SCHOLARSHIPS

General Information on the Project and Overall Objective

The project Sustainable Higher Education and Research in Kosovo (SHER) aims at contributing to a sustainable, evidence-based, needs-oriented and gender-responsive Higher Education and Research sector in Kosovo that is in line with the principles of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), the European Research Area (ERA) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 4 and 9. It contributes to the provision of enhanced inclusive and equitable quality of education that promotes research, innovation and internationalization taking into account gender equality and the third mission of universities.
The fellowship grants are directly related to the strategy document “Kosovo Education Strategy 2022 – 2026” (KES). Especially the “Strategic Objective 4: Improve the quality, integrity and competitiveness of higher education” which underlines the increased participation in international programs is addressed by the fellowship grants.
The fellowship grants aim at enhancing the quality of teaching, research and innovation and the internationalisation in Kosovo’s Higher Education and research sector. The fellowship grants will enable PhD students and post-doc researchers to study and carry out research in Austria.
The funding for this project is provided by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) and is cofinanced by the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI) of the Republic of Kosovo.

Methodology

Fellowships for PhD students and post-doc researchers are used as instruments for capacity development of Kosovar institutions and to establish long-lasting contacts within the international scientific community.

Lessons learnt from HERAS+ and SHER 1st Call

The main findings from HERAS+ and the first call of the SHER programme to be considered for the guidelines of the second SHER call are:
▪ Sufficient preparation time is needed between announcement of results and start of the study/research project in Austria (to allow for travel/accommodation/visa arrangements) ▪ Sandwich programmes proved to be very valuable for the scholars and institutions in both countries
▪ Demand for scholarships for PhD students who are already enrolled in Austria ▪ Post-docs are considerable multipliers. However, a brief justification should be sought from former scholars if they apply again for the same or a similar research project ▪ Cut-off dates and further specifications for considerate care responsibilities (official/written proof) should be set for applicants at the upper boundary of the age limit
▪ Clear communication on the maximum funding period for full PhD studies in Austria (max 36 months, also considering preceding programme HERAS+) and the need for own funds for when the fellowship ends
▪ PhD students who are enrolled in other countries but have an affiliation with a Kosovar institution (e.g. working contract, (medical) students in practical training in Kosovo) should also be considered for a research/study fellowship in Austria
▪ In order to avoid double funding and/or ensure that the PhD studies remain the focus of a fellowship, applicants with other MESTI funding within the same fiscal year or with a work contract at an Austrian institution exceeding the marginal earnings threshold will not be considered. A disclaimer will be added to the call announcement.
▪ The importance and benefits of re-employment need to be stressed at the home institutions

Programme Overview

Based on the positive experiences from HERAS+, the project will provide fellowship grants at PhD and post-doc level (250 months in total) including a travel lump sum.
During their studies/projects the scholars will keep close contact to Kosovar institutions (if possible, parts of the studies/projects will be performed at the home institution in form of a “sandwich programme”) in view to their further professional career at these institutions. After completing their PhD studies or their research project, SHER scholars are obliged to return and work at a Kosovar Higher Education or research institution for at least 5 years.
The OeAD will be in charge of the administration and implementation of the fellowship fund.

Specific Objective

The objective is that PhD students and post-doc researchers will contribute to the institutional capacity development of their home institutions in Kosovo by completing their PhD studies and the PhD or post-doc research at an Austrian university or research institution.

Expected result

All scholars will have completed their studies or carried out their research project abroad.

Eligible country

Kosovo

Age limit for applicants

PhD studies:
▪ no older than 35 (born after 15 January 1991) or exceptionally max 40 years (born after 15 January 1986) in case of considerable care responsibilities (proof required)
Post-doc researchers:
• no older than 50 years (born after 15 January 1976)

Target Group (Eligible)

a) Post-docs aiming to pursue short-term research activities in Austria who are scientific staff members of Kosovar public universities or of other public (research) institutions with Kosovar nationality.
b) Applicants holding a master’s degree or PhD students already enrolled in Austria or Kosovo with Kosovar nationality. Those with proven affiliation and engagement for a public or private university or a public or private (research) institution in Kosovo will be prioritised. PhD students with Kosovar nationality enrolled in other countries but with affiliation to a Kosovar institution, e.g. work contract or in practical training, may also apply for a research stay in Austria but may not be given priority in case of a high number of valid applications (no funding of stays or studies in other countries).

Applications from underrepresented/vulnerable groups are particularly welcome. The aim is a gender ratio of at least 50:50 and a focus on members of regional universities.