Costs and funding
Participation in the YSSP is tuition-free, and several funding options are available to help participants cover their living and travel expenses.
What funding options are available?
You can finance your participation through one or a combination of the following:
- Grants through IIASA: A number of grants are available through IIASA's Member Organizations (MOs) and other funding sources, including private donations.
- External funding: Your home university, research institution, national scholarship programs, or other funding bodies may be able to support your participation.
- Self-funding: You may also participate using your own funds.
How does funding through IIASA work?
Eligible applicants are automatically considered for grants as part of the YSSP selection process. No separate funding application is required.
Most grants are provided by IIASA's Member Organizations and are available to applicants who meet their respective eligibility criteria, which may include nationality, residence, or country of study. A smaller number of fellowships, supported by private donations and other sources, may also be available to applicants who are not eligible for Member Organization funding.
IIASA is typically able to secure funding for the large majority of YSSP participants, particularly those from countries represented by IIASA Member Organizations. However, the number of grants available varies from year to year, and funding cannot be guaranteed for individual applicants.
Grants generally provide approximately €1,700 per month for three months, plus return travel costs to Vienna. Exact amounts and conditions depend on the funding source.
Do I need to have funding secured before applying?
No. You do not need to have funding secured when you submit your YSSP application.
However, we encourage you to explore possible funding sources early, alongside your YSSP application. This could include checking with your home university, research institution, or relevant scholarship providers.
As part of your application, you will be asked to indicate which funding options you have explored and how you expect to finance your participation. You do not need to have received any funding commitments at this stage.
Exploring several funding options will give you greater flexibility and help make participation possible if you are selected.
How much should you budget?
We recommend planning for approximately €1,700 per month for three months (€5,100 in total), plus return travel costs to Vienna, Austria.
This estimate covers accommodation, meals, local transport, health insurance, and other personal expenses. Actual costs will depend on your individual circumstances.