities of Applied Sciences	Study/research stay at an Austrian University of Applied Sciences; 4–10 months; eligible Bachelor’s/Master’s students from defined non-European countries
Ernst Mach Grant – ASEA-UNINET	Study, PhD and postdoctoral opportunities for eligible applicants from Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam; deadline normally March 1
Ernst Mach Follow-Up Grant	For eligible former OeAD scholarship holders from non-European developing countries; 1–3 months
Erhard Busek Grant	Full two-year Master’s support for highly qualified students from selected non-European developing countries; currently no further call planned
Helmut Veith Stipend – TU Wien	€7,000 per year plus tuition-fee waiver for eligible female Computer Science Master’s students; annual deadline November 30
ISTA Graduate School PhD	Fully funded PhD positions with internationally competitive salaries and social security; 2027 deadline January 8, 2027
OeAD Scholarships	Multiple programs for students, graduates, PhD candidates and researchers; requirements and deadlines vary
University Scholarships	Funding offered directly by Austrian universities; availability varies by institution and program
grants.at Opportunities	Austria’s largest database with 1,200+ scholarship and research funding entries
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s	European joint Master’s scholarships; some programs include Austrian universities
Research/PhD Positions	Funded research jobs and doctoral positions at Austrian universities and research institutions

Why Study in Austria?

Austria offers several advantages for international students.

1. High-Quality Education

Austria has a long academic tradition and hosts internationally respected universities and research institutions.

Students can study subjects ranging from:

Engineering
Computer Science
Artificial Intelligence
Medicine
Business
Economics
Natural Sciences
Social Sciences
Humanities
Environmental Sciences
Mathematics
Physics
Chemistry
Life Sciences

Ernst Mach Grant Scholarships Fully Funded / Without IELTS

2. International Academic Environment

Austria attracts students and researchers from many countries.

This creates an international academic environment where students can develop:

Academic networks
Research collaborations
Communication skills
Intercultural experience
Professional connections

3. Strong Research Opportunities

Austria is particularly attractive for students interested in research.

Universities and research organizations provide opportunities in areas such as:

Physics
Mathematics
Computer Science
Biotechnology
Neuroscience
Engineering
Data Science
Environmental research
Materials science

The Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA), for example, offers a fully funded international PhD program covering areas including Biology, Chemistry and Materials, Computer Science, Data Science and Scientific Computing, Mathematics, Neuroscience and Physics.

What Types of Scholarships in Austria

Are Available ?

International students should understand that Austrian funding is divided into several categories.

Government Scholarships

These are supported by Austrian government institutions and are often administered by OeAD.

Examples include:

Ernst Mach Grant
Erhard Busek Grant
Other OeAD programs

University Scholarships

Individual universities may offer scholarships, tuition support, grants or financial assistance.

However, these opportunities are generally limited and highly competitive.

Research Grants

Research grants support:

PhD candidates
Postdoctoral researchers
Visiting researchers
University lecturers
Academic staff

Fully Funded PhD Positions

Some Austrian research institutions recruit PhD students as employees.

In such cases, the funding may come through a salary rather than a traditional scholarship.

ISTA is a strong example. Its PhD students are employed and receive internationally competitive salaries and full social security coverage.

1. Ernst Mach Grant – Worldwide

Overview

The Ernst Mach Grant – Worldwide is one of the best-known Austrian scholarship programs for international researchers.

It is financed by the Austrian Federal Ministry of Women, Science and Research and administered by OeAD.

The program is intended for young researchers from all academic disciplines and countries other than Austria who want to conduct a research project in Austria.

According to OeAD, the worldwide grant has a duration of 1 to 9 months and a general age limit of 35 years.

Who Can Apply?

The program can be relevant to:

PhD students
Postgraduates
Postdoctoral researchers
Young academic researchers

For the current 2026/27 call, eligible applicants included doctoral students pursuing a PhD outside Austria and postgraduates/postdocs who completed their studies outside Austria after the specified date.

Important Limitation

The Ernst Mach Grant is not a full-degree scholarship.

It cannot be used to finance a complete or partial regular Master’s or PhD program in Austria.

Instead, it supports a temporary research or study stay.

Duration

1–9 months

Age Limit

Generally:

35 years

Deadline

The annual application period normally runs from October until February 1 of the following year.

For the 2026/27 call, the deadline was February 1, 2026.

Official Website

Official Ernst Mach Grant – OeAD

2. Ernst Mach Grant for Austrian Universities of Applied Sciences

Overview

The Ernst Mach Grant for studying at an Austrian University of Applied Sciences, commonly called a Fachhochschule, is designed for international students who want to spend a study period at an Austrian University of Applied Sciences.

The program can be suitable for students already enrolled in Bachelor’s or Master’s programs outside Austria.

Who Can Apply?

The program targets students from defined non-European countries.

Bachelor’s applicants must generally have completed at least four semesters successfully before the scholarship begins.

Duration

The stay can last:

4–10 months

Age Limit

35 years

Important Requirement

Students must contact a participating Austrian University of Applied Sciences before applying.

OeAD does not find the university for the applicant. The participating institution must support the application as an exchange student.

Deadline

For the 2026/27 call:

February 1, 2026

The application cycle is normally from October to February 1 of the following year.

Official Website

OeAD – Ernst Mach Grant for Universities of Applied Sciences

3. Erhard Busek Grant

Overview

The Erhard Busek Grant is particularly important for international students because, unlike the worldwide Ernst Mach Grant, it was designed to support a complete two-year Master’s degree in Austria.

The scholarship targets highly qualified students from selected non-European developing countries.

The program gives particular priority to STEM and English-taught Master’s programs.

Eligible Countries

The OeAD’s listed eligible countries include:

Afghanistan
Algeria
Bangladesh
Cabo Verde
Egypt
Côte d’Ivoire
Gambia
Ghana
India
Indonesia
Kenya
Kyrgyzstan
Libya
Mauritania
Morocco
Nepal
Nigeria
Pakistan
Philippines
Rwanda
Senegal
Somalia
Sri Lanka
Sudan
South Sudan
Chad
Tunisia
Uganda
Uzbekistan
Vietnam

Pakistan is therefore included in the published eligibility list for this program.

Degree Level

Master’s

Duration

24 months

Financial Support

The published scholarship information for the 2025/26 round lists:

€1,300 monthly scholarship
One-time travel allowance of up to €1,200
Tuition-fee exemption through the admitting higher education institution

The scholarship itself does not directly cover tuition fees; recipients are exempted from those fees by the admitting institution.

Age Limit

35 years

Important Current Status

This scholarship requires special attention for students planning a future application.

The official OeAD page currently states that the information refers to the 2025/26 application round and that no further call for applications is currently planned.

Therefore, students should not present the Erhard Busek Grant as an open 2027 scholarship unless OeAD announces a new call.

Official Website

Erhard Busek Grant – Official OeAD Information

4. Helmut Veith Stipend at TU Wien

Overview

The Helmut Veith Stipend is one of the most attractive university-specific scholarships in Austria for women pursuing advanced studies in Computer Science.

It is offered by TU Wien and is named in memory of Professor Helmut Veith, an Austrian computer scientist.

Who Can Apply?

The scholarship is intended for female students in Computer Science who plan to pursue an eligible English-taught Master’s program at TU Wien.

Applicants should have or be interested in developing a strong mathematical and technical background.

Eligible Master’s Programs

Current eligible programs include:

Data Science
Business Informatics
Logic and Artificial Intelligence
Media and Human-Centered Computing
Software Engineering
Quantum Information Science and Technology
Embedded Computing Systems
Visual Computing

Financial Benefits

The current scholarship provides:

€7,000 per year

plus:

Tuition-fee waiver at TU Wien

Deadline

November 30 annually

The application is submitted electronically.

An important point is that the scholarship application does not replace admission to TU Wien. The funding is awarded only to applicants who are unconditionally admitted to the relevant Master’s program.

Official Website

Helmut Veith Stipend – TU Wien

5. ISTA Fully Funded PhD Program

Overview

The Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) offers one of the most interesting fully funded doctoral opportunities in Austria.

Unlike a traditional scholarship, ISTA’s PhD students are employed by the institute.

The program is international and taught in English.

Research Areas

ISTA’s graduate school covers seven major scientific tracks:

Biology
Chemistry and Materials
Computer Science
Data Science and Scientific Computing
Mathematics
Neuroscience
Physics

Fully Funded Status

ISTA states that its PhD students receive:

Internationally competitive salaries
Full social security coverage
Financial support for conferences and workshops

The institute also states that students are offered five-year employment contracts and can remain fully funded until their thesis defense if they make reasonable academic progress.

This makes ISTA particularly attractive for students searching for a fully funded PhD in Austria.

Can Bachelor’s Students Apply?

Yes.

ISTA states that both Bachelor’s and Master’s students are eligible to apply to its PhD program.

2027 Deadline

For the 2027 application cycle, ISTA lists:

Application deadline: January 8, 2027

The application period is expected to open in late October 2026.

Official Website

ISTA Graduate School – Official Website

6. OeAD Scholarships

Overview

The OeAD – Austria’s Agency for Education and Internationalisation administers numerous scholarship and research programs.

There is not one single “OeAD Scholarship.” Instead, OeAD manages different programs for different target groups.

These may include:

Undergraduate students
Graduate students
PhD students
Postgraduates
Postdoctoral researchers
University lecturers
Researchers
Applicants from specific countries

The OeAD’s current scholarship overview includes multiple programs with different deadlines and eligibility requirements.

Why OeAD Is Important

Students searching for scholarships in Austria should regularly check OeAD because many Austrian government-supported international scholarship programs are administered through it.

Application

Most programs use an online application process, but the exact process varies.

Students should first identify the relevant scholarship before preparing documents.

Official Website

OeAD – Scholarships and Grants

7. Ernst Mach Grant – ASEA-UNINET

Overview

The Ernst Mach Grant – ASEA-UNINET is designed for eligible applicants from selected Southeast Asian countries.

According to OeAD, eligible countries include:

Indonesia
Malaysia
Philippines
Thailand
Vietnam

The program supports different categories of academic activity.

Opportunities

Depending on the applicant category, funding can support:

Undergraduate study
Music practice
PhD study
Postdoctoral research

The full PhD grant can extend to 36 months, while some other grants are shorter.

Deadline

The standard deadline is:

March 1

The short-term research grant has a different application arrangement and can accept applications on an ongoing basis, generally 2–9 months before the planned research stay.

Official Website

OeAD – Ernst Mach ASEA-UNINET Grant

8. Ernst Mach Follow-Up Grant

Overview

The Ernst Mach Follow-Up Grant is designed for a more specific group of researchers.

It is aimed at postdoctoral researchers and lecturers from non-European developing countries who have previously received an OeAD scholarship.

The objective is to strengthen scientific careers and deepen cooperation with Austrian higher education institutions.

Eligibility

Applicants generally need to:

Be postdoctoral researchers or lecturers
Come from an eligible non-European developing country
Work or teach at a higher education institution
Have previously received an OeAD-administered grant
Meet the required period since the previous funded research stay

Duration

1–3 months

Age Limit

45 years

Deadline

Applications are normally open from September until:

February 1

Official Website

OeAD – Ernst Mach Grant Programs

9. Franz Werfel Grant

Overview

The Franz Werfel Grant is a specialized Austrian academic grant.

It is intended for young university teachers whose academic work focuses on:

German language
Austrian literature
Austrian literary studies

The program is therefore not suitable for every international student.

It is designed for qualified academics and researchers in the relevant field.

Duration

The fellowship is normally awarded for:

4–9 months

Follow-up support may also be available.

Deadlines

For the 2026 cycle, OeAD listed:

March 1, 2026
September 15, 2026

The September 2026 date is the final listed deadline for the current program cycle.

Who Should Apply?

This grant may be suitable for:

German language teachers
University lecturers
Researchers in Austrian literature
Scholars working on relevant German-language research

Official Website

OeAD – Franz Werfel Grant Information

10. Richard Plaschka Grant

Overview

The Richard Plaschka Grant is intended for young university teachers and researchers in historical sciences, particularly those working on:

Austrian history
Austria-related historical topics

The program enables researchers to conduct work at:

Universities
Libraries
Archives
Research institutions

Duration

The grant can support a research stay for several months, with the current OeAD information describing a duration of four to twelve months and possible follow-up arrangements.

2026 Deadline

The current listed final deadline is:

September 15, 2026

OeAD currently identifies this as the last call because the program is being discontinued.

Official Website

OeAD Scholarship Programs

11. Scholarships Listed on grants.at

What Is grants.at?

grants.at is Austria’s largest database for scholarships and research grants.

It contains more than 1,200 entries covering financial support for:

Students
Graduates
Researchers
International applicants
Austrian students studying abroad
Research projects

Why Students Should Use It

Instead of searching for scholarships randomly on Google, students can use grants.at to filter opportunities by:

Country of origin
Destination
Academic level
Field of study
Type of funding
Target group

This makes it particularly useful for international students.

Important Point

Not every scholarship listed on grants.at is administered by OeAD.

The database contains funding opportunities from:

Governments
Universities
European organizations
Foundations
Associations
Companies
Other institutions

Therefore, applicants should contact the funding provider listed for each scholarship.

Official Website

grants.at – Austria’s Scholarship Database

12. UniversityScholarships in Austria

Many Austrian universities have their own financial support programs.

However, these opportunities are generally limited.

The official Study in Austria portal states that some higher education institutions offer a small number of scholarships or grants to international students and researchers, although such opportunities are relatively rare.

Therefore, students should always check the website of their chosen university.

Examples of institutions worth researching include:

University of Vienna
TU Wien
University of Graz
University of Innsbruck
Johannes Kepler University Linz
University of Klagenfurt
BOKU University
WU Vienna
University of Salzburg
University of Applied Sciences institutions
ISTA

The availability of funding changes from institution to institution.

Are There Fully Funded Bachelor’sScholarships in Austria?

This is an important question.

The answer is:

There are very few full-degree Bachelor’s scholarships in Austria.

The official Study in Austria portal explicitly states that there are only a few full-degree scholarships for Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD programs.

Students should therefore not assume that Austria offers a large number of government-funded Bachelor’s scholarships.

Instead, Bachelor’s applicants should investigate:

grants.at
University scholarships
Exchange programs
Erasmus+ opportunities
Country-specific funding
Private foundations
University tuition support
Other European scholarship programs

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Are There Fully Funded Master’sScholarships in Austria?

There are some opportunities, but they are limited.

The Erhard Busek Grant was one notable example of a full-degree Master’s scholarship for selected non-European developing countries.

However, OeAD currently states that no further call for the Busek scholarship is planned.

The Helmut Veith Stipend is another strong Master’s funding opportunity, but it is restricted to eligible female students in Computer Science at TU Wien.

Students should also search for:

University-specific scholarships
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s
grants.at opportunities
Research-linked Master’s funding

Are There Fully Funded PhD Opportunities in Austria?

Yes.

PhD applicants may have more opportunities than Bachelor’s or Master’s applicants because Austrian research institutions frequently fund doctoral researchers through employment contracts or research projects.

One particularly strong option is ISTA.

ISTA states that all PhD students are fully funded and receive internationally competitive salaries and full social security coverage.

Other possibilities include:

University research projects
Research assistant positions
Doctoral positions
OeAD research grants
European research projects
Research institute positions
grants.at funding

Students should also look for open research vacancies rather than searching only for the word “scholarship.”

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Eligibility Requirements for Austrian Scholarships

Eligibility differs from one program to another.

However, common requirements include the following.

1. Academic Qualification

You must have the qualification required for the selected program.

For example:

Bachelor’s

Usually requires completion of secondary education.

Master’s

Usually requires a Bachelor’s degree.

PhD

Usually requires a Master’s degree or equivalent qualification, although some doctoral programs such as ISTA allow Bachelor’s graduates to apply.

2. Academic Performance

Scholarships are competitive.

A strong academic record can improve your chances.

Depending on the scholarship, selectors may consider:

GPA
Grades
Class ranking
Research experience
Publications
Academic awards
Professional experience

3. Nationality

Some scholarships are open worldwide.

Others are restricted to specific countries.

For example, the Ernst Mach Grant worldwide is open to countries other than Austria, while the Erhard Busek Grant had a specific list of eligible non-European developing countries.

4. Age

Some scholarships have age limits.

Examples include:

Ernst Mach worldwide: 35
Helmut Veith: program-specific rather than a general scholarship age rule
Erhard Busek: 35
Ernst Mach Follow-Up: 45

Always check the current call.

5. Admission

Some scholarships require university admission before applying.

For example, the Erhard Busek Grant required unrestricted admission to the relevant Master’s program.

The Helmut Veith Stipend also requires unconditional admission before the funding can ultimately be awarded.

6. Research Proposal

Research scholarships generally require a research project.

A strong proposal should explain:

Research problem
Objectives
Methodology
Expected results
Importance of the research
Why Austria is appropriate
Why the selected supervisor or research group is suitable

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Required Documents for Austria Scholarships

The exact document requirements depend on the scholarship.

However, international students should generally prepare the following.

1. Passport

A valid passport is usually required.

2. Academic Certificates

Prepare:

Secondary school certificate
Bachelor’s degree
Master’s degree
Provisional certificates where accepted

3. Academic Transcripts

Provide official transcripts showing your courses and grades.

4. Curriculum Vitae

A professional CV should include:

Education
Work experience
Research
Publications
Awards
Skills
Certifications
Volunteer work
Academic projects

5. Motivation Letter

A motivation letter should explain:

Why you selected Austria
Why you selected the university
Why you selected the program
Your academic background
Your career goals
Why you deserve financial support

6. Study Plan

Some scholarships require a detailed study plan.

It should describe:

Your academic objectives
Courses or research interests
Expected outcomes
Career plans

7. Research Proposal

PhD and research applicants may need a research proposal.

8. Recommendation Letters

Some programs require letters from:

Professors
Academic supervisors
Employers
Researchers

9. Language Certificate

Depending on the program, applicants may need:

IELTS
TOEFL
German-language certificate
Another accepted test

Some programs may offer exemptions or alternative evidence.

Students should check the university’s official admission requirements.

10. Proof of Admission

Where required, provide:

Admission letter
Unconditional admission
Enrollment confirmation

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How to Apply for Scholarships in Austria

Step 1: Decide Your Degree Level

First determine whether you are applying for:

Bachelor’s
Master’s
PhD
Research
Exchange

This immediately narrows your scholarship options.

Step 2: Choose Your Field

Identify your academic field.

For example:

Computer Science
Engineering
Business
Medicine
Economics
Environmental Science
Physics
Mathematics
Humanities

Step 3: Search the Official Database

Go to grants.at and search according to:

Country of origin
Degree
Field
Destination
Funding type

The database contains more than 1,200 funding entries.

Step 4: Check the University’s Website

If you already know your university, visit its scholarship and funding pages.

Do not depend exclusively on third-party scholarship websites.

Step 5: Check Eligibility

Before spending time on an application, verify:

Nationality
Academic qualification
Age
Field
Admission status
Language requirements
Residence requirements
Deadline

Step 6: Prepare Documents

Create a folder containing:

Passport
Certificates
Transcripts
CV
Motivation letter
Recommendation letters
Language documents
Admission letter
Research proposal

Step 7: Contact a Supervisor if Required

Research scholarships often require an Austrian academic supervisor.

For the Ernst Mach Grant, applicants are expected to have an Austrian academic host/supervisor.

Start contacting professors early.

Step 8: Submit the Online Application

Follow the scholarship provider’s instructions.

Some programs use:

OeAD online application systems
University portals
Embassy applications
Research institute portals
European scholarship platforms

Step 9: Check Your Email

After applying, monitor your email regularly.

Scholarship providers may request:

Additional documents
Interviews
Clarification
Admission evidence

Step 10: Prepare for the Interview

If an interview is required, be prepared to explain:

Your academic background
Why Austria?
Why this university?
Why this program?
Why this scholarship?
Your future goals
Your research interests

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Important Scholarship Deadlines in Austria

Deadlines vary considerably.

Some important currently published dates include:

Helmut Veith Stipend

November 30 annually

ISTA PhD 2027

January 8, 2027

Ernst Mach Worldwide

Normally:

February 1 annually

The 2026/27 call closed on February 1, 2026.

Ernst Mach ASEA-UNINET

Normally:

March 1

Franz Werfel Grant

For the current 2026 cycle:

September 15, 2026 is listed as a deadline.

Richard Plaschka Grant

The current final listed deadline is:

September 15, 2026

The program is being discontinued after this call.

Important: These dates should not be copied into future scholarship posts as permanent deadlines. Always check the new annual call.

Scholarships in Austria for Pakistani Students

Pakistani students have several potential routes to study in Austria.

One important example is the Erhard Busek Grant, whose published eligible-country list included Pakistan. However, OeAD currently states that no further call is planned.

Pakistani students can also investigate:

Ernst Mach Grant
University-specific funding
grants.at opportunities
PhD positions
ISTA
Erasmus Mundus
Research grants
Austrian university scholarships

The correct scholarship depends on the student’s degree level and field.

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Scholarships in Austria Without IELTS

Some students search specifically for “Austria scholarships without IELTS.”

This requires caution.

There is no single Austrian government rule saying that international students can study without IELTS.

Language requirements are determined by the individual university and degree program.

Some English-taught programs may accept:

TOEFL
Cambridge certificates
PTE
Previous English-medium education
Medium of Instruction certificates
Other recognized evidence

German-taught programs may require German proficiency.

Therefore, students should check the exact admission requirements for their chosen program.

Are Austrian Scholarships Fully Funded?

Not all Austrian scholarships are fully funded.

This is one of the most important points students should understand.

A scholarship may cover:

Monthly stipend

but not:

Tuition
Accommodation
Travel
Insurance

Another scholarship may cover tuition but not living expenses.

The official Study in Austria portal warns students that there are only a few full-degree scholarships in Austria.

Therefore, applicants should carefully examine the funding package.

What Does Fully Funded Mean?

A fully funded scholarship generally means that the scholarship covers most or all major costs associated with the student’s studies.

Possible benefits include:

Tuition fees
Monthly stipend
Accommodation
Health insurance
Travel
Books
Research allowance

But “fully funded” can mean different things depending on the provider.

For example, ISTA’s PhD model is employment-based and provides salary and social security rather than simply paying a traditional monthly scholarship.

Advantages of Studying in Austria With a Scholarship

1. Reduced Financial Pressure

Scholarships reduce the amount students need to pay from personal savings.

2. International Degree

An Austrian degree can provide valuable international academic experience.

3. Research Opportunities

Austria has strong research institutions and international research networks.

4. Professional Networking

International students can meet:

Professors
Researchers
Students
Employers
Industry professionals

5. European Experience

Studying in Austria gives students experience in a European academic and cultural environment.

6. Career Development

Students can develop:

Technical skills
Research skills
Language skills
Intercultural communication
Professional networks

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Tips to Win an Austrian Scholarship

Start Early

Do not wait until the deadline.

Begin researching scholarships several months in advance.

Choose the Right Scholarship

Do not apply randomly.

Select scholarships matching:

Your degree
Field
Nationality
Age
Academic profile

Build a Strong CV

Highlight achievements relevant to the scholarship.

Write a Personalized Motivation Letter

Avoid copying generic statements.

Explain why the specific program is important to your career.

Prepare a Strong Research Proposal

For PhD and research scholarships, the proposal can be extremely important.

Find the Right Supervisor

If the scholarship requires an Austrian supervisor, contact professors early.

Check Every Deadline

Different scholarships can have completely different deadlines.

Apply Through Official Websites

Avoid unofficial agents and websites that ask for money to submit applications for government scholarships.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Calling Every Austrian Scholarship “Fully Funded”

Not every scholarship covers all expenses.

Mistake 2: Confusing a Research Grant With a Full Degree Scholarship

The Ernst Mach Grant worldwide is a research/study stay grant, not a full Master’s or PhD scholarship.

Mistake 3: Using Old Deadlines

Scholarship deadlines change.

Always check the current annual call.

Mistake 4: Assuming Erhard Busek Is Open for 2027

OeAD currently says that no further call is planned.

Mistake 5: Ignoring University Admission

Some scholarships require admission before funding can be awarded.

Mistake 6: Applying Without Checking Nationality

Some grants are restricted to specific countries.

Mistake 7: Waiting Until the Deadline to Contact Professors

For research scholarships, finding an academic host can take time.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does Austria offer scholarships for international students?

Yes. Austria offers government, university, research and other funding opportunities for international students and researchers.

OeAD administers several programs, while grants.at lists more than 1,200 funding opportunities.

2. Which is the best scholarship in Austria?

There is no single best scholarship.

For Computer Science Master’s students, the Helmut Veith Stipend can be particularly attractive.

For international PhD applicants in scientific fields, ISTA’s fully funded PhD program is a strong option.

For temporary research stays, the Ernst Mach Grant may be appropriate.

3. Is the Ernst Mach Grant fully funded?

It provides funding for an approved research/study stay, but it is not a full-degree scholarship.

The worldwide grant supports stays of 1–9 months.

4. Can I use the Ernst Mach Grant for a Master’s degree?

No.

The worldwide Ernst Mach Grant cannot finance a complete or partial regular Master’s program in Austria.

5. Can I use the Ernst Mach Grant for a PhD?

It can support a research stay related to a PhD pursued outside Austria, but it is not designed to finance an entire Austrian PhD degree.

6. Is the Erhard Busek Grant available for Pakistani students?

Pakistan was included in the published eligible-country list.

However, OeAD currently states that no further call is planned, so applicants should not treat it as an open scholarship unless a new announcement is issued.

7. Is the Helmut Veith Stipend fully funded?

It provides €7,000 per year and a tuition-fee waiver at TU Wien.

It is specifically for eligible female students pursuing eligible English-taught Computer Science Master’s programs.

8. What is the Helmut Veith deadline?

The annual deadline is:

November 30

9. Is ISTA PhD fully funded?

Yes.

ISTA states that all PhD students are fully funded and receive internationally competitive salaries and full social security coverage.

10. When is the ISTA PhD 2027 deadline?

The current ISTA information lists:

January 8, 2027

The application period is expected to open in late October 2026.

11. Can I apply to ISTA with a Bachelor’s degree?

Yes.

ISTA states that Bachelor’s and Master’s students are eligible to apply to its PhD program.

12. Where can I find more Austrian scholarships?

The best starting point is grants.at.

It is Austria’s largest scholarship and research-grant database and contains more than 1,200 entries.

13. Are there full Bachelor’s scholarships in Austria?

They are relatively rare.

The official Study in Austria portal states that there are only a few full-degree scholarships for Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD programs.

14. Are there Master’s scholarships in Austria?

Yes, but full-degree Master’s scholarships are limited.

Students should search:

grants.at
University scholarships
Helmut Veith Stipend
Erasmus Mundus
Country-specific scholarships
Other university funding

15. Can international students get fully funded PhDs in Austria?

Yes.

Funded PhD positions and employment-based doctoral programs are available.

ISTA is a prominent example of a fully funded doctoral program.

16. Can I study in Austria without IELTS?

Possibly.

The requirement depends on the university and program.

Students should check the language requirements for the exact degree they want to study.

17. Do Austrian scholarships cover accommodation?

Not necessarily.

Some scholarships provide accommodation or accommodation allowances, while others provide a general stipend from which students must pay their living costs.

18. Do I need a German language certificate?

Only if the selected program requires it.

Many Master’s and research programs are taught in English, while German-taught programs may require German proficiency.

19. How early should I apply?

Ideally, begin researching 6–12 months before your intended start date.

Research applicants should start even earlier if they need an Austrian supervisor.

20. Is grants.at an official Austrian website?

Yes.

grants.at is Austria’s major scholarship and research-grant database. It is an important official starting point for searching funding opportunities.

List of Scholarships in the Netherlands for International Students

Final Conclusion

Austria offers attractive opportunities for international students, but applicants should approach Austrian scholarships with realistic expectations.

There are many scholarships and research grants, but there are comparatively few scholarships that fully finance an entire Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD degree. The official Study in Austria portal makes this clear and recommends using grants.at and checking individual universities for additional funding.

Among the most important opportunities to investigate are:

Ernst Mach Grant – Worldwide
Ernst Mach Grant for Austrian Universities of Applied Sciences
Ernst Mach Grant – ASEA-UNINET
Ernst Mach Follow-Up Grant
Helmut Veith Stipend at TU Wien
ISTA Fully Funded PhD Program
OeAD scholarship programs
University-specific scholarships
grants.at funding opportunities
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s scholarships

For students seeking a fully funded PhD, ISTA is particularly worth investigating because its PhD students are employed and receive competitive salaries and social security coverage.

For eligible female Computer Science students seeking a Master’s, the Helmut Veith Stipend is another strong opportunity, providing €7,000 annually and a tuition-fee waiver.

For international researchers who want a temporary academic stay in Austria, the Ernst Mach Grant remains an important option.

Students should also remember that scholarship deadlines and eligibility requirements can change every year. A scholarship that was available in one academic year may not be available in the next.

The safest approach is to: