For many students, entering university marks the beginning of a new phase in their lives. New international students also face the challenges of a new country. For this reason, the Welcome Buddy Programme has been introduced, which connects new international students with senior students in order to facilitate their start in Graz and at TU Graz!
Contact Details
WELCOME CENTER
Phone: +43 316 873 - 4920 or 6427
welcomecenter@tugraz.at
www.tugraz.at/go/welcome-center
The Welcome Center of TU Graz supports international students before their arrival, during their stay and up to their departure.
Contact the Welcome Center for questions on:
- visa, entry and residence permits
- looking for flats and accommodation
- living in Graz
- networking and integration (events)
NOTE: If you come to Graz within the framework of an exchange programme, you receive information by the exchange coordinators at the International Office - Welcome Center.
International Welcome Days
The International Welcome Days for new students in English language Master and Doctoral programmes take place on February 18 and 19, 2025.
Further information: International Welcome Days
Information and Registration to the Welcome Buddy Programme
New International Students
- You are new in Graz, international, and are doing your whole bachelor's or master's degree at TU Graz?
- You are in need of help with your first steps in Graz and at TU Graz?
The Welcome Buddy Programme matches new international students with senior students for a smooth start in Graz.
Registration for the winter term 2024/25: Sign up here as new international student (mentee)!
(The registration for the Welcome Buddy Programme for the summer term 2025 will start in December 2024.)
ATTENTION: Exchange students can sign up for the ESN Buddy Programme.
Senior Students of TU Graz
- You are a senior student of TU Graz?
- You want to help new international students to find their way around Graz and TU Graz after they first arrive here?
- You want to build intercultural friendships and refresh your language skills?
Registration for the winter term 2024/25: Sign up here as senior student of TU Graz (buddy)!
(The registration for the Welcome Buddy Programme for the summer term 2025 will start in December 2024.)
You want to receive 2 ECTS for your commitment and have an advantage when applying for a study abroad programme? Then you additionally need to:
- Fill out a feedback form at the end of the semester, and add a picture of an activity with your mentee or buddy group
- Attend an Intercultural Awareness Session (= workshop on cultural differences and how to deal with them, organised by the International Office - Welcome Center)
How does it work?
Buddies and mentees are assigned to buddy groups, with each buddy assigned 1-2 mentees. Thus, in the end, there should be maximum of 2 buddies and 4 mentees in a group.
Registration deadlines
- Winter Semester: 15 August
- Summer Semester: 15 January
Allocation to the buddy groups takes place from 1 September onwards for the upcoming winter semester, and from 1 February for the upcoming summer semester.
Registration after the deadline is also further possible (winter semester: until 30 November / summer semester: until 30 April); from then on, allocation of new buddies/mentees is usually to existing buddy groups.
