Erasmus guide University of Vienna
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at University of Vienna in Vienna, Austria.
Snapshot
The oldest German-speaking university (1365) and Austria's largest research university: 90,000 students, 19 faculties, and the deepest English-taught master's catalogue in the German-speaking world.
Why students shortlist it
Large public university in Vienna with broad options in law, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, cultural studies and languages. Good fit for students who want German-language study and a major European capital.
Teaching languages: German (primary); English for 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. Course selection via u:find platform after enrolment.
Nomination Process
Home university nominates to Univie International Office. Online application via Mobility Online portal. Deadlines: 15 May (winter semester) / 15 November (summer semester). Learning Agreement signed digitally via OLA.
| 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 students: €363.36/semester tuition + ÖH fee €24.70 = €388/semester = ~€776/year. Very affordable for an internationally ranked comprehensive universit… |
| Full degree – non-EU | EUR 1,503/year | Non-EU/non-Erasmus students: €726.72/semester + ÖH €24.70 = ~€1,503/year. Still very cheap compared to US/UK/Australia peers. Meldezettel registration requir… |
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 students: €363.36/semester tuition + ÖH fee €24.70 = €388/semester = ~€776/year. Very affordable for an internationally ranked comprehensive universit…
EUR 1,503/year
Non-EU/non-Erasmus students: €726.72/semester + ÖH €24.70 = ~€1,503/year. Still very cheap compared to US/UK/Australia peers. Meldezettel registration requir…
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
Welcome Centre (Kapuzinergasse), buddy programme via ESN Univie, German Survival Course (1 week intensive at semester start), free counselling on Anmeldung and student insurance.
Student Union
Advocacy, representation, local discount cards, and university sports coordination.
Services for Incoming Students
University of Vienna services portal for incoming students: healthcare, ÖH student union, language courses, library, and sports. Overview of all resources available during exchange.
Student Life Hub (Wien)
Vienna University student life guide: counselling, healthcare, housing, sports, culture, and practical information. Who can help and where to go for support.
Accessible Studies & Disability
Vienna Team Barrierefrei: counselling for students with disabilities, impairments, or chronic illness. Individual study support (ISU) and barrier-free study planning.
Student Life
Student Clubs
- USI Wien sports courses (climbing, swimming, ski week trips)
- Free Ringstrasse city walks led by Univie students
- Arkadenhof concerts in summer
- Free university museum (Wien Universitatsmuseum)
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.