In 2026, Austria will still be known as a top place for high-level research and specialised vocational training. OeAD (Austrian Agency for Education and Internationalisation) is the main source of most international funding. For the 2026/2027 school year, most scholarships will be for Research Grants, STEM, and Tourism Management.
1. Ernst Mach Grant (around the world)
This award is the best scholarship for international students and researchers who want to do short-term study or research stays in Austria.
- The Award: A monthly stipend of about €1,150 for graduates and PhD students and €1,250 for postdocs.
- Health insurance, help with housing, and travel cost subsidies (up to €1,200 for students from outside Europe) are some of the benefits.
- 2026/2027 Time frame:
- Deadline for applications: February 1, 2026 (for the 2026/2027 cycle).
- Portals for 2027 usually open in October 2026, which is the next cycle.
- Target audience: students and young researchers from all fields of study, except for those from Austria, for a period of 1 to 9 months.
2. ADC: Austrian Development Scholarships
This programme is specifically designed for students from developing countries (ADC priority countries) to obtain special diplomas.
- The Prize: Fully Funded.
- Benefits: full tuition, housing, health insurance, a monthly allowance, and plane tickets.
- Priority Fields: Hospitality Management and Tourism Management at ITH Salzburg.
- 2026/2027 Status:
- Deadline: The last day to apply for the 2026 intake was January 6, 2026.
- Applications for the 2027 intake usually open in September 2026.
3. Research Fellowships with a Focus
Austria gives out “Excellence” awards in certain fields of study.
Fellowship for Richard Plaschka
- Target: Young university teachers who teach historical sciences, with a focus on Austrian history.
- The prize is €1,150 per month, with assistance provided for 4 years. The deadlines for 2026 are March 1, 2026, and September 15, 2026. the deadlines for 2026.
Fellowship in Franz Werfel
- Target: Young people who teach German language and Austrian literature at the university level.
- The prize is €1,150 a month, plus access to libraries and research centers.
- The deadlines for 2026 are March 1, 2026, and September 15, 2026.
4. Scholarships for Master’s Degrees in International Relations
The Scholarship Foundation of the Republic of Austria gives this award to students who get into the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna.
- The Prize: A monthly payment of €1,050 for up to ten months.
- You must be a citizen of a country other than Austria and be less than 35 years old.
- 2026 Deadline: The date is usually the same as the academy’s admission deadline in March 2026.
5. How to Get Around the German Requirement in 2026
German is the official language, but English speakers can easily get around in Austria:
- Master’s and PhD programmes taught in English: Most of the research-intensive programmes, especially those at TU Wien, the University of Vienna, and Skoltech-partnered tracks, are 100% in English.
- The “Ernst Mach” Waiver: If your research supervisor in Austria says that English is the main language used in the lab or department, you don’t have to take a German test (ÖSD/Goethe) to get the grant.
- MOI Letter: If you went to a university where classes were taught in English, an official Medium of Instruction letter from that school is usually enough for most English-taught Master’s programmes.
6. Important Timeline for 2026 and 2027
- The last day to apply for the Austrian Development Scholarships (Tourism) is January 6, 2026.
- February 1, 2026, is the last day to apply for the Ernst Mach Grant.
- The deadline for the Richard Plaschka and Franz Werfel fellowships is March 1, 2026.
- A second application window for specialised research grants (Werfel/Plaschka) opens on September 15, 2026.
- The OeAD portal opens for applications for the 2027/2028 school year in October 2026.
Final Thoughts
The Ernst Mach Grant is the best way for international students to do research because it is the most flexible. The ADC Scholarships are the best “full ride” for tourism professionals. If you are a high-level academic in the humanities, you should apply for the Werfel or Plaschka fellowships. The most important thing for your success is to get a letter of acceptance from an Austrian host professor. Make sure your application focuses on these requirements/awards.
