QMU & Apex Hotels reignite partnership to empower future hospitality leaders
Queen Margaret University and Apex Hotels has relaunched its long-standing partnership to create scholarships that will transform the leadership of hospitality, tourism and events management.
The new Apex Hotels Scholarship programme is designed to create life-changing opportunities for QMU students and graduates - helping elevate their careers and inspire the next generation of leaders to revitalise Scotland’s hospitality and tourism sector.
This renewed collaboration marks the return of a highly successful relationship that flourished between 2004 and 2020, during which Apex Hotels supported QMU students with bursaries, internships, and scholarships. Its revival reflects a shared passion for nurturing talent, widening opportunity, and strengthening the future of the hospitality sector.
Through the new agreement, Apex Hotels will invest £60,000 over the next four years, providing vital financial support and unparalleled career development opportunities for students enrolled in QMU’s BA (Hons) International Hospitality, Tourism and Events Management degree. Each Apex Hotels scholar will receive £3,000 over two years, along with exclusive access to industry insights, professional networks, and the potential for paid roles within Apex Hotels. These development opportunities have been carefully crafted by the Apex and QMU team to upskill graduates and open doors that can shape successful management careers in the industry.
For the 2025/26 academic year, five outstanding scholars have been selected to embark on this transformative journey. Third-year students Joseph Marooth, Yana Surina and Viktoriia Hirenko, along with fourth-year students Ava Dillon and Patricia Aquino, were all successful in securing scholarships this year. Their experience began at a special scholarship kick-off event in January, hosted at Apex Waterloo Place Hotel, Edinburgh, where excited students connected with senior Apex leaders from across regional general management, HR, talent acquisition and operations.
The event offered students an inspiring glimpse into the world of hospitality leadership and the chance to build relationships that will support their growth long after graduation.
Thomas Kelly, Head of Development and Alumni Relations at QMU, said: “We are thrilled to renew our partnership with Apex Hotels. This programme not only alleviates financial pressures for our students, but also provides invaluable real‑world experience and networking opportunities. It’s a fantastic example of QMU’s Empower programme, and how academia and industry can work together to strengthen the talent pipeline for the hospitality sector. We are ambitious in our support of our graduate development opportunities, and in our aspirations for the future of the industry in Scotland and beyond.”
Supporting the next generation of hospitality professionals is a priority for Apex Hotels. We are proud to collaborate with QMU to help students succeed and to showcase the exciting range of career paths available within our industry. We are also excited to work with emerging talent to keep pushing the boundaries and improving the sector’s offering
Viktoriia Hirenko, a QMU student from Ukraine, believes she is about to embark on a transformative experience.
The APEX scholarship is an incredible opportunity to immerse myself in the world of hospitality and see firsthand how a level of service is created that genuinely touches people and leaves a lasting impression. It is a priceless chance to learn, grow, and gain knowledge from professionals who have already achieved real success in this industry.
The Apex Hotels Scholarship Programme will run for four years, supporting up to 20 students in total. It reinforces Apex Hotels’ reputation as a champion of talent development and highlights QMU’s commitment to creating meaningful, career‑defining opportunities for its students.
For further media information contact Lynne Russell, Communications Manager, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, E: lrussell@qmu.ac.uk (copy to E: pressoffice@qmu.ac.uk).
