Would you like to be part of the European Forum Alpbach event? Apply for a scholarship with us: You're in for a lifechanging experience! We invite driven young changemakers to apply for our scholarship programme and join EFA26. Applications are open from 2 to 22 March 2026.

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Every year, hundreds of young talents from around the world travel to the picturesque village of Alpbach to take part in a truly unique event: the European Forum Alpbach (EFA).

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Students, young professionals, and changemakers come together 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.

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At the heart of this experience are the EFA scholarship holders — the only participants who stay for the entire duration of the Forum. Each year, around 350 scholarships are awarded to first-time participants by both the European Forum Alpbach and the Forum Alpbach Network (FAN).

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Spending almost two immersive weeks in the Alps, this selected group is given access to thought-provoking content, meaningful dialogue with decision-makers and thought leaders, and countless inspiring encounters with peers and other generations alike.

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One former scholarship holder called it:

"It was one of these moments that changes your direction, that you later can clearly trance a lot of things back to."

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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. 

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The shared experience of EFA creates lasting bonds, cross-border friendships, and a growing community of people committed to shaping a better Europe together.

Our scholarship programme is for students, young professionals and change-makers who want to have an impact and become active citizens in their region. A 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.

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Please note the following application criteria:

• 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.
• 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). You will be asked to provide supporting documents to prove your English proficiency 
• Upload of the most recent qualification or academic record
• You are between 18 and 30 years of age (or between 18 and 35 for citizens of the Global South) at the time of the forum.
• 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. Departures before this date will result in the withdrawal of the scholarship.

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We 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 yourself 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. 

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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. 

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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). By opting out of accommodation coverage, you contribute to making participation at the Forum possible for individuals from less privileged backgrounds.