# Clusters of Excellence

**Funder:** FWF
**Budget:** €10M–€35M (including 40% co-funding from research institutions)
**Duration:** 60 months (up to 120 months with continuation)
**Consortium:** Required — consortium of 5–8 researchers from at least 3 Austrian research institutions (one must be entitled to award doctoral degrees)
**Eligible countries:** AT
**Official call:** https://www.fwf.ac.at/en/funding/portfolio/excellentaustria/clusters-of-excellence
**Last verified:** 18 June 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Supports outstanding cooperative or arts-based research at Austrian institutions. Requires a consortium of 5–8 researchers, at least 3 Austrian research institutions (one UG-entitled), balanced gender ratio, and 40% co-funding from participating institutions. Approx. 3–5 projects funded per call. Currently no open submission window.

## Summary

The FWF Clusters of Excellence programme funds large-scale cooperative research consortia at Austrian institutions with €10-35 million over five years (extendable to ten), including 40% co-funding from participating institutions. Applicants must assemble a consortium of 5-8 researchers across at least three Austrian research institutions, with one entitled to award doctoral degrees. This call supports outstanding research in any discipline, with only 3-5 projects typically funded per round.

## Who should apply

- Established researchers with track records strong enough to anchor a national consortium
- Consortia spanning at least 3 Austrian research institutions (one with doctoral degree authority)
- Research teams committed to sustained 5-10 year collaborative projects in any discipline
- Institutions able to commit 40% co-funding alongside the FWF grant
- Teams with balanced gender representation in leadership roles

## Key dates

- Currently no submission window open; monitor FWF site for next call announcement
- Projects funded run 60 months with option to extend up to 120 months total

## Tips for applicants

- Consortium composition is gating: at least one partner must hold doctoral degree authority; verify institutional eligibility early to avoid disqualification.
- The 40% co-funding requirement must be formally committed by each participating institution before submission; letters of intent are insufficient.
- This is a portfolio call (3-5 winners per round); differentiate your cluster by addressing a significant, unmet research gap with genuine inter-institutional synergy, not just co-authorship.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does the FWF Clusters of Excellence programme fund?

€10-35 million per cluster over five years (extendable to ten years), including 40% co-funding from participating research institutions.

### Who can apply for FWF Clusters of Excellence?

Consortia of 5-8 researchers based across at least three Austrian research institutions, one of which must be entitled to award doctoral degrees.

### Is consortium participation required for FWF Clusters of Excellence?

Yes, you must assemble a multi-institutional consortium; individual researcher or single-institution applications are not eligible.

### How many projects does FWF fund in Clusters of Excellence?

Approximately 3-5 projects per call, making this a highly competitive scheme.

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

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