If your research dives into history, archives, or Austria-related humanities topics, this is a rare academic window opening for 2026. The Richard Plaschka Fellowship, funded by the Republic of Austria, invites outstanding PhD candidates, postdoctoral scholars, and researchers from around the world to conduct long-term, fully supported research stays in Austria. Designed for early-career academics, this fellowship is not just funding—it’s an entry point into Austria’s top universities, libraries, and research networks.
What This Fellowship Supports You With?
This fellowship is structured to help scholars focus on research while building long-term academic links with Austria.
- Monthly grant of €2,500 paid throughout the fellowship period
- Research stay in Austria for 4 to 12 months, with the possibility to extend up to 18 months after positive evaluation
- Support in arranging accommodation through OeAD student housing (dormitories or apartments)
- Assistance with health insurance arrangements accepted by Austrian authorities
- Travel cost subsidy up to €1,200 for applicants from eligible non-European developing countries
- Opportunity to work as a visiting researcher at Austrian universities, archives, libraries, or research institutes.
Note: This is a supplementary grant, meaning applicants must plan some personal funds, especially for accommodation and insurance costs.
Who Austria Is Looking For?
This fellowship is aimed at scholars at an early but serious stage of their academic career who can contribute to Austria-focused humanities research.
- PhD candidates (Praedocs), PhD holders, and Postdoctoral researchers
- Researchers in History, Archaeology, and related Humanities disciplines
- Applicants from all countries except Austria
- Scholars primarily working on Austria-related research topics
- Candidates with demonstrated teaching activity, academic employment, or publications
- Applicants who have not lived, studied, or conducted research in Austria in the six months before starting the fellowship
- Applicants who secure prior academic supervision consent from an Austrian host institution.
Applicants without university employment or teaching experience are encouraged to consider alternative Austrian funding programs instead.
How to Apply?
Applications are submitted online via Austria’s official scholarship portal https://grants.at/en/. Before applying, candidates must first establish contact with an Austrian research institution.
- Secure written consent from a habilitated academic supervisor at an Austrian university or research institute
- Prepare required documents, including recommendation letters, research synopsis, academic certificates, and proof of employment or PhD enrollment
- Submit the complete online application through www.scholarships.at
- Shortlisted candidates may be invited for in-person interviews in Vienna as part of the final selection process
Early preparation is essential due to the academic coordination involved.
Application Deadline You Must Not Miss!
The Richard Plaschka Fellowship 2026 follows a strict application timeline.
The primary closing date to apply is 01 March 2026, while a second application window closes on 15 September 2026, depending on the planned start of your research stay. Late or incomplete applications are not considered, and competition is highly selective.