The Ernst Mach Grant is a collection of international scholarship and research funding programmes administered by OeAD – Austria’s Agency for Education and Internationalisation on behalf of the Austrian Federal Ministry of Women, Science and Research. The programmes support international students, graduates, postdoctoral researchers, lecturers and young researchers who want to undertake study, research or academic stays in Austria.

Named after the famous Austrian physicist and philosopher Ernst Mach (1838–1916), the programme provides several different funding opportunities depending on the applicant’s academic level, country of origin, field of study and intended period of stay.

The different Ernst Mach Grant programmes include opportunities for researchers from around the world, students from non-European universities, postdoctoral researchers from developing countries, and researchers from selected Southeast Asian countries participating in the ASEA-UNINET network.

Importantly, applicants should carefully identify the specific Ernst Mach Grant programme that matches their circumstances because eligibility requirements, age limits, duration, application deadlines and countries of origin differ between programmes.

What Is the Ernst Mach Grant?

The Ernst Mach Grant programme is designed to enable international students and researchers to come to Austria for academic purposes.

According to the information provided by OeAD, the programme supports:

• Research stays in Austria.
• Study stays in Austria.
• Young researchers from different academic disciplines.
• Students from non-European universities.
• Postdoctoral researchers.
• Lecturers and researchers affiliated with eligible institutions.
• International academic cooperation.

The programme is financed by the Austrian Federal Ministry of Women, Science and Research (BMFWF) and administered by OeAD-GmbH.

The different programme streams make the Ernst Mach Grant a broad international academic funding scheme rather than a single scholarship with identical eligibility requirements for everyone.

Ernst Mach Grant Programmes Available

The OeAD information lists several different programmes under the Ernst Mach Grant framework.

These are:

1. Ernst Mach Grant – Ukraine
2. Ernst Mach Grant – Worldwide
3. Ernst Mach Grant for studying at an Austrian University of Applied Sciences
4. Ernst Mach Follow-Up Grant
5. Ernst Mach Grant – ASEA-UNINET
6. Ernst Mach – ASEA-UNINET Short-term Research Grant

Each programme has its own target group and requirements.

1. Ernst Mach Grant – Ukraine

The Ernst Mach Grant – Ukraine was established as a special response to the consequences of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the resulting displacement of people.

The programme was intended to provide immediate academic and financial support to displaced persons as well as students, graduates and scientists who were already in Austria and had lost financial support because of the war.

However, applicants should note that this special programme has ended.

Programme status

The Ernst Mach Grant – Ukraine special scholarship programme ended on:

30 June 2026

It is therefore not an available opportunity for new applications under the current information provided.

Target group

The programme targeted:

• Students
• Graduates
• PhD students

Country of origin

The programme was specifically for people with:

Ukrainian citizenship

Duration

The programme provided support until:

30 June 2026

Scholarship amount

The scholarship amount was:

715 euros per month

Funding organisation

The programme was administered by:

OeAD-GmbH

on behalf of and financed by the:

Austrian Federal Ministry of Women, Science and Research

Application deadline

The closing date for applications was:

31 March 2026

Because the programme ended on 30 June 2026, applicants should not confuse this former programme with the currently available Ernst Mach Grant programmes.

2. Ernst Mach Grant – Worldwide

The Ernst Mach Grant – Worldwide is one of the most internationally accessible programmes within the Ernst Mach Grant framework.

It is targeted at young researchers from all disciplines and countries, except Austria, who wish to pursue a research project in Austria.

This programme can therefore be particularly relevant to international researchers looking for an opportunity to conduct research in an Austrian academic environment.

Who is the Worldwide Grant for?

The target group is:

Young researchers from all disciplines and countries, except Austria.

This means the programme is not restricted to a particular academic discipline.

Researchers from different fields can potentially apply, provided that they meet the programme’s other requirements.

Duration

The grant supports research stays lasting:

1 to 9 months

This provides flexibility for researchers who require either a relatively short research visit or a longer academic research stay.

Age limit

Applicants must be:

35 years old or younger

according to the information provided.

Application period

The online application period is stated as running:

From September to 1 December

Applicants interested in this programme should therefore pay close attention to the annual application window and ensure that their application is submitted before the stated closing date.

3. Ernst Mach Grant for Studying at an Austrian University of Applied Sciences

Another Ernst Mach Grant programme is specifically designed for students who want to spend part of their studies at an Austrian University of Applied Sciences, known in German as a Fachhochschule.

The programme provides an opportunity for students from non-European universities to spend a semester or two studying at an Austrian University of Applied Sciences.

Who can apply?

The programme targets:

• Undergraduates
• Graduates

from:

Non-European universities

The target institution is an Austrian University of Applied Sciences.

Host institutions

The programme covers:

All Austrian Universities of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschulen)

Applicants should consult the relevant Austrian University of Applied Sciences information to identify institutions and programmes that match their academic interests.

Duration

The study stay can last:

4 to 10 months

This corresponds broadly to a semester or two of study.

Age limit

The maximum age is:

35 years

Application deadline

The online application is available from:

October to 1 February of the following year

Applicants should therefore prepare their documents well in advance of the February deadline.

4. Ernst Mach Follow-Up Grant

The Ernst Mach Follow-Up Grant is a more specialised opportunity.

Unlike the Worldwide Grant, this programme is not open to all international researchers.

It is designed for postdoctoral researchers and lecturers from non-European developing countries who previously received an OeAD-administered scholarship.

The programme is intended to support the applicant’s scientific career and strengthen or deepen cooperation with Austrian higher education institutions and universities.

Who is eligible?

Applicants must be:

• Postdoctoral researchers, or
• Lecturers

from:

Non-European developing countries

They must also be researching and/or teaching at a:

• Higher education institution, or
• University.

A key requirement is that applicants must have previously received a grant administered by OeAD-GmbH.

Previous OeAD scholarship requirement

Applicants must be former OeAD scholarship holders.

Additionally, at the beginning of the new grant period:

At least three years must have passed since the applicant’s last funded research visit to Austria.

This is an important eligibility condition for applicants considering the Follow-Up Grant.

Purpose of the grant

The programme is intended to:

• Support scientific careers.
• Strengthen academic cooperation.
• Deepen collaboration with Austrian higher education institutions.
• Support further research and teaching activities.

Duration

The grant supports stays lasting:

1 to 3 months

Age limit

The maximum age is:

45 years

Application period

Online applications are open:

From September to 1 February of the following year

5. Ernst Mach Grant – ASEA-UNINET

The Ernst Mach Grant – ASEA-UNINET is designed for applicants from selected countries participating in the ASEAN-European Academic University Network (ASEA-UNINET).

The programme supports study and research activities in Austria.

It is open to applicants at different academic levels, including undergraduates, graduates, postgraduates and postdoctoral researchers, depending on the particular category.

Eligible countries

The countries listed for this programme are:

• Malaysia
• Indonesia
• Thailand
• Philippines
• Vietnam

Applicants must carefully check the specific requirements associated with their academic level and the ASEA-UNINET network.

Eligible academic groups

The programme covers several categories.

Undergraduates

Undergraduate students may apply under the relevant programme conditions.

Graduates in artistic fields

Graduates of artistic fields can apply for a study visit specifically in the field of:

Music practice

Postgraduates

Postgraduates undertaking a doctoral or PhD programme at an ASEA-UNINET member university in Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand or Vietnam may be eligible.

The programme also includes postgraduates who want to undertake a doctoral or PhD programme in Austria and fulfil the requirements for admission.

Postdoctoral researchers

Postdocs who are involved in teaching and research at an ASEA-UNINET member university in one of the eligible countries may also qualify.

Age limits

The age limits differ according to the applicant category.

Undergraduates, graduates and postgraduates

Maximum age:

35 years

Postdoctoral researchers

Maximum age:

45 years

The age is considered at the time of application.

Duration

The duration depends on the applicant’s category.

Undergraduates and graduates

9 months

Postdoctoral researchers

4 to 9 months

Postgraduates

Up to:

36 months

The longer duration for postgraduates reflects the possibility of doctoral-level study and research.

Application deadline

The closing date for applications is:

1 March

Applicants should ensure that they review the programme requirements carefully before preparing their submission.

6. Ernst Mach – ASEA-UNINET Short-Term Research Grant

The Ernst Mach – ASEA-UNINET Short-term Research Grant supports short research stays in Austria under the framework of the ASEAN-European Academic University Network (ASEA-UNINET).

The programme is specifically designed for researchers from eligible countries who are postdoctoral researchers or lecturers at ASEA-UNINET member institutions.

Target group

The target group is:

Postdocs

The programme also describes its broader eligible researcher group as postdocs and lecturers at member institutions of ASEA-UNINET.

Eligible countries

The countries listed are:

• Cambodia
• Indonesia
• Laos
• Malaysia
• Myanmar
• Philippines
• Thailand
• Vietnam

This programme therefore covers a broader list of Southeast Asian countries than the main Ernst Mach ASEA-UNINET grant.

Duration

The short-term research stay lasts:

1 to 2 months

This makes the programme suitable for researchers who need a relatively short academic visit to Austria.

Funding organisation

The grant is administered by:

OeAD-GmbH

in cooperation with:

ASEA-UNINET

on behalf of and financed by funds from the:

Austrian Federal Ministry of Women, Science and Research

Application deadline

The application status is listed as:

Ongoing

Applicants should consult the relevant programme information for the current application process and requirements.

Why Consider the Ernst Mach Grant?

The Ernst Mach Grant programmes provide several pathways for international students and researchers to gain academic experience in Austria.

Depending on the specific programme, successful applicants can undertake:

• Research projects.
• Study visits.
• Doctoral studies.
• Postdoctoral research.
• Short-term research stays.
• Academic cooperation.
• Research and teaching activities.

The programmes can therefore be valuable for individuals who want to develop their academic careers while building connections with Austrian higher education institutions and researchers.

Study and Research Opportunities in Austria

Austria provides an academic environment in which international students and researchers can participate in higher education and research activities.

Through the different Ernst Mach Grant programmes, applicants may be able to spend several months in Austria rather than pursuing their entire academic career outside their home country.

The duration varies significantly across programmes, ranging from 1-month research stays to doctoral opportunities lasting up to 36 months, depending on the specific Ernst Mach Grant category.

Applicants should therefore select the programme that most closely corresponds to their academic level and purpose of travel.

Important Application Considerations

Because the Ernst Mach Grant consists of several programmes, applicants should not assume that the requirements of one programme apply to all the others.

Before applying, candidates should carefully check:

1. Their country of citizenship or origin.
2. Their academic level.
3. Their age.
4. Whether they are a current or former OeAD scholarship holder.
5. Whether their institution belongs to the ASEA-UNINET network, where applicable.
6. The proposed duration of their stay.
7. Whether they are applying for study or research.
8. The applicable application deadline.
9. The specific requirements of the Austrian host institution.

This is particularly important because the programmes have different eligibility conditions.

Ernst Mach Grant Application Deadlines

There is no single deadline applicable to every Ernst Mach Grant programme.

The deadlines stated in the provided information are:

Applicants should always check the specific programme rather than relying on the general Ernst Mach Grant name.

Who Qualifies for the Ernst Mach Grants?

The eligible applicant category depends on the specific programme.

Students

Some programmes are available to undergraduate and graduate students, particularly students from non-European universities seeking a study period in Austria.

Young Researchers

The Worldwide programme targets young researchers from all disciplines and countries except Austria, with an age limit of 35.

Postgraduate and PhD Students

Certain ASEA-UNINET programmes support postgraduate students pursuing doctoral-level education or research.

Postdoctoral Researchers

Postdoctoral researchers are eligible under several programmes, including the Follow-Up Grant and ASEA-UNINET opportunities.

Lecturers

Lecturers at eligible higher education institutions may qualify for particular research programmes.

Former OeAD Scholarship Holders

The Follow-Up Grant specifically requires applicants to have previously received an OeAD-administered grant.

APPLY HERE

What Makes the Ernst Mach Grant Different?

One of the major features of the Ernst Mach programme is its variety.

Instead of offering only one type of scholarship, the programme includes multiple pathways for people at different stages of an academic career.

A student may find an opportunity for a study visit, while a young researcher may apply for a research stay. A postdoctoral researcher may qualify for a short-term research grant, while a former OeAD scholarship recipient may pursue a Follow-Up Grant.

This structure makes it important for applicants to identify the correct programme before beginning an application.

Funding and Administration

The information provided states that the programmes are administered by OeAD-GmbH, Austria’s Agency for Education and Internationalisation.

The programmes are financed primarily by the Austrian Federal Ministry of Women, Science and Research.

For some ASEA-UNINET programmes, OeAD works together with ASEA-UNINET.

This institutional structure supports international academic mobility between Austria and partner countries and institutions.

Contact Information

For the Ernst Mach Grant – Worldwide, the contact provided is:

Mag. Christiane Trimmel
Email: mach@oead.at
Telephone: +43 1 53408-458

For the Ernst Mach Grant for Austrian Universities of Applied Sciences, the contact provided is:

Stefanie Hackl, BA
Email: mach-fh@oead.at
Telephone: +43 1 53408-460

For the Ernst Mach Follow-Up Grant, the contact provided is:

Katharina Engel, Coordinator Mobility
Email: katharina.engel@oead.at
Telephone: +43 1 53408-450

For the Ernst Mach Grant – ASEA-UNINET and ASEA-UNINET Short-term Research Grant, the contact provided is:

Mag. Christiane Trimmel
Program Officer Mobility
Email: christiane.trimmel@oead.at
Telephone: +43 1 53408-458

For the former Ernst Mach Grant – Ukraine programme, the provided contact was:

mach-ukraine@oead.at

Visit official website HERE 

Conclusion

The Ernst Mach Grant is a broad collection of Austrian international academic funding programmes supporting students, young researchers, doctoral candidates, postdoctoral researchers and lecturers from eligible countries and institutions.

The programmes provide different opportunities, including research stays, study visits, doctoral study, postdoctoral research and short-term academic exchanges.

However, applicants should carefully distinguish between the different programme categories because the age limits, eligible countries, academic requirements, duration and application deadlines vary considerably.

The Ernst Mach Grant – Worldwide is aimed at young researchers from all countries except Austria and supports research stays of 1 to 9 months for applicants up to 35 years old. The Austrian University of Applied Sciences programme is designed for undergraduates and graduates from non-European universities, while the Follow-Up Grant targets former OeAD scholarship holders from non-European developing countries.

The ASEA-UNINET programmes provide additional opportunities for students, postgraduate researchers, postdoctoral researchers and lecturers from specified Southeast Asian countries.

Prospective applicants should therefore identify the programme that matches their academic background and country of origin, carefully review its specific requirements and submit their application before the relevant deadline.

Official organisation: OeAD – Austria’s Agency for Education and Internationalisation
Programme: Ernst Mach Grant
Main destination: Austria
Application deadlines: Vary by programme, with deadlines including 1 December, 1 February and 1 March; the ASEA-UNINET short-term research grant is listed as ongoing.

Discover more research grant like this on Opportunity for Youth HERE