This comprehensive ViCAS Fellowship Application Guide is your first step toward an incredible research opportunity at the Vienna University of Economics and Business (WU Vienna). If you’re an ambitious post-doctoral researcher or a seasoned scholar looking to immerse yourself in a world-class academic environment, you’ve come to the right place. We know the application process for prestigious fellowships can feel daunting, but this guide will break it down into clear, manageable steps, giving you the confidence and strategy to submit a truly compelling application.
ViCAS Fellowship Application Guide
| Feature | Details |
| Institution | Vienna University of Economics and Business (WU Vienna).WU Vienna Official Website |
| Fellowship Duration | Typically one semester (October-January or March-June) |
| For Whom | Post-doctoral researchers (Junior Fellows) & established professors (Senior Fellows) |
| Funding | Monthly stipend, travel grant, and potential accommodation support.ViCAS Fellowship Information Page |
What is the ViCAS Fellowship?
The Vienna Center for Advanced Studies (ViCAS) Fellowship is more than just a research grant; it’s an invitation to join a dynamic intellectual community. Hosted by WU Vienna, one of Europe’s most respected universities for business and economics, ViCAS is designed to foster groundbreaking, interdisciplinary research.
The core mission is to bring together brilliant minds from around the globe to work on their projects, exchange ideas, and forge new academic collaborations. Fellows are given the time, resources, and freedom to dive deep into their research while contributing to the vibrant scholarly life of the university. It’s a chance to step away from daily academic duties and focus entirely on your next big idea.
Are You the Ideal Candidate? Eligibility and Profile
ViCAS welcomes applications from two main categories of researchers. While the formal requirements are clear, the selection committee also looks for a certain spirit of innovation and collaboration.
Junior Fellows
This track is designed for promising researchers who are in the early stages of their post-doctoral careers. To be eligible, you generally must have received your PhD no more than five years prior to the fellowship start date. The committee looks for a strong dissertation, a clear and exciting research project, and the potential to become a future leader in your field.
Senior Fellows
For established academics, typically at the Associate or Full Professor level, the Senior Fellowship offers a chance for a productive sabbatical. Applicants should have a significant record of publications, a history of securing research funding, and an international reputation. Your proposed project should be ambitious and align with the high standards of WU Vienna’s research environment.
Beyond the paperwork, the ideal candidate for either track is someone whose work can bridge disciplines. You should be eager to not only advance your own project but also engage with colleagues from different fields, attend seminars, and perhaps even co-author a paper.
The Perks of Being a Fellow: What to Expect
The tangible benefits of the ViCAS fellowship are excellent. According to the official ViCAS page, fellows receive a monthly stipend to cover living expenses, a travel grant, and fully equipped office space on WU’s stunning modern campus.
But the true value extends far beyond the financial support. You gain access to one of Europe’s largest libraries for business and economics, state-of-the-art research databases, and the university’s entire academic infrastructure. The most significant benefit, however, is the community. You’ll be surrounded by other high-caliber international scholars and have direct access to WU’s world-renowned faculty.
Your Step-by-Step ViCAS Fellowship Application Guide
Approaching your application with a clear strategy is key. Think of it as telling a compelling story about your research and your potential.
1. Gather Your Essential Documents
Before you start writing, make a checklist of everything you need. While the exact list can vary slightly each year, it typically includes:
- A comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- A full list of your publications.
- A concise and powerful research proposal (usually 3-5 pages).
- One or two recent key publications in PDF format.
- The names and contact information of two academic references.
Always double-check the latest requirements on the official application portal before you begin.
2. Craft a Standout Research Proposal
This is the heart of your application. Your proposal must be clear, convincing, and exciting. In my experience advising academics, the most common mistake is a generic proposal. Tailoring your project to specific faculty or research groups at WU Vienna can make all the difference.
- Be Specific: Clearly state your research question, your proposed methodology, and the expected outcomes of your work during the fellowship period.
- Show the Fit: Explain why WU Vienna and ViCAS are the perfect places for your project. Mention specific professors you’d like to collaborate with or research institutes that align with your work.
- Highlight Originality: What makes your project new and important? Emphasize its contribution to your field and its potential for interdisciplinary appeal.
3. Polish Your Academic CV and Publication List
Your CV should be more than just a list of jobs. Tailor it to this opportunity. Place your education, key publications, and any major grants or awards front and center. Ensure the formatting is clean, professional, and easy to read. For your publication list, consider annotating your top 2-3 most relevant publications with a brief sentence explaining their significance.
Life in Vienna: Your Home for a Semester
Choosing a fellowship is also about choosing a temporary home. And in Vienna, you’re choosing one of the world’s most livable cities. Renowned for its stunning architecture, rich cultural history, and vibrant arts scene, Vienna provides endless inspiration.
From visiting the grand palaces of the Habsburgs to enjoying coffee and cake in a classic Viennese coffee house, the city offers a quality of life that is second to none. Its excellent public transport makes getting around effortless, allowing you to easily balance focused research at the university with exploring everything the city has to offer.
Key Dates and Deadlines for the 2026/27 Cycle
Application timelines are strict, so mark your calendar. While you must confirm the exact dates on the official ViCAS website, the cycle generally follows this pattern:
- Application Opens: Late 2025
- Application Deadline: Typically in Spring 2026
- Decision Notification: Summer 2026
- Fellowship Start (Winter Semester): October 2026
- Fellowship Start (Summer Semester): March 2027
Your Journey Starts Now
The ViCAS Fellowship is a career-defining opportunity to produce significant research in an inspiring and supportive setting. By following this guide, you can demystify the application process and present your work in the best possible light. It’s a chance to invest in your ideas, build your international network, and experience life in one of Europe’s greatest cities.
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FAQs
Q1:Is the ViCAS Fellowship open to researchers from all disciplines?
While WU Vienna’s strengths are in business, economics, and social sciences, ViCAS is explicitly interdisciplinary. Scholars from humanities, law, and related fields whose research connects with WU’s core themes are strongly encouraged to apply. Check the university’s research institute list to see where your work might fit.
Q2:What is the value of the monthly stipend?
The stipend amount is adjusted periodically to reflect the cost of living in Vienna. It is intended to be sufficient to cover accommodation and daily expenses. For the most current figures, please refer to the official call for applications on the ViCAS website.
Q3:Can I apply if I am still finishing my PhD (All But Dissertation)?
Generally, no. The Junior Fellowship requires that you have officially been awarded your PhD by the time the fellowship begins. The application is for post-doctoral researchers.
Q4:Is knowledge of German required to be a fellow?
No, the official working language of ViCAS and the wider research community at WU Vienna is English. All seminars and official communications are in English, and you will have no trouble navigating academic life without German. However, learning a little German can certainly enrich your cultural experience in Vienna!
