Scholarship Announcement-The FWF ASTRA Awards
About the Program:
The FWF ASTRA Awards are a prestigious career funding program launched by the Austrian Science Fund (FWF) to attract and retain exceptionally talented researchers in Austria. Designed for advanced postdoctoral researchers, the program supports long-term, high-impact research projects and helps researchers transition into academic leadership positions at internationally competitive research institutions.
FWF ASTRA Awards Scholarship 2026, Austria (Fully Funded)
Degree Level:
Postdoctoral (Advanced Postdoc / R3 level)
Arts-based research (doctoral degree not mandatory under specific conditions)
Available Subjects:
Natural Sciences
Engineering and Technology
Medical and Health Sciences
Social Sciences
Humanities
Arts-based Research
Benefits:
Funding between €500,000 and €1,000,000 for up to five years
Support for long-term, innovative, and high-risk research projects
Career development focus toward academic leadership positions
50% of awards reserved for women
Special measures for women researchers: career coaching, networking, child allowances
€200,000 tenure package for women awarded a permanent/tenure-track position within 3 years
International visibility and integration within Austria’s research ecosystem
Merit Awards: Non-selected hearing finalists receive 3-year PI projects worth up to €450,000
Eligibility Criteria:
Hold a doctoral degree awarded 2–9 years before September 30 of the submission year (exceptions for parental leave/career interruptions)
Arts-based research: applicants without a PhD may apply with 2–9 years of recognized research experience
Experience in independent research: competitive funding, at least 3 months international research, publications without supervisor involvement
Must not hold tenured professorship or equivalent leadership position
Maximum of two applications per career; can lead only one approved ASTRA project
Applications must be submitted through an eligible Austrian research institution
Application Procedure:
Identify an Austrian research institution willing to host the project
Prepare a competitive research proposal aligned with ASTRA objectives
Submit via FWF online portal (elane) during the official call period
International peer review and jury hearing for shortlisted candidates
Final decisions by FWF Scientific Board
Expected awards per call: ~18, depending on funding
Eligible Nationalities:
All nationalities; applicants must be based at or move to an Austrian research institution during the project period