The evaluation of the third phase of the Austrian Partnership Programme in Higher Education and Research for Development (APPEAR III) assesses the programme’s relevance, effectiveness and operational efficiency from its launch in December 2020 through the start of data collection in December 2025. APPEAR III has an overall budget of EUR 18.7 million, funding 30 new academic partnership projects, 34 preparatory fundings, 32 PhD and two Master’s scholarships, alongside scholarships carried over from the previous phase. The programme currently operates across 11 partner countries, including countries facing significant political and security challenges.
Ovearll the report concludes that APPEAR III is a highly relevant and effective instrument for higher education and research cooperation, contributing not only to development objectives but also to Austria’s international cooperation, foreign policy and international standing. Its distinctive funding model fills an important gap in Austria’s funding landscape and enables partnerships to develop progressively.
APPEAR III is strongly aligned with Austrian, partner-country, European and international development priorities. Its relevance is particularly significant because projects generate research and practical solutions to development challenges while strengthening institutional relationships and intercultural understanding. The scholarship component can also contribute to Austria’s longer-term international relations through alumni networks.
The programme is generally well designed to achieve its objectives. Nevertheless, several opportunities remain underused, such as for instance the monitoring system and its indicators which can be improved.
Existing resources and management arrangements do not fully match the additional demands created by new programme features and increasingly volatile operating environments. Improvements are needed in risk management, administrative processes, coordination and participant support. Greater flexibility in budget allocation between Austrian and partner institutions could also support more equitable and attractive partnerships.
APPEAR III has demonstrated substantial value as a unique mechanism for building lasting academic partnerships, strengthening research and institutional capacity, and supporting Austria’s development and foreign-policy objectives. A fourth phase is strongly recommended by the evaluation report. Its impact could be significantly increased through better monitoring, clearer programme architecture, greater operational flexibility, stronger inclusion, improved participant support and more systematic use of the knowledge and networks generated by the programme.
The complete report can be downloaded below:
