# Astra Award

**Funder:** FWF
**Budget:** €500k–€1M + additional €200k tenure package for women
**Duration:** 5 years
**Consortium:** No
**Application:** Peer review and international jury hearing; decision by Scientific Board
**Frequency:** Annual
**Next round:** 2026-06
**Eligible countries:** AT
**Official call:** https://www.fwf.ac.at/en/funding/portfolio/careers/fwf-astra-awards
**Last updated:** 6 Sept 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Aimed at internationally visible researchers (R3 level) with a doctoral degree obtained 2-9 years before September 30 of the submission year, or equivalent experience in arts-based research; must be hosted at an Austrian research institution. Half of awards reserved for women; ineligible if already holding a tenured professorship.

## Summary

The FWF ASTRA Awards fund early-career researchers in Austria to establish independent research groups, with €500,000-€1 million over five years plus an optional €200,000 tenure package for women PIs. Applicants must be 2-9 years post-PhD, employed at an Austrian research institution, and not yet tenured; half of awards are reserved for women. A Merit Award scheme (€450,000 over three years) supports strong candidates not selected for ASTRA.

## Who should apply

- Researchers 2-9 years post-PhD at R3 career level
- Not currently holding a tenured professorship
- Employed at an Austrian research institution
- Women applicants eligible for an additional €200,000 tenure package
- Researchers in any discipline (all FWF funding categories supported)

## Key dates

- Formal announcement expected June 2026; application window opens after announcement
- Annual call
- Five-year project duration

## Tips for applicants

- The tenure package for women PIs is automatic if awarded ASTRA; factor it into your budget and career plan.
- If ASTRA review ranks you close but outside the award line, a Merit Award (€450k, 3 years) may follow; design your full proposal to scale down gracefully.
- Submit via the elan portal during the stated window; late submissions are not accepted regardless of technical issues.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does the FWF ASTRA Award fund?

€500,000-€1,000,000 over five years; women PIs can also receive up to €200,000 as a tenure package.

### Who is eligible for FWF ASTRA?

Researchers 2-9 years post-PhD at R3 level, employed at an Austrian research institution, and not holding a tenured position.

### Is the FWF ASTRA Award open to all disciplines?

Yes, ASTRA supports all research areas eligible under FWF funding categories.

### What is the FWF Merit Award?

A €450,000, three-year alternative for strong applicants not awarded ASTRA, allowing continued development without full five-year commitment.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/fwf-astra-awards-2026) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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