FAQ Scholarship Programme

Please note that most questions here concern the EFA application process, i.e. if you apply via EFA. For questions regarding scholarships awarded by FAN Clubs, please refer to their respective websites.

APPLICANT CRITERIA

Who can apply?

The scholarship to participate in the European Forum Alpbach is available to:

  • International applicants up to the age of 30 (up to 35 for applicants from the Global South, see definition with "Talents from the Global South").
  • Applicants from all countries and professional/academic backgrounds.

We would like to encourage candidates coming from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds, members of ethnical or religious minorities, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, people with disabilities, and refugees or displaced persons to apply for a scholarship. If you identify as belonging to one of these groups, you may indicate this in your motivational statement. We will take it into consideration in our jury assessment.

There is a special application procedure for nationals of ROC Taiwan or permanent residents in Taiwan: Please apply via the Lung Yintai Cultural Foundation (https://www.civictaipei.org/in...). More information will follow soon.

We continuously try to include voices which we think should be focused on even more in the context of further developing Europe. For the EFA24, we would like to particularly encourage people whose professional, academic, and personal background corresponds to one of the following profiles to apply for a scholarship:

Female* Talents in Science/Technology/Engineering/Mathematics (STEM)

Only a fifth of all STEM students in Austria were female* in 2021, compared to over 60 per cent in many other subjects – and international figures are not much higher. While the reasons for this gender gap may be manifold, one thing is vital: the active participation of women in STEM fosters diversity and unleashes untapped innovation that drives advancements for a more inclusive and dynamic society. If you are a female* student, trainee, or professional, do not miss out the opportunity to apply for the Female* Talents in STEM programme as part of the WOW* @ EFA (World of Women*) Initiative.

Talents in Urban Development

By 2050, two thirds of the world’s total population will live in cities, making urban centers decisive in building sustainable, inclusive, and resilient societies. If you’re an architect, urban planner or sociologist, a local activist or member of an NGO changing the urban space in your neighbourhood, make sure to apply for the Talents in Urban Development programme.

Talents in Engineering

Engineering expertise plays a pivotal role in shaping a sustainable future, whether channeling skills into innovating climate-conscious machinery or envisioning eco-friendly infrastructure. If you're an engineer, a tech enthusiast, or someone passionate about driving positive change through technology, apply for our Talents in Engineering programme.

Talents from Arts and Culture

Nurturing artistic and cultural expression is essential for enriching our collective experience, safeguarding traditions, and fostering a society where diverse voices thrive. If you're an artist, cultural enthusiast, or advocate for creative expression shaping the cultural landscape, let your passion shine by applying for our Talents from Arts and Culture initiative.

Talents in Entrepreneurship

Fostering the potential of aspiring entrepreneurs is critical, propelling forward-thinking ideas, stimulating economic expansion, and cultivating a dynamic environment that evolves in response to emerging possibilities and challenges. If you're an aspiring business leader, innovator, or advocate for entrepreneurial growth, showcase your enthusiasm by joining the European Forum Alpbach via our Talents in Entrepreneurship programme.

Talents in Finance

Nurturing financial expertise is paramount, contributing indispensably to the stability and expansion of financial markets, fostering economic resilience, and driving innovation. Alternative financial strategies play a significant role in shaping a robust and adaptable financial landscape. We would like to invite finance professionals, economists, or advocates for financial innovation to express your dedication by joining our Talents in Finance programme.

Talents with a Non-academic Background

Individuals from diverse non-academic backgrounds bring a wealth of perspectives, practical expertise, and innovative approaches to the European Forum Alpbach, enriching creative endeavors and tackling intricate challenges in ways traditional education may not encompass. If you bring a unique perspective, whether from community activism, non-profit work, your apprenticeship or other fields shaping the societal and business landscape, we encourage you to highlight that in your application for the program focused on Talents with a Non-academic Background.

BEFORE APPLYING

When can I apply?

The European Forum Alpbach application platform will open in March 2025.

How can I apply?

If you apply for a scholarship via EFA, please apply via our online application platform (link will be shared in due time). Please read the requirements carefully in order to make sure to submit a complete application. Incomplete applications or applications that reach us via e-mail will not be accepted. Late submission of missing documents will also not be considered. If you apply via a FAN Club, please visit their website to inquire about their application procedure.

Please note there is a special application procedure for nationals of ROC Taiwan or permanent residents in Taiwan: Please apply via the Lung Yintai Cultural Foundation (https://www.civictaipei.org/in...).

What does my scholarship cover?

Scholarships for the European Forum Alpbach 2025 cover your participation fee and your accommodation in Alpbach. Additionally, EFA scholarship holders receive a daily allowance of approximately € 25 per day. Some Clubs within the Forum Alpbach Network offer a reimbursement of travel costs and/or daily allowances (please refer to their respective websites.)

I have already attended the European Forum Alpbach onsite. Can I apply again?

No. Scholarships for the European Forum Alpbach 2024 are only available for first-time scholarship holders. This means that you haven't been granted an onsite scholarship before. If you have already attended the European Forum Alpbach onsite as a scholarship holder and wish to return, you may apply for a seminar assistant position. The call for applications will be shared in March on https://www.alpbach.org.

Another option to return to the European Forum Alpbach is by being involved with a FAN Club, becoming an Alpbach Ambassador, or applying for the Alpbach in Motion programme if you are over 30 and in a management position.

I have already attended the European Forum Alpbach digitally. Can I apply?

Yes. If you have attended the European Forum Alpbach 2020 or 2021 as an e-scholar, you may apply for a scholarship for the European Forum Alpbach 2024, provided you fulfill the general requirements.

Are there any costs that I have to cover myself?

Travel costs to and from Alpbach have to be covered by you, as well as health care and travel insurance. Onsite, EFA scholarship holders will receive a daily allowance of € 25 per day.

I will turn 30 this year. Can I apply for a regular scholarship?

Yes, scholarships are open to all applicants born after 29.08.1994. If you are a citizen of the Global South (see definition above with "who can apply"), the age limit of 35 limit applies, i.e. scholarships are open to applicants born after 29.08.1989.

I am under 18. Can I apply for a scholarship?

Yes, scholarships are open to all applicants born before 16.08.2007.

I do not have any academic background. Can I apply?

Yes, we welcome applications of non-graduates and strive to increase the percentage of non-academic scholarship holders at EFA. Feel free to indicate the latter in your application by selecting the programme for talents with a non-academic background.

Can I submit multiple applications at EFA and the FAN clubs?

Yes, you may submit more than one application. If you apply via EFA and via one of the FAN Clubs, please indicate this in our online form.

I am a Taiwanese citizen. How can I apply for a scholarship?

You will need to apply via the Lung Ying-tai Cultural Foundation. Please check their website for updates about the call for applications: https://civictaipei.org/

APPLICATION PROCESS

I have a disability. Is the scholarship programme barrier-free?

The European Forum Alpbach is committed to diversity and inclusion with the goal of providing an accessible and welcoming environment for scholarship holders with disabilities. If you have any questions about accessibility of the Forum, please contact scholarships@alpbach.org. We will provide you with all necessary information about attending the Forum as a person with disabilities. All your information will remain confidential. If you think that we should consider the fact that you have a disability in the assessment of your application, you may indicate this in your motivational statement.

Can I send you my application by e-mail or mail?

No. You can only apply through the online application platform.

Do I need to pay any fee to apply for a scholarship?

No. The application is free of charge.

Do I have to send a recommendation letter with my application?

No, a letter of recommendation is not required.

Disqualification of applications

Applications that do not fulfil the minimum criteria and contain a letter of motivation generated by Artificial Intelligence will be removed from the selection process and disqualified in advance.

SELECTION PROCESS

How does the selection process work?

If you apply via EFA, the selection process starts with a check of formal criteria. Applications fulfilling the formal criteria will be passed on to the next round where they are anonymised and subsequently reviewed and rated by at least two members of our selection committee. Our selection committee consists of engaged members of our community who work in various fields of society, e.g. academia, think tanks, business, etc. Many of them are alumni and/or former participants of the Forum. The average of the two jury ratings defines the ranking of all candidates. Based on these rankings, the European Forum Alpbach finalises the selection of candidates, taking into consideration a balanced mix of disciplines and backgrounds. FAN Clubs and initiative groups have their own selection process and criteria. Please visit their website for further information.

Should I be granted a scholarship, is it still possible to decline?

Yes. Your scholarship will be final only after your final confirmation. You need to accept or decline your scholarship within seven days after receiving our acceptance e-mail.

Where do I find the scholarship terms and conditions?

Once you are selected for a scholarship at EFA25, you will receive a scholarship offer along with the terms and conditions.

Who sponsors my scholarship?

Scholarships for the European Forum Alpbach are made possible through sponsorship, grants and donations. The list of our sponsors will be published on our website with the programme launch.

BEFORE AND DURING THE EUROPEAN FORUM ALPBACH

How do I arrange my accommodation for the EFA?

The EFA has reserved rooms for all scholarship holders in Alpbach and surrounding villages for the entire EFA event. If you are selected as a scholarship holder, we will take care of the booking. Note that most accommodations have shared rooms (two to six people in a room, including double beds to share). We kindly ask you to communicate any special requirements to us immediately after your confirmation in our registration form. If this information is passed on later, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to accommodate you accordingly.

Do I need a visa to come to Alpbach?

Nationals of EU member states, the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland do not require a visa for entering the Republic of Austria. All other nationals require a visa in order to enter the Schengen Area or the Austrian territory. As a general rule, the passport must be valid at least three months beyond the planned date of departure from the Schengen area. Please check the visa requirements for your country here: Visa – BMEIA - Außenministerium Österreich

Do I need a health and travel insurance to come to Alpbach?

Yes, you are responsible for contracting health care and travel insurance for the period of your stay in Alpbach with two additional days for travelling between your hometown and Alpbach.

In case of harassment or conflicts, how does the EFA react?

All participants of the EFA (including partners, scholarship holders, staff) agree to the EFA Code of Conduct. Professional and appropriate behaviour is expected of everyone at all times and places during the EFA. During the EFA, an ombudsperson (with no affiliation to EFA) is present and available to mediate in case of violation or conflict. You can reach the ombudsperson during the event via e-mail. More information here: Code of Conduct: https://www.alpbach.org/code-o...

AFTER ALPBACH

How do scholarship holders stay in touch after the European Forum Alpbach?

There are plenty of ways to stay connected after the European Forum Alpbach. The Forum Alpbach Network and the Africa Alpbach Network, the two alumni organisations of the European Forum Alpbach, organise activities during the year and will bring you closer together. Find a Club or an Initiative Group in your region, or become an Ambassador! More information on https://www.alpbach.org/about/...