A milestone for both the Diplomatische Akademie Wien – Vienna School of International Studies and the University of Innsbruck: On 24 June 2026, the first cohort of the jointly organised MSc in Digital International Affairs (DIA) celebrated its graduation. Ten students from seven countries received their master's degrees during the programme's first Graduation Ceremony at the DA, joined by Austria's State Secretary for Digitalisation, Alexander Pröll, who addressed the graduates and highlighted the growing importance of digital expertise for Europe's future.
The students' journey began two years earlier with their Inauguration of the Academic Year at Vienna City Hall, held as part of the celebrations marking the Diplomatische Akademie Wien's 270th anniversary. The ceremony featured addresses by Vienna's Mayor and Governor Michael Ludwig and Nikolaus Marschik, Secretary General of the Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs, followed by a keynote speech by Volker Türk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. It was a fitting beginning for a programme designed to prepare future leaders for an increasingly digital world.
Launched in 2024, the two-year MSc in Digital International Affairs combines the longstanding expertise of the Diplomatische Akademie Wien in international affairs with the University of Innsbruck's strengths in digital technologies. Jointly led by Professor Markus Kornprobst (DA) and Professor Martin Senn (University of Innsbruck), the programme brings together faculty from both institutions to offer an interdisciplinary education at the intersection of diplomacy and digital transformation.
Its curriculum equips students with both a deep understanding of the impact of digitalisation on international affairs and the practical skills needed to shape it. Covering topics ranging from international law, digital diplomacy and global governance to cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, digital ethics and data analysis, the programme prepares graduates to understand the opportunities and risks of digital transformation while applying digital technologies to complex international challenges. This unique combination gives graduates the knowledge and practical competencies needed for careers in diplomacy, international organisations, public administration, international business and the technology sector.
Beyond the classroom, the inaugural DIA cohort quickly became an integral part of the vibrant DA community. For example, they participated in events such as the DA’s annual da.link career day, organised the student-led conference DASICON and they regularly attended distinguished lectures and public events hosted at the DA. Additionally, they joined student societies and embraced many of the Academy's traditions, for several members of the cohort made their debut at the annual DA Charity Ball.
Their studies were further enriched through numerous opportunities to engage with diplomats, policymakers, researchers and industry leaders. Highlights included the study trip to Brussels, visits to Microsoft Austria, the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) and the Zwentendorf Nuclear Power Plant, as well as embassy visits and diplomatic receptions.
The graduation of this first cohort marks an important milestone for both partner institutions and demonstrates the value of combining expertise in international affairs with cutting-edge knowledge of digital technologies. As global challenges become increasingly shaped by digital transformation, the MSc in Digital International Affairs prepares graduates to navigate and help shape the future of international cooperation.
The Diplomatische Akademie Wien and the University of Innsbruck congratulate the inaugural DIA graduates on this achievement and wish them every success in the next chapter of their international careers.
The recording of the first MSc DIA Graduation Ceremonies and a photo gallery are available at www.da-vienna.ac.at/Graduation-Ceremonies.
Last update: 05 August 2026