The University of Vienna (Universität Wien) is one of Europe’s oldest and most reputable public universities—but many students are surprised to learn that the university itself offers very limited International scholarships for incoming international students.
Funding Options, Government Scholarships & My Personal Experience Researching Study in Austria
When I first started researching study opportunities in Austria, I noticed a lot of confusion online about “fully funded scholarships at the University of Vienna.” After digging through the International Office, OeAD databases, and speaking with students on exchange programs, I realized the truth:
👉 Most University of Vienna scholarships are designed for outgoing students (Univie students going abroad), not incoming international applicants.
👉 International students mainly rely on Austrian government scholarships, EU/Erasmus+ funding, or external foundations.
Also, you can apply for, Orange Tulip Scholarship (OTS) – International Scholarship in the Netherlands
Below is the complete, student-friendly guide with everything you need to know.
Does the University of Vienna Offer Scholarships for International Students?
Short answer: Very few—and none are fully funded for full degree programs. The university prioritizes its own students who go abroad. These are usually mobility grants, not full scholarships.
Outgoing Univie Scholarships (For Exchange Abroad)
Students nominated for non-EU exchange programs may receive:
| Funding Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Grant | €250–€550 | Based on ranking & destination |
| Travel Grant | €200–€600 | One-time payment |
| Not Covered | Insurance, Visa, All living costs | Must be paid by student |
These funding schemes help Univie students travel abroad, not international students coming to Vienna.
Scholarships for Incoming International Students
During my research, I found that incoming students rarely receive scholarships directly from the University of Vienna. Instead, they can access:
Tuition Fee Waivers (Univie Short Programs)
For univie: summer and winter schools, some students may receive:
- Tuition waivers
- Discounts for partner universities
- Priority for degree-seeking students
- Support for students already receiving Austrian federal aid
These programs do not include full scholarships for bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD degrees.
External Funding Options (Most Important for International Students)
This is where you find real opportunities.
OeAD Government Scholarships (Austrian Agency for Education & Internationalisation)
OeAD runs the official Austrian government scholarship programs, which many international students use.
Popular options include:
- Ernst Mach Grant
- Franz Werfel Grant
- Richard Plaschka Fellowship
- OeAD Short-Term Grants for Research
These may cover:
✔ Monthly stipend
✔ Travel allowance
✔ Health insurance
✔ Accommodation support (sometimes)
But they usually do not cover 100% tuition for degree programs.
Erasmus+ Mobility Grants
If you’re from an EU/EEA or partner institution, Erasmus+ can support:
- Semester exchanges
- Joint programs
- Research stays
Funding includes:
- Monthly stipend
- Travel support
- Waived tuition fees at the host university (including Univie)
Third-Party Scholarships (Not University of Vienna)
These appear often in scholarship portals but are not specific to the University of Vienna.
Examples:
- Vienna BioCenter PhD & Postdoc Fellowships
- TU Wien Scholarships
- Private foundations & research institutes (e.g., ÖFG, Rotary, DAAD for German students)
These are good options, but they are based in Austria, not Univie itself.
Funding for Austrian Federal Aid Recipients
If you receive Studienbeihilfe (Austrian federal study grant), you can apply for:
Auslandsbeihilfe (Study Abroad Support)
This provides extra monthly financial help for studying abroad, but again:
👉 Only for Austrian residents or eligible EU students, not international newcomers.
Application Tips (Based on My Research Experience)
During my own application planning, here are tips I wish I knew earlier:
Start with OeAD — not Univie
Most real scholarships for international students come from:
- OeAD Grant Database
- Grants.at Search Tool (Austrian official scholarship search)
Check Univie International Office Deadlines
Exchange nomination dates usually fall around:
- March
- October
But note:
👉 Since 2022/23, some exchange spots no longer include scholarships, so funding is not guaranteed.
Apply early if you are non-EU
Funding is more limited for:
- Students from Asia
- African countries
- Latin America
- Non-EU Eastern Europe
Start 6–12 months early.
Always combine multiple funding sources
Because no single scholarship covers all:
- Tuition
- Visa fees
- Health insurance
- Accommodation
- Travel costs
Most students mix:
- OeAD grants
- Erasmus+
- Private foundations
- Part-time work (allowed with restrictions)
Here is another big opportunity, Stanford University Scholarships for International Students – Fully Funded USA Grants
FAQs
Does the University of Vienna offer fully funded scholarships for international students?
No. The University of Vienna does not offer fully funded scholarships for incoming international students. Most funding options directly from the university are designed for Univie students going abroad. International students should apply through OeAD government scholarships, Erasmus+, or external funding sources.
How can international students get financial support to study at the University of Vienna?
International students typically use Austrian government programs (OeAD), Erasmus+ mobility grants, and private scholarship foundations. Tuition waivers may be available for univie: summer or winter schools, but full degree programs rely heavily on external funding.
Are there tuition-free degree programs at the University of Vienna?
The University of Vienna is a public university, so EU/EEA students pay little to no tuition, except a small administration fee. Non-EU international students pay standard tuition, and the university does not waive full tuition for degree programs. Scholarships for fee coverage must be sought from OeAD or external organizations.
What is the best scholarship for international students applying to study in Austria?
The best and most widely recognized funding options for international students include:
- OeAD – Ernst Mach Grant
- Franz Werfel Scholarship
- Richard Plaschka Fellowship
- Erasmus+ Mobility Grants
These programs offer monthly stipends, travel assistance, and partial cost coverage depending on your academic level and nationality.
When should I apply for scholarships to study at the University of Vienna?
For most Austrian scholarship programs, you should apply 6–12 months before your intended start date. Univie exchange deadlines are usually March or October, while OeAD deadlines vary by program. Early preparation is recommended, especially for non-EU students, because funding is limited and highly competitive.