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UI Programs in Austria
About Austria
Austrian Educational System
 

Austria


UI Approved Programs in Austria
 

Language Requirements Key: 
 

Study in English:  Main program courses are offered in English.
All Levels:  Students with any level of the language can study at the school.
Intermediate:  Students must have at least 2 college semesters or equivalent.
Advanced:  Students must have at least 4 college semesters or equivalent.
Superior:  Students must have at least 6 college semesters or equivalent.

 

 
City University Program Language Reqs.
Graz

Karl-Franzens Universiät Graz

ISEP All Levels
Graz Technische Universiät Graz ISEP All Levels
Linz

Johannes Kepler Universiät Linz

ISEP All Levels
Salzburg Universiät Salzburg ISEP All Levels
       
 

About Austria

Austria is a land-locked alpine German speaking country in Central Europe bordering Switzerland and Liechtenstein to the west, Germany and Czech Republic to the north, Slovakia and Hungary to the east and Slovenia and Italy to the south.. Austria is today one of Europe's most influential countries in both economic and political issues. Over the last half-century, the extraordinary Alpine scenery and cultural attractions of Austria and its cities, have transformed it into a major tourism destination. Perhaps no one country can match the musical résumé of Austria. It's the homeland of legendary composers like Brahms, Haydn, Mahler, Mozart, Schubert and the Strausses - both father and son. In addition, the German-born Ludwig van Beethoven lived in Vienna for most of his adult life. As for its world-class skiing conditions and breathtaking mountain scenery, an Austrian citizen with no skiing ambitions cannot be considered a true Austrian. The Artwork is also something to be admired, from the beautiful Gothic and Renaissance work to the fabulous Baroque art in Austria's churches. Austria is Alpine splendor at its best. You have fantastic nightlife, sophisticated shopping, and a classical culture. No study abroad adventure would be complete without sampling the local cuisine. Popular favorites include Wiener Schnitzel (breaded veal cutlet), Backhendl (fried breaded chicken), Emmental cheese, Sachertorte (chocolate layer cake) and Krapfen (a jam-filled pastry). An Austrian entrepreneur made the Red Bull Energy Drink the global brand it is today. And of course, students in Austria should not miss the chance to meet friends at the local coffee shop.




 


Austrian Educational System

In Austria the education system is more centralized, with the federal government in Vienna bearing the major responsibility for curriculum and the funding of schools. Local entities and the nine Austrian Bundesländer have responsibility for school regulations and the day-to-day running of schools through school committees. Austrian school law, unlike most countries, is a part of the constitution, and any change requires a two-thirds vote in parliament. This Austrian centralization goes back to the Imperial Primary Schools Act of 1869 and Austria’s imperial Habsburg history. Most universities apply a system of semesters, which means that the academic year is divided into two separate teaching periods or semesters. The first semester comprises first 13 weeks of educational and study activities, concluded with 2 weeks of autumn vacation. Then there is 1 week of individual study and 3 weeks of examinations, followed by 1 week of vacation. The second semester comprises also 13 weeks of educational and study activities, but is interrupted by 2 weeks of Easter holiday. The summer break of 6 weeks is followed by the second examination period, which consists of 3 weeks of examinations. Some courses need 4 weeks of examinations; in that case the summer break takes only 5 weeks. The examinations are followed by 1 week of deliberations. Between the end of the deliberations and the beginning of the new first semester one free week remains.