Fully Funded Scholarships in Austria for International Students 2026
Introduction
Austria, a country renowned for its breathtaking alpine landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and world-class education system, is steadily becoming one of the most sought-after destinations for international students. Fully Funded Scholarships in Austria for International Students, With its central European location, Austria not only provides an outstanding academic environment but also offers access to diverse cultures and professional opportunities across Europe. PhD Scholarships in Austria for International Students
For many aspiring international students, however, financing higher education abroad can be challenging. This is where fully funded scholarships in Austria for international students 2026 play a crucial role. These scholarships are designed to ease financial burdens, cover tuition fees, accommodation, health insurance, and in some cases even provide monthly stipends.
In this article, we will explore in detail the different types of scholarships available in Austria, their eligibility criteria, benefits, challenges, application process, and everything you need to know to successfully secure one. Whether you are pursuing undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctoral studies, Austria has numerous fully funded opportunities waiting for ambitious learners from around the world.
Why Choose Austria for Higher Education as an International Student
Austria is home to some of Europe’s most prestigious universities and research institutions. With a long academic tradition and global recognition in fields such as music, engineering, science, and humanities, Austria attracts thousands of international students annually. Undergraduate Scholarships in Germany for International Students
Some compelling reasons to study in Austria include:
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Affordable and high-quality education – Austrian universities are ranked globally and offer cutting-edge facilities while maintaining relatively low tuition costs compared to countries like the UK or the US.
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Cultural richness – Studying in Austria gives students exposure to Europe’s cultural heart, with Vienna often ranked among the most liveable cities in the world.
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Strong international networks – Many Austrian universities collaborate with institutions across Europe, the US, and Asia, opening doors to global research and career opportunities.
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Scholarship support – Through organizations like OeAD (Austria’s Agency for Education and Internationalisation) and government initiatives, Austria provides multiple fully funded scholarship programs specifically targeting international students.
By choosing Austria, students gain not only academic excellence but also a unique cultural and professional experience that positions them for global careers.
Fully Funded Scholarships in Austria for International Students 2026 – Overview
The Austrian government and universities are committed to promoting internationalization in higher education. To achieve this, they provide numerous fully funded scholarships in Austria for international students 2026, covering a wide range of disciplines.
These scholarships are designed to:
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Cover full tuition fees
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Provide living stipends (often between €1,000 – €1,200 per month)
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Offer health insurance coverage
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Support accommodation costs
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Sometimes include travel grants
Types of scholarships available include: Scholarships in Norway for African Students
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Austrian Government Scholarships – provided through OeAD for undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral students.
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University-specific Scholarships – offered by universities such as the University of Vienna, TU Wien, and University of Graz.
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Research and Exchange Scholarships – short-term and long-term programs for students conducting research or exchanges in Austria.
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EU and Erasmus+ Programs – scholarships for students from EU and partner countries to study in Austria.
With these opportunities, Austria ensures that talented students from across the globe can study without financial strain.
Top Austrian Universities Offering Scholarships for International Students
Several Austrian universities provide fully funded or partially funded scholarships for outstanding international students. Below are some leading institutions:
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University of Vienna – Austria’s oldest and largest university, offering multiple scholarships for international students, especially in humanities and sciences.
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Vienna University of Technology (TU Wien) – renowned for engineering and technology programs, TU Wien provides scholarships for both EU and non-EU students. PhD Scholarships in Switzerland for International Students
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University of Graz – one of Austria’s most international universities, offering scholarships and research grants for global scholars.
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Johannes Kepler University Linz (JKU) – known for business, law, and social sciences, JKU awards scholarships to international students with outstanding academic records.
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University of Salzburg – provides scholarships for both undergraduate and postgraduate students, especially in arts, humanities, and natural sciences.
Entry-Level Scholarships for Undergraduate and Postgraduate Students in Austria
International students looking to begin their academic journey in Austria can access a variety of entry-level scholarships. These scholarships make it possible to start undergraduate or postgraduate studies without worrying about initial costs.
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Austrian Government OeAD Scholarships
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Open to undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral students.
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Covers tuition, accommodation, insurance, and a monthly stipend.
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Highly competitive but widely recognized. Canada Nanny Visa Sponsorship Jobs for Foreigners
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Ernst Mach Grant
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Specifically designed for non-European students.
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Provides funding for both undergraduate exchanges and postgraduate research.
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Erasmus+ Scholarships
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Available for students from EU and partner countries.
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Supports short-term exchanges, degree programs, and internships.
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University-Specific Scholarships
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Universities like TU Wien and University of Vienna provide merit-based scholarships for freshmen with excellent academic backgrounds.
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These entry-level scholarships are vital because they provide a pathway into Austrian higher education for students who otherwise may not afford the costs.
Top 10 High-Demand Courses Covered by Austrian Scholarships
When applying for scholarships in Austria, it’s useful to focus on fields that attract strong funding. Here are 10 high-demand courses most commonly covered by fully funded scholarships in Austria:
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Engineering and Technology (Mechanical, Civil, Computer Science)
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Medicine and Health Sciences
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Environmental Studies and Sustainability
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Business Administration and Management Software Engineer Jobs in Japan with Visa Sponsorship
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International Relations and Political Science
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Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
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Law and Human Rights Studies
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Music, Performing Arts, and Fine Arts (Austria is world-famous for this)
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Economics and Finance
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Tourism, Hospitality, and Cultural Management
These fields align with Austria’s economic, cultural, and research priorities, ensuring both academic relevance and career opportunities.
Benefits of Fully Funded Scholarships in Austria for International Students
Studying in Austria on a fully funded scholarship comes with multiple advantages:
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Financial relief – No tuition fees or living costs.
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High-quality education – Access to top professors, research centers, and facilities. Canada Visa Sponsorship Jobs for foreigners
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Networking opportunities – Scholarships often connect students with industry partners, NGOs, and international bodies.
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Post-study opportunities – Austria allows international students to stay back for work after graduation.
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Cultural immersion – Living in Austria provides a balance of study, work, and cultural exploration.
Challenges International Students Face When Applying for Austrian Scholarships
While Austria provides abundant opportunities, international students may face some challenges such as:
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High competition – Fully funded scholarships are extremely competitive.
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Language requirements – Many programs require German proficiency, although English-taught programs are growing. Cybersecurity Jobs in Australia with Visa Sponsorship
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Complex documentation – Applications often require certified translations, notarized documents, and early preparation.
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Visa process delays – Students must factor in visa processing time.
Being aware of these challenges helps students prepare better and increase their chances of success.
Living in Austria: Minimum Wage, Cost of Living, and Part-Time Work Opportunities
International students in Austria are allowed to work part-time while studying. This can help cover extra costs not covered by scholarships.
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Minimum wage: Although Austria does not have a national minimum wage, collective agreements ensure most jobs pay €1,500 – €1,600 per month full-time. Engineering Jobs in Netherlands with Visa Sponsorship
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Part-time jobs: Students can work up to 20 hours per week during semesters.
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Cost of living: On average, students spend €900 – €1,100 per month on living costs (rent, food, transport, etc.).
Many international students find part-time jobs in hospitality, tourism, tutoring, or internships.
Application Requirements and Required Documents for Austrian Scholarships
When applying for fully funded scholarships in Austria, international students generally need:
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Completed application form
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Valid passport
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Academic transcripts and certificates (translated if necessary)
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Motivation letter or statement of purpose Jobs in Finland with Visa Sponsorship for Foreigners
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Letters of recommendation
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Language proficiency test results (German or English depending on program)
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Research proposal (for postgraduate/PhD students)
Early preparation and attention to detail are key to a successful application.
Websites and Platforms to Find Fully Funded Scholarships in Austria
Some reliable websites to explore scholarships include:
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OeAD Official Website – www.oead.at
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Scholarship Portal Europe – www.scholarshipportal.com
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University websites – Each Austrian university lists its scholarships and deadlines.
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Erasmus+ Program Portal – for EU-funded opportunities.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for Fully Funded Scholarships in Austria
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Identify your program and university – Choose your course of study.
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Search for scholarships – Check OeAD, university websites, and other portals.
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Prepare documents early – Translate, notarize, and collect all required documents.
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Write a strong motivation letter – Tailor it to the scholarship’s goals. Aged Care Jobs with Visa Sponsorship in Australia
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Apply online – Most Austrian scholarships use online application portals.
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Follow deadlines strictly – Many close months in advance.
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Prepare for interviews (if applicable) – Some scholarships require virtual or in-person interviews.
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Apply for student visa – Once accepted, begin the visa application immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Austrian Scholarships for International Students
1. Can international students study in Austria for free?
Yes, many fully funded scholarships cover all tuition and living costs.
2. Do I need to speak German to study in Austria?
Not always. Many programs are in English, especially at the master’s and PhD levels. Undergraduate Scholarships in Germany for International Students
3. Are Austrian scholarships open to African and Asian students?
Yes, Austria specifically targets non-EU students through scholarships like the Ernst Mach Grant.
4. Is Austria expensive for students?
Living costs are moderate compared to other Western European countries, and scholarships cover most expenses.
Conclusion: Opportunities for International Students in Austria
Austria has proven itself as an excellent study destination for international students, combining academic excellence with cultural richness and affordable living. With numerous fully funded scholarships in Austria for international students 2026, the country ensures that talented learners worldwide have the chance to pursue their dreams without financial obstacles. Scholarships in France for International Students
By preparing early, understanding requirements, and applying strategically, international students can take advantage of these golden opportunities and build a brighter future in one of Europe’s most dynamic educational landscapes.