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Programme Details
Programme Details
Minimum mark 60%
Level Undergraduate
Language/s B2 German
Agreement Scope Language and Linguistic Science Department exchange
Exchange Places 2 full year places or 4 semester places for 2026/27
Overview
Overview
About:
The University of Graz was founded in 1585 and is Austria's second oldest university and one of the largest in the country. Many excellent scientists, amongst them six Nobel laureates, have taught and researched here.
With 31,000 students and 4,300 employees, the University of Graz contributes significantly to the vibrant life of the Styrian capital. Its location in Europe encourages a lively scientific, economic and cultural exchange with South-East Europe, from which not only the city benefits but also its educational institutions.
Highlights:
Austria finds itself in a central position in Europe, and with an impressive transport system both nationally and internationally, travel to other European countries is extremely easy. From Graz, you can even take day trips to Slovenia and Hungary! The city of Graz is one of the best-preserved historical areas in Europe and is filled with grand institutions and exciting new attractions. For example, it boasts an impressive old town (Altstadt von Graz), which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its beautiful medieval and Italian Renaissance buildings act as a magical backdrop for the annual Christmas markets. With new and trendy eateries, bars and cafés all over the city, Graz is rapidly becoming a vibrant student city!
Location:
Graz, Styria, Austria
Academic information
Academic information
Courses / Modules:
The University offers programmes across several faculties, and provides guidance on course selection on its exchange students page (see 'selecting and changing courses')
Credit (Full-time Load per semester):
You must take a full credit load while on exchange. University of Graz uses the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) to show credit values. 30 ECTS is the equivalent to 60 York credits, and 60 ECTS is the equivalent to 120 York credits.
Teaching Periods:
Teaching is across two semesters. The winter semester is from the beginning of October to the end of January, with an exam period running until mid February. The summer semester is from the beginning of March to the end of June, with an exam period running until mid July.
Language:
Level B2 in German is required.
The University of Graz offers 3-week German Intensive Language Courses in September and February before the start of the semester at a reduced fee.
Student life
Student life
Accommodation:
The University of Graz provides information about a variety of housing options such as applying for a student residence or finding private sector accommodation. For more information visit the Exchange students webpage (see 'Living in Graz')
Welcome Week:
Welcome events are mandatory and include sessions about orientation, registration and the course system. There is usually a welcome week ahead of each semester which
Support Services:
The University of Graz recommends that you sign up for the Buddy programme. Buddies are Austrian students interested in supporting international exchange students as unpaid volunteers during their time in Graz, helping with things like meeting you from the airport or station, and getting settled into life in Graz.
The Disability Resource Center is the central information and contact point for students with a disability.
Visas:
Students who wish to enrol at an Austrian university may only do so with a student visa. You will also be required to apply for a residence permit.
Travel insurance:
If you are approved by the University of York to participate in this program, you will be covered by the University's Travel Insurance Policy. This is a complementary policy to cover you for the duration of your University of York mobility experience. Please refer to the Insurance website for all travel insurance queries. You may be required to obtain health insurance valid during your exchange.
Health insurance:
Students travelling to Europe may be able to apply for a free UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or in some circumstances a new UK-issued European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which gives the right to access state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in the EU. You are strongly recommended to obtain a GHIC / EHIC if eligible. To check your eligibility and find out how to apply if you are eligible, go to the NHS page on Applying for healthcare cover abroad (GHIC and EHIC).
The University of Graz also provides information on Health insurance on the exchange students webpage (see 'Health insurance')
Student experiences
Student experiences
Harry, year abroad placement, 2016/17
"I'm incredibly lucky to have had this chance to travel and see so much of the world and experience different cultures. I feel I have learnt so much more about my own capabilities."
Olivia, single semester, 2019/20
"The main thing that has struck me about both Graz, is how environmentally friendly and efficient everything is. From public transport to grocery shopping, everything seems to be geared around helping the environment! In the city centre ,there is limited traffic (in comparison to my home town of Manchester and York at rush hour!) as everyone seems to cycle, use the trams and buses or cycle!"
Have a look at some more student stories on the Global Opportunities website!
Top Tips for Studying in Austria
Top Tips for Studying in Austria
Please note: these tips have been provided by the University of Graz or by former exchange students- Global Opportunities recommends that you use these as a guide only and do your own research on what is best for you.
Money and Banking:
Monthly budget:
Your expenses will largely depend on the type of housing you choose (single or double room in a student dorm, private accommodation). To be on the safe side, you should calculate approx. € 600 – € 800 per month (including housing, food and personal expenses).
Open a bank account with an Austrian provider, for example, Erste Bank & Sparkasse or Raiffeisen Bank International.
Don't be afraid to ask to open your new account in English if they are able to.
Or get a card that doesn't charge foreign transaction fees so that you can take cash out easily without opening a bank account. There are several companies that offer these cards, such as Caxton, Starling, Monzo and Moneycorp.
Staying Connected:
Phone contracts: Go to your local phone shop and see what is available. You may not understand everything so don't be afraid to ask questions.
Make plans: Going to International events is a good way to meet people, especially the trips the international desk organise early in the term a great way to connect with people is also by joining clubs, groups and societies.
Call or send a postcard to your friends and family at home: A little thing like sending a postcard to your friends or family or having a quick catch-up on the phone can make all the difference and can help you feel a bit more settled.
Food:
On-campus: There are canteens, known as the university’s ‘mensas’ dotted all over the research campus, where you can eat quickly and cheaply. Students can obtain the Mensa stamp from the Secretary’s Office of the Austrian National Union of Students. The stamp entitles you to a discount on the daily menu.
There are also numerous restaurants and cafés on the campus and in the immediate vicinity of the uni, which sometimes offer good-value lunch menus and snacks. The menus cover everything, from traditional food, vegetarian and vegan to Asian dishes.
Food shopping: Aldi (Hofer, in Austria) is always good as it's often cheaper than other brands and any farmer's markets can be expensive. Try and eat locally if you can as you can find some really lovely places and maybe get the chance to meet some locals too!
Paperwork and bureaucracy:
Be organised: There will be a lot of paperwork to do throughout the year, so be as organised as possible! Make a list of things that need to be done and by when and start working your way through it as soon as you can. The earlier you do it, the better, as sometimes it can take quite a while for documents to be signed and approved.
Remember your supervisor: They are here to help! If you are struggling with the amount of paperwork, both your supervisor in York and your host insition are there to support you if you feel stuck or overwhelmed.
Registering your stay:
You must declare your residence within three days of moving into your accommodation. You must fill out a registration form, have it signed by the landlord and submit it to the 'Referat Meldewesen'.
For more information visit this link.
What I wished I'd known...:
Making the most of your experience: Throw yourself into everything and keep practising your language... it will improve! But most importantly, the hard bits make the best anecdotes!
Useful links
Useful links
Contact Global Opportunities
Contact Global Opportunities
Global Opportunities - Find us in Derwent College
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter @GoGlobalUOY
Click here to make a virtual appointment to speak to one of our advisors
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