Vienna Center for Advanced Studies (ViCAS) Senior Fellowship Programme 2026-2027
- Omran Aburayya
- Aug 17
- 3 min read
If you are a seasoned scholar seeking a vibrant interdisciplinary research environment in the heart of Europe, the Vienna Center for Advanced Studies (ViCAS) Senior Fellowship Programme is now open for applications. For the academic year running from 1 October 2026 to 30 June 2027, ViCAS at the University of Vienna invites applications from distinguished international academics. This article provides an overview of the fellowship, eligibility, benefits, and application process—designed to help you seize this exceptional opportunity.
🎓 ViCAS Fellowship Summary
Location: University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
Host Institution: Vienna Center for Advanced Studies (ViCAS) at the University of Vienna
Programme Level: Senior Fellowship (for established scholars)
Target Group: International scholars holding (or having held) a professorial or equivalent senior academic position, across all disciplines
Fields of Study: Open to all fields; emphasis on interdisciplinary, curiosity-driven research that stimulates dialogue across disciplines and generations
Coverage:
Monthly stipend: €7,000
Accommodation allowance: €1,500/month
Additional child support: +€500/month per accompanying child (under 18)
Workspace: Fully equipped offices in central Vienna
Duration: 1 October 2026 – 30 June 2027 (9 months)
Application Deadline: 1 September 2025
Eligible To: Scholars with distinguished academic records, holding senior academic positions, with strong interest in interdisciplinary engagement
💡 Fellowship Overview
ViCAS, newly established within the University of Vienna, has launched both Senior and Early-Career Fellowship Programmes. Each year, up to ten Senior Fellowships are awarded to internationally acclaimed scholars committed to cross-disciplinary research and dialogue . The program aims to foster a collaborative, intellectually dynamic environment in one of Europe’s most livable and culturally rich cities .
🎁 Benefits
Financial Support:
€7,000/month stipend — supports living and research needs.
€1,500/month accommodation allowance — alleviates housing costs.
€500/month per child — available for accompanying children under 18, supporting scholars with families .
Research Infrastructure: Fully equipped private workspace in central Vienna, plus access to the University of Vienna’s world-class libraries, archives, research databases, and infrastructure .
Intellectual Community & Events: Fellows are expected to actively participate in the ViCAS intellectual life—including seminars, workshops, public lectures, interdisciplinary forums, and collaborative initiatives across faculties .
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Academic Position: Must hold, or have held, a senior academic appointment (e.g., full professorship or equivalent) .
Academic Record: Distinguished scholarly achievements and research publications.
Research Proposal: Original, feasible project with interdisciplinary relevance and potential for stimulating dialogue in the ViCAS community.
Engagement: Demonstrated interest in interdisciplinary interaction and contributions to the intellectual environment at the University of Vienna.
Residency: Fellows must reside in Vienna for the full duration of the fellowship .
📝 Application Procedure
Applications are submitted via the official ViCAS application form. Required materials include :
Application Form: Personal and institutional details.
Curriculum Vitae: Max 3 pages, including positions, degrees, publications, honors.
Research Proposal: Max ~10,000 characters. Should describe central questions, methodology, originality, interdisciplinary relevance, and benefit to the University collaborations.
Personal Statement: Max ~5,000 characters. Highlight motivations, potential collaborations at the University of Vienna, and expected contributions and gains.
Publications / Work Samples: 3–5 key works with significance and links or attachments.
Other Information: Career interruptions, access needs, or special circumstances.
Confirmation: Statement confirming accuracy and willingness to reside in Vienna during the fellowship.
📆 Application Timeline
Deadline: 1 September 2025 — mandatory.
Selection: Conducted by a multidisciplinary committee, based on academic excellence, innovation, feasibility, and interdisciplinarity
Notification: Final selection likely by late 2025; fellows begin their stay in October 2026 .
⭐ Additional Insights
Institutional Context: ViCAS is a significant new initiative launched by the University of Vienna in 2025, aiming to elevate its international reputation and interdisciplinary research footprint. The Center offers both Senior and Junior (Early-Career) Fellowships, with a steering team led by Michael Wagner as spokesperson .
Why Vienna?: Vienna’s global reputation for quality of life, intellectual vitality, and cultural richness makes it an ideal location for immersive scholarly engagement .