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 Guide to study abroad in Austria
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German in Austria, University of Klagenfurt Austria – high mountains, blue lakes and green hills, home of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, the Empress Sisi and Gustav Klimt. No wonder each year millions of tourists decide to spend their holidays in the land at the heart of Europe . But it is not only tourists who are attracted by Austria , each year also more and more students from all over the world come to study in one of the many Austrian universities and institutions in order to get to know the country from a different side. Students who decide to spend some time studying in Austria have the possibility to choose between 21 universities, 19 universities of applied sciences, 14 teacher training colleges and 8 private universities. Whereas the universities offer the following courses of study - bachelor, master and doctoral studies - in different fields e.g. applied business administration , computer sciences , agricultural sciences , law , mining and tunnelling , theatre studies and medicine . In order to apply at a university in Austria the following documents are necessary:
- for bachelor and diploma degree studies: school leaving certificate or equivalent - for master studies: bachelor or equivalent degree - for doctoral studies: master, diploma or equivalent degree
Applicants have to prove proficiency in German at Vantage level . If a student already is in possession of a language certificate giving evidence that his proficiency is at vantage level a copy of the diploma should be included in the application documents. Students who have no or little knowledge of German have the possibility to attend German courses at the university or at private language schools. According to their needs they have the possibility to attend semester or intensive courses. The knowledge of German is not only important because most lectures at universities are held in German, but also because it makes everyday life a lot easier. Since winter semester 2001/02 also in Austria students have to pay tuition fees. For EU/EEA nationals as well as students with Swiss nationality the tuition fee is EUR 363.36 per semester, while all other students have to pay EUR 726.72 per semester. As an exemption p articipants in exchange programs don't have to pay tuition fees. Austrian organizations offer a variety of exchange and scholarship programs giving foreign students, graduates and professors the opportunity to study at Austrian universities. Nationals of European Union member countries (or associated EEA countries) have the following options for scholarship visits: Socrates/Erasmus and Leonardo da Vinci. Students from countries participating in CEEPUS (= Central European Exchange Program for University Studies) are also offered the opportunity to study in Austria . In addition to these three programs many universities have funds for Joint Study Programs, university partnerships and short-term study grants. Students who would like to get more information on study grants, exchange programs etc. should contact the Austrian Exchange service ( ÖAD ). The ÖAD is the biggest non-profit-making service organization and works in the field of international academic mobility supporting foreign students during their stay in Austria . Besides the support of students, the ÖAD has also a variety of other tasks whereas the provision of accommodation for people taking part in one of their programs might be of special interest for students from abroad. In Austria students usually live in student halls of residence or share a flat with other people. Depending on what one chooses accommodation costs usually range from EUR 150.00 to EUR 250.00. Many exchange students prefer to stay in student halls of residence where single or double rooms are available. Most student dorms have internet access, TV-rooms, laundries, bicycle store rooms and cooking facilities. Application can be made directly in the student dorms, for exchange students also through the international offices at the universities. Language schools usually provide accommodation in student dorms, in host families or in youth hostels. Living costs in Austria like accommodation costs vary, depending on whether one spends his time abroad in a big city like Vienna or in a smaller town such as Klagenfurt . In general students spend EUR 400.00 to 500.00 per month for food, books, culture and recreation, but fortunately many student reductions are available as well. For those interested in sports, the University Sports Departments offer a variety of courses at very reasonable prices and for those who would like to travel the Austrian Railways also offer special rates for students. In order to find out what other reductions are available for students one can contact the Austrian Students Union ( ÖH ). The ÖH is the legal representative body of all students in Austria and is very helpful not only regarding price reductions, but also about other matters concerning studies. Regarding entry regulations and visa applications the Austrian embassy of the respective land can give the best information. In order to study in Austria nationals of EU and EEA member countries, or Swiss nationals, don't need a visa. Other foreigners have to apply for a residence permit for study purposes, which has to be applied for at the Austrian representative authority before entry into Austria . In winter semester 2004/05 a total of 34.085 international students was enrolled at Austrian universities. This number of course does not include the thousands of students attending a language course at one of the many language schools. Fortunately the number of students from abroad deciding to come to Austria is steadily growing which shows that studying in Austria is not only worth while, but it is also an experience of life! |
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