Erasmus guide University of Graz
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at University of Graz in Graz, Austria.
Snapshot
Austria's second-oldest university (1585): 30,000 students, six faculties, six Nobel laureates, and one of the most welcoming Erasmus+ infrastructures in central Europe.
Why students shortlist it
Public university in Graz with strengths in law, business, social sciences, natural sciences and humanities. Good fit for students who want German-language academic life in a smaller Austrian city than Vienna.
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 catalogue available in English via UNIGRAZonline.
Nomination Process
Home university nominates to Welcome Center. Online application via Mobility Online. Deadlines: 31 May (winter) / 30 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. Graz is Austria's 2nd city and significantly cheaper than Vienna — excellent combo of affordable tuition +… |
| Full degree – non-EU | EUR 1,503/year | Non-EU: €726.72/semester + ÖH €24.70 = ~€1,503/year. Budget-friendly option in Central Europe — strong in humanities, natural sciences, law. Meldezettel + he… |
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. Graz is Austria's 2nd city and significantly cheaper than Vienna — excellent combo of affordable tuition +…
EUR 1,503/year
Non-EU: €726.72/semester + ÖH €24.70 = ~€1,503/year. Budget-friendly option in Central Europe — strong in humanities, natural sciences, law. Meldezettel + he…
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 Center for Incoming Students, buddy programme via ESN Graz, free German Survival Course (intensive week at semester start), guided Anmeldung walks for non-EU students.
Student Union
Advocacy, representation, local discount cards, and university sports coordination.
Counselling Services (Graz)
University of Graz counselling services: study advice, psychological support, disability guidance, and career counselling. Free and confidential for enrolled students.
Student Support Hub (Graz)
University of Graz 4students hub: central point of contact for all study and student life questions. Personal advising from start to graduation.
Student Services (Graz)
Graz University student services department: unikid & unicare for family responsibilities, student union (ÖH) support, and administrative assistance.
Student Life
Student Clubs
- USI Graz sports courses (climbing, swimming, ski week)
- Murinsel coffee meet-ups
- Day trips to Slovenian wine country (1.5h)
- ESN Graz city games and country dinners
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.