Study in Austria | The Richard Plaschka Fellowship for 2026
For early-career humanities scholars focused on Austria-related research, a premier European funding opportunity is now open. The Republic of Austria invites applications for the prestigious Richard Plaschka Fellowship for 2026. This fellowship provides fully supported research stays for PhD candidates, postdoctoral scholars, and researchers worldwide, offering a deep, long-term immersion into Austria’s rich academic and archival landscape.
A Substantial Grant for In-Depth Research
This fellowship is designed to support dedicated research time in Austria. The comprehensive support package includes:
- Generous Monthly Grant: A stipend of €2,500 per month throughout the fellowship
- Flexible Research Duration: A stay of 4 to 12 months, with the potential to extend to 18 months following a positive evaluation.
- Logistical and Travel Support: Assistance with securing accommodation through OeAD housing, help with health insurance arrangements, and a travel subsidy of up to €1,200 for eligible applicants from developing countries.
Important Note: This is a supplementary grant. While substantial, scholars should plan for some personal funds to cover potential additional living costs, especially as accommodation support is in the form of assistance, not a full housing grant.
Who Is the Ideal Candidate?
The fellowship targets scholars who are building a serious academic career with a focus on Austria. You are a strong candidate if you:
- Are a PhD candidate, recent PhD holder, or postdoctoral researcher in History, Archaeology, or a closely related Humanities discipline.
- Are conducting research on a topic directly related to Austria.
- Can demonstrate academic activity, such as teaching experience, university employment, or publications.
- Have not lived, studied, or researched in Austria for the six months prior to the intended fellowship start date.
- Have secured written consent from a qualified (habilitated) academic supervisor at an Austrian university, archive, or research institute.
The Critical Two-Part Application Journey
A successful application requires proactive planning and collaboration. Follow these essential steps:
Step 1: Secure a Host Supervisor in Austria
This is the most crucial prerequisite. You must first identify and contact a suitable academic supervisor at an Austrian institution and obtain their formal agreement to host your research. This step should begin many months before the application deadline.
Step 2: Prepare and Submit Your Online Application
Once you have a host’s consent, you must prepare a compelling application dossier, including a detailed research synopsis, academic certificates, recommendation letters, and proof of employment or PhD enrollment. Finally, submit the complete application through the official Austrian scholarship portal at www.scholarships.at.
How to Apply
Key Application Deadline
The fellowship offers two application windows per year, aligned with different start dates:
- Primary Deadline: 1 March 2026
- Secondary Deadline: 15 September 2026
Your chosen deadline depends on your planned research start date. The competition is highly selective, and incomplete applications are not considered.
How to Build a Winning Application
Given the prerequisite of securing a host, your initial outreach is vital. Research Austrian university departments and archives meticulously to find a supervisor whose expertise aligns perfectly with your project. Your research proposal must convincingly argue why your work necessitates direct access to Austria’s specific libraries, archives, and academic networks. Furthermore, highlight how your research contributes to international scholarship on Austria and how the fellowship will catalyze your long-term academic trajectory.
The Richard Plaschka Fellowship is more than funding; it is an invitation to integrate into Austria’s scholarly community and conduct deep, source-based research. By building a strong partnership with an Austrian host and presenting a focused, significant research plan, you can position yourself for this transformative award. For the official application portal and detailed guidelines, visit the Grants.at website.
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