General information
At www.studienwahl.at/en you can find an overview of all degree courses at all Austrian institutions of Higher Education. The language of instruction is usually German. Many institutions, however, also offer courses in other languages, see www.studienwahl.at/en for further information. In the last decades the Austrian university system has introduced the European three tier system of degrees according to the Bologna Process. Besides, the old two tier system still exists in some subject areas and universities (for example medicine).
Structure of study programmes
Most universities and universities of applied sciences offer the following:
- Bachelor’s programmes, which conclude with the degree of Bachelor. ECTS credits: at least 180
- Master’s programmes, which require the successful completion of a bachelor's study programme and conclude with the academic degree of Master. ECTS redits at least 120
- Doctoral/PhD programmes: Doctoral studies are based on the successful completion of traditional or master’s degree programmes and are conceived to demonstrate the ability of autonomous research. Doctoral programmes conclude with the degree of ›Doktor/in‹ or ›PhD‹. The duration is at least three years without the award of ECTS credits.
Traditional degree programmes:
These programmes conclude with the award of a traditional university degree: Magistra or Magister in most disciplines or Diplom-Ingenieur(in) for engineers. Duration: 4 – 6 years.
Academic calendar
The academic year in Austria, as a rule, begins on October 1st and ends on September 30th of the following year. It consists of two semesters:
- Winter semester (October 1st to January 30th),
- Summer semester (March 1st to September 30th)
There are also periods during which no lectures are held (Christmas, semester and summer breaks). Exceptions to this schedule are possible; please enquire at the educational institution of your choice.
Recognition of University Degrees
Please have the nostrification (recognition) of your Austrian degree checked in your home country. See www.enic-naric.net for further information.