Austria 2027/28 Scholarships: Ernst Mach Deadline December 1
On September 28, 2026, OeAD released a summary of scholarships for studying in Austria for the 2027/28 academic year. The Ernst Mach Worldwide Study Grant for doctoral candidates and researchers has a deadline of December 1, 2026; the Universities of Applied Sciences program for undergraduate and master's students from non-European countries has a deadline of February 1, 2027. Applications for both can be submitted on grants.at.
The Austrian Agency for International Education and Cooperation (OeAD) released a summary of scholarships for studying in Austria for the 2027/28 academic year on September 28, 2026. The two most relevant programs for Chinese students are: the Ernst Mach Grant – Worldwide, for doctoral students and researchers, with a deadline of December 1, 2026; and the Ernst Mach University of Applied Sciences Grant, for undergraduate and master's students from non-European countries, with a deadline of February 1, 2027. All programs accept online applications through the Austrian scholarships database grants.at.
There are less than two months left until the first deadline. Prospective applicants should start preparing their materials now.
What is the OeAD?
The OeAD is the Austrian agency responsible for international educational exchange. It manages multiple scholarships for studying in Austria and provides official information on university admissions and residence. All scholarship information is centralized in the grants.at database, where applications are also submitted.
It is important to note that most of these programs are short-term visiting or exchange grants, with funding periods ranging from 1 to 10 months. They are not full scholarships covering an entire degree. When planning, you should view them as opportunities to study or conduct research in Austria for a short period.
Overview of the Five Programs for the 2027/28 Academic Year
| Program | Target Audience | Funding Duration | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ernst Mach Grant – Worldwide | Doctoral students, postdoctoral researchers, and other researchers at universities outside Austria; all disciplines | 1 to 9 months, non-extendable | December 1, 2026 |
| Ernst Mach University of Applied Sciences Grant | Undergraduate and master's students from non-European countries | 4 to 10 months of study at an Austrian University of Applied Sciences | February 1, 2027 |
| Ernst Mach Follow-up Grant | Postdoctoral researchers and lecturers from non-European developing countries who have previously received OeAD funding, with at least a 3-year gap since the last grant | As specified on grants.at | February 1, 2027 |
| Ernst Mach ASEA-UNINET Grant | Students and researchers from Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam | Up to 36 months, depending on the category | March 1, 2027 |
| Franz Werfel Scholarship | Young university lecturers teaching German and Austrian literature | 4 to 9 months | March 1, 2027; September 15, 2027 |
The ASEA-UNINET grant is only open to the five Southeast Asian countries mentioned above; China is not on the list. The Franz Werfel Scholarship is intended for university lecturers of German, which is not highly relevant to general international students. Below, we will focus on the first two programs.
Ernst Mach Grant – Worldwide: For Current Doctoral Students and Young Researchers
This program is open to doctoral students, postdoctoral researchers, graduate students, and researchers at universities outside Austria. Applications are accepted from all disciplines. The funding period is 1 to 9 months, and the OeAD explicitly states that extensions are not allowed. The deadline is December 1, 2026.
Ideal for candidates who:
- Are currently enrolled in a doctoral program in China and wish to conduct joint research at an Austrian university or research institution
- Already have connections with Austrian professors or a clear collaborative research topic
- Are young researchers looking to complete a short-term research project in Austria
The OeAD summary article does not list the monthly funding amount, age limits, or a specific checklist of required documents. These details are subject to the program pages on grants.at, so be sure to verify each item carefully before applying.
Ernst Mach University of Applied Sciences Grant: Exchange Opportunities for Undergraduate and Master's Students
This program is open to undergraduate and master's students from non-European countries, providing funding for 4 to 10 months of study at an Austrian University of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschule, or FH). The deadline is February 1, 2027.
Universities of Applied Sciences focus on practical application, with common fields including engineering, information technology, management, and design. This program is ideal for students currently pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree in China who wish to spend one or two semesters on exchange in Austria.
As with the Worldwide grant, the OeAD summary article does not specify the exact funding amount, application requirements, or whether a recommendation from the home institution is needed. Please refer to the program details on grants.at for this information.
Preparation Steps Before Applying
- Find the corresponding program page on grants.at first. The OeAD article provides the grants.at links for each program. Carefully review the eligibility criteria, required documents, and funding standards.
- Confirm your eligibility. Pay close attention to the requirements regarding academic level, discipline, nationality, or home institution. If in doubt, inquire directly through official OeAD channels.
- Check if a host is required. If the program requires an acceptance letter from an Austrian supervisor or institution, contact them as early as possible, following the instructions on the program page.
- Prepare language and academic documents. The specific documents required are listed on the program page. For programs taught or conducted in English, it is recommended to take the IELTS or other required tests well in advance.
- Work backward from the deadline and submit early. The Worldwide grant deadline is December 1, so starting now leaves little time. Do not wait until the last few days to submit your application online.
- Apply for a visa or residence permit after approval. According to the OeAD, a Type D visa allows a stay of 91 days to 6 months. For longer study stays, check whether a student residence permit is required. There are specific requirements for finances, insurance, and accommodation; please refer to the official website for details.
A Few Reminders
- As of October 4, 2026, the above information is sourced from the OeAD summary article published on September 28. Program details are subject to change; please refer to grants.at and the official OeAD website for the latest updates.
- This article does not mention the funding amounts because we have not seen the specific figures for the 2027/28 academic year on any verifiable official pages, not because there is no funding.
- Scholarship outcomes are uncertain. When applying, it is best to plan alternative university application options simultaneously and not put all your hopes on a single scholarship.
Need Help?
If you are considering an exchange or research opportunity in Austria and want to integrate your scholarship applications, language tests, and subsequent residence plans into a single timeline, check out our university planning services. Students who need English proficiency scores can also explore our IELTS preparation courses, or directly book a consultation with an admissions counselor.