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22 August 2024 | Story Mbali Moiketsi
Alexander Solomons
EMS honours student Alexander Solomons has been awarded the 2024/2025 Ernst Mach Grant to take part in an exchange programme with FH Salzburg University.

Alexander Solomons, an honours student in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences at the University of the Free State (UFS), has been awarded the prestigious Ernst Mach Grant for the 2024/2025 academic year. This competitive grant will enable Solomons to participate in an exchange programme at FH Salzburg University, one of Europe’s leading institutions for higher education and research, in Salzburg, Austria.

The Ernst Mach Grant, named after the renowned physicist and philosopher Ernst Mach, is funded by the Austrian Federal Ministry of Education, Science, and Research. It aims to foster international academic exchange and support students who demonstrate exceptional academic merit and a strong commitment to their field of study.

“Spending time abroad did not seem like something that I would be able to do so early in my life,” Solomons said. “Coming from Scottsville, Kraaifontein, in the Western Cape, I never thought that I would be able to take part in opportunities such as this one.”

“Alexander’s selection as an Ernst Mach Grant recipient is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and the high standards of academic programmes at the UFS,” said Lynette Jacobs, Acting Director in the Office for International Affairs at the UFS.

During his time at FH Salzburg University, Solomons will have the opportunity to immerse himself in a vibrant academic environment, engage with leading scholars in his field, and access cutting-edge resources and facilities. “I will have the opportunity to deepen my knowledge and engage in a different form of high-impact learning,” he said. “Professionally, international experience can be valuable in the advancement of my career. Being exposed to global practices as well as networking has the potential to enhance my career prospects and potentially open doors for me in the country I originate from and internationally.”

Jacobs added that this programme will not only enhance Solomons’ academic and professional development but also strengthen the international ties between the UFS and FH Salzburg University.

"I am thrilled to witness the incredible opportunities scholarship programmes offer to our students,” she said. “Scholarships like the Ernst Mach Grant not only provide financial support but also open doors to unparalleled academic and cultural experiences. I strongly encourage all UFS students to explore these opportunities and apply for scholarships. Studying abroad can be a life-changing experience, offering new perspectives, fostering personal growth, and building a global network.”

In addition to his academic pursuits, Solomons will serve as an ambassador for the UFS, sharing his experiences and insights with his peers and faculty members at FH Salzburg University. He intends to integrate the knowledge gained into research and projects he takes on in the future. He believes the exposure to diverse opinions can help him approach problems from a more global perspective, and help him think in a more adaptable and inclusive manner.

“His participation in this exchange programme will contribute to the ongoing efforts to promote international collaboration and cultural exchange within our academic community,” Jacobs said.

Students and staff interested in applying for scholarships are welcome to contact Mbali Moiketsi, Study Abroad Officer  in the Office for International Affairs on the top floor of the Theology Building.  Information about scholarships is shared regularly through channels such as newsletters, social media, and the UFS website.

News Archive

Enactus heeds call to be of service to its communities
2017-01-17

 Description: Enactus Tags: Enactus

The newly-elected vice president of Enactus
University of the Free State, Solomuzi Khati
(third from left) with members of Enactus on
the Qwaqwa Campus.
Photo: Thabo Kessah


The future of South Africa is in good hands if Enactus activities are anything to go by. Enactus is an international non-profit organisation bringing together student, academic and business leaders committed to using entrepreneurial action to improve lives. And the Qwaqwa Campus chapter is doing exactly that – changing lives.

Community engagement
This team of enthusiastic and energetic students have touched the Qwaqwa community in more ways than one through their community engagement activities. One such activity was when they adopted the Team Spirit Centre as their partner for development and empowerment.

“Up to now, the chapter has lived up to its purpose of assisting and uplifting the Qwaqwa community. As part of our programme, we identified a problem that we are currently helping to solve,” said Solomuzi Khati, the newly-elected vice president of Enactus University of the Free State.

Skills development
“We have realised that many centres housing orphaned and vulnerable children, like the Team Spirit in Makoane in Qwaqwa, are not sustainable. Our project introduced a business concept to the centre where we helped to plant vegetables so the owner Mrs Manthabeleng could then use and sell at a later stage,” he said. “In the process, students and Mrs Manthabeleng would develop various entrepreneurial, finance and business skills for future use on top of the centre generating income to sustain itself,” he added.

Appointment of Advisory Board
Khati also revealed Enactus was in the process of inviting business and community leaders into their Business Advisory Board. “This is a group of business people who are recruited to serve as mentors for our team. Typically, a Business Advisory Board is composed of 10-50 business leaders in the community. Board members can keep students informed of current business concerns and trends, provide financial or in-kind assistance for projects, critique annual reports and presentations, and provide networking opportunities.”

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