Are you an ambitious researcher, PhD scholar, or university lecturer specializing in German language and Austrian literature? The Franz Werfel Scholarship Program 2027 in Austria offers a premier fellowship opportunity to carry out fully funded, high-impact research at renowned Austrian universities. Named after the celebrated Austrian novelist and poet Franz Werfel, this prestigious research grant—managed by the Austrian Agency for Education and Internationalisation (OeAD) on behalf of the Austrian Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research—aims to foster global academic exchange in German studies.

Recipients of Werfel grants can work as visiting researchers at university departments and carry out specialist studies in libraries, archives or at research institutions This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the 2027 intake, including eligibility criteria, financial benefits, application documents, living costs, and strategic tips to craft a winning proposal.

Basic Information About the Franz Werfel Scholarship

The Franz Werfel Fellowship is designed for young university teachers and researchers specializing in Austrian literature. Rather than financing full degree programs, it funds targeted research stays ranging from 4 to 9 months. A major advantage of this program is its extension capability: scholars who perform exceptionally can extend their stay up to 18 months total, eventually qualifying for lifelong follow-up support networks and annual conference invitations.

• A research fellowship in Austria for young university teachers/researchers working mainly on German language and Austrian literature.
• The programme started in 1992.
• Applicants can come from any country except Austria.
• Host Country: Austria
• Managing Body: Agency for Education and Internationalisation (OeAD)
• Target Audience: Postdoctoral researchers, PhD candidates, and university lecturers worldwide (except Austria)
• Duration: 4 to 9 months (extendable up to 18 months)
• Application Deadlines:
  • September 15, 2026 (Primary deadline for the Spring 2027 academic intake)
  • March 1, 2027 (Deadline for the Fall 2027 intake)
• Duration
  • Normally 4–9 months
  • Can potentially be renewed
  • Maximum total duration: 18 months
  • Maximum 7 scholarship months can be used in one calendar year

University and Institution Details

While the grant is administered by the OeAD, researchers carry out their work directly within the relevant departments of Austria’s top research institutions. Fellowship holders can partner with prestigious institutions across the country, including:

• University of Vienna (Universität Wien): Home to extensive archives and world-famous literary research centers.
• University of Graz (Karl-Franzens-Universität Graz): Recognized for strong interdisciplinary humanities and linguistic research.
• University of Innsbruck (Universität Innsbruck): Offers dedicated research units focused on Austrian regional and modern literature.
• University of Salzburg (Paris Lodron Universität Salzburg): Known for specialized institutes in German language and cultural studies.

Fellows gain full access to university infrastructure, specialized departmental libraries, national literature archives, and direct mentorship from Austrian professors.

Study Areas & Eligible Fields

Unlike general scholarships, the Franz Werfel Grant has a targeted academic focus. To qualify, your proposed research project must fall under the following humanities disciplines:

• Humanities
• Linguistics
• Literature
• Specifically, Austrian literature / German literature

Franz Werfel Scholarship Program Benefits:

The Franz Werfel Scholarship provides a competitive monthly allowance to ensure researchers can focus entirely on their work.

• Monthly grant:
  • €2,500 per month
• Travel support:
  • Applicants from eligible developing/low-income countries may receive up to €1,200 for travel.
  • Bangladesh is included if it falls under the stated DAC eligibility category.
• Accommodation:
  • OeAD can help arrange a dormitory or apartment.
  • Approximate rent: €330–€800/month
  • Administrative fee: €24/month
• Health insurance:
  • Required for the stay.
  • Approximate cost: €55–€200/month
  • The scholarship holder pays for accommodation and insurance.
• Lifelong Academic Network: Access to the annual Werfel Conference in Vienna, specialized workshops, and academic book allowances for alumni who complete 12+ months.

Follow-up support

After successfully completing at least 12 months of supported research, you may be considered for additional support, including:

• Invitation to the annual Franz Werfel Conference
• 1-month research grant every 3 years
• Habilitation grant
• Publication allowance
• Continued academic networking and support

Benefits Not Included

• Accommodation Payments: While OeAD helps secure student residences or apartments, rent (approx. €330 to €800/month) is paid out of your monthly stipend.
• Health and Accident Insurance:.
• Family or Dependent Support: The scholarship does not offer additional stipends or travel grants for spouses or children accompanying the fellow.
• OeAD Administrative Booking Fee: A small processing fee (around €24) for housing arrangements.

Eligibility Criteria for Franz Werfel Scholarship Program

To qualify for the Franz Werfel Fellowship, candidates must meet strict academic standards:

1. Who can apply?
   1. The fellowship is mainly for:
      1. University teachers
      2. Postdocs
      3. PhD students (Praedocs) from countries where the Habilitation system is not common
      4. Researchers working primarily on Austrian literature
   2. ⚠️ Important: If you have no university teaching experience or employment, this fellowship is generally not suitable. The Ernst Mach Grant may be more appropriate.
2. Non-Austrian Citizenship/Residence: Applicants must be international scholars working outside Austria.
3. Academic Level: Must hold a PhD (Postdoc) or be actively enrolled as a PhD student at a university outside Austria.
4. Teaching Experience: Preference is given to university lecturers with teaching experience in German studies or Austrian literature.
5. Research Focus: Clear, demonstrable focus on Austrian literature or relevant German studies in your published work or current teaching activities.
6. Language Proficiency: Advanced proficiency in written and spoken German (typically C1 level or higher) is required to conduct archival research and engage with university faculty.
7. You may not qualify if:
   1. You are not working as a university teacher/researcher.
   2. Your main academic work is not Austrian literature.
   3. You have recently studied/researched/worked academically in Austria within the previous 6 months.
   4. You permanently live in Austria.
   5. You have spent most of your academic career studying in Austria.

Selection process

The fellowship is highly competitive.

The process is:

1. Formal checking of application
2. Overall evaluation
3. Assessment by external experts
4. Interview in Vienna
5. Final decision by the Federal Ministry

There are a maximum of 7 new awards per academic year.

What can you do with the fellowship?

You can:

• Work as a visiting researcher at an Austrian university.
• Conduct research in:
  • Libraries
  • Archives
  • Research institutions
  • University departments
• Develop academic cooperation with Austrian scholars.
• Improve your teaching and research in Austrian literature.

Required Documents for the Application

All application files must be submitted digitally via the official OeAD online portal (grants.at) in German or English:

1. Two recommendation letters from university lecturers
2. Acceptance/consent from an Austrian university lecturer who will supervise you
3. List of courses you have taught
4. Passport copy
5. University degree certificate(s)
6. Complete publication list, with your top 5 publications identified
7. Proof that you are employed at a university
8. Proof of your teaching assignment
9. If you are a PhD student: proof of participation in a PhD programme

Step-by-Step Franz Werfel Scholarship Program Application Process

Applying for the Franz Werfel Fellowship requires early preparation, particularly when securing an academic advisor in Austria.

1.Establish Contact with an Austrian Supervisor:3-4 Months Before Deadline.

Identify a professor at an Austrian university whose research aligns with your literary topic. Email them a concise project outline, CV, and publication list to request a formal letter of supervision (Betreuungszusage).

2.Register on the OeAD Portal:2 Months Before Deadline.

Create an account on the official Austrian grant portal (scholarships.at / grants.at) and select the “Franz Werfel Grant” program.

3.Upload Required Documents:1 Month Before Deadline.

Upload your research proposal, letters of recommendation, publication records, academic diplomas, and signed supervision confirmation.

4.Final Review and Submission:By Deadline (March 1 or Sept 15).

Review all uploaded PDFs for accuracy and submit before 23:59 CET on the deadline day.

5.Selection & Award Notification:2-3 Months Post-Deadline.

The OeAD expert board evaluates proposals. Successful candidates receive an official award letter detailing funding terms and visa documentation steps.

Tips for a Successful Application

• Secure a Strong Local Host Early: A generic letter of support won’t suffice. Work with your Austrian host professor to align your project with their department’s specific archives or research focus.
• Highlight the “Austrian Component”: Explicitly explain why your research must be conducted in Austria. Mention specific archives, libraries (like the Austrian National Library), or rare manuscripts you need to access.
• Demonstrate Teaching Impact: Highlight how your research in Austria will directly enrich the courses you teach at your home university.
• Structure Your Proposal Clearly: Break down your research proposal into clear sections: Introduction, Objectives, Theoretical Framework, Work Plan per Month, and Expected Outcomes.

Monthly Living Expenses in Austria for International Scholars (in USD)

Austria offers a high quality of life with moderate living expenses compared to other Western European nations. The monthly stipend of €2,500 (~$2,750 USD) comfortably covers living costs.

Here is an estimated monthly cost breakdown in USD ($):

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost (USD)	Notes
Housing (Student Residence / Apartment)	$360 – $880	OeAD housing options or private rentals
Mandatory Health & Accident Insurance	$60 – $220	Required for visa and research duration
Food & Groceries	$300 – $450	Local supermarkets (Billa, Hofer, Spar)
Local Transport	$40 – $70	Monthly public transit passes (e.g., Wiener Linien)
Books, Archival Fees & Supplies	$50 – $100	Research materials and copying allowances
Miscellaneous / Leisure	$150 – $300	Cafes, museums, and weekend regional travel
Total Estimated Expenses	$960 – $2,020 / month	Fully covered by your ~$2,750 USD stipend!

Why Choose the Franz Werfel Scholarship? (5 Core Reasons)

1. Unmatched Financial Coverage: With a stipend of €2,500/month, the Franz Werfel Fellowship is among the most generous research grants in Europe for literary humanities.
2. Access to Premier Archives: Gain direct access to world-class literary collections, original manuscripts, and rare historical archives in Vienna, Salzburg, Graz, and Innsbruck.
3. Extension & Long-Term Funding: Outstanding fellows can extend their research up to 18 months and qualify for permanent alumni conference invitations and book allowances.
4. Career Advancement: Holding a prestigious Austrian state fellowship significantly boosts your academic profile for tenure-track or senior university positions.
5. Vibrant Cultural Experience: Live in one of the safest, culturally rich environments in the world, surrounded by Europe’s finest music, art, and architectural heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I apply if I don’t speak fluent German?

Because the fellowship focuses on Austrian literature and German studies, advanced fluency in German (written and spoken) is necessary to conduct archival research and engage with faculty.

Is there an age limit for applicants?

There is no strict age cap, but the program prioritizes “young university teachers” and early-career researchers (postdocs or advanced PhD candidates).

Can you work while receiving the fellowship?

Generally, no regular employment is allowed. Limited marginal employment related to research/arts may be permitted under Austrian immigration and employment laws.

Can the fellowship duration be extended?

Yes. Initial awards range from 4 to 9 months, but fellows who demonstrate exceptional research progress can apply to extend their stay up to 18 months in total.

Do I need to apply for admission to an Austrian university?

No. You are visiting as a guest researcher, not a degree-seeking student. You do not need formal university admission, but you must have an official invitation/supervision agreement (Betreuungszusage) from an Austrian professor.

Application deadline

There are two deadlines each year:

Deadline	Possible start
1 March	July–December
15 September	January–July

---

Official Link:

Apply Link:

University of Porto Scholarships 2027 in Portugal

Industrial Future Fellowships for International Researchers 2027 in Australia