Studying in Carinthia

Prerequisites, qualifications, advantages and more

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.

Do you have any questions? We are happy to help!

General information

Length of degree courses in Carinthia

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.

Bachelor degree: 6 to 8 semesters
Master’s degree: 2 to 4 semesters
PhD programme: minimum 6 semesters

Other options

Diploma programme: 8 to 10 semesters
Doctoral studies: 4 semesters

Beginning and end of the academic year

In Austria, the academic year consists of two semesters. It commences on 1 October and ends on 30 September in the following year.

Winter semester (1 October until 30 January)
Summer semester (1 March until 30 September)

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.

Tuition fees

Fees for students from an EU, EEA or third country

No tuition fees apply for regular Austrian students or students considered equal to Austrian students (i. e. citizens of an EU or EEA country) Prerequisite: The minimum course length is not exceeded by more than two semesters. After that, fees of approx. 400 EUR per semester apply.
Fees of EUR 726.72 apply for regular students from third countries holding a student visa. These fees apply from the first semester and do not change even if the minimum course length is exceeded.
Student Union fee + accident insurance: EUR 19.20/semester for all students
Voluntary contributions: Universities of Applied Sciences. Tuition fees may also be charged at Teacher Training Colleges or private universities.

Grants for international students

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:

At www.grants.at, Austria’s largest online database for bursaries and research grants for all disciplines, you will find lists grants from many different funding authorities.
OeAD grants and scholarships for Bachelor, Master’s and PhD programmes as well as for researchers
Grants provided by the individual universities (University of Klagenfurt, Carinthian University of Applied Sciences, Teacher Training College)

Waschnig; Universität Klagenfurt

More information

Prerequisites for admission to an Austrian university

Studying in Austria

Prerequisites for the admission of international students who are not EU or EEA citizens

First steps:
Studying in Carinthia

University – Bachelor degree

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)

University – master’s degree

Bachelor diploma – proof of completion of a technically relevant bachelor degree (minimum of 6 semesters and 180 ECTS)

University – Doctorate/PhD programme

Completed master’s or diploma programme in a relevant subject
More information: University of Klagenfurt International Students’ Guide

University of Applied Sciences - Bachelor degree programme: 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:

A secondary school leaving certificate that is equivalent to an Austrian secondary school leaving certificate to prove your eligibility for higher education
Proof of relevant professional qualifications Some courses also require a proof of sufficient German language skills.

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

Teacher Training-College (Pädagogische Hochschule)

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

Shutterstock; Shutterstock

More information

Studying in Austria

Information for international students

Prerequisites for the admission of international students who are not EU or EEA citizens

You’re all set! Your checklist for studying in Carinthia.
See here for an overview of the most important information.

Five good reasons for studying in Carinthia

Shutterstock

1. Excellence in research and technology

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.
Shutterstock; Shutterstock

2. Affordable – a great lifestyle at a reasonable price

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.
Waschnig; Universität Klagenfurt

3. Efficient – excellent student support and academic feasibility

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.
Shutterstock

4. Liveable – a safe, clean environment

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!
Shutterstock

5. A cosmopolitan outlook – open doors and open minds

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.