The funding is computed based on this formula:
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Performance scholarships in Austria offer financial recognition for outstanding academic achievements and artistic excellence. Here's a rundown of some notable scholarships and their eligibility, requirements, and application processes.
1. SYLFF Fellowships at University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna (mdw)
These fellowships support outstanding music students aiming at global advancement and career development in performance. To be eligible, you must be actively enrolled in the 2nd phase of a Master’s or Diploma program in music fields such as piano, vocal studies, string instruments, etc. at mdw for the academic year 2025/26. The fellowships are open to all nationalities, with no academic leave allowed during the scholarship period.
The requirements include demonstrating artistic excellence and leadership potential in music, as well as submitting a CV, motivation letter, recommendation letters, endorsements, and a project proposal with a budget limit of EUR 3,000.
The fellowship amount is approximately USD 16,666. Only 3 fellowships are awarded annually. Submit an online application by the deadline (3 November 2025), and remember that the application is in English.
2. Merit and Needs-Based Scholarships for Arts Students in Austria (General Framework)
These scholarships are available to students at Austrian universities or universities of applied sciences with outstanding academic or artistic achievements. Eligibility is competitive and limited, with no legal entitlement.
For merit scholarships, you must demonstrate outstanding academic results. For needs-based grants, you must show financial need related to costly artistic or scientific work, plus above-average academic success and an expert university report.
The award amounts for merit scholarships range from EUR 750–1,500 per academic year, while needs-based grants range from EUR 750–3,600 per academic year. Achievement prizes (EUR 3,000) are also awarded for top graduates in diploma, master’s, or doctoral studies, as well as Awards of Excellence for outstanding dissertations.
To apply, you must submit your application through the university's scholarship office or funding body. Documentation proving academic/artistic merit and financial need is required.
3. Ernst Mach Grant – ASEA-UNINET (Music Practice Grant)
This grant is designed for citizens of Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, or Vietnam who intend to pursue music practice stays at Austrian universities. The requirements include submitting performance recordings for auditions and passing an audition committee review and a mandatory online interview.
The application process involves applying online before the deadline (15 December 2024 for music practice). Auditions and interviews take place early the following year (February 2025).
Summary Table
| Aspect | SYLFF Fellowship (mdw Vienna) | Austrian Merit/Needs-Based Scholarships | Ernst Mach Grant (Music Practice) | |-----------------|--------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------| | Fields Covered | Classical music performance (various instruments) | Academic/artistic merit across fields including arts | Music practice at Austrian university | | Eligibility | Enrolled master’s/diploma students at mdw, all nationalities | Enrolled students with outstanding results/needs | Citizens of selected Southeast Asian countries | | Requirements | CV, motivation, recommendations, project proposal | Academic/artistic excellence, expert financial report | Audition recording and online interview | | Award Amount | USD 16,666 (~EUR 15,000) | EUR 750–3,600 per year, achievement prizes of EUR 3,000 | Varies; grant covers study/research stay | | Application | Online application by Nov 3, 2025 | Apply via university offices | Online application by Dec 15, 2024 (music applicants) |
Additional Notes
- Deadlines and award amounts can vary year to year.
- Many Austrian scholarships require proof of local university enrollment.
- Language of application is often English, especially for international fellowships.
- Performance scholarships typically emphasize both artistic merit and leadership potential in music.
If you need help for a specific Performance Scholarship beyond these examples, please specify the institution or program. This summary is based on the most prominent and current offerings found for Austria in 2025.
In the realm of personal-finance and education-and-self-development, an individual may explore opportunities for improvements in performance-related fields such as music. For example, the SYLFF Fellowships at University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna (mdw) specifically funds outstanding music students with financial assistance of approximately USD 16,666 for academic year 2025/26, highlighted by a project proposal and showing artistic excellence. On the other hand, Austrian Merit/Needs-Based Scholarships spans across various fields, providing awards of up to EUR 3,600 per academic year for students exhibiting outstanding academic or artistic achievement, as well as those demonstrating financial need.
