University of Vienna Direct Exchange

Background

Austria
Although a small country- in a geographic sense- Austria is a jewel in the heart of Europe. Replete with history and culture, awe-inspiring architecture and natural landscapes, Austria has a truly unique identity making it as a favorite destination for travelers and students.

Located in South-Central Europe, Austria shares a border with eight countries: Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Of its 8 million inhabitants, 98% are German Speaking and belong to the major European ethnic groups: the Germanic, Neo-Latin and Slav peoples.

Austria is a democratic federal republic composed of nine federal states. As a member of the European Union, its official currency is the Euro.

Academic Overview

Founded in 1365, the University of Vienna (Universität Wien) is the oldest university in the German speaking world. Presently, 70,000 students from 128 countries are enrolled at the University which offers 130 degree programs (Magister and Doctoral) delivered through its eight faculties.

The academic year is divided into two semesters and classes generally meet weekly. Students are expected to function more independently than in the US and faculty members are accessible through office hours. While there is no formal or centralized registration system, students sign-up for classes through the faculties or departments.

Housing

Students may apply to the student dormitories at the University of Vienna, or opt for private accommodation in apartments. Students are responsible for securing and finding their own housing while in Vienna. Please consult the student evaluations for more information on housing options.

Cost

University of Washington’s direct exchanges operate on a home tuition basis whereby students pay regular UW tuition and fees to the UW and no tuition or fees to the host university overseas (students participating on the exchange for one semester pay 1.5 quarters of UW tuition; students participating on the exchange for the full year pay 3 quarters of UW tuition). Housing, living, travel and other miscellaneous expenses are the responsibility of the student.

In addition, students are required to pay a UW IPE fee of $600 for the year ($300/semester). The fee includes:

• Concurrent enrollment;
• Financial aid and scholarship eligibility;
• Graded UW credit for coursework completed abroad;
• Pre-registration privileges at the UW;
• Continued deferment of school-related loans;
• Satisfaction of residency graduation requirements;
• Eligibility for UW Accident and Sickness Insurance (optional).

Concurrent Enrollment

Health Screening

Since study abroad often means that students live with medical services and general health conditions that are different from those in their home country, you will be required to have a health screening and to submit a Health Screening Form with your Concurrent Enrollment Form.

Courses and Credits

The University of Washington has an exchange agreement with the University of Vienna. This agreement specifies that the UW will recognize the credit of the partner institution. Although credit is guaranteed, the type of UW credit awarded is not determined until after the exchange year has ended and the appropriate UW department has evaluated the coursework completed abroad. For this reason, it is advisable that students communicate with their regular UW academic advisers before and during the exchange period to determine the courses best suited for credit in their degree programs.

All grades for courses complete abroad are reported on the host university’s transcript and the student’s UW transcript regardless of the final mark or need for credit. In general, students earn the equivalent of 36-50 UW credits per year for coursework completed abroad.

Terms and Eligibility

UW’s direct exchange in Austria requires a semester or year-long commitment.

To be eligible for this direct exchange you must:

• Be enrolled as a regular, degree-seeking UW student;
• Have Junior standing or above by the exchange's beginning;
• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0;
• Have completed GERM 302 or above by exchange's beginning (or equivalent);
• Transfer students must completr a minimum of one quarter of study at the UW prior to application;
• Be flexible, independent and willing to conform to cultural customs that differ significantly from those of the US.

Application Instructions

By the appropriate deadline, please submit your complete application to the IPE office with all of the following:

Application Deadlines

References