Apply now for Travel and Collaboration Grant Scheme (Ukraine)

Deadline: 31-Dec-2027

The Estonian Research Council offers travel and collaboration grants to help Ukrainian higher education and research institutions strengthen their integration into the European Research Area (ERA) and increase participation in Horizon Europe. The scheme provides up to €1,500 per participant for eligible travel, accommodation, participation, and subsistence costs related to Horizon Europe matchmaking events and short-term research visits to Estonia. The grant scheme was established to support the integration of Ukrainian higher education and research institutions into the European Research Area. It also aims to strengthen participation in Horizon Europe, the European Union Framework Programme for Research and Innovation. Through travel support and international research collaboration, the scheme seeks to help Ukrainian institutions: Funding can support eligible Ukrainian participants taking part in international research and collaboration activities. The scheme covers two main types of activities: The grant can support participation in Horizon Europe matchmaking events held in Member States and Associated Countries. These events provide opportunities for Ukrainian researchers and institutions to establish connections with potential European research partners and explore opportunities for future Horizon Europe collaboration. Grants may also support short-term visits to Estonia.

A visit to Estonia must:

These requirements are intended to ensure that the visit has a defined research or collaboration purpose. The maximum grant amount is €1,500 per participant. Funding is provided as reimbursement of actual eligible costs. Applicants should therefore retain appropriate documentation for eligible expenses and ensure that claimed costs comply with the grant requirements. The grant can cover several travel and participation expenses, including: Costs that have already been reimbursed through another funding source are not eligible. Applicants should avoid claiming the same expense under multiple sources of funding. The scheme is designed to support Ukrainian higher education and research institutions seeking stronger integration into the European Research Area and greater participation in Horizon Europe. The supported activities are focused on international research collaboration, partnership development, proposal preparation, and participation in scientific events. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until 15 October 2027, or until the available budget has been exhausted. Because funding may become unavailable before the final date if the budget is fully committed, applicants should submit eligible applications while funding remains available. Applications must be submitted in English using the official Application Form.

The application must also be:

For short-term visits to Estonia, applicants should also ensure that the required host organization, work plan, and invitation letter arrangements are in place. Each participant may generally receive support: Exceptions may be possible in justified cases and are subject to the availability of funds. Applicants should carefully align their proposed travel or visit with the objectives of the scheme. Before submitting an application, applicants should: It is a grant scheme designed to help Ukrainian higher education and research institutions integrate into the European Research Area and participate more actively in Horizon Europe. The maximum grant is €1,500 per participant. Eligible costs can include economy-class airfare, train and bus travel, local transportation, accommodation, visa costs, travel insurance, event or conference fees, and a daily subsistence allowance of up to €75 per eligible day. Yes. Short-term visits to Estonia can be supported when they are intended to prepare joint Horizon Europe proposals or attend international scientific events organized in Estonia. The visit must involve at least one Estonian host organization and require a pre-agreed work plan and invitation letter. No. Costs that have already been reimbursed from another funding source are not eligible under this scheme. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until 15 October 2027, or until the available budget is exhausted. The application must be electronically signed by an authorized representative of the applicant institution. Generally, each participant can receive support once for a matchmaking event and once for a short-term visit to Estonia. Exceptions may be considered in justified cases, depending on budget availability. The Estonian Research Council’s travel and collaboration grants provide targeted financial support for Ukrainian researchers and institutions seeking stronger connections with European research networks. With up to €1,500 per participant, the scheme can help cover essential travel and participation costs for Horizon Europe matchmaking events and short-term research collaboration visits to Estonia, supporting longer-term Estonian-Ukrainian research partnerships and Horizon Europe engagement. For more information, visit Estonian Research Council.