Vienna Center for Advanced Studies (ViCAS) Early-Career Fellowship 2026/27

Applications are invited for the Vienna Center for Advanced Studies (ViCAS) Early-Career Fellowship Programme for the academic year 1 October 2026 to 30 June 2027. This fellowship is designed for early-career researchers from all academic disciplines who are pursuing innovative, interdisciplinary projects that address intellectual, scientific, or societal challenges. The programme is fully funded, providing a generous stipend, accommodation allowance, and additional support for families, with no application fee required. Eligible applicants are scholars who have completed their PhD after 1 October 2017 (or will do so by 1 October 2025) and demonstrate outstanding academic achievement. The application deadline is 1 September 2025. You can check out the List of Top 11 Postdoctoral Fellowships Worldwide 

Key Details

• Programme Duration: 1 October 2026 to 30 June 2027
• Eligibility: PhD completed after 1 October 2017 (or by 1 October 2025); open to all disciplines
• Funding: Fully funded
  • Stipend: €5,500/month
  • Accommodation allowance: €1,500/month
  • Family support: €500/month per child under 18
• Application Deadline: 1 September 2025
• Application Fee: None

Benefits

• Stipend: €5,500 per month to support your living expenses.
• Accommodation Allowance: €1,500 per month to cover housing costs in Vienna.
• Family Support: An additional €500 per month for each accompanying child under 18.
• Workspace: Fully equipped workspaces in central Vienna.
• Resources: Access to Vienna’s world-class research libraries and academic networks.
• Community: Engage with senior fellows and become part of ViCAS’s vibrant intellectual community.

Also check: Deakin University Postdoctoral Research Fellowship

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible for the Early-Career Fellowship, you must:

• Have completed your PhD (date of defense) after 1 October 2017 or plan to complete it by 1 October 2025.
• Demonstrate outstanding academic achievement.
• Propose a research project that is original, impactful, and aligns with ViCAS’s interdisciplinary mission.

Note: Career interruptions due to parental leave, illness, or caregiving are taken into account, so be sure to mention these in your application if applicable.

Best opportunity: St John’s College Research Fellowship in UK

Application Requirements

To apply, submit the following via the ViCAS application form by 1 September 2025:

1. Applicant Information: Basic personal details.
2. CV: A detailed curriculum vitae highlighting your academic achievements.
3. Research Proposal: A clear and compelling description of your project, addressing:
   • Central question(s) or problem(s) and potential collaborations with University of Vienna researchers.
   • Methodology and sources.
   • Originality and contribution to your field(s).
   • Relevance to broader societal, scientific, or interdisciplinary challenges.
   • Alignment with ViCAS’s mission.
4. Personal Statement: Explain your motivation and academic goals.
5. Selected Publications or Work Samples: Showcase your best work.
6. Referees: Provide contact details for academic references.
7. Other Information: Note any career interruptions, accessibility needs, or special circumstances.

All documents must be combined into a single PDF file and submitted through the online application form.

See also: ARISE2 Postdoctoral Fellowship

How to Apply

1. Prepare all required documents as a single PDF.
2. Complete the online application form by 1 September 2025.
3. Ensure all required fields (marked with a red square) are filled out.