The dual study model combines university learning with paid work experience. Around 60 tourism companies are partners.
Vienna, October 28, 2026 – A first for FHWien der WKW: The inaugural cohort in the dual study track of the Bachelor’s program in Tourism & Hospitality Management has completed its studies. They celebrated their graduation at a ceremony on October 19, 2026, at the Wiener Börse. After three years of study, they already have two years of relevant professional experience alongside their Bachelor’s degree.
A Bachelor’s Degree, Professional Experience, and a Network in Tourism
“With the graduation of our first students in the dual study program, we have reached a milestone,” says Florian Aubke, Head of Tourism & Hospitality Management Study Programs at FHWien der WKW. “When we launched the dual study track, our goal was to integrate the university and companies as learning environments. Our first graduates have learned to connect theoretical knowledge with professional experience. And they have built a strong network in tourism along the way.”
Partner Companies Help Shape Students’ Education
FHWien der WKW collaborates with around 60 companies on its dual tourism program. They range from hotels and tour operators to conference and event companies and mobility providers. The partner companies help shape the students’ education and get to know them as employees over two years. In regular meetings to discuss learning objectives, students, the university, and partner companies explore how experiences at work can be connected to their studies.
Half the Week in the Classroom, Half at Work
In their first year, students acquire the theoretical foundations at FHWien der WKW. From the third semester onward, they spend half the week at the university and the other half at their partner company, where they are employed and earn a salary. Particular attention is paid to ensuring that students are a good fit for their partner company, since they stay with the same company until graduation.
Taking on Responsibility and Building a Career
Schiehser Hotels is one of FHWien der WKW’s partner companies in the dual tourism program. “We value our collaboration with FHWien der WKW because it creates a strong connection between a solid education and professional practice. As trainees, the students contribute fresh expertise and take on responsibility. We offer them an environment that supports their development and opens up career opportunities,” says Alexander Schiehser, Managing Director of Schiehser Hotels.
Ketevan Tamasidze completed the practical phase of her studies at Schiehser Hotels: “I was able to explore many different aspects of day-to-day hotel operations—from working at the front desk and handling reservations to optimizing processes and shaping guest communications. The knowledge I gained through my studies enabled me to work independently at the hotel sooner. The courses on AI were particularly useful.” After graduating, Ketevan Tamasidze is staying with Schiehser Hotels as Assistant to the Chief Operating Officer.
A Shared Success for the University and Companies
“FHWien der WKW stands out for its close ties to the business community, which go a step further in the dual study program: The university and companies share responsibility for educating students. The fact that the first cohort has now completed the dual tourism program is therefore also a success for our partner companies, which have supported this model from the outset,” says Stephan Gasser, CEO of FHWien der WKW.
Tourism Degree Programs Since 1994
Tourism & Hospitality Management was FHWien der WKW’s first degree program in 1994. Since 2023, the dual study track has complemented the full-time Bachelor’s program. The university of applied sciences also offers the part-time Master’s program in Urban Tourism & Visitor Economy Management. It focuses on sustainable urban tourism and is taught in English.
Applications Open on January 7, 2027
The next application period for degree programs at FHWien der WKW opens on January 7, 2027. The FHWien der WKW website provides information about the programs and how to apply:
Bachelor’s Program in Tourism & Hospitality Management
Master’s Program in Urban Tourism & Visitor Economy Management
Images:
The first graduates of the dual study track of FHWien der WKW’s Bachelor’s program in Tourism & Hospitality Management with Florian Aubke, Head of Tourism & Hospitality Management Study Programs (right), at their graduation ceremony on October 19, 2026, at the Wiener Börse.
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Photo credit: Markus Hechenberger
“With the graduation of our first students in the dual study program, we have reached a milestone,” says Florian Aubke, Head of Tourism & Hospitality Management Study Programs at FHWien der WKW.
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Photo credit: feelimage | Matern
Ketevan Tamasidze completed the practical phase of her dual tourism program at FHWien der WKW with Schiehser Hotels. The photo shows her with hotel manager Dominik Prenosil.
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Photo credit: Schiehser Hotels
FHWien der WKW – University of Applied Sciences for Management & Communication
FHWien der WKW is Austria’s leading university of applied sciences for management and communication. Its Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs offer over 2,900 students a practical academic education. Two-thirds of the lecturers come directly from the business world. The close cooperation with local companies in teaching and research prepares students optimally for their careers. Since its foundation in 1994, FHWien der WKW has already produced more than 16,800 graduates.
Contact:
Bernhard Witzeling
Head of Corporate Communication, Marketing and Alumni & Career Services, Press Officer
Phone: +43 (1) 476 77-5733
presse@fh-wien.ac.at
www.fh-wien.ac.at