The 2026 Austrian Development Cooperation Scholarships offer a prestigious pathway for students from developing countries to pursue advanced training in tourism and hospitality management in Austria. These scholarships support international students by covering tuition fees, travel expenses, living stipends, and health insurance—making this one of the most accessible fully funded postgraduate opportunities in Europe.
Overview of the Austrian Development Cooperation Scholarships
The Austrian Development Cooperation (ADC) collaborates with the Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (ITH) to offer annual scholarships aimed at strengthening professional skills in the global tourism and hospitality sector. Since tourism-driven economies rely on capable professionals, the program equips learners with both managerial knowledge and applied skills relevant to today’s international service landscape.
Key Benefits
Successful candidates receive comprehensive support during their study period, including:
- Full tuition coverage
- A monthly living stipend of €2460
- Round-trip flight tickets
- Health insurance and accommodation support
- Meals and essential study resources
This financial package ensures that scholars can focus entirely on academic and professional development without economic burden.
Program Structure at the Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management
The scholarship is awarded exclusively for the ITH Diploma Course, a highly regarded postgraduate program. The curriculum is designed to provide a balance of theoretical understanding and practical experience.
1. General Module
This module introduces foundational concepts in tourism, global trends, and service management. Students gain an understanding of international tourism systems and the fundamentals of operating within a highly competitive global market.
2. Professional Modules
Applicants choose one specialisation based on their academic background and career goals:
• Hospitality Management
Focuses on hotel operations, service excellence, revenue strategies, and hospitality leadership.
• Tourism Management
Covers tourism planning, destination development, marketing strategies, and sustainable tourism approaches.
3. Elective Modules
Learners select one elective to complement their specialization:
- Entrepreneurship – Ideal for students aiming to build enterprises or introduce innovations in tourism markets.
- Teacher Training – Suited for candidates who plan to pursue academic or training roles within hospitality institutions.
Eligibility and Target Applicants
The scholarship is open to qualified candidates from developing countries, with preference given to students from ADC priority regions. Applicants should demonstrate:
- A strong academic background
- Professional motivation to contribute to tourism and hospitality sectors in their home country
- English proficiency (no IELTS requirement stated)
- The ability to participate full-time in Austria throughout the program
Since scholarships are limited and highly competitive, early application and strong documentation significantly improve chances of selection.
Application Timeline and Deadline
The application deadline for the 2026 intake is January 6, 2026. Prospective candidates should prepare all required documents—including academic records, recommendation letters, a motivation statement, and proof of nationality—to meet the deadline without last-minute challenges.
Why Consider the Austrian Development Cooperation Scholarships?
Austria’s tourism industry is globally recognized for its excellence in sustainability, hospitality, and professional standards. Studying at the ITH provides international exposure, hands-on learning, and networking with industry experts from across the world.
Graduates often return to their home countries equipped with advanced skills that support tourism development, job creation, and community-based initiatives—aligning with ADC’s mission of strengthening human capacity in developing nations.
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