The European Forum Alpbach Scholarship 2026, a renowned fully funded leadership summit, invites global change-makers to a two-week transformative experience in the picturesque village of Alpbach, Austria. Hosted by the EFA Foundation and the Forum Alpbach Network (FAN), this interdisciplinary platform, established in 1945, fosters dialogue across politics, science, business, and culture, aligning with UN SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). With a $3 million budget, it attracts 20,000+ applications, uniting 350 scholarship holders from 80+ countries to drive 5,000+ innovative solutions. Participants join a global leadership ecosystem, collaborating with partners like Tyrol-South Tyrol-Trentino Euregio, Congress Centrum Alpbach, and University of Vienna.

The theme, “Recharge Europe”, builds on resilience focus, addressing climate action, democracy, economic competitiveness, and digital innovation. Scholars engage in high-level seminars led by luminaries like Othmar Karas, EFA President, exploring topics such as geoeconomics, disinformation, and sustainable growth. Interactive formats, including Futures Literacy workshops using UNESCO methodologies and leadership labs like Alpbach in Motion (AIM), empower 70% of participants to launch policy initiatives. Cultural events, such as Tyrol Day’s traditional mass and performances by artists like Ernst Molden, enrich the experience.

Participants access EFA365 online sessions, refining project ideas with alumni mentors, such as Kirti Singhal, who advanced urban development in India. Social activities, including Hike & Talk in the Austrian Alps, visits to Innsbruck, and Euregio Summit networking, foster cross-cultural collaboration. Strategic alliances with European Commission, Austrian Federal Ministry, and over 30 FAN alumni clubs in 21 countries amplify 6,000+ global outputs annually. The program integrates AI for policy analytics, trending in global governance.

Since 1945, EFA has empowered visionaries like Joseph Stiglitz, Nobel Laureate, who engaged in economic seminars. Conducted in English with a 30-hour weekly commitment, it ensures accessibility. The EFA Framework, rooted in diversity, resilience, and intergenerational dialogue, aligns with Europe’s 2030 Agenda, as showcased at EAS Conferences. The cohort aims to spark 7,000+ actionable ideas via a digital innovation toolkit, contributing to a democratic Europe.

Join global change-makers to ignite fully funded leadership innovation, shape Europe’s democratic future, and drive transformative impact with European Forum Alpbach Scholarship 2026!

European Forum Alpbach Scholarship in Austria:

Host Country:

•Austria

Host Organization:

•EFA (European Forum Alpbach).

EFA Program Duration:

•The European Forum Alpbach in Austria will start on 16 to 29 August.

Broad Range of Backgrounds:

•Science/Technology/Engineering/Mathematics (STEM)
•Urban Development
•Engineering
•Arts and Culture
•Entrepreneurship
•Finance
Non-academic Background

Benefits of the European Forum Alpbach in Austria:

•The participation fee will be covered.
•A daily allowance of Euro 25 would be given every day.
•Accommodation will be covered.
•The European Forum Alpbach offers young talents the chance to participate in seminars, conferences, and cultural activities.
•Scholarship holders stay for the entire forum, gaining valuable insights and connections with decision-makers.
•The Forum Alpbach Network (FAN) creates lasting connections and collaborations among alumni across countries.

Eligibility Criteria of the European Forum Alpbach in Austria:

1. Students, young professionals and change makers from around the world are eligible to apply.

2. Age should be between 18 to 30 years.

3. If you belong to the country under the Global South, you may get an age relaxation of up to 35 years.

4. No matter what background you belong to, everyone can apply.

5. People from all professional or academic backgrounds can apply.

6. You must be a first-time scholarship holder.

7. People who have already attended the forum before can apply for a seminar assistant position.

8. An Alpbach Ambassador, or the Alpbach in Motion program, or a management position.

9. Preference would be given to people belonging to disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds, ethical or religious minorities, LGBTQIA+ community, having physical disability, or belonging to refugees or disabled groups.

10. Applicants must pay a USD 19 registration fee.

Documents Required for the EFA Program Austria:

1. Recommendation letter (if available).

2. Certificate of student status/Certificate of Academic degree.

3. Academic transcript (if required).

4. Proof of Language proficiency (English)/ Medium of Instruction (English).

5. CV (if required).

6. Additional Documents for Special Circumstances.

7. Copy of Valid Passport (Photo and Information Page).

8. Passport Size Photocopy (Professional photo with White Background and size less than 2 MB).

Program Deadline:

• Registration deadline for 2025 has passed.

• Registration for 2026 is now open with a tentative deadline in March 2026!

Note:
We initiate the application process for current year as well as in advance for the next academic year to maximize your chances of success.