SCHOLARSHIPS

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, for the first call 175 months) 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
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 or exceptionally max. 40 years in case of considerable care responsibilities

Post-doc researchers:
▪ no older than 50 years

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. working
contract or in practical training, may also apply for a research stay in Austria but will 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.

Financed costs

PhD: 1.300 EUR per month (duration 1 – 12 fellowship months*)
*with the possibility of extension upon request, maximum until end of SHER
programme and subject to budget availability, only if academic progress and
continued supervision at host institution can be proven
Post-doc: 1.300 EUR per month (duration 1 – 3 fellowship months)
Travel costs: 500 EUR (one time)