Ernst Mach Scholarship is a government-funded Austrian grant offering three routes a 36-month Full PhD, a 4 to 6 month postdoctoral research grant, and a nine-month Music Practice award for eligible applicants. The focus is research and practice mobility to Austria with monthly stipends and mobility support.
The programme is financed by Austria’s Federal Ministry of Women, Science and Research and administered by OeAD in cooperation with ASEA-UNINET. It is restricted to citizens of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam and requires a named Austrian supervisor before submission.
Ernst Mach Scholarship Benefits
- 36-month Full PhD funding
- 4–6 months postdoctoral research grant
- 9 months Music Practice award
- €1,300 monthly scholarship
- +€300/month mobility subsidy (for Full PhD)
- Mobility and research support from Austrian government
Ernst Mach Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
- Citizens of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam
- PhD applicants must have previously studied at a higher-education institution outside Austria
- Postdoc applicants must already be involved in teaching and research at an ASEA-UNINET member university in one of the five eligible countries
- Music applicants can be undergraduate or graduate-level candidates working in instrumental or vocal performance, composition or conducting
- Applicants at undergraduate, graduate or postgraduate level must be 35 or younger; postdocs may be up to 45
- Very good English and/or German; PhD applicants must provide English evidence at B2 or C1 depending on programme
How to Apply for Ernst Mach Scholarship
- Identify an eligible Austrian ASEA-UNINET member university and suitable doctoral supervisor.
- Develop a 5–10 page research proposal covering the research problem, literature, methodology, expected results, timetable and contribution.
- Obtain a formal Letter of Consent/Acceptance from an eligible Austrian supervisor.
- Arrange two academic recommendation letters; PhD candidates need one recommendation connected with an ASEA-UNINET member university in an eligible home country.
- Prepare B2/C1 English evidence, passport and graduation certificates.
- Submit the scholarship application through the Austrian OeAD/grants system.
- Complete the separate Austrian university admission procedure where required.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Ernst Mach Scholarship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, application steps and what the funding does and does not cover.
What is the Ernst Mach Scholarship – ASEA-UNINET 2027?
The Ernst Mach Grant – ASEA-UNINET 2027/28 offers three routes: a 36-month Full PhD in Austria, a 4–6 month postdoctoral research grant, and a nine-month Music Practice award. The programme is financed by Austria’s Federal Ministry of Women, Science and Research and administered by OeAD in cooperation with ASEA-UNINET.
Who is eligible to apply for this scholarship?
The scholarship is restricted to citizens of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. PhD applicants should have previously studied at a higher-education institution outside Austria. Postdoc applicants must already be involved in teaching and research at an ASEA-UNINET member university in one of the five eligible countries.
What funding does the scholarship provide?
The Full PhD route provides a €1,300 monthly scholarship plus a €300 monthly mobility subsidy (totaling €1,600/month). The programme is described as a supplementary grant; accommodation and health insurance are not paid separately and tuition waivers at public institutions may be granted on request.
Is the Ernst Mach Scholarship fully funded?
No. While the Full PhD route offers €1,300 plus a €300 mobility subsidy, the OeAD classifies it as a supplementary grant and warns that applicants need their own funds for some costs. Accommodation, health insurance and certain university costs are not automatically covered.
What are the age and language requirements?
Applicants at undergraduate, graduate or postgraduate level must be 35 or younger; postdocs may be up to 45. Very good English and/or German is required. PhD applicants must provide English evidence at B2 or C1 depending on the chosen programme.
What is the application deadline for the 2027 programme?
The final deadline for the Ernst Mach Grant – ASEA-UNINET 2027/28 is March 1, 2027. Because a supervisor’s written acceptance and a substantial research proposal are required, applicants should begin preparations well before the deadline.
What documents are required for a PhD application?
PhD applicants must prepare a 5–10 page research proposal, obtain a Letter of Consent/Acceptance from an eligible Austrian supervisor, arrange two academic recommendation letters (including one connected with an ASEA-UNINET member university in the home country), and provide B2/C1 English evidence, passport and graduation certificates.
Do I need a supervisor before submitting my application?
Yes. PhD applicants must first identify an eligible Austrian ASEA-UNINET member university and secure a suitable doctoral supervisor. A formal Letter of Consent/Acceptance from that supervisor is required before submitting the scholarship application through the OeAD/grants system.
Can music practitioners apply and at what levels?
Yes. The Music Practice route lasts nine months and accepts undergraduate or graduate-level candidates working in instrumental or vocal performance, composition or conducting. Specific music-related eligibility details are provided in the programme guidance.
How does selection occur for the scholarship?
Selection includes formal screening, expert assessment and a personal interview that examines language ability, research-proposal quality and project relevance. Applicants must also complete any separate Austrian university admission procedures when required.
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