# Erwin Schrödinger Fellowship

**Funder:** FWF
**Duration:** 10–24 months abroad + up to 12 months return phase
**Consortium:** No
**Application:** Single stage
**Frequency:** Continuous
**Eligible countries:** AT
**Official call:** https://www.fwf.ac.at/en/funding/portfolio/careers/erwin-schroedinger
**Last verified:** 28 June 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Postdoctoral fellowship for highly qualified early-career researchers of all disciplines. Funds an abroad phase (10–24 months) at an internationally renowned research institution, followed by an optional return phase (up to 12 months) back in Austria. Applicant must be based at or returning to an Austrian research institution.

## Summary

The FWF Erwin Schrödinger Fellowship funds postdoctoral researchers of any discipline to undertake a research stay abroad at a leading international institution, followed by a mandatory return phase in Austria. Applicants must be based at or returning to an Austrian research institution and are selected from across all fields. This is a continuous call designed to foster international mobility and knowledge transfer back to Austria.

## Who should apply

- Postdoctoral researchers based at or committing to return to an Austrian research institution
- Early-career researchers across all disciplines seeking international research experience
- Candidates targeting a named research stay at a world-leading foreign institution
- Researchers planning to repatriate knowledge and establish or strengthen a research line in Austria

## Key dates

- Rolling deadline, applications accepted continuously throughout the year
- Single-stage evaluation
- Research stay duration and return phase determined per project

## Tips for applicants

- Name your host supervisor and institution abroad early; FWF panels assess fit and reputation carefully.
- The return phase is mandatory and evaluated equally with the abroad period, articulate a concrete research plan for re-entry into Austrian science.
- Emphasise knowledge and network transfer: what new methods, collaborations, or perspectives will you bring back to Austria?

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the Erwin Schrödinger Fellowship?

It is an FWF postdoctoral fellowship funding a research stay at an international institution followed by a mandatory return phase in Austria, open to all disciplines.

### Who is eligible for the Erwin Schrödinger Fellowship?

Postdoctoral researchers based at or returning to an Austrian research institution, across all fields of research.

### When can I apply for the Erwin Schrödinger Fellowship?

Applications are accepted continuously throughout the year via rolling deadline.

### Do I have to return to Austria after the Erwin Schrödinger Fellowship?

Yes, a return phase in Austria is mandatory and is a core component of the fellowship design.

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