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Best of South-East scholarship in Austria

The Best of South-East Scholarship Program, offered by Steiermärkische Sparkasse in collaboration with the University of Graz, is a 12-month initiative starting September, providing up to EUR 12,000, academic enrollment, and practical experience for students and recent graduates in Law, Business, or Economics.

The program aims to empower talented students and recent graduates from South-Eastern Europe by providing access to high-quality academic education at the University of Graz and practical experience with Steiermärkische Sparkasse. Eligible applicants must be under 27, nationals of Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, or Slovenia, with a mother tongue of one of these countries.

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Founded in 1585, the University of Graz is one of Austria’s oldest and most prestigious universities, located in the vibrant city of Graz. As a comprehensive public institution, it offers a wide range of academic programs across six faculties, including arts and humanities, natural sciences, law, business, social sciences, and theology. With approximately 30,000 students, it fosters a dynamic research environment, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation.

Application Deadline: Application period opens October 1, 2025 and close on January 22, 2026.

Brief Description

  • University or Organization: University of Graz in collaboration with Steiermärkische Sparkasse
  • Department: N/A
  • Course Level: Undergraduate, Graduate, and Postgraduate (Trainee and Intern programs)
  • Award: Up to EUR 12,000, including German intensive course, enrollment at University of Graz, exemption from tuition fees (only student union fee required), and various events
  • Access Mode: Online
  • Number of Awards: NA
  • Nationality: Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Slovenia
  • The award can be taken in: Austria (University of Graz and Steiermärkische Sparkasse)

Eligibility

  • Eligible Countries: Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Slovenia
  • Acceptable Course or Subjects: The scholarship will be awarded in Law, Business, or Economics offered by the University of Graz
  • Admissible Criteria: To be eligible, applicants must meet all the following criteria:
    • Be students or recent graduates (degree obtained within 12 months prior to application deadline) from accredited universities in the target countries, or degree students at the University of Graz
    • Hold nationality of one of the target countries
    • Have a mother tongue of Bosnian, Croatian, Montenegrin, Macedonian, Serbian, or Slovenian
    • Be enrolled in or have completed studies in Law, Business, or Economics
    • Meet German language proficiency: B1 for Trainee program, A2 for Intern program
    • Demonstrate excellent command of English
    • Be under 27 years of age at the time of application
    • For Trainee program: Must be Master/PhD students, graduates with a degree within 12 months, or Bachelor students in the last year of a 240 ECTS program (from 4th year onwards)
    • For Intern program: Open to students of all levels or graduates with a degree within 12 months

How to Apply

  1. Provide initial information by 20 January 2026 to [email protected].
  2. Await instructions emailed in October 2025 (check inbox and spam folder).
  3. Create an account and activate the application.
  4. Complete data entry and course upload.
  5. Upload required documents.
  6. Confirm upload completion in the system.
  7. Ensure application is fully completed by the deadline: 22 January 2026, 1 PM CET.
    • Only applications completed by the deadline will be considered.
  8. Selection process:
    • Applications undergo legal and academic assessment.
    • Successful applicants are invited to regional pre-selection in their target country, including German language assessment.
    • Final selection by a commission from University of Graz and Steiermärkische Sparkasse.
    • Selected candidates sign a mobility agreement and prepare for their stay.

Benefits

  • Scholarship of up to EUR 12,000
  • Enrollment at the University of Graz with exemption from tuition fees (only student union fee required)
  • German intensive course at the University of Graz
  • Access to various events throughout the year
  • Practical experience: Trainee program includes full-time work at Steiermärkische Sparkasse and its SEE subsidiaries (July/August); Intern program includes a July/August internship
  • Academic credits: Minimum 16 ECTS for Trainees, 30 ECTS for Interns at the University of Graz
  • Networking opportunities, including meetings with prominent figures like Dr. Bucher (Board Member, Steiermärkische Sparkasse) and Elke Kahr (Mayor of Graz)
  • Cultural immersion through welcome events and city exploration in Graz

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