STUDY IN AUSTRIA

Basic facts

Why Austria?

Austria is a wonderfully uncomplicated place to visit: it's in the heart of Europe, most people speak English and there is a spectacular combination of cultural and natural attractions. And, like everywhere, there are national peculiarities that you will not find described in standard guidebooks. Which is a pity, because the following - quintessentially Austrian - expressions, institutions and mannerisms are integral parts of the real Austrian experience.

Education system

Apart from the "classic" universities, which offer a wide variety of disciplines, there are a number of specialist universities as well as a university centre for postgraduate education. Since January 1st, 2004 the former Medical Faculties have been detached from the universities and have become separate universities in Vienna, Graz and Innsbruck. Austria's six universities of the arts offer programs in music and drama or in the visual arts and design.

The academic year begins on October 1st and ends on September 30th of the following year. It consists of: winter semester (October 1st to January 30th), summer semester (February 1st to September 30th) and periods during which there are no lectures (Christmas, semester and summer breaks).

The Austrian university system traditionally has consisted of a two-tier system of degrees (diploma and doctoral (PhD) studies) and it currently is in the process of introducing a three-tier system of degrees (bachelor, master's, doctorate (PhD)). Therefore, the following courses of study are offered: traditional diploma programs provide extensive academic and/or artistic pre-professional education and conclude with the award of a diploma: Magistra or Magister in most disciplines or Diplomingenieur(in) for engineers. Duration: 4 - 6 years. Medicine and dentistry degree programs conclude with a doctoral degree. Duration: 6 years. Bachelor and master's study programs. At the moment degree programs in certain fields are divided into:

• bachelor studies, which conclude with the degree of Bakkalaurea or Bakkalaureus. Duration: 3 - 4 years.
• master's studies, which require the successful completion of a bachelor study program and conclude - like the traditional diploma studies mentioned above - with the academic degree of Magistra or Magister. Duration: 1 - 2 years.

The number of programmes offered in the bachelor-master sequence will increase in the future.

Doctoral studies (PhD) are based on the successful completion of diploma or master's degree programs and conceived to demonstrate the ability of autonomous research. They conclude with the degree of Doktor(in). Duration: 2 or more years.

Costs

Before entry to Austria you should in every case be in possession of a definite confirmation of admission (Bescheid) of the institution at which you would like to study.

Within three days (working days) of entry to Austria and also in case you move to another accommodation you have to register with the municipal authorities (Magistratisches Bezirksamt in Vienna; Magistrat or Gemeindeamt in the other university locations). Registration forms (Meldezettel) are available there; if you are staying at a guesthouse or a hotel, the landlord/landlady or the management will take care of the registration.

As with every trip abroad, in the case of studying and research in Austria, too, it is important to have a sufficient health insurance that is valid in Austria.

In the following table you will find an estimate of the monthly living costs for students. The figures only serve as a guideline and cannot be taken as binding. In the accommodation costs a place in a student hall of residence has been used as a basis of calculation.

Nationals of EU/EEA countries who fulfill the requirements of sufficient financial means and of a valid health insurance do not need a visa and they enjoy freedom of domicile (Niederlassungsfreiheit). For entry into Austria and residence they only need a valid travel document (passport or identity card).

The travel document has to be carried at all times to prove one's entitlement to residence in Austria or at least to be kept in a place from where it can be fetched within a short time. If you make Austria your permanent residence, you may, if you wish, also apply for an “identification card for E.E.A. citizens” (“Lichtbildausweis für EWR-Bürger”) (a fee is charged for the issue of this card).

If you are staying in Austria for longer than 3 months you have to register with the competent municipal authority (Magistrat, Bezirkshauptmannschaft) within the first 3 months of your stay and you will receive a confirmation of registration (EUR 15.00 fee). For this registration the following documents are necessary:

• filled in and signed application form
• valid identification card or passport
• proof of a health insurance covering all the necessary costs (e.g. European Health Insurance Card)
• proof of sufficient financial means
• students also need a confirmation of admission by the university

Student life:

The Austrian Student Union (Österreichische Hochschülerschaft / ÖH) is the legal representative body of all students in Austria: www.oeh.at Social and cultural institutions as well as the public transport providers offer reductions for students. The Austrian Student Union (Österreichische Hochschülerschaft) informs students about these reductions and provides information about all matters concerning their studies. The University Sports Departments (USI - Universitäts-Sportinstitute) offer a wide range of opportunities for practising sports at reasonable prices.