Strong Regional Retention Among MCI Alumni

68% remain in Austria after graduation – 49% continue their careers in Tyrol

In ongoing political debates, questions are repeatedly raised about whether MCI primarily educates talent for the Austrian labor market or for international destinations.

While such concerns are understandable given the need for a responsible use of public resources, discussions often lack a solid factual basis.

Among the claims frequently voiced are that:

• MCI is predominantly attended by international “numerus clausus refugees,”

• who supposedly study for free,

• drive up local housing costs,

• and ultimately leave the country after graduation.

Current data from a routine institutional reporting cycle paint a different picture:

MCI students…

• come from regional backgrounds comparable to those of other universities in Tyrol,

• pay tuition fees without exception – in contrast to public universities,

• with non-EU/EEC students at MCI paying significantly higher fees (currently €15,000 per year),

• are selected through competitive admission processes, with only one in three applicants admitted due to capacity limits,

• are in high demand in the labor market and receive an average of8 job offers before completing their studies,

• generate the highest number of startups per 1,000 students across all Austrian higher education institutions (TUM Study 2025*),

• and remain in Austria after graduation in 68% of cases – 49% stay in Tyrol.

“From day one, we actively connect our students with local businesses through practitioner-led teaching, case studies, projects, internships, final theses, and our high-performing Student & Career Center,” says Brigitte Auer, Head of Quality Management at MCI. “This comprehensive approach offers exciting prospects in Austria and strengthens the region’s innovative capacity.”

Susanne Lichtmannegger, Head of International Relations, adds: “Our strong emphasis on internationalization in teaching, research, continuing education, and staffing is designed to prepare our students for global challenges and boost the competitiveness of the domestic economy.”

“The facts are clear and publicly available – all relevant information is transparently accessible through MCI and its regularly published reports and evaluations,” stresses Claudia Mössenlechner, Deputy Head of the MCI Academic Council.

MCI Rector Andreas Altmann underlines the long-standing achievements of the university: “Despite challenging conditions, our team consistently delivers top-level performance that earns international recognition and respect. I am confident that MCI’s tremendous potential for the future is widely recognized here in Austria as well – and that unfounded arguments will ultimately not prevail.”

Sources:

*TUM Study 2025