Student Aid & Scholarships

As a student, unexpected expenses or sudden changes in your circumstances can make managing your finances difficult. In Austria, there are various grants and scholarships available, especially in cases of emergencies, to help you get through challenging times and stay focused on your studies.

NOTE: Application requirements are always changing, so we urge you to check the requirements on the main website.

Aids: 

1. State aid and support

• Study Grant (Studienbeihilfe) – In Austria, the study grant (Studienbeihilfe) supports students who cannot cover their study costs. Eligibility depends on financial need and academic progress. You must complete enough courses each year, stay within the minimum study duration plus one extra semester, and avoid late or frequent study changes. The basic amount starts at €404 per month and varies based on personal and family circumstances. Applications go through the Studienbeihilfenbehörde (study grant office). Link
  
  

• Family Allowance (Familienbeihilfe) – In Austria, students can receive family allowance (Familienbeihilfe) to help cover living costs during their studies. You can usually receive it until the age of 24, or up to 25 in certain cases such as civil/military service, disability, parenthood, long studies, or illness. To qualify, you must be actively enrolled and show sufficient academic progress – in the first year, you need at least 16 ECTS (or a completed STEOP), and in later years at least 16 ECTS per academic year. You can change your studies up to twice before your third semester without losing the allowance; later changes may cause a payment pause. If you are applying for yourself (not through your parents), you must prove they no longer support you or provide their signed consent for direct payment. Applications are submitted using the Beih 1 form via FinanzOnline or at the tax office, with payment made monthly once approved. Link

 2. JKU & ÖH Support

• The ÖH JKU Social Fund offers voluntary financial support to JKU students experiencing serious social or financial hardship, without any legal entitlement. Students can apply up to three times during their studies (once per semester), starting from the first semester. Eligibility requires proof of financial need and sufficient academic progress (minimum ECTS credits per semester/year). Applications are submitted by email within set deadlines each semester. Recipients may also receive a “Hunger for Art & Culture” cultural pass. Double funding with the Federal ÖH Social Fund is not allowed.
  
  

• The ÖH JKU Tuition Fee Social Fund offers financial help to JKU students who pay tuition fees and have already received support from the ÖH JKU Social Fund or Federal ÖH Social Fund in the same semester due to financial need. It can be granted up to three times during studies and cannot be applied for separately.
  
  

• The ÖH JKU Mental Health Fund helps cover 50% of therapy costs (after insurance reimbursement) for JKU students in financial need, up to €500 per student. Applications, including the form, required documents, and therapy invoices, must be sent by email to the ÖH Social Department. Students can apply once per semester, even at the start of therapy. Eligibility requires active studies, meeting the minimum ECTS credit requirements, and receiving eligible mental health care as outlined in the fund’s guidelines.

 Where to check: ÖH JKU Service Office or oeh.jku.at.

3. Other grants and scholarships

• Merit Scholarships – Merit scholarships are awarded in recognition of outstanding academic achievement. Link
  
  

• Study Grants – Study grants serve to help fund unfinished academic and scientific work (Diploma degree theses, Master's theses and doctoral dissertations) that are a required part of an academic degree program. The grant is intended to help supplement the costs incurred to prepare the groundwork and the costs that are not covered by the supervising institute's budget or by other sources. Link
  
  

• Ernst Mach Grant – For non-EU/EEA students studying in Austria.
  
  

• Erasmus+ Mobility Grants – Funding for short-term study abroad or exchange programs.
  
  

• MOREclassic is a support program at JKU for refugees and displaced persons. It offers a tuition fee scholarship, discounted German and other pre-study courses, a travel allowance (if you live outside Linz), and regular advising sessions to help with studies and networking. To apply, you must be enrolled at JKU or have a valid admission letter, and in some cases, be completing required supplementary exams. Link
  
  

• Borealis-MORE Scholarship provides financial help for refugees and displaced persons enrolled in a JKU degree program who are not receiving other financial aid. It offers €110 or €360 per month (depending on residence status), a travel allowance, and covers tuition fees. Recipients must sign a Learning Agreement and complete at least 12 ECTS per semester, plus join regular meet-ups. Link
  
  

• Private Foundations – Check platforms like grants.at for scholarships matching your profile.
  
  

• Merit-Based Scholarship (FH): Available after the first semester; require a grade average < 2 and successful completion of a German language course; covers 50% of tuition.
  
  

• Internationalization Program for Students (IPS): Sponsored by the regional government, eligible students (residents of Upper Austria) can apply for support (max €100/month plus travel expenses, up to approx. €1,480) for study, research stays, or internships abroad.

Loans

Taking a loan can be draining, especially for a low-income student, but it might be used in emergencies, and in order to efficiently manage your loan, here are a few tips that should help you: 

• Borrow From Trusted Sources Only
  Stick to family, close friends, or community organizations where trust is strong and repayment conditions are flexible.
  
  

• Set Clear Agreements
  Even with family, it’s best to agree on a clear repayment plan (amount, timeline, installments). This avoids misunderstandings later.
  
  

• Keep the Loan Small & Purposeful
  Only borrow what you absolutely need (e.g., covering tuition, rent, or emergency expenses). Avoid borrowing for lifestyle upgrades or non-essentials.
  
  

• Prioritize Repayment
  Make repaying personal loans one of your first financial priorities, even if it’s in small amounts. This builds trust and reliability.
  
  

• Emergency Buffer, Not Habit
  Treat personal loans as a last-resort solution. Rely more on scholarships, grants, or part-time jobs for regular expenses.
  
  

• Be Honest About Your Situation
  If you struggle to repay on time, communicate openly with the lender (family/friend). Most will be understanding if you’re transparent.
  
  

• Document if Needed
  For larger amounts, consider a simple written agreement (even signed on paper) to avoid future conflict and keep things clear for both sides.