European Forum Alpbach Scholarship Programme 2026 in Austria (Funded)

An exciting opportunity for around 350 young talents from all over the world to join the annually unique event "European Forum Alpbach 2026",  which takes place in the picturesque village of Alpbach, Austria, for two weeks in summer 2026.  The scholarship programme of the European Forum Alpbach is funded by the European Forum Alpbach Foundation together with support from partner organisations, private sponsors, donations, and the Forum Alpbach Network (global alumni network).

About the EFA 2026

The European Forum Alpbach (EFA) is an annual event that brings together hundreds of young talents, including students, young professionals, and changemakers, to attend scientific, competence-based, and artistic seminars and studios, engage in a high-level conference programme, and participate in a vibrant mix of social and cultural activities.

Spending almost two immersive weeks in the Alps, this selected group has access to thought-provoking content, meaningful dialogue with decision-makers and thought leaders, and countless inspiring encounters with peers and other generations. One former scholarship holder called it: "It was one of these moments that changes your direction, that you later can clearly trace a lot of things back to."

The EFA experience doesn't end in Alpbach. Through the Forum Alpbach Network (FAN), former scholarship holders stay connected long after the Forum is over. The network spans 34 alumni initiatives in 20 countries, all committed to strengthening the Forum's mission year-round. 

Eligibility | Who can apply?

- EFA scholarship for the European Forum Alpbach event is available to applicants from all countries and disciplines. Artists and non-graduates are invited to apply, too.

- Applicants should be aged between 18 and 30 years (or between 18 and 35 for citizens of the Global South)

- The main language of the European Forum Alpbach is English. Therefore, fluent  English language skills  are required (English proficiency at a minimum level of B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference). 

- All applicants must be ready to attend the full duration of the European Forum Alpbach. An earlier departure is only possible from 31 August onwards in exceptional, duly justified cases and must be approved in advance by the EFA team. 

- You have not received a scholarship from the European Forum Alpbach yet and therefore qualify as a first-time scholarship holder. If you attended the Forum virtually in 2020 or 2021, you may still apply.

- Upload of the most recent qualification or academic record.

Expenses and Benefits

- A scholarship of the EFA for the Forum covers the participation fee and accommodation costs. 

- Should the remaining costs (food, transportation, special needs, etc.) pose a financial burden, applicants may apply for additional support. The allocation of such support is subject to the availability of funds and relies on the solidarity of other participants.  

- In line with the principle of solidarity, applicants who have sufficient financial means are kindly encouraged to cover their own accommodation costs of €49.00 per night, i.e. a total of € 539 for the 11 nights of EFA26 (with bookings arranged by EFA). 

- Travel expenses to and from Alpbach aren't included; you have to cover them by yourself.

Application requirements

- Confirmation of your B2 English Level, which can be any of the following: Please upload one (merged) document that reflects your most recent status:

• (TOEFL, IELTS, MUET, Cambridge or Duolingo certificate 
• You studied or are studying in an English-speaking country
• Your degree is taught entirely in English  
• A copy of a passport if you are coming from a majority English-speaking country
• or a confirmation by your school, employer, or university professor, explicitly stating that you have reached B2 or an equivalent to B2.  

- Most Recent Qualification or Academic Record, please upload one (merged) document that reflects your most recent status:

• If you are currently studying: Your latest transcript of records (only transcripts from 2025 or 2026 can be considered) or
• If you have completed your studies recently: Your latest diploma (A-levels issued in 2024 or later, apprenticeship or other vocational training, university degree) or
• If you are currently working: Proof of employment and your latest diploma (university degree, apprenticeship or other vocational training).
• If your transcript or certificate is in a language other than German or English, you need to also attach a translation. This translation does not need to be certified.

- On the EFA application platform, you will be asked to fill out CV details and answer the two following questions:

• You are teaching 13-year-olds about the European Union or an intergovernmental organisation. How would you describe to students what the European Union or the intergovernmental organisation is and what implications it has? Which methods would you use?
• What motivates you to participate in EFA26? What aspects/tracks/formats/participants are you most looking forward to? Link your answer to your personal background. 

Timeline

Application deadline: 22 March 2026, 11:59 p.m. (CET)

Selection result: by the end of May 2026 at the latest

Start of the Forum: 24 August 2026

Departure day: 4 September 2026

How to apply?

Applicant needs to write down his/her name and email address here, and then they will receive an application form via email to fill out. 

More Details  

for more details regarding the European Forum Alpbach call, please check the FAQ SECTION 

Apply Now⇗

Opportunity Website⇗

By applying to this forum, you take responsibility and risks. Inform yourself about the regulation and potential risks. "Opportunity 4U" cannot be held liable for any of the potential risks, and this post is only for informative and popularising purposes.