Independence 250 Fellowship

US graduate students enrolled at any US university in STEM or social-science fields may apply for a special 2026-27 Independence 250 research fellowship at Austrian partner institutions. Applicants need an outstanding academic record and faculty supervision at both home and host universities.

Grants range from €4,000 for a 3-month stay to €6,000 for 5 months, with bonuses for longer stays and for master's or PhD candidates (total up to roughly €10,000). Fellows must produce a research paper and field report after the visit.

Secure supervisors at home and host universities, then submit complete documents to the Austrian partner university's international office, which forwards proposals to the Foundation. The Independence 250 call runs May 1 through September 30, 2026 for January 2027 starts.

The Austrian Marshall Plan Foundation launched this special call to mark the 250th anniversary of US independence and strengthen transatlantic research ties.