Students aiming to conduct impactful research between Austria and the United States can now prepare for the Marshall Plan Scholarships 2026–2027 funded by the Austrian Marshall Plan Foundation. Designed to strengthen academic collaboration and research mobility, this prestigious program supports outstanding students in technical, natural, and economic fields to undertake funded research stays of at least three months between partner universities in Austria and the USA.
Since its launch in 2008, the program has awarded more than 1,300 scholarships, enabling students to work with leading faculty, access world-class laboratories, and publish research outcomes while building long-term academic networks across both countries. With flexible funding based on research duration and additional bonuses for graduate students, this scholarship continues to be one of the most valuable research exchange funding opportunities between Austria and the United States.
Benefits of the Marshall Plan Scholarships
This research-focused exchange funding supports academic mobility and collaborative research outcomes between Austria and the USA.
- Funding between €4,000 and €10,000 based on duration of research stay
- €4,000 for 3-month research stay (90 days)
- €5,000 for 4-month research stay (120 days)
- €6,000 for 5-month research stay (150 days)
- Additional €1,500 bonus for stays of 6.5 months (195 days) or longer
- Additional €1,500 bonus for Master’s degree students
- Additional €2,500 bonus for PhD students
- Funding released in two installments during the research stay
- Opportunity to conduct research at any accredited host university in the USA or Austria with secured supervision
- Access to global academic networks, research infrastructure, and international collaboration
- Research paper publication on the Foundation’s platform after completion
Eligibility Required to Apply
This scholarship supports academically outstanding students engaged in research exchange between Austria and the USA.
- Must be enrolled at a U.S. university or an Austrian partner university
- Must be studying in technical, natural sciences, or economic-related fields
- Must demonstrate outstanding academic performance in their field
- Must secure academic supervision from both home and host universities
- Must plan a research stay of at least 3 months (minimum 90 days mandatory)
- Must comply with any additional requirements set by home university international offices
- Must submit a detailed research proposal and motivation letter
- Must be willing to submit final research paper and field report after research stay
How Can You Apply?
If you are planning a funded research exchange between Austria and the USA, follow this simplified application roadmap:
Step 1: Identify a host university and research supervisor
Start by selecting a host university in Austria or the USA and contacting a faculty member who can supervise your research project.
Step 2: Secure academic supervision: https://www.marshallplan.at/overview-scholarships
Obtain confirmation from supervisors at both your home and host universities who will support your research work.
Step 3: Prepare research and application documents
Develop a research proposal (1,500–2,500 words), motivation letter, CV, and optional recommendation letters. Ensure your research plan clearly outlines goals, methodology, and expected outcomes.
Step 4: Submit documents to your university international office
All completed application materials must be submitted to the international office of your Austrian partner or host university, which will forward the application to the Austrian Marshall Plan Foundation.
Step 5: Expert evaluation and selection
Applications are evaluated by academic experts based on research quality, academic merit, and relevance. Successful candidates will receive funding confirmation and can begin their research stay according to approved timelines.
Application Deadline
The application window for the Marshall Plan Scholarships opens from March 2, 2026 to April 30, 2026 for research stays starting on or after August 3, 2026. A second call will open from September 1, 2026 to October 30, 2026 for research stays beginning on or after January 4, 2027.