Target Group

If academic work abroad (e.g. laboratory work, field studies, research in archives, libraries, academic collections, etc.) is necessary within the scope of your diploma/master’s thesis or dissertation, you can apply for a short-term grant abroad (KWA).

Requirements for application: 

  • Degree students of all disciplines at the University of Vienna, max. 4 years after starting a Master's programme / max. 4 years after starting a doctoral programme (the age limit is extended by two years per child)
  • who have been admitted to a diploma/master’s/doctoral or PhD programme
  • The subject of the diploma/ master’s/doctoral thesis has already been approved by the administrative body responsible for study matters (“Studienpräses”) or by the directorate of studies 
  • Successful presentation of the doctoral thesis project at the faculty (only applies to PhD students)

 

Restrictions

  • A grant through the KWA programme is not possible if similar funding for a visit abroad is available to you in connection with your appointment as a PhD student or if you have already received funding or a grant for the same research visit abroad from another body of the University of Vienna.
  • Double funding within the  University of Vienna is not permitted as a matter of principle (this also applys to travel grants)!
  • KWA grants will not be awarded for study visits (e.g., seminars/lectures/courses or summer/winter schools) or for study visits, staff mobilities and internships that can be undertaken through the ERASMUS+ mobility programme.
  •  Visits to conferences or congresses will not be funded.
  • The International Office reserves the right to block grants, at short notice if necessary, for regions which are deemed high-risk (level 3 or higher). This may occur even after the deadline for application has passed.

Duration

  • 2 week minimum; 3 months max.
  • Grants can be awarded for one stay during the MA course and one stay during the PhD course
  • Research visits can, of course, be extended at the applicant’s own expense. The applicant is free to make use of any other financial assistance that may be available to him/her. PLEASE NOTE: Parallel funding by the University of Vienna is not permitted! 

Criteria for selection

  • Necessity of a stay abroad in view of the degree course taken at the University of Vienna. PLEASE NOTE: A grant is not available while studying for a bachelor’s degree!
  • Nature and aims of the proposed research visit abroad (detailed research proposal and timetable)
  • Proof of the practicability of the planned activities abroad and preliminary work performed (see the relevant item under Application Documents)
  • Very good academic achievements to date (duration and grades)
  • Scientific qualification of the candidates

In cases where there are several equally qualified applicants, applications for participation in already existing research collaborations or existing collaboration between the supervising persons/departments will be given preferential treatment.