IMC University of Applied Sciences Krems (IMC Krems) has reached another milestone in its international development. In Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the renowned King Saud University (KSU) was signed last week. This partnership marks a new era in international tourism education and research and sets new standards for innovative collaborations in education and research.
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IMC Krems and King Saud University: a milestone for international tourism education
Joint platform for education, research and innovation
The collaboration focuses on a unique 3+1 bachelor programme in tourism management, which allows students to study for three years at KSU in Riyadh and one year at IMC Krems. Due to the cooperation, graduates receive degrees from both institutions and thus gain a competitive advantage in the global tourism market.
In addition, IMC Krems supports a hotel management diploma funded by the Saudi Ministry of Tourism, which aims at providing practice-oriented training. Some of the modules are to take place in Austria to offer students insights into European tourism and hospitality culture.
One of the highlights of the trip to Riyadh was the opening ceremony of the KSU-IMC Tourism and Hospitality Hub. This platform will serve as a hub for educational initiatives, joint research projects and industry events to take tourism and hospitality education to a new level. In addition, the Austrian Consortium (IMC Krems, Austrian Tourism Schools and WIFI) plans to offer practical elements in Austria.
King Saud University: a strong partner in the Middle East
Founded in 1957, King Saud University is one of Saudi Arabia’s leading universities and internationally recognised. With more than 40,000 students, over 4,000 faculty members and top positions in rankings such as 90th in the Shanghai Ranking 2024 and first in Saudi Arabia, it is a key player in education and research.
KSU’s College of Tourism plays a key role in the development of the Saudi tourism sector, which is a core element of Vision 2030. IMC Krems contributes expertise in practice-oriented teaching and applied research to take the next step in the training of specialists together with KSU.
IMC Krems: a pioneer in international cooperation
IMC University of Applied Sciences Krems is known for its strong international orientation and innovative educational programmes. The cooperation with King Saud University not only strengthens the global position of IMC Krems, but also opens up new perspectives for the further development of tourism studies.
“The partnership with King Saud University is an important step in the international development of IMC Krems,” says Heinz Boyer, Chairman of the Supervisory Board and founder of IMC Krems. “As a pioneer in global tourism education, we rely on collaborations with excellent partners such as KSU to offer students not only first-class education but also intercultural perspectives. This collaboration reflects our vision of designing innovative educational programmes with a global reach.”
“With this partnership, we are setting a new standard in international tourism education,” explains Udo Brändle, CEO of IMC Krems. “By exchanging knowledge and expanding practical educational programmes, we are shaping the future of the industry together with KSU and making a significant contribution to the development of growing markets such as Saudi Arabia.”
With this step, IMC Krems is reaffirming its mission of promoting education and research across national borders and optimally preparing students for a globalised working environment.