Ernst Mach Grant for studying at an Austrian University of Applied Sciences

The Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research of the Republic of Austria provides scholarships to students, candidates and scientists from all over the world.

One of the Ministry's stipenial programs is the Ernst Mach Grant to study at the Austrian University of Applied Sciences, which offers short-term study at one of the universities of applied sciences in Austria as part of academic mobility.

Who can apply for a grant?

Kyrgyz citizens studying at the undergraduate and post-graduate levels at the country's universities in the following areas:

Type of grant:

Financing organization:

Republic of Austria, Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research (BMBF);

Awarding organization:

OeAD-GmbH – Austrian Agency for Education and Internationalization; Mobility programs, bilateral and multilateral Cooperation (MPC)

Duration: from 4 to 10 months

Grant benefits paid: (additional grant support own funds are required)

1) The monthly grant rate is 1150 euros
2) Assistance in arranging accommodation and medical insurance

a) OeAD fellows can book accommodation (dormitory or apartment) in the OeAD Student Dormitory. Monthly expenses are:

· monthly rent: approximately 250 to 600 euros (depending on amenities)
· monthly administrative fee: currently 21 euros

b) OeAD fellows must have health insurance accepted by the Austrian authorities for the duration of their stay in Austria. OeAD can help with the registration of such insurance. Monthly expenses may vary, at the moment you have to calculate from 55 to 200 euros (depending on your age, scholarship category and health status).
The fellows must pay their own living expenses and insurance.
c) Applicants from non-EU/EEA countries who are planning a research stay of more than 6 months: If your monthly living expenses in Austria exceed 300 euros, you may need to provide proof of the availability of additional funds to the Austrian residence authority when applying for a residence permit. This figure may vary depending on your individual health insurance costs and other obligations.

3) Grant holders do not have to pay for studying in Austria. They may have to submit a request to the Rector's office of the relevant host university and demonstrate that they are studying or conducting research in the context of transnational EU, national or university mobility programs.
4) Fellows from non-European developing countries will also receive a grant for travel expenses in the amount of max. 1000 euros.

Eligible for application are students who:

a) are studying a master Programme at a university in one of the above-defined countries of origin or

b) are studying a Bachelor Programme at a university in one of the above-defined countries of origin and have successfully completed at least 4 semesters of studies by the time of taking up the grant.

Maximum age: 35 years (born on or after October 1, 1988)

!!! Applicants should not have studied/conducted research/engaged in academic work in Austria during the last six months prior to receiving the grant.

!!! The scholarship can only be used once under this program.

Language requirements: Very good knowledge of English and/or German

Frequently Asked Questions: Please check out our list of FAQ's regarding the application process and eligibility for this grant.

The scholarship will be granted only for study projects that can be completed during the duration of the scholarship (maximum 10 months).

Candidates must be accepted as exchange fellows at an Austrian University. The application must be accompanied by a confirmation of admission as an exchange student (Therefore, please contact the selected University of Applied Sciences in advance so that they give their confirmation of your acceptance for the exchange)

You can find the universities that suit you on the website https://www.fachhochschulen.ac.at/en 

How to apply:

The application is submitted online. The following documents must be uploaded together with the online application:

• Two letters of recommendation from university professors. These letters of recommendation do not require a special form; they must be on letterhead and contain the date and signature of the person recommending the applicant and the seal of the university/department and must be issued no more than six months ago at the time of application.
• Confirmation of the home university that the exams passed in Austria will be recognized by the home university (for example, a study agreement).
• Confirmation of admission as an exchange student from the University of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschule).
• A scan of your passport (a page with your name and photo).
• Scan the current transcript of records.

Closing date for applications: 01.03.2023

The selection process consists of the following stages:

1. Study of formal requirements
2. Verification of the general validity of the application
3. Evaluation of the application by experts
4. Final BMBWF Decision

For more information on this program, please contact the KSMA International Department, 2nd floor, 77 office.

Information about other available scholarships/grants on the website: https://grants.at/en/