Academic partnerships / Preparatory funding

Only use English, the working language of appear.

If well argued, Austrian research institutions can be integrated as additional partners, but not as the submitting institution or the main Austrian partner institution. Universities and Universities of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschulen) must be the primary partners on the Austrian side.

Yes, Austrian partners can apply for staff costs, with the restriction that in-kind contributions are expected (please outline them in your budget proposal). Please bear in mind that staff costs are primarily intended for the Southern partner. In the partnership proposal, at least half of the total budget has to be allocated to the Southern partner.

Overhead costs for partnership proposals must not exceed 7% of the amount applied for and must be incorporated into the budget outline (see blue box on the budget sheet). The total amount applied for (including the overhead costs) must remain within the budget limits of the appear programme (for an overview of the budget limits see the Guidelines for Applicants).

The letter of intent should include a short statement of the leading management of the involved institutions, illustrating that they know of and approve the intended project. The letter should be signed by the legal representative of the respective institutions. You can use the following template: Letter of intent - Template

All decisions are taken by the Selection Board. For further information, including the Terms of Reference, see: About > Decision-making bodies. To avoid a conflict of interest, neither OeAD nor LAI staff members are entitled to vote.

The first instalment (50 % of the total funding) will be paid within 15 days after signing the agreement.

The second and last instalment (up to 50%) will be granted only if:

• a formally complete project proposal that meets the thematic requirements of the appear programme is submitted on time and
• a financial report about all expenses occurred within this project is delivered on time and proved correct by the OeAD.

The second instalment will not be paid in case no complete appear academic partnership proposal is submitted. A detailed report on the causes and reasons of failing has to be delivered to the appear office in time – in case no report is submitted the first instalment has to be paid back by the responsible coordinating institution. Each institution bears the bank charges arising on its own account.

The regulations regarding travel and subsistence expenses can be found in the Guidelines for the Budget and Financial Report (see Application). These guidelines are based on the rates provided in the Österreichische Reisegebührenverordnung – RGV (Austrian Regulation for Travel Expense Reimbursement). The relevant tables with the daily subsistence rates (TG) and the rates for overnight stays (NG) can be found on our website: RGV – Rates

The use of the columns (1, 2a, 2b, 3) depends on how the members of the institutions are categorised but must not exceed category 2b; we recommend the use of category 2a.

If valid invoices are provided, the rate for overnight stays (NG) can be exceeded by 350%. The maximum amount that can be reimbursed thus consists of the NG (as provided in the RGV) multiplied by 4.5.

The whole amount of the daily subsistence rate (TG) can only be reimbursed if no meals are provided (those would have to be subtracted from the daily subsistence rate). The receipt of the TG must be confirmed by the recipient. If the actual subsistence expenses are reimbursed, the daily subsistence rate cannot be claimed.

In Austria, the following rates apply:
- TG: 26.40 Euro
- NG: 15.00 Euro