Studying in Austria is a great idea – in particular if you choose Carinthia, Austria’s southernmost province. Carinthia has unspoilt nature, state-of-the-art infrastructure and a mild climate. Read on for an overview of the most important information for international students.
In the following section, you will find the average number of semesters required to complete a range of degree courses, from business and culture all the way technical degrees.
Other options
In Austria, the academic year consists of two semesters. It commences on 1 October and ends on 30 September in the following year.
Lecture-free periods: Christmas, semester and summer holidays. Exceptions may apply.
Recognition of degrees and diplomas
Please check with the responsible authorities in your home country to see whether an Austrian degree or diploma is recognised there. For details, see www.enic-naric.net.
Fees for students from an EU, EEA or third country
Just like Austria in general, Carinthia is open to the world and offers international students a range of grants and subsidies for studying or researching in Austria. See below for an overview:
Universität Klagenfurt
Secondary school-leaving diploma from an EU/EEA country:
_ Proof of citizenship (copy of passport or ID card)
_ Secondary school-leaving diploma that entitles you to attend a university in your country of origin
_ Proof of sufficient German skills (German lessons over a minimum period of 4 years, confirmed in the school-leaving diploma; diploma of a German language school or equivalent certificate)
Secondary school-leaving diploma from a non-EU or EEA country:
_ Proof of citizenship (copy of passport or ID card)
_ Secondary school-leaving certificate that is equivalent to the Austrian school-leaving certificate
_ Proof of university entrance qualifications: Proof that you are studying in the issuing state or are allowed to continue a degree course
_ Proof of sufficient German skills (German lessons over a minimum period of 4 years, confirmed in the school-leaving diploma; diploma of a German language school or equivalent certificate)
Bachelor diploma – proof of completion of a technically relevant bachelor degree (minimum of 6 semesters and 180 ECTS)
Completed master’s or diploma programme in a relevant subject
More information: University of Klagenfurt International Students’ Guide
To enrol at a University of Applied Sciences, you must apply for admission online. To enrol in a bachelor degree programme, you will need the following:
All applicants must undergo a selection process based on a range of criteria that vary from course to course. Written documentation is required in most cases. Applicants may be asked to pass written and oral tests and to come for an admissions interview. University of Applied Sciences – master’s degree course: bachelor degree certificate – Proof of completion of a technically relevant bachelor degree (minimum length of 6 semesters; 180 ECTS). For more information, contact: Carinthian University of Applied Sciences – International Relations Office
For most courses, an online admission form must be submitted prior to enrolment. See the respective websites for more information. Please note that a sufficient level of German is required.
More information: Pädagogische Hochschule Kärnten
See here for an overview of the most important information.
In Carinthia, you may study at a university, the Carinthian University of Applied Sciences or at the Teacher Training College (Pädagogische Hochschule). All these institutions have high academic standards and offer a range of bachelor, master’s and doctoral programmes as well as an increasing number of courses taught in English. In Carinthia, scientists teach and conduct research at the highest level.
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While the cost of living in other European countries is comparatively high, they have remained moderate in Austria, one of the richest nations in the world. In Carinthia in particular, all cities offer affordable, high-quality housing and an excellent infrastructure of local businesses and supermarkets, offering all the necessities of daily life at reasonable prices. Most universities have cafeterias serving inexpensive meals for students. On average, the cost of living for students in Austria is 950 Euro per month.
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Studying in Carinthia means studying in a geographically smaller province, making it easier to get around, which in turn has a positive effect on the pace of study. In Carinthia, you will be more than just a number: the region’s educational institutions actively foster talents and strengths. Problems that are endemic at larger institutions, such as the battle to secure a place in a certain lecture, are rarely encountered here. Students can be sure of a strong support system and high-quality education that will help their successful career start.
Universität Klagenfurt
Carinthia offers a safe, politically stable living environment surrounded by unspoilt nature. In addition, Carinthia has an excellent healthcare system and a multi-faceted range of leisure and cultural opportunities. Culture, cinema, classical music, culinary hot spots – life in Carinthia is pretty good!
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Experience has shown that it takes at least four years to really settle in a place. However, Carinthia is different. The Carinthian mentality stands for generosity, charitableness and kindness. Hospitality is also a typically Carinthian trait. This is where visitors will quickly become friends and find a new home.
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