Dreaming of studying in Europe but dreading the IELTS exam? You're not alone and the good news is, you don't have to let a language test stand between you and a fully funded education. Austria, home to world-class universities and a student-friendly cost of living, is opening its doors to international students for the 2026-2027 academic year, and many of its most generous scholarships never ask for an IELTS score at all.
Whether you're chasing a Bachelor's, a Master's, or a PhD, this guide breaks down 10 real, currently open scholarship opportunities in Austria that accept an English Proficiency Certificate (EPC) instead of IELTS or TOEFL. No expensive retests, no stressful exam day just your existing academic record doing the talking.
Can You Really Study in Austria Without IELTS?
Yes — and it's more common than most students realize. Austrian universities and funding bodies generally care more about where and how you studied than about a single standardized test score. If your previous degree (Bachelor's, Master's, or even higher secondary education) was taught entirely in English, most institutions will accept a letter confirming that instead.
What exactly is an English Proficiency Certificate (EPC)?
It's simply a formal letter from your previous school, college, or university stating that your medium of instruction was English throughout your program. You can usually request this from your registrar's or academic affairs office. Once issued, it can replace the IELTS/TOEFL requirement for nearly every scholarship listed below.
If you've got a strong transcript and that one letter in hand, Austria's scholarship system is far more accessible than it might first appear.
Top 10 Austria Scholarships 2026-2027 Without IELTS
1. Austrian Government (OeAD) Scholarships
Funded by the Scholarship Foundation of the Republic of Austria, this is the flagship national scholarship for international students at Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD level. It's administered through the government's official grants portal, and applicants with an English-taught academic background can skip IELTS entirely.
What you get:
- Monthly stipend of roughly €1,050–€1,150
- Full health insurance coverage
- Accommodation allowance
- Occasional travel support
How to apply: Search the Grants.at database for the OeAD call matching your home country, prepare a study plan or research proposal, and upload your EPC in place of a language test score.
2. IST Austria PhD Scholarship (Fully Funded)
The Institute of Science and Technology Austria runs one of Europe's most respected PhD programs, covering Biology, Computer Science, Physics, Math, and Data Science. Instead of requiring IELTS upfront, your English communication skills are assessed during the interview stage.
What you get:
- Full tuition coverage
- Research funding
- Monthly stipend
- Health insurance
How to apply: Applications typically open in October and close in January. You don't need to line up a supervisor in advance just submit your transcripts, CV, and Statement of Purpose, then prepare for an online interview.
3. Helmut Veith Stipend for Women in Computer Science
Aimed squarely at women pursuing a Master's in Computer Science at TU Wien, this scholarship is part of a broader push for gender diversity in tech. It's a rare and valuable opportunity for female applicants in the field.
What you get:
- Roughly €7,000 per year
- Full tuition waiver
- No IELTS requirement
How to apply: Apply to your Master's program at TU Wien first, then submit the Helmut Veith Stipend application alongside it, including a strong cover letter about your interest in logic and theoretical computer science.
4. Austrian Development Cooperation (ADC) Scholarship
Designed specifically for students from developing countries, the ADC scholarship focuses on practical, career-oriented fields Tourism, Hospitality Management, Sustainable Development, Teacher Training, and Entrepreneurship.
What you get:
- Full tuition fee coverage
- Monthly living stipend
- Accommodation and basic living support
How to apply: Applications are usually processed through the Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (ITH). Submit relevant work-experience documents along with your EPC.
5. Webster Vienna Private University Scholarship
Webster Vienna offers an American-style curriculum with strong scholarship support for academically capable students in Business Administration, International Relations, Media Studies, Psychology, and Management.
What you get:
- Substantial tuition reduction
- Available at both undergraduate and Master's level
How to apply: Secure your admission offer first, then complete the Financial Aid application through the university portal.
6. Republic of Austria Foundation Scholarship
A research-focused, moderately competitive scholarship for students in History, Political Science, International Relations, Literature, and Medicine.
What you get:
- Monthly stipend
- An official grant covering living expenses in Austria
How to apply: Register on the scholarships.at portal, upload a research plan along with two recommendation letters, and attach your EPC to waive IELTS.
7. Vienna International Postdoctoral Program
For researchers who already hold a PhD and want to work on advanced projects in Life Sciences, Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics, or Biomedical Research. A strong publication record matters more here than a language test.
What you get:
- Competitive monthly salary or stipend
- Access to top-tier research facilities
- Health insurance and professional development support
How to apply: Apply through the Vienna BioCenter portal with a research proposal, your PhD transcripts, and prior publications.
8. Klaus Liebscher Economic Research Scholarship
Backed by the National Bank of Austria (OeNB), this one is built for students in Economics and Finance who want to work on policy-relevant research.
What you get:
- Financial support for research projects
- Academic and professional exposure
- Coverage of research-related costs
How to apply: Submit your application via the OeNB portal or email, including a detailed research project description, your CV, and proof of an English-medium academic background.
9. Erasmus Mundus Scholarship
One of the largest scholarship networks in the world, Erasmus Mundus lets you study across multiple European countries, including Austria, in fields like Climate Change, Robotics, Cybersecurity, and Public Policy.
What you get:
- Full tuition coverage
- Monthly stipend plus travel allowance
- Multi-country study experience
How to apply: Browse the Erasmus Mundus Catalogue, pick a program with an Austrian partner university, and apply directly through that consortium's website.
10. University of Graz Grants
Graz has a reputation as Austria's most livable student city affordable, welcoming, and academically strong. The university offers dedicated grants for capable international students facing financial constraints.
What you get:
- Monthly stipend
- Tuition fee waiver
- Access to affordable student housing
How to apply: Get admitted to the University of Graz first, then apply for the "Grant for Foreign Students" through the internal student portal.
Quick Tips Before You Apply
- Request your EPC early. University registrar offices can take a few weeks to issue this letter, so don't leave it until the deadline.
- Match your field to the scholarship. Research-heavy scholarships (IST Austria, Vienna BioCenter, OeNB) weigh publications and proposals more heavily than coursework grades.
- Watch deadlines closely. Most of these scholarships open on a yearly cycle, and several close months before the intake begins apply as early as your documents allow.
- Don't rule out interviews. A few programs, like IST Austria, use a live interview instead of a test score to judge your English ability, so practice speaking about your research or study plans confidently.
Final Thoughts
Studying in Austria without IELTS isn't a loophole it's simply how the system is built for students who already have an English-language academic background. Between government-funded programs, university-specific grants, and EU-wide options like Erasmus Mundus, there's a realistic path here for almost any field of study and any budget. Pick the scholarships that match your background, get your English Proficiency Certificate ready, and start your applications early for the 2026-2027 intake.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need TOEFL if I don't have IELTS? No. Every scholarship listed here accepts an English Proficiency Certificate from your previous institution in place of IELTS or TOEFL, provided your prior education was in English.
Can I apply for more than one of these scholarships? Yes, as long as you meet each program's specific eligibility criteria and can manage separate application processes and deadlines.
Are these scholarships open to all nationalities? Most are open globally, though a few like the ADC Scholarship specifically prioritize applicants from developing countries.
When should I start applying? Many calls open in the second half of the year for the following academic intake, so starting your preparation 6–8 months ahead of your target semester is a safe approach.
Ready to Apply?
Gather your documents and apply through the official website.
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