Situated between the Mediterranean Sea and the Alps, the University of Graz has influenced the character and life of the capital of Styria for more than 400 years. With a population of 240,000, it is the second largest city in Austria—and only 1.5 hours from Vienna. With over 21,000 students from about 100 countries, Graz is full of student life.
- Courses in a variety of fields including European studies, media, and philosophy.
- Courses taught in English are offered, especially in Business and Administration/Economics and Law.
- Pre-session and semester-long intensive German courses offered.
- At least Junior-year standing and at least one year of German language required for an exchange.
Graz is an ISEP International-to-International Exchange Site!
“Studying abroad was one of the most intelligent choices I've ever made. I believe that every college student should experience life the way I've been able to experience it." - Stacey Schaul, 2004 Participant to Graz
About the University of Graz |
Karl-Franzens Universität (University of Graz) is the second-largest university in Austria and the oldest in the city of Graz. Founded in 1585 by Archduke Charles II, the university spent most of its existence under the control of the Catholic Church. Joseph II transformed the university into a training place for civil servants and medical personel in 1782 in an attempt to gain state control over educational institutions. In 1827, Emperor Franz I reopened the university, naming it Karl-Franzens Universität, meaning Charles-Francis University. Learn more about the university's history!
Over 30,000 students from all over the world currently study at the University of Graz. Worldwide networking in teaching and research is a high priority of the university. Research projects, the development of curricula, mobility of teachers and students in exchange programs, visiting professorships, and internships are important quality marks.
University Alumni include writers Barbara Frischmuth, Alfred Kolleritsch, Peter Vujica, and Folke Tegetthoff, and ski-jumper Toni Innauer. Learn more about these prominent alumni!
Academic Information |
ISEP students have access to regular university courses offered by the different schools and departments. The language of instruction is German; students must be fairly competent in German to be able to follow courses. Students must have taken at least two college-level semesters of German, although four semesters is recommended. Typically, students concentrate on improving their language skills during the first semester, and in the second semester, they select a few subject-specific courses to complement their studies at home.
Popular Fields of Study
History, German language and literature, linguistics, philosophy, art history, European studies (including east and southeast European studies), Slavic languages and literature, English and American studies, media, translation (German-English), business administration, sciences, and musicology.
Registration
Students register for courses after arriving at Graz. The ISEP coordinators will meet with exchange students to discuss their study plans and recommend courses. Students should know their home university's requirements and bring along course descriptions.
Computer Labs and E-mail
University of Graz has three large computer labs. Most of the student dorms have internet connections in the rooms (no modem required). Students who bring their laptops and an Ethernet card will have free and unlimited internet access from their rooms.
Libraries
The main university library offers excellent working conditions. It is not an "open-shelf" library (students cannot browse through the books). Students order the books they want, and, after about an hour, the books can be picked up at the desk. In addition to the main libary, some departments have their own libraries.
Students also have access to the Library of the Province of Sytria (Landesbibliothek) in Graz. The library resources of Vienna (the National Library, University Library, and City Library) are within relatively easy reach (two and a half hours by train).
Language Requirements & Language Courses
Students should have at least Junior-year standing and have taken at least one year of German.
Pre-Session German Language
Three weeks of intensive lower-intermediate/advanced language pre-session prior to the start of the semester. Course fee is about 150 Euro (early housing check-in included in ISEP benefits; meals not included).
German Language during the Semester
Two hours per week of intermediate/advanced language courses included in ISEP benefits. Additional courses available on a fee-paid basis through Treffpunkt Sprachen.
Course Information
Courses in English
Student Life
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Housing
- Normally, ISEP students are accommodated in WIST student dorms allowing students to get to know a lot of people within a short period of time. The dorms are about 15 to 20 minutes' journey by public transportation or bicycle from the main university campus.
- In general, students choose between double- and single-occupancy rooms and are placed according to their preference based on availability.
- The dorms are organized in smaller units with six to eight rooms sharing two bathrooms and a spacious kitchen. Most students prepare their own meals, making living rather inexpensive.
- Rooms are furnished and blankets and pillows are provided. Students have to bring their own towel and alarm clock. The Office of International Relations has a few sets of linen, which are given to international students on a first-come first-serve basis. Therefore, students may have to buy sheets upon arrival—do NOT bring sheets from home because the sizes are different in Austria.
- Student dorms have internet connections in the rooms. Students who have a laptop and an Ethernet card have free, unlimited internet access.
- Students receive a monthly stipend to cover the cost of meals.
- Students who prefer to arrange housing themselves receive a monthly housing stipend.
Activities
- The Office of International Relations provides students with a mentor who picks them up at the station/airport upon arrival. Mentors help students to settle in and show them around.
- The International Section organizes trips and events for international students.
- The USI (Student Union) offers students less expensive books and stationery, and students can get copy cards here. A special sticker from the Student Union provides price reductions at the student eatery. The Student Union is divided into various sections equivalent to the faculties where students can get academic advising.
- The Sports Center offers all kinds of sports classes. Registration for sports classes is done after arrival.
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Graz, the 2003 European Cultural Capital, is situated in southeast Austria in the heart of Styria and at the focal point of southeastern Europe. The city is a popular destination: The impressive Old Town is among the best preserved in Europe and was included in UNESCO's list of World Cultural Heritage sites in 1999, the city offers numerous festivals, and the region offers stunning countryside. Approximately 35,000 students study at four internationally-established universities and enliven the streets day and night.
Graz's unique architecture—styles from the Middle Ages to the 21st century—offers a fascinating mixture of tradition and modernism. The spectacular Kunsthaus, the Helmut-List Hall, the Stadthalle, and the stainless steel Island on the River Mur—designed by New York artist Vito Acconci—have aroused international attention.
Graz is also a city of the sciences. In Graz, joie de vivre is combined with a high competenence in culture, science, research, and technology. The growing automobile cluster has gained an international reputation. About 100,000 automobiles are produced annually and demonstrate the fruitful cooperation between industry and science in Graz.
Links about Graz and Styria
Graz Tourism
Theatres
Events
Distance to other cities:
Vienna—200 km
Salzburg—280 km
Innsbruck—460 km