10 June 2025
Professional Integration HUB 3.0: Open call for Ukrainian women professionals in Austria
Applications for the Professional Integration HUB 3.0 are open until July 10, 2025.
Vienna, June 10, 2025 – ERSTE Foundation, in partnership with the European Centre for Freedom and Independence, has announced the launch of the third round of its widely recognized internship program – the Professional Integration HUB – designed for Ukrainian women professionals who were forced to relocate to Austria due to the full-scale war.
The program is designed to support the professional integration of Ukrainian women into Austria’s professional environment. The organizers also expect that the experience gained through the program will contribute to the future reconstruction of Ukraine. The initiative is funded by ERSTE Foundation and implemented by the European Centre for Freedom and Independence (Vienna, Austria).
Since the onset of the full-scale invasion, over 80,000 Ukrainians have sought temporary protection in Austria. The majority are women with higher education and professional backgrounds, now facing the challenge of resuming their careers in a new country. The Professional Integration HUB was created in direct response to this need.
“More than three years into the war, access to qualified employment in line with one’s profession remains a critical issue for Ukrainian women in Austria. We’ve walked this path ourselves and deeply understand the challenges displaced women face. That’s why we continuously refine the program to meet real-time needs,” explains Olena Bekreniova, Co-Founder of the European Centre for Freedom and Independence.
What the program offers:
- A three-month paid internship (September–November 2025) in leading institutions and organizations based in Vienna and Linz;
- A professional placement aligned with each participant’s field and qualifications;
- An intensive German language course;
- Study visits, webinars, workshops, and networking events;
- Ongoing support and mentorship throughout the internship;
- A chance to join the professional community.
“The Professional Integration HUB is a comprehensive set of activities before, during, and after the internship. We aim to connect talented Ukrainian women with leading Austrian institutions for mutual benefit,” says Yana Barinova, Program Director for European Policies and Ukraine at ERSTE Foundation.
This year’s hosting partners include the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Civil Service, and Sport of Austria, Federal Ministry of Innovation, Mobility, and Infrastructure of Austria, Stadt Linz, and others. Participants will be offered internships in sectors such as culture, social policy, public administration, tourism, social entrepreneurship, project management, marketing, media, and communications.
According to program data, more than 30% of previous participants have received job offers or extensions following their internships. Austrian organizations highly value the professionalism of Ukrainian women – and their contributions help strengthen Ukraine’s international image.
“We strive not only to ensure the temporary integration of participants, but also to support and strengthen their role in shaping a common European future. The networking built through the program serves not only as a resource for personal development, but also carries long-term value in fostering Austrian-Ukrainian cooperation across various sectors,” adds Olga Olefirova, Co-Founder of the European Centre for Freedom and Independence.
Ukrainian women who moved to Austria after the full-scale invasion, have temporary protection status, and a permit for official stay and employment in this country, can apply for participation. Other conditions include higher education and at least three years of work experience in the chosen field, qualifications matching the requirements of the selected organization, excellent English proficiency, knowledge of German at level В2 or higher, and active civic engagement.
Applications are open from June 10 to July 10, 2025. You can submit your application via the following link.
About ERSTE Foundation:
ERSTE Foundation serves as a creative workshop for ideas and innovation, a laboratory for future-oriented topics, and strategically cooperates with networks. As the main shareholder of Erste Group, ERSTE Foundation secures the independent future of one of the largest financial services providers in Central, Eastern, and South Eastern Europe. Committed to serving the common good, the private Austrian savings banks foundation believes in supporting individuals to thrive.
About The European Centre for Freedom and Independence:
The European Centre for Freedom and Independence (EUCFI) is an Austrian public organization founded by Ukrainians after the full-scale invasion in Ukraine. EUCFI is dedicated to promoting a united Europe, supporting the reconstruction of Ukraine, and facilitating its integration into the European Union.