IMPULSE is to support the development and consolidation of partnerships between Austrian higher education institutions and up to five institutions from Southern, Central and/or Eastern Europe. Eligible for application are Austrian state universities, private universities, universities of applied sciences and university Colleges of Teacher Education. 

The programme is endowed with a maximum of EUR 900 000 from the OeAD fund. Additionally, a maximum of EUR 100 000 per partnership and per year are awarded for a maximum period of two years, depending on the number of partner institutions. The partnerships should be geared towards medium- and long-term cooperations, with further funding from other programmes being the goal in future. Direct reference to the internationalisation strategy of the higher education institution is required.