Symposium „Recruiting International Potential for Austrian Higher Education Institutes"

The symposium on "Recruiting International Potential for Austrian Higher Education Institutes: Obstacles and Opportunities during the New (Ab) Normal" organised by the ombudsman's office for students dealt with the challenges and opportunities that international students and researchers faced in these COVID-19 times. Representatives of the higher education sector were invited to present and discuss their strategies and experiences. A total of 70 participants from four different countries took part in this conference.

In this context, Mag. Dr. Susanne Lichtmannegger and Dr. Leena Saurwein, MA presented the international recruiting strategies of the Entrepreneurial School^®. The MCI has consistently expanded its study programs and services offered completely in English over the years and can now look forward to increasing numbers of applicants from all over the world.

“International students find excellent conditions for their studies at MCI and at the same time they are enriching the academic culture of our university. In addition to academic quality, international reputation and an attractive location, comprehensive personal support and work opportunities during and after their studies also play a key role for international applicants." Susanne Lichtmannegger.

Scholarships are becoming increasingly important in the decision-making process for a particular university: “A variety of scholarships increases the attractiveness of the university in global competition. The MCI has developed a corresponding portfolio of scholarships for various target groups, for example the High Potential Scholarship or the recently launched Ban Ki Moon Scholarship for students who are committed to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)." Leena Saurwein.

Overall, the symposium showed that legal simplifications of entry and residence requirements would be desirable in order to position Austria internationally as a study and research location.

The video recording of the entire conference can be found here.