Universitätsstraße 65-67, 9020 Klagenfurt am Wörthersee, Austria
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The University of Klagenfurt is a relatively young institution of higher education located in the Carinthia region of Southern Austria. With almost 13,000 students studying at the University, its vibrant and dynamic atmosphere makes it a centre of youth culture in the city of Klagenfurt. It maintains several funding and hiring partnerships with prominent companies in the city and region to act as the anchor institution for the whole of Carinthia.
The academic structure of the University of Klagenfurt contains 4 Faculties (Arts, Humanities & Educat...
| Establishment year | 1970 |
| Total Students | 12,721 |
| International Students | 2,279 |
| QS World University Rankings 2024 | =580 |
| Campus Size | 25 acres |
| Total Number of Campuses | 1 |
| University Website | https://www.aau.at/en/ |
| No. of Schools and Divisions | 4 Faculties and 35 Departments + 6 Centres |
| Nobel Prize Winner Alumni | 0 |
| No. of Education Programs | 50 (UG + PG) |
| Student to Faculty ratio | 8.5”1 |
University of Klagenfurt offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses through 4 Faculties, which are further subdivided into 35 Departments and six University Centres.
The six University Centres conduct research in specific areas:
International applicants to undergraduate programs at the University of Klagenfurt must meet the following requirements:
Applicants to Master’s programs have similar eligibility criteria; detailed academic transcripts for all courses taken by them at the undergraduate level must be legalised by the relevant authorities and submitted to the University. Some courses have additional requirements (e.g. a portfolio, an interview, or work experience); candidates should check the respective webpages carefully before starting the application process.
All applications must be submitted before the respective deadlines: 5 September for the winter semester, and 5 February for the summer semester.
The following steps are involved in applications to Bachelor’s courses at the University of Klagenfurt:
The application process for Master’s programs is similar; however, the form to be filled out is different. In addition, detailed academic transcripts showing the grades obtained in every course in every semester of the Bachelor’s degree must be submitted.
International undergraduate and postgraduate students who are not from the European Union must pay tuition fees of 726.72 Euros per semester. Students from the EU do not have to pay tuition fees for the estimated duration of their course + two tolerance semesters; after this period, they must pay fees of 363.36 Euros per semester (half of the fee amount for non-EU students).
All students of the University - both domestic and international - must pay the Student Union fee of 21.20 Euros per semester (or 42.40 Euros per year); this amount is fixed by the Austrian Government.
Accommodation options are available close to the University campus, in the form of halls of residence. The cost of living at these halls ranges from 250 to 395 Euros per month, in addition to a one time upfront deposit of 500 Euros. Students can also choose off campus housing, in which case monthly accommodation costs can exceed 500 Euros per month. Other items that contributed to the overall living cost are food, travel, study items, and shopping.
Unlike many other institutions of higher education in Austria, the University of Klagenfurt has a single localised campus. It has a total area of almost 25 acres, of which more than half are dedicated to green open spaces. The Lakeside Science & Technology Park is a leading hub for student startups and entrepreneurship. Vorstufengebäude, the first building on the University campus, was designed by the renowned architect Roland Rainer, and is a famous landmark in the city of Klagenfurt.
Exhibitions by different cultural bodies on campus are an important feature of campus life. The University Cultural Centre conducts formal research in art and culture. Student Clubs also conduct cultural events, ranging in scope from theatre performances to lectures on pop culture icons like Star Trek.
A notable feature of the expansion and reconstruction efforts of the University of Klagenfurt is that pieces of art by famous artists are incorporated into the new buildings. The University also acquires art and displays pieces on loan from the federal government at different prominent locations on campus, including the main building and the library. The Lakeside Art Space features regular exhibitions by internationally renowned artists.
The University Sports Institute at Klagenfurt is the most modern of all those at top ranked Austrian Universities. It offers 250 sports and fitness classes in many different disciplines, including yoga, soccer, fencing, and basketball. More niche sports are served through dedicated sports camps; for example, kite surfing, rock climbing, and skiing.
The campus adjoins a large lake, and this allows students to take part in canoeing and beach volleyball competitions. Several track and field and marathon events are held along the perimeter of Lake Wörthersee.
The green cover on the campus of the University of Klagenfurt is a result of several sustainability initiatives. The University has implemented the Eco Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) guidelines. This comprehensive environmental policy is backed up by teaching and training in a wide range of subjects about climate change and responsible living.
Several initiatives to reduce the carbon footprint of the University take place every year. For example, the University Gets Cycling initiative keeps track of every car kilometre that is swapped for a bicycle kilometre. The total savings are rewarded by planting a corresponding number of trees.
There are over 15 cafes, restaurants, and official dining options at the University, making it possible for students to access food outlets that are both economically viable and nutritious.
The flagship financial aid option for Master’s students (both domestic and international) at the University is the Klagenfurt Scholarship. This awards 300 Euros per month to Master’s students based on their research potential and academic excellence. In a unique funding model, half the amount is paid by the city of Klagenfurt, while the other half is paid by prominent companies in the local province of Carinthia. This allows the scholarship awardees to build a strong industrial network before they graduate.
Undergraduate and postgraduate students can apply for the Merit Based Scholarship every year in the month of October. The award amount is between 750 and 1,500 Euros, and it is awarded based on exceptional academic performance (for Bachelor’s students) or excellent academic and research performance (for Master’s students).
The University of Klagenfurt Technology Scholarships are awarded to Master’s program applicants based on academic performance in their Bachelor’s degree. In addition to a full tuition fee waiver, this scholarship also awards a monthly stipend of 800 Euros for up to 12 months, and a one time relocation (travel) amount of 25 to 660 Euros. Students applying to six specific Master’s programs are eligible for this scholarship, and only applicants who have completed their undergraduate degrees in certain countries can apply. These Scholarships aim to increase the participation of the alumni of the University in the ICT sector. One of the aims of this award is to enhance the representation of women in STEM; this is done by reserving 50% of the seats for women, if there are a sufficient number of female applicants.
The company Huawei also sponsors a scholarship at the University of Klagenfurt, with an award amount in line with that of the Technology Scholarship.
Postgraduate students can apply for a Support Grant if their thesis or dissertation involves an unexpected financial burden, that cannot be completely borne by the relevant Department. The award amount is between 750 and 3,600 Euros, and typically involves travel costs to and from important conferences in the field, empirical investigations, or research visits.
Students at the University of Klagenfurt who wish to complete a short term language course at one of the partner universities across the world can apply for a Subsidy for Attending Language Courses; this pays the student 400 Euros for a two week course, and 800 Euros for a four week course. This is awarded only if funds are available.
Finally, students who are close to the completion of their degree can apply for a Degree Completion Scholarship, which was instituted by the University to promote timely wrapping up of degree formalities (examinations and presentations). The amount associated with this Scholarship is capped at 500 Euros per student per semester.
