Public Call for Applications for the Co-Funding of Doctoral Study Programmes for Students of the UM - 2025/26 Academic Year
The University of Maribor is publishing the »Public Call for Applications for the Co-Funding of Doctoral Study Programmes for Students of the University of Maribor – 2025/26 Academic Year«.
Co-funding may be approved for an applicant who meets the following requirements:
- In the 2025/2026 academic year, the applicant is enrolled in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th year of doctoral study and has regularly progressed into the next year of study during his/her study.
- The applicant has previously not completed any study programme which corresponds to the qualification level awarded under the 3rd-cycle study programmes.
- The applicant has previously not received any public grants or other forms of public funding for study programmes leading to “doktorat znanosti" (PhD), irrespective of the institution where he studied or whether he has completed his doctoral studies.
- The applicant has a supervisor or intended supervisor.
The applicant has received at least 21 points under the criteria for the evaluation of the doctoral applicant's eligibility.
We would like to inform you that a change has been made to section 3 of the form »Enclosure 1: Doctoral Dissertation outline Proposal«. Instead of indicating the estimated ability to publish the scientific-research work (international scientific publications), it is now required to describe the expected original scientific contributions (a content justification – not international scientific publications).
The applications must arrive, regardles of the type of shipment, to the dispatch office of the University of Maribor no later than by 19 September 2025 until 12.00 (noon).
More information on the public call is available at the website of the UM Doctoral School.
Office hours in July and August will take place every day between 9:00 and 10:00.
During annual leave, from 15 July to 15 August, deadlines (for registration of thesis topic, technical and substantive reviews, etc.) do not apply.
With deep sadness and sincere respect, the Faculty of Tourism, University of Maribor, mourns the passing of Prof. Chris Cooper – a globally respected scholar, mentor, and visionary in the field of sustainable tourism management.
During his long career, Prof. Chris Cooper shaped the global discourse on sustainable and responsible tourism. Amongst other, he was awarded the "United Nations WTO Ulysses Prize for Contributions to Tourism Policy and Education", was co-editor of the respected journal Current Issues in Tourism, and author of a number of now classical textbooks on sustainable tourism management, many of which also obligatory texts for our students.
At the Faculty of Tourism, University of Maribor, we had the honour of working with Prof. Cooper over many years. Prof. Cooper was the first to be given the full professorship title in tourism studies at our faculty. He was actively involved in the strategic considerations of the UM Faculty of Tourism, the design of our PhD programme and has been a true Mentor to a young faculty and its researchers and PhD students.
He left a lasting impact on the development of our faculty and academic community. His generosity, knowledge, and dedication to advancing tourism studies inspired many of our colleagues and students. He supported our work with kindness, insight and critical eye, and offered invaluable advice and mentorship.
Professor Cooper’s legacy will live on through the countless scholars and professionals he influenced worldwide.
We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and academic community.
The Student Council of FT UM is collecting applications for student tutors, from which the coordinator of student tutors will also be selected. For the academic year 2025/2026, the following applications are being collected:
• 1 tudent tutor for the part-time professional Bachelor’s programme
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Applications must be submitted using the prescribed form, which is an attachment to this decision (Form 1), along with the required documents, no later than Thursday , 26 June 2025, by 11:00, in a sealed envelope, in one copy, to the FT UM office, with the label "Application for FT UM Student Tutor – Do Not Open." or by email to almaida.mizic@student.um.si, where the subject field must read "Application for FT student tutor".
Applications submitted after the deadline will be rejected as late.
Dear students,
As part of the REX project, we have prepared a short questionnaire on student mobility. Your input is very important to us, and we would greatly appreciate it if you could take just a few minutes to complete it.
Your responses will help us better understand student experiences and improve mobility opportunities in the future.
👉 https://rex-mobility.limesurvey.net/843286?lang=en
Thank you very much for your time and support!
Best regards,
REX Project Team
This project is subsidised by Erasmus + and is carried out in collaboration with the University of Maribor (Slovenia), UVSQ (France), EUF (Luxembourg), HVL (Norway) and İzmir Institute of Technology (Türkiye).


Dear Students,
Below are the instructions for enrollment for the 2025/26 academic year. You will receive an email reminder once e-enrollment opens on August 18.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR ENROLMENT IN A HIGHER YEAR OR REPEAT YEAR (ENGLISH-PROGRAMME STUDENTS)
TIMELINE
1. 8. - 18. 8. 2025 - students have access in the online AIPS ONLY to view:
- curriculum and elective options for the next year
- Information on whether they meet the enrollment criteria:
- basic enrollment criteria
- Contemporary Tourism Practices (BACHELOR) – tab: conditions for progression
- Tourism Destinations and Experiences (MASTER) – tab: conditions for progression
- basic enrollment criteria
- completed student surveys
18. 8. - 26. 9. 2025 - students can begin the e-enrollment process in the online AIPS for enrollment
- adding elective courses to the selection cart
- confirming the e-enrollment form
- printing the e-enrollment form and curriculum, and then submitting the signed documents to the Student Affairs Office
PROCESS
a) PROGRESSION TO A HIGHER YEAR or ENROLMENT IN THE ADDITIONAL YEAR (for students who meet the conditions)
- When you have met all the enrollment conditions, you can enroll electronically through the AIPS system (even if you will go to Erasmus exchange)!.
- Print the completed ENROLLMENT FORM + CURRICULUM and sign it wherever required (signature by hand!). If the enrollment form is not signed, your enrollment will be invalid.
- Send all documentation by registered mail to the following address with the note "For enrollment in the higher year":
Fakulteta za turizem UM
Cesta prvih borcev 36
8250 Brežice
- If the received documentation is incomplete, you will receive a request for completion by email (please note this will prolong the enrolment process).
- You will receive a UPN (universal payment order) for the payment of tuition fees and enrolment contributions and 4 copies of the proof of enrolment. We will send the documents to you by email and to your home (temporary) address (please make sure your name is written on the mailbox).
b) ENROLMENT IN THE ADDITIONAL YEAR
- The enrolment instructions are the same as for enrolment to a higher year. Students can check if they meet the conditions for the additional year at the Student Affairs Office (more informations).
c) EXCEPTIONAL APPROVALS FOR STUDENT ENROLMENT IN A HIGHER YEAR
Students who have not completed all the requirements for enrollment in a higher year can request the Academic Affairs Committee for enrollment under special conditions in accordance with Article 85 of the UM Statute. The request must be submitted to the Student Affairs Office no later than September 15, 2025, by 12:00 PM. Required attachments: appropriate (relevant) evidence + proof of payment for the issuance of the decision.
IMPORTANT: A student who submits an application for enrolment in a higher year and also meets the conditions for repeating the year is advised to submit an alternative application (item 8 on the form) in case the request for enrolment in a higher year is not approved.
d) REPEATING A YEAR
To repeat a year, a student must submit a request to the Academic Affairs Committee in accordance with Article 121 of the UM Statute The request must be submitted to the Student Affairs Office no later than September 15, 2025, by 12:00 PM. Required attachments: appropriate (relevant) evidence + proof of payment for the issuance of the decision.
e) EXTENSION OF STATUS
Students who have other justified reasons can request the Academic Affairs Committee for extension of their student status (Article 214 of the UM Statute), either by one year during their studies or upon completion of their studies. The request must be submitted to the Student Affairs Office no later than September 15, 2025, by 12:00 PM. Required attachments: appropriate (relevant) evidence + proof of payment for the issuance of the decision.
SUPPORT
If you qualify for enrolment and the AIPS does not allow you to enroll/complete the form, please send an e-mail describing the problem to referat.ft@um.si.
A new generation of 40 graduates and master's students from the Faculty of Tourism, University of Maribor, received their diplomas and master's degrees at a formal graduation ceremony held on Thursday, 5 June 2025. The diplomas were awarded by the Dean of the Faculty, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Marjetka Rangus.
This marks the tenth generation of graduates from the higher professional, university, and master's study programmes of the Faculty of Tourism. The ceremony took place in the beautiful setting of the Knights’ Hall of Brežice Castle.
Dean Assoc. Prof. Dr. Marjetka Rangus awarded diplomas to 19 graduates of the higher professional study programme, 11 graduates of the university programme, and 10 graduates of the master's programme.



This year's keynote speaker from the professional field was Mr. Vito Petan, Director of Hotels and Healthcare, the Thermal Riviera, and the Terme Čatež d.d. campsite, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. He addressed the graduates with encouraging and inspiring words as they embark on their professional paths.
Kaja Šetinc, a graduate of the master's programme, gave a thank-you speech on behalf of the graduates. She highlighted the importance of the support they received, reflected on the journey so far, and looked forward to the future.




The event was enriched by a piano performance for four hands by Julija Petan and Jovana Pejkanović, under the mentorship of Prof. Karolina Vegelj Stopar from the Brežice Music School.
On this solemn occasion, the Faculty of Tourism, University of Maribor, also presented awards for excellence in teaching to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jasna Potočnik Topler and Assistant Nejc Pozvek, in recognition of their dedicated pedagogical work.
The award for academic achievement in the past academic year was presented to Anshul Nicholas Lewis, a student of the English-language master's programme.

The Faculty of Tourism is proud of the Class of 2025. They extend their sincere congratulations to all graduates and wish them much success, perseverance, and fulfillment in applying their acquired knowledge.

The Student Council of FT UM is accepting applications for student tutors, one of whom will be selected as the coordinator of student tutors. For the academic year 2025/2026, the following positions are open:
- 2 student tutors for the full-time professional Bachelor’s programme
- 2 student tutors for the part-time professional English-language Bachelor’s programme
- 1 student tutor for the university Bachelor’s programme
- 1 student tutor for the full-time Master’s programme
- 1 student tutor for the part-time English-language Master’s programme
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Applications must be submitted using the prescribed form, which is an attachment to this decision (Form 1), along with the required documents, no later than Wednesday, 18 June 2025, by 14:00, in a sealed envelope, in one copy, to the Secretariat of the Faculty of Tourism, UM, with the label "Application for FT UM Student Tutor – Do Not Open." The application must include a completed and signed application form for the position of student tutor at the Faculty of Tourism, UM.
The Faculty of Tourism, University of Maribor, successfully hosted the international scientific conference Transforming Tourism and Hospitality through Education (TEDU25) from 14 to 16 May 2025 at Terme Čatež. The event brought together over 70 participants from more than 15 countries, who significantly contributed to discussions on sustainable development, digitalisation, new competencies, and the role of education in the future of tourism.
The conference opened on 14 May at Terme Čatež, where the Dean of the Faculty of Tourism, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Marjetka Rangus, delivered the welcome address. The event then moved to Brežice, first to the Faculty of Tourism and later to Brežice Castle. The highlight of the opening day was the keynote address by Prof. John Tribe (York St John University & University of Surrey, UK), one of the most influential authors in the field of tourism education, who spoke in the Knight’s Hall of the Posavje Museum Brežice. He emphasized the importance of linking academic theory with practice and responsibly shaping future educational pathways. After the formal part and dinner, participants were given a guided tour of the Posavje Museum Brežice by its director, Alenka Černelič Krošelj.



The following day featured a keynote address by Prof. Hazel Tucker (University of Otago, New Zealand), who focuses on the social aspects of tourism. The day was filled with thematic panels covering innovation, green skills, systems thinking, micro-credentials, artificial intelligence, the integration of cultural heritage, and challenges across different regions.




The main event of Thursday’s programme was a round table titled The Future of Tourism Education, bringing together renowned experts Prof. John Tribe, Prof. Hazel Tucker, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Marjetka Rangus (Faculty of Tourism, University of Maribor). Moderated by Stu Hayes (University of Otago, New Zealand), the discussion highlighted the importance of flexible and inclusive education, with a special focus on micro-credentials as a method for fast and targeted upskilling in tourism.


One of the unique features of TEDU25 was the thoughtfully designed accompanying programme, aimed at introducing participants to the cultural heritage of the Posavje region. As part of the so-called “castle hopping” experience, participants visited three remarkable local landmarks – Brežice Castle, Mokrice Castle, and Rajhenburg Castle – where they enjoyed culinary evenings, guided tours, and even a chocolate-making workshop. These experiences showcased the region’s tourism potential and its value in linking education, culture, and memorable experiences.
TEDU25 reaffirmed the crucial role of academic institutions and researchers in shaping the future of tourism, as well as the importance of collaborating with local environments. In addition to numerous expert contributions and inspiring discussions, the event also served as a platform for new partnerships, knowledge exchange, and the development of joint projects for a sustainable tourism future.
The Faculty of Tourism is already planning the continuation of this successful story – the next international scientific conference, TEDU26, will take place in autumn 2026. You are warmly invited to join us once again in co-creating the future of education, tourism, and sustainable development. More information will follow soon.

The Faculty of Tourism at the University of Maribor is organizing the international scientific conference Transforming Tourism and Hospitality through Education (TEDU25), which will take place from 14 to 16 May 2025 at Terme Čatež. The event will bring together domestic and international experts in the fields of tourism, education, and sustainable development.
The conference will feature renowned speakers from around the globe, including:
- Prof. John Tribe (York St John University & University of Surrey, UK), one of the most influential authors in tourism education,
- Prof. Hazel Tucker (University of Otago, New Zealand), an internationally recognized researcher on the social impacts of tourism,
- and many other scholars and professionals from Slovenia and abroad.
We warmly invite you to a special round table discussion on Thursday, 15 May 2025 at 3 PM, which will focus on the future of tourism education. Special emphasis will be placed on micro-credentials as a tool for upskilling tourism professionals and their potential in addressing current labor market challenges.
Round table participants:
- Dubravka Kalin, Director General of the Tourism Directorate (Slovenian Ministry of the Economy, Tourism and Sport),
- Assoc. Prof. Dr. Maja Modic, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs, University of Maribor,
- Prof. John Tribe, York St John University & University of Surrey, UK,
- Prof. Hazel Tucker, University of Otago, New Zealand,
- Assoc. Prof. Dr. Marjetka Rangus, Dean of the Faculty of Tourism, University of Maribor.
The discussion will be moderated by Stu Hayes from the University of Otago (New Zealand).
The conference aims to provide a platform for reflection on meaningful, sustainable, and adaptable education for the future of tourism – with a strong focus on knowledge transfer between academia and industry, development of green skills, and collaborative efforts to address contemporary challenges in tourism and hospitality.
For the full programme and additional information, please visit:
https://www.ft.um.si/en/research/research/tedu25-conference/
