Austria Opens €13,500 Scholarships for Global Changemakers as Education Funding Gap Widens

Why Global Education Investment Matters More Than Ever

Current projections show that by 2030, only about one out of every six countries is on track to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4)—universal access to quality education. For low- and lower-middle-income nations, the challenge is even steeper, with an estimated US$97 billion in annual funding shortfalls needed to meet education benchmarks.

As developing economies struggle with widening SDG financing gaps, the need to nurture skilled, ethical, and forward-thinking leaders has become critical. Expanding access to advanced education is one of the most effective ways to equip future changemakers to drive inclusive and sustainable development.

Study in Austria: Scholarships Worth Up to €13,500

MCI | The Entrepreneurial School® in Austria has opened applications for four competitive scholarship programmes designed to support students from Africa, Eastern Europe, and the wider Global South who are committed to social impact and leadership.

Available Scholarship Opportunities

• Ban Ki-moon Scholarship on Sustainable Development Goals (€13,500 per year)
  Open to non-EU applicants actively contributing to the advancement of the UN SDGs. Endorsed under the patronage of former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, the scholarship supports bachelor’s, master’s, and Executive MBA candidates focused on sustainable development.
• Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya Scholarship (€13,500 per year)
  Targeted at non-EU nationals from Belarus and Eastern Europe who are advancing democracy, human rights, good governance, and the rule of law. Available across bachelor’s, master’s, and Executive MBA programmes.
• Herman Mashaba Scholarship (€10,000 per year)
  Reserved for South African citizens demonstrating leadership in entrepreneurship, public service, and governance. This award supports master’s and Executive MBA studies and honours the legacy of the South African entrepreneur and political leader.
• African Innovation & Entrepreneurship Scholarship (€7,500 per year)
  Open to citizens of any African country working toward inclusive economic growth and social impact. This scholarship is offered in partnership with the African Association of Business Schools (AABS).

Eligible Programmes

The scholarships apply as tuition fee reductions for English-taught programmes, including:

• International Business & Management
• Entrepreneurship & Tourism
• Biotechnology
• Environmental Engineering
• Medical Technologies
• Mechatronics
• Executive MBA in General Management

Application Deadline

March 31, 2026

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You’ll also gain access to expert insights and resources such as:

• A beginner’s guide to ICT4D concepts
• How AI is enhancing student writing outcomes in Brazil
• Rethinking curricula for ICT4D education