About
The University of Vienna is a public university located in Vienna, Austria. It is the biggest university in the country and frequently ranks in the top 200 universities in the world. Founded in 1365, it is the oldest university in the German-speaking world and is particularly renowned for its strength in the Humanities.
Consult Vienna on QS World Rankings to learn more about Vienna’s current world ranking and academic reputation in different subject areas.
Location
Vienna is the capital of Austria, located in Central Europe. The city is renowned for classical music, and is often voted one of the best cities in the Western world to live in. Similar to the UK, it has a dry continental climate, with warm summers and cold winters.
Level of competitiveness
This exchange is only open to students in the School of Politics and International Relations and the School of Law.
- Law bilateral agreement: Less competitive *
- Politics and International Relations agreement: Less competitive *
The level of competitiveness (Less competitive * / Competitive ** / Very competitive ***) refers to one's chances of being allocated an exchange space at this partner. This is an approximation determined by the number of applications received for this destination during the last academic year versus the total number of exchange spaces available to Queen Mary students.
Language of Instruction
English for both agreements.
Academic Calendar
Semester One: September – January
Semester Two: February - July
For the first semester, some classes end in December. Exam dates vary depending on each course picked by the student, with there being no rigid exam period.
Courses
A full list of modules available to exchange students, including requirements and timetable advice, can be found here.
If students wish to improve their German language skills, they can do so through non-credit bearing German classes, which are taught at all levels. If a course is completed, students will receive a course certificate. More information about this can be found here.
Credits
Vienna uses the ECTS system, with each module generally being worth around 6 ECTS. Students must enrol on a full courseload: 30 ECTS per semester / 60 ECTS for the full academic year (equivalent to 60 Queen Mary credits per semester / 120 Queen mary credits for the full academic year).
Most departments at Vienna use a grading scale of 1-5, with 1 being excellent and 5 being a fail. Find out more about credit transfer and grade conversion.
Accommodation
Vienna does not offer student halls of residence, instead students must find their own private accommodation. Vienna has a list of resources to help students find a private rental, which can be located here. It is recommended that students seek accommodations as soon as possible.
Cost of living
The University of Vienna provides information on the cost of living as a student here. You can find more general, up-to-date information about the cost of living in Vienna here.
Please consult the estimated minimum and maximum cost of living figures for this destination country available in our “Estimated Costs of Living” document available on our Finance page.
Support services
Psychological Support Services (includes resources about culture shock)
Further information about student services and support available in different areas can be found here.
Student life
The University of Vienna’s Student Union holds a wide range of activities, events and talks for students to take part in.
Students are eligible for a wide range of discounts at cultural venues around Vienna – more information can be found here.
The University of Vienna has a wide range of sports activities, classes and clubs available for students at their sports centre.
