Erasmus guide University of Innsbruck
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at University of Innsbruck in Innsbruck, Austria.
Snapshot
Tyrol's flagship research university (1669): 28,000 students, 16 faculties, strong atmospheric and mountain research, and arguably the most outdoors-friendly campus in Europe.
Why students shortlist it
University in Innsbruck with an Alpine-urban setting and strong options in law, business, social sciences, natural sciences, architecture and civil engineering. Good fit for students who want German-language academic life plus mountain access.
Teaching languages: German (primary); English in exchange-specific tracks and some master's programmes
Before You Land
A few practical setup details students usually sort before arrival
Connectivity, insurance, and secure public WiFi are the boring things you only notice when you need them. Keep them on your checklist, but keep the guide itself front and centre.
Arrival Connectivity
Sort an eSIM before you land
Maps, ride apps, 2FA codes, and WhatsApp are usually the first things students need from the airport.
Coverage Check
Confirm your travel insurance
Even when the university gives guidance, students usually need to double-check what is covered before departure.
Public WiFi
Have a backup for shared networks
Campus halls, airports, and cafés are convenient, but many students prefer an extra privacy layer when they first arrive.
Exchange Basics
Requirements
B2 German for German-taught courses; B2 English for English-taught modules. LFU provides a course catalogue searchable in English via LFU:online.
Nomination Process
Home university nominates to LFU International Relations Office. Online application via Mobility Online. Deadlines: 15 May (winter) / 15 November (summer). Learning Agreement digitally signed.
| Semester | Nomination | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Check partner portal for current deadlines | See exchange office application calendar |
Arrival Checklist
- Confirm study program and course selections before departure
- Collect welcome packet from International Office upon arrival
- Attend the mandatory orientation week
- Activate university network account and library access
Academics
Course Registration
Course registration is completed online via the university student information system (e.g. USOSweb, UNIGRAZonline, SoleMOVE) after official admission.
Credit System
ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) standard.
Grading System
Local national grading scale with corresponding ECTS grades provided on the final transcript of records.
Exam Culture
Written exams, oral assessments, or continuous course assignments at the end of each semester.
Tuition & Fees
| Student Type | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EXCHANGE | EUR 0 tuition + EUR 24.70 ÖH fee/semester | Tuition waived for Erasmus students. ÖH (Austrian National Union of Students) fee €24.70/semester (2024–25 rate; €22.70 prior years) is mandatory and covers … |
| Full degree – EU/EEA | EUR 776/year | EU/EEA: €363.36/semester + ÖH €24.70 = ~€776/year. Innsbruck is alpine — stunning setting, rent ~€600–900/month. Strong in natural sciences, theology, sports… |
| Full degree – non-EU | EUR 1,503/year | Non-EU: €726.72/semester + ÖH €24.70 = ~€1,503/year. One of the cheapest non-EU full-degree options in a high-quality European city. Mountain lifestyle inclu… |
EUR 0 tuition + EUR 24.70 ÖH fee/semester
Tuition waived for Erasmus students. ÖH (Austrian National Union of Students) fee €24.70/semester (2024–25 rate; €22.70 prior years) is mandatory and covers …
EUR 776/year
EU/EEA: €363.36/semester + ÖH €24.70 = ~€776/year. Innsbruck is alpine — stunning setting, rent ~€600–900/month. Strong in natural sciences, theology, sports…
EUR 1,503/year
Non-EU: €726.72/semester + ÖH €24.70 = ~€1,503/year. One of the cheapest non-EU full-degree options in a high-quality European city. Mountain lifestyle inclu…
Fees change annually — verify current rates on the official exchange office page
Where to Stay
Insurance & Campus Support
Mandatory Insurance
Yes. Valid health coverage is required for the exchange period.
EHIC Accepted
Yes
Campus Clinic
Use university student health/wellbeing services first for local care routing, prevention, counselling, and referrals.
Mental Health
Most universities route students through student health, wellbeing, or counselling services. Ask early, not only during exam stress.
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for basic coverage
Varies by status / nationality
Confirm exact plan eligibility with the host university International Office before arrival.
Private student health insurance plans compliant with national visa requirements
Varies by status / nationality
Confirm exact plan eligibility with the host university International Office before arrival.
Campus Services
International Relations Office
International Relations Office, ESN Innsbruck buddy programme, free German Survival Course (1 week intensive at semester start), tailored induction including how to use regional ski/transport passes.
Student Union
Advocacy, representation, local discount cards, and university sports coordination.
Student Advisory Service (Innsbruck)
University of Innsbruck central student advisory: free confidential advice for prospective and current students on study choices, programmes, and academic difficulties.
Disability Support (Innsbruck)
University of Innsbruck disability office: individualized support, study adjustments, and services for students with disabilities or chronic health conditions.
Study Advisory Services (Innsbruck)
Innsbruck academic and study advisory: psychological counselling, first-generation student guidance, ÖH student union support, and buddy/mentoring system.
Student Life
Student Clubs
- USI Innsbruck ski courses (semester programme)
- Climbing club, freeride club, mountaineering club
- Discounted Nordkettenbahn cable car for students
- ESN Innsbruck weekend trips to Salzburg, Verona, Munich
Buddy Program
International student buddy program coordinated by ESN and the International Office.
Sports & Recreation
- University sports institute offering low-cost training, fitness courses, and ski/mountain excursions.
Your First 2 Weeks
- Attend the central orientation meetings and campus tours
- Submit your arrival forms and finalize your learning agreement
- Obtain your student ID card and semester public transport pass
- Participate in ESN social gatherings and city integration games
Key Dates
Pre-arrival
May - June for Autumn semester
Nomination validation and visa application processing
Arrival & Orientation
September / February
Mandatory welcome sessions and first course adjustments
Nomination window (Autumn intake)
April – May
Home university must formally nominate before host opens the application portal.
Application window (Autumn intake)
May – June
Complete host university online application + learning agreement after nomination.
Nomination & application (Spring intake)
October – November
Same flow as autumn but compressed; check with host international office.