Club Alpbach Steiermark - Scholarship for European Forum Alpbach

Scholarship for the European Forum Alpbach

You will receive a full-cost place at the European Forum Alpbach: The scholarship covers your participation fees and accommodation in Alpbach. The Forum is an international event that takes place every August in the Tyrolean village of Alpbach. Researchers, politicians, artists and students from over 100 countries gather there to discuss current issues across a wide range of fields. In 2026, it will take place from 24. August to 4 September, with arrival on 22 August for a pre-programme. If you are awarded a full scholarship, you will be expected to attend the entire forum and participate actively. Two of the programmes may, however, last for just one week: the ‘Academy Days’ (24–30 August) or the ‘Conference Days’ (30 August–4 September). The scholarship is awarded by Club Alpbach Steiermark and funded by the Province of Styria and Styrian institutions. There are three categories of funding: an initial scholarship for students, a research scholarship for early-career researchers and a limited number of return scholarships for former scholarship holders.

Who can apply

• Where you study or work: You are studying at a Styrian university, university of applied sciences, university of teacher education or research institution, or you are working there as a researcher.
• Which track fits you: First-time grant: You are a student aged up to 30 who has never taken part in the Forum before. Research grant: You are a early-career researcher (pre-doc or post-doc, assistant or junior professor) aged up to 40. Returning scholar grant: You are a former grant holder of Club Alpbach Steiermark aged under 36.
• Field of study: Open to all subjects.
• Nationality: Applicants of all nationalities are welcome to apply. The key requirement is that you are studying or working in Styria.
• Languages: You have a command of German and English at level B2 or higher.
• Grades: You have an excellent academic record.

How to apply

The application process consists of two steps. First, complete the online form on the Club Alpbach Steiermark website and upload your documents. You must then also send all documents by post. The application deadline runs from 1 to 31 March 2026. Please ensure you submit a complete application, as incomplete applications will be viewed unfavourably during the selection process.

How realistic are your chances?

This funding is restricted to students and early-career researchers resident in Styria; as a result, far fewer people apply than for open scholarships. If you clearly fit into one of the three priority areas, meet the language requirements of B2 and submit a complete, well-reasoned application, your chances are good. The return scholarship has only a few places available, so competition for it is fiercer.