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- The University is located on a sprawling campus northeast of the city center, in green surroundings directly at the foot of the Muehlviertel Hills.
- A Single campus houses all faculties, athletic grounds, and three student residences.
- REFI (Referat für Internationales), the organization for international students, is described by an international student as "your guardian angel."
- Courses in a variety of fields including economics, business administration, management, computer science, information technology, mathematics, and mechatronics.
- Courses taught in English by visiting professors
- Tandem-Learning: pairing international students who wish to learn German with native speakers (Austrians) wishing to learn English.
- Pre-session and semester-long intensive German language courses offered (included in ISEP benefits)
“My ISEP exchange year at Johannes Kepler Universität in Linz, Austria, was, without a doubt, the most fulfilling experience of my life. Of course, there are academic benefits associated with foreign language proficiency and study abroad. However, more valuable to me is the personal growth my year abroad cultivated." - Steve Cook, an ISEP Participant from Central Washington University
About JKUL  |
Johannes Kepler Universität Linz (JKUL) is a modern university with innovative interdisciplinary programs in business and technology, and a renowned center for computer research. Founded as the College for Social and Economic Sciences Linz in 1966, it became a full university in 1975 and was renamed in honor of the astronomer Johannes Kepler (1571-1630) who wrote his magnum opus, "harmonices mundi," in Linz in the early 17th century.
JKUL is one of the youngest institutions of Austrian higher education. The university's goals are based on a close interdisciplinary connection between economics and business, social sciences, law, sciences, and engineering and on fulfilling the current demands of business and society.
The university is located on an 86-acre campus in a residential area 10 minutes from downtown by tram. Today, more than 11,000 students attend the university (more than 1,000 international students).
Academic Information Popular Fields of Study
Economics and business administration, management information technology, mathematics in industry, mechatronics (combines mechanics, electronics, and computer science) computer science are recommended for ISEP participants.
Courses taught in English
Courses taught in English are available, especially in business and economics and computer science.
Cultural Sensitivity Training
The Department of Business Languages offers a course in cultural sensitivity free of charge a week before the start of each semester. Students develop tools for the encounter with the host culture and multicultural teams (international student body on campus) through group discussions, projects, and presentations. Participation is highly recommended.
Registration
During the first weeks of the semester, ISEP participants receive advice from tutors on their choice of classes as well as assistance with enrollment.
Quick Links
Course Catalog & Departments
Courses taught in English
The University Library (pdf)
Language Requirements & Language Courses
Students do not need any prior German provided they can find a course load to satisfy all home requirements.
Pre-Session German Language
Offered prior to the fall (three weeks) and spring (two weeks) semesters at the beginner, low-intermediate, and advanced levels. Tuition, housing and meals are included in ISEP benefits.
German Language during the Semester
Two to eight hours per week of beginning, intermediate, and advanced language courses are offered through the Department of Business Languages and included in ISEP benefits.
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Housing
ISEP students receive a monthly housing stipend and are free to choose a residence hall of their choice. The stipend is sufficient to cover the cost of a double room in and of the residence halls near campus.
Meals
A meal stipend is provided and may be used to prepare meals or to purchase meals at cafeterias and restaurants.
REFI (Referat für Internationales)
REFI, international committee of the Austrian Student Union, supports and assists visiting exchange students during their stay in Linz. Services provided for exchange students include:
- Student Mentor System: each exchange student is assigned an Austrian student who assists with navigating the 'university jungle'
- Pick-up Service: from the airport or railway upon arrival in Linz
- Excursions and Events: REFI offers a program of events and excursions for exchange students including a Welcome Party at the beginning of the semester, film evenings, visits to the casino, excursions (Vienna, Prague, Budapest), and local outings (flea market, sporting events), etc.
- Tandem-Learning: Arranges for students with different native languages to meet and practice their language skills together.
- Additional Services: Welcome package, rental of kitchen supplies, city maps, etc.
University Sports Institute
The USI offers more than 75 athletic courses each semester. Courses include fitness training, aerobics, jazz dance, basketball, football, volleyball, bowling, billiards, swimming, yoga, climbing, judo, tae-kwon-do, etc. Outdoors excursions are organized as well.
“My most precious memories come from the friends I made in Linz. Students from across Europe and beyond came to study at Linz, which provided for a great deal of cultural exchange. We hung out, partied, and traveled together. The American contingent also shared Thanksgiving Dinner with many of them.." - Steve Cook, an ISEP Participant from Central Washington University
Read Steve's Photo Essay
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Located on the banks of the Danube River, Linz began as a Roman settlement and served as a residence for German Emperors during the Middle Ages. The third largest city in Austria, Linz is a flourishing industrial, commercial, and cultural center. The main square in the center of the city, laid out as a marketplace in 1260, is surrounded by a pedestrian zone with a variety of shops and cafés. From Linz, it is one hour's drive to the Austrian Lake District with sailing, mountaineering, and skiing facilities.
Links about Linz
Linz on Wikipedia
Linz Tourism
Linz City Travel guide
Distance to other cities:
Vienna—180 km
Salzburg—140 km
“Linz is the perfect place to study because of the beautiful downtown that isn't overrun by tourists, the wonderful people that are so welcoming, and the many other students you meet from all over the world. I now have good friends in 10 countries. It was an amazing experience that I will never forget." - Heather Hilgenkamp, an ISEP Participant from Kansas State University