MCI Sets New Application Record

Date 2026-09-17

More than 5,000 applications for nearly 1,400 study places | Demand continues to rise

With more than 5,000 applications for nearly 1,400 available study places, MCI | The Entrepreneurial School® has once again set a new record. The latest figures continue the strong upward trend of recent years: following approximately 4,500 applications in 2024 and more than 5,000 applications for the first time last year, demand has increased again.

All applicants go through a rigorous admissions process. Depending on the degree program, there are currently an average of three to four applications for every available study place. Strong demand extends across MCI’s entire academic portfolio, ranging from management, law, IT, tourism and business psychology to social sciences, health, sports and medical technology, as well as life sciences, engineering, environmental technology and energy technology.

MCI’s close ties with local businesses – from courses and case studies to projects, internships, thesis projects and startups – create an important bridge between higher education and the regional economy. This connection also has a lasting impact: according to the 2023 MCI Alumni Survey, more than two-thirds of graduates remain in Austria after completing their studies, with the majority staying in Tyrol.

Statements

Cornelia Hagele, Tyrol State Minister for Education, Science, Research, Health and Care: “MCI is a key pillar of Tyrol’s education, research and business ecosystem and makes an essential contribution to educating highly qualified professionals and future leaders for Tyrol and retaining them in the region over the long term. The continued increase in applications clearly demonstrates how attractive MCI is, particularly to young people, and highlights the importance of The Entrepreneurial School® to Tyrol as a location for education and business.”

Oswald Wolkenstein, Chair of the MCI Supervisory Board: “The renewed record number of applications underscores MCI’s standing within the higher education landscape. Education, innovation, a commitment to excellence and international connectivity are critical to our country’s future. It is therefore all the more important that MCI’s success is supported by modern, forward-looking infrastructure.”

Julian Pfurtscheller, Chair of the MCI Students’ Union: “The continued high demand confirms that young people are making a deliberate choice to study at MCI. At the same time, the university needs the right conditions to continue on its successful path. This includes sufficient, modern facilities and learning spaces for both students and faculty.”

Andreas Altmann, MCI Rector: “MCI’s consistently strong results and recognition in surveys, accreditations and rankings, the many opportunities to study abroad, and the excellent career prospects enjoyed by our alumni all contribute to the continued high demand. I am particularly pleased that we are succeeding in retaining many graduates in the region after they complete their studies, thereby helping counter demographic trends.”

The renewed record number of applications underscores the continued strong demand for the study programs offered by The Entrepreneurial School®. ©MCI/Gabl<br />
MCI Campus Innsbruck ©MCI/Scherr<br />
Cornelia Hagele, Tyrol State Minister for Education, Science, Research, Health and Care ©Die Fotografen<br />
Oswald Wolkenstein, Chair of the MCI Supervisory Board ©WK Tirol<br />
Julian Pfurtscheller, Chair of the MCI Students’ Union ©BLICKFANG<br />
Andreas Altmann, MCI Rector ©MCI/Koller<br />
The renewed record number of applications underscores the continued strong demand for the study programs offered by The Entrepreneurial School®. ©MCI/Gabl<br />
The renewed record number of applications underscores the continued strong demand for the study programs offered by The Entrepreneurial School®. ©MCI/Gabl
MCI Campus Innsbruck ©MCI/Scherr<br />
MCI Campus Innsbruck
Cornelia Hagele, Tyrol State Minister for Education, Science, Research, Health and Care ©Die Fotografen<br />
Cornelia Hagele, Tyrol State Minister for Education, Science, Research, Health and Care ©Die Fotografen
Oswald Wolkenstein, Chair of the MCI Supervisory Board ©WK Tirol<br />
Oswald Wolkenstein, Chair of the MCI Supervisory Board ©WK Tirol
Julian Pfurtscheller, Chair of the MCI Students’ Union ©BLICKFANG<br />
Julian Pfurtscheller, Chair of the MCI Students’ Union ©BLICKFANG
Andreas Altmann, MCI Rector ©MCI/Koller<br />
Andreas Altmann, MCI Rector ©MCI/Koller
<p>The renewed record number of applications underscores the continued strong demand for the study programs offered by The Entrepreneurial School®. ©MCI/Gabl</p>

The renewed record number of applications underscores the continued strong demand for the study programs offered by The Entrepreneurial School®. ©MCI/Gabl

<p>MCI Campus Innsbruck ©MCI/Scherr</p>

MCI Campus Innsbruck ©MCI/Scherr

<p>The renewed record number of applications underscores the continued strong demand for the study programs offered by The Entrepreneurial School®. ©MCI/Gabl</p>
<p>MCI Campus Innsbruck ©MCI/Scherr</p>
Patricia Pichler
Patricia Pichler, BA Senior Marketing Manager

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