Digital Humanism Fellowship 2026-2027: Fully Funded in Austria

Scholarship Overview

The Digital Humanism Fellowship 2026–2027, hosted by the Institute for Human Sciences (IWM) in Vienna, Austria, is a research program for scholars examining the intersection of technology and society. This fully funded fellowship provides a monthly stipend and academic workspace for three months (February to June 2027). The program is open to PhD candidates and recent graduates whose work addresses the social, economic, and geopolitical impacts of digitalization.

Can Pakistani Students Apply?

Yes, Pakistani students can apply. The fellowship is open to researchers globally, provided they meet the academic and linguistic requirements specified by the IWM.

Funding and Benefits

This is a fully funded fellowship. The program provides the following monthly stipends:

• Postdoctoral researchers: €3,300 per month
• PhD candidates: €2,750 per month

The stipend is intended to cover accommodation, travel, health insurance, local transport, utilities, and research costs. Additionally, the IWM provides free office space, internet access, research facilities, and administrative support.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Currently enrolled in a doctoral program OR have obtained a PhD no earlier than September 21, 2022.
• Possess a research project related to the theme of Digital Humanism.
• Proficiency in English (all materials must be submitted in English).
• Note: Applicants who have previously received an IWM fellowship must wait three academic years before re-applying.

Required Documents

Candidates must submit the following documents as a single PDF:

• A formal motivation letter.
• A short project description (max 550 characters).
• A detailed project proposal (max 7,500 characters).
• A comprehensive CV including a list of publications.
• Two letters of recommendation.

Application Timeline

• Deadline for applications: September 21, 2026, at 23:59 CEST.
• Research Period: February 2027 to June 2027.

Selection Process

Applications are evaluated based on the relevance of the proposed research to the Digital Humanism theme and the applicant's academic standing. Only applications submitted through the official online portal are considered.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted exclusively via the official online application portal. Emails will not be processed.

Pakistan-Specific Application Advice

Pakistani applicants should ensure their research proposals clearly articulate how their work connects to the "Digital Humanism" framework, as this is a primary selection metric. Ensure your CV follows international academic standards, and provide letters of recommendation from supervisors who can speak to your specific research project.

Important Terms and Limitations

This is a research-intensive fellowship requiring physical presence in Vienna for three months. Costs not covered by the stipend remain the responsibility of the fellow. Ensure your passport and visa requirements for Austria are addressed well in advance of the start date.