The Supporting African Science and Tertiary Education (SASTE) Grant 4 is now open for applications, offering researchers from Sub-Saharan Africa an exceptional opportunity to conduct research in Austria. This prestigious grant provides financial support for post-doctoral scientists in fields related to Agriculture, Forestry, Water Management, Renewable Energies, Nutritional Science, and Human and Veterinary Medicine.
Benefits of the SASTE Grant
- Duration: 12 to 24 months (no extensions possible).
- Monthly stipend: €1,500.
- Housing support: Up to €600 per month.
- Travel budget: Up to €3,000 per year for scientific visits to home institutions and participation in conferences.
- Funding for hosting institution: Up to €2,500 per year to cover research-related expenses.
- In-kind contributions: Support from home institutions, such as fieldwork assistance and technical equipment, is required.
- Additional funding: While additional funding for research is encouraged, it must be disclosed.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a post-doctoral scientist under 42 years old (or under 45 for women with childcare responsibilities).
- Work in one of the eligible research fields listed above.
- Hold a research position in Sub-Saharan Africa, ensuring their return to their home institution after the research stay.
- Have 3 to 7 years of post-doctoral research experience at a university or research organization in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Have a valid employment contract with their home institution for at least two (02) more years after their research stay.
- Not have studied or worked in Austria in the six (06) months prior to the planned research stay.
- Secure confirmation from an Austrian hosting institution and supervisor regarding research support and facilities.
- Demonstrate excellent English or German language skills.
Application Process & Required Documents
Applicants must submit the following documents as per this call (https://africa-uninet.at/en/news/article/2025/02/supporting-african-science-and-tertiary-education-saste-grant-4th-call-open-until-november-2025) .
- Research proposal (6-10 pages): Includes an outline of the planned research, methodologies, literature review, and impact on home and hosting institutions.
- Motivation letter (up to 2 pages): Describes the applicant’s research interests and career aspirations.
- Curriculum vitae: A detailed CV with a list of publications and scientific achievements.
- Employment confirmation: A contract showing at least two more years of employment after the research stay.
- Recommendation letter from home institution: A letter from the head of the unit supporting the applicant’s work and research proposal.
- Confirmation of in-kind contributions: Verification of institutional support for fieldwork and other research-related needs.
- Recommendation letters from hosting institution: Letters from the supervisor and head of the unit in Austria confirming acceptance and research support.
- Proof of identity and legal documents: A copy of the passport, birth certificate, and a judicial record extract (not older than three months).
Selection Process
- Submission of documents via email to Univ. Prof. Dr. DDr.h.c. Hubert Hasenauer (hubert.hasenauer@boku.ac.at).
- Formal review of eligibility and completeness of documents.
- External evaluation by two independent experts.
- Interview with the selection panel.
- Final decision by the selection panel.
- Contract signing with the Austrian hosting university.
- Commencement of research.
Application Deadline
The last date to apply for the SASTE Grant 4 is November 30, 2025. Applications must be sent to hubert.hasenauer@boku.ac.at.
DATE . Mar/19/2025