# ESPRIT Program

**Funder:** FWF
**Budget:** €45,000 lump sum (up to €75,000 with justification)
**Consortium:** No
**Application:** Single stage; five approval meetings per year
**Frequency:** Continuous
**Eligible countries:** AT
**Official call:** https://www.fwf.ac.at/en/funding/portfolio/careers/esprit
**Last verified:** 28 June 2026

## Eligibility & scope

For early-career researchers (doctorate awarded no more than 5 years prior to application). Applications must be submitted via an Austrian research institution (PROFI mode on elane) with a mandatory Austrian-based mentor and a professional development/mentoring plan. Applicants may apply from abroad. Half of funds awarded to women; women employed full-time receive a child allowance up to the child's third birthday.

## Summary

The FWF ESPRIT Program funds postdoctoral researchers with a doctoral degree awarded within five years to develop independent research projects in Austria, with up to €75,000 in project costs plus PI salary support. The call targets early-career researchers establishing themselves at Austrian institutions and operates on a rolling deadline, allowing applications year-round. FWF allocates half of awarded grants to women, and women employed full-time receive an additional child allowance.

## Who should apply

- Postdoctoral researchers with a doctoral degree awarded within the past 5 years
- Applicants planning research at an Austrian academic or research institution
- Researchers from any nationality willing to relocate to Austria or already based there
- Early-career scientists establishing their first independent project

## Key dates

- Rolling deadline, applications accepted year-round
- Single-stage review process
- Project duration not specified in call details

## Tips for applicants

- A strong mentor letter from your Austrian host institution is mandatory under the PROFI mode, ensure early contact and explicit commitment.
- Women applicants should flag eligibility for child allowance in the budget justification if applicable; FWF reserves 50% of awards for women.
- The rolling deadline means no single crunch point, but review times vary, contact FWF early if you need a decision by a specific date.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much funding does the FWF ESPRIT Program provide?

Up to €75,000 in project costs plus a PI salary, with half of awarded grants designated for women researchers.

### Who is eligible for the FWF ESPRIT Program?

Postdoctoral researchers with a doctoral degree awarded within five years prior to application, conducting research at an Austrian institution with a named mentor.

### What is the deadline for the FWF ESPRIT Program?

The programme operates on a rolling deadline, so applications are accepted year-round.

### Do I need to be based in Austria to apply for ESPRIT?

No, the territoriality principle does not apply; you can apply from abroad, but your research must be carried out at an Austrian institution.

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