Mobility Fellowships
The University of Vienna Mobility Fellowships support short research stays abroad (2–8 weeks) for University of Vienna faculty, to foster institutional links, advance joint research projects and develop grant proposals with partner universities. The funding is intended for travel and accommodation costs.
Eligible staff (Professors, Associate/Assistant Professors, and third‑party funded Senior Scientists with a permanent position) can visit selected partner universities worldwide, including the Strategic Partner Universities. Calls open twice yearly.
Aims of the programme
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Expanding research networks
Intensifying networks of researchers of the University of Vienna with their respective colleagues at selected host universities, including its Strategic Partner Universities
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Strengthening institutional partnerships
Fostering long-term institutional links and collaboration between the University of Vienna and its partner universities.
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Promoting joint research
Support for joint research projects and acquisition of international research grants with the host universities listed below
The call is open for research stays at the following universities
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The University of Chicago
Strategic Partner
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Fudan University
Strategic Partner
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The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Strategic Partner
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King’s College London
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Kyoto University
Strategic Partner
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The University of Queensland
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Seoul National University
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Stanford University
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University of Toronto
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Yonsei University
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University of Zurich
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Key Facts
- Length of stay: Mobility fellowships are awarded for stays of at least two weeks (14 days) and a maximum length of stay of eight weeks (56 days).
- Funding: The grant is intended to cover travel expenses and accommodation and needs to be used within 18 months of being awarded.
Target-groups: Full Professors, Associate Professors, Assistant Professors, Senior Scientists third-party-funded (permanent position)
Please note: (Senior) Lecturers, non-tenured Postdocs, PhD Students and Senior Scientists who do not fall into the category mentioned above are not eligible to apply for Mobility Fellowships.
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Preconditions
- Existing personal contacts with scientists at the respective host university/Strategic Partner University
- Concrete plans for a joint research project with at least one colleague at the respective university
- Invitation by at least one colleague from the respective university
- Employment at the University of Vienna in one of the above-mentioned staff groups (until at least six months after the end of your research stay)
- The leave needs to be approved by the head of department/dean
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Application deadlines
Calls for applications are opened twice a year, in mid-February and mid-September.
Each call remains open for approximately eight weeks.
Next call
Opens: 9 September 2026
Application deadline: 4 November 2026
Following call
Opens: 10 February 2027
Application deadline: 7 April 2027
Application
The application is an online process. To start the application, click on the following link:
- During the application process a concise yet informative description of the planned visit, covering the following points needs to be uploaded (as a PDF):
- An outline of the planned joint research activity or activities during your visit (including a timeline). An explanation of why your presence at the partner university is necessary for carrying out these activities. (This section should not exceed 3 pages)
- A brief discussion of the collaboration partner(s) and their contribution to the above-mentioned research activity. A brief description of previous contact with this person or these persons. (max. 1 page)
- A brief outline of the expected results and outputs of this joint research activity, in particular joint publications or project proposals. Relevance of this activity or these activities to research at the University of Vienna. (max. 2 pages)
- Discussion of the added value of the visit for your own academic career. Where applicable, discussion of the institutional added value of the visit (e.g. for the institute, research group) (max. 1 page)
In addition, the following 3 documents need to be submitted as separate PDFs:
- An academic CV
- At least one letter of recommendation or invitation issued by a researcher in the relevant subject area at the host university. The recommending person must hold at least the rank of Assistant Professor.
- Application of Leave of Absence (PA/F7) signed by Head of Sub-Unit and Head of Organizational Unit
Please be aware that applications for mobilities for ongoing or already completed research stays are not eligible.
Selection process
Selection criteria
After assessing the eligibility of the application, grants will be awarded to the most suitable applicants based on the following criteria:
- Originality, relevance and feasibility of the proposed research activity
- Added value for the applicant
- Outcomes and outputs of the planned research activity, including the establishment and expansion of institutional ties with the host university
- Academic track record according to discipline, career level and qualification
- Assessment of the academic profile of the collaboration partner(s) at the host university
Selection of beneficiaries
The final selection will be made by the Vice-Rector for Research and International Affairs approximately 6–8 weeks after the deadline for application. All applicants will receive a notification by e-mail within two weeks after the final decision has been made.
Successful applicants will receive email notifications with information on the required steps in HRFI and the financial procedures.
Funding Overview & Financial Procedures
What is funded: travel and accommodation, necessary insurance cover, visa fees where applicable, necessary medical measures (in particular vaccinations), and – in justified cases – consumables/equipment required for the research activities. For the latter, please contact the International Office in advance to confirm eligibility.
Not funded: food or other daily living expenses are not eligible under any circumstances.
Internal regulations apply: University of Vienna travel rules apply to all eligible costs (e.g., economy class for all flights).
Grant amount: the grant amount depends on the destination and the length of stay. No cost plan is required with the application.
The table below provides indicative amounts to give you an idea of what to expect (or: to help you estimate the level of financial support you can expect.). Amounts for other lengths of stay will be adjusted accordingly.
| Destination | 14 days | 30 days | 56 days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bay Area / Stanford University | 2.400 € | 4.000 € | 6.000 € |
| Brisbane / The University of Queensland | 3.100 € | 4.500 € | 6.000 € |
| Chicago / The University of Chicago | 2.200 € | 3.700 € | 5.500 € |
| Jerusalem / The Hebrew University of Jerusalem | 1.650 € | 3.000 € | 4.500 € |
| Kyoto / Kyoto University | 2.100 € | 3.200 € | 4.300 € |
| London / King's College London | 1.750 € | 3.300 € | 5.000 € |
| Seoul / Seoul National University, Yonsei University | 2.000 € | 3.000 € | 4.000 € |
| Shanghai / Fudan University | 1.700 € | 2.800 € | 3.900 € |
| Toronto / University of Toronto | 2.200 € | 3.700 € | 5.500 € |
| Zürich / University of Zurich | 1.750 € | 3.300 € | 5.000 € |
Rolling expense claims: Upon award, a specific grant amount is approved and paid to the designated University cost center before the trip (e.g., “Institutssammler”). From that point on, you may submit expense claims with receipts via the University’s Belegrefundierung process (“reimbursement of expenses on production of receipts”) on a rolling basis as costs arise.
Cap: The approved grant amount represents the maximum subsidy provided by the IO. If the costs are higher, the difference needs to be covered by other funds or sources. Should the costs incurred be lower than the granted amount, any unspent funds must be returned to the International Office upon completion of the mobility.
For any uncertainties regarding grant amounts, eligibility of costs, and financial processing, feel free to contact mobility.fellowships(at)univie.ac.at.
Funding period: The grant must be used within 18 months of being awarded.
Any questions?
mobility.fellowships(at)univie.ac.at
+43 1-4277-17309
Personal consultations are available by appointment.
