Indonesia-Austria Scholarship Programme 2026: Your PhD Awaits

Deadline: 01-Mar-2026 The Indonesia-Austria Scholarship Programme (IASP) 2026 is a 36-month doctoral grant for Indonesian permanent lecturers holding a National Lecturer Registration Number (NIDN). This bilateral initiative between KEMDIKTISAINTEK and OeAD-GmbH supports PhD research in Austria across diverse fields, including Natural Sciences, Engineering, Medicine, and Arts. The application deadline for the 2026 cycle is 1 March 2026. The Indonesia-Austria Scholarship Programme (IASP) is a strategic bilateral funding initiative designed to enhance the academic qualifications of Indonesian higher education staff. The program is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology of Indonesia (KEMDIKTISAINTEK) and OeAD-GmbH (Austria’s Agency for Education and Internationalisation), representing the Federal Ministry of Women, Science and Research of Austria. Why It Matters: Strategic Academic Advancement This program is essential for the internationalization of Indonesian higher education: Global Research Integration: Connects Indonesian scholars with Austria’s world-class research infrastructure. Faculty Capacity Building: Directly addresses the Indonesian government’s goal to increase the number of doctoral-qualified faculty members. Knowledge Transfer: Facilitates cross-border innovation in critical sectors like medicine, technical sciences, and the arts. Key Concepts and Program Framework Duration: The scholarship provides a fixed grant period of 36 months to complete a doctoral program. Institutional Partnership: The agreement is managed by OeAD-GmbH in Austria and KEMDIKTISAINTEK in Indonesia. NIDN (Nomor Induk Dosen Nasional): A unique identification number for permanent lecturers at Indonesian universities, serving as a primary eligibility requirement. Permanent Lecturer: Academic staff officially registered and employed under the Indonesian Ministry of Higher Education. Who is Eligible? Candidates must meet specific professional and demographic criteria to be considered for the IASP grant: Employment Status: Must be a permanent lecturer at a university under the jurisdiction of KEMDIKTISAINTEK. Professional ID: Possession of a valid National Lecturer Registration Number (NIDN) is mandatory. Academic Background: Must hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent). Age Limit: Maximum 35 years old at the time of application. Doctoral Status: Applicants must not currently hold a PhD and must not be currently enrolled in another doctoral program. Supported Fields of Study The IASP is open to a broad spectrum of research areas, ensuring multidisciplinary development: STEM & Technical: Natural Sciences, Technical Sciences (Engineering), and Agricultural Sciences. Health: Human Medicine and General Health Sciences. Social & Creative: Social Sciences, Humanities, and the Arts. How to Apply: Step-by-Step Identify an Austrian Supervisor: Before applying, candidates must secure a commitment from a supervisor at an Austrian university who agrees to host their doctoral research. Prepare Documentation: Ensure your Master’s transcripts, CV, and NIDN verification are ready. Research Proposal: Develop a detailed PhD research plan that aligns with the expertise of your chosen Austrian institution. Submit to OeAD & KEMDIKTISAINTEK: Applications are typically submitted through the OeAD online portal. Adhere to Deadline: Complete all submission steps by 1 March 2026. Tips for a Successful Application Secure Early Supervision: Finding a host professor in Austria can take several months. Start reaching out to potential supervisors at least six months before the deadline. Check Austrian University Requirements: Each university in Austria may have specific language proficiency (English or German) or admission standards separate from the scholarship grant. Verify NIDN Activity: Ensure your NIDN is active and your data in the PDDikti (Indonesian Higher Education Database) is up-to-date. FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions 1. Is there a language requirement for the IASP? While the grant does not specify a single language, most Austrian doctoral programs require proof of proficiency in either English or German, depending on the field of study. 2. Can I apply if I am already 36 years old? No. The strict age limit is 35 years. Check the official calculation date for the age limit on the KEMDIKTISAINTEK portal. 3. Does the scholarship cover my family? The core grant covers the individual scholar. Additional family allowances depend on the specific terms of the year’s budget agreement between Indonesia and Austria. 4. Can I apply if I am a lecturer at a private university? Yes, provided the private university is under the jurisdiction of KEMDIKTISAINTEK and you hold a valid NIDN. 5. What happens if I do not finish my PhD in 36 months? The IASP grant is specifically for 36 months. Extensions are generally not funded under this program, though the host university might offer separate solutions. 6. Is the IASP open to non-lecturers? No. This specific program is restricted to Indonesian permanent lecturers. 7. Can I apply for a doctoral degree in the Arts? Yes, Arts is one of the specifically mentioned eligible fields for this doctoral grant. Conclusion The Indonesia-Austria Scholarship Programme (IASP) 2026 represents a prestigious and highly targeted opportunity for Indonesian academics to pursue high-level research in Europe. By adhering to the 1 March 2026 deadline and focusing on the core eligibility of age and professional registration, Indonesian lecturers can significantly advance their careers and contribute to the nation’s scientific and cultural landscape.