- When should I arrive in Graz?
- Where will I live?
- Do I need a visa?
- Where and when can I take German language courses?
- Which Welcome Events exist for exchange students?
- Do I need to take out health insurance?
- Is there a pickup service / buddy programme for exchange students?
- When does the semester begin and end and when are the holidays?
Information and Advice
ERASMUS+
Gitte CERJAK
Mag.
Phone: +43 316 873 6422
gitte.cerjak@tugraz.at
OverSEAs, ISEP & ERASMUS+ INTERNATIONAL CREDIT MOBILITY
Marlene FHEODOROFF
BA MA MA
Phone: +43 316 873 6426
marlene.fheodoroff@tugraz.at
DOUBLE DEGREE PROGRAMME (WITHIN EUROPE)
Manuel AUSSERLECHNER
BA MA
Phone: +43 316 873 6429
manuel.ausserlechner@tugraz.at
CEEPUS, SUMMER PROGRAMMES, BEST OF SOUTH EAST AND MARSHALL PLAN
Karin LEBER
Phone: +43 316 873 6418
Karin.leber@tugraz.at
MONTCLAIR STATE UNIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIP
Lena NEUREITER
BA MA
Phone: +43 316 873 6425
lena.neureiter@tugraz.at
Where will I live?
The earlier you start looking for accommodation, the more possibilities you have! Make sure that you make payments in time, otherwise you cannot be guaranteed a place.
NOTE: Accommodation for students who are coming to Graz in the framework of the ISEP network will be organised by TU Graz, International Office – Welcome Center.
Please note that male and female students live in all student housing in Graz.
Complete list of students dorms in Graz
Most international exchange students live in dorms from OeAD, WIST, StuWo, greenbox or milestone.
You can also look for accommodation in Graz on the following portals:
Tip: When looking for accommodation, remember to ask what equipment is available in the room and flat. You will then know what items you need to bring with you to Graz or buy here.
Do I need a visa?
Whether or not you need to apply for a visa or a residence permit for your time abroad at TU Graz depends on your citizenship.
You can find an overview on residence permits and visas on the OeAD website.
Where and when can I take German language courses?
As Austria is a German speaking country, attendance of a German language course is highly recommended. Take advantage of this opportunity to learn a new language or improve your German skills!
Many exchange students participate in the German Intensive course prior to the semester and start to make new friends there.
You can also take a Geman language course during the semester. Upon successful completion of the course, you receive a certificate with ECTS credit points.
Intensive Course
The intensive German language course is organised by treffpunkt sprachen and takes place before the beginning of the winter and summer semesters in September and February. It lasts three weeks every day from 9:00 to 12:15 and earns you 6 ECTS credit points.
NOTE: You need to register for the language course directly at treffpunkt sprachen.
Course during the Semester
German courses during the semester start in October or March and are tought on a weekly base. You will receive 3 ECTS for 2 hours a week.
NOTE: You need to register for the language course directly at treffpunkt sprachen. You will receive further information during the TU Graz Orientation Sessions.
When should I arrive in Graz?
This information concerns exchange students who come for one semester or academic year in order to take courses. It does not concern students who come as trainees or for a summer programme.
Last day of arrival in winter semester
Last day of arrival for winter semester and full academic year is one day before the first activity of the Welcome Events in September.
Exchange students who participate in the German Intensive Course prior to the semester have to arrive one day before the course starts, in early September. Exchange students who do not participate in the German Intensive Course can arrive later (mid of September).
Last day of arrival in summer semester
Last day of arrival for summer semester is one day before the first activity of the Welcome Events in February.
Exchange students who participate in the German Intensive Course prior to the semester have to arrive one day before the course starts, in early February. Exchange students who do not participate in the German Intensive Course can arrive later (mid of February).
Which Welcome Events exist for exchange students?
This information concerns exchange students who come for one semester or academic year in order to take courses. It does not concern students who come as trainees or for a summer programme.
Participating in the compulsory Welcome Events helps you to get the most out of your stay at TU Graz.
Advantages:
- You get to know other exchange students, who have just the same questions as you. Together, it will be easier for you to come to terms with your new surroundings.
- You receive information tailored to you.
- You get answers to your questions.
- You find out where you can find support after the first week is over.
Welcome Events for Incomings
- Welcome Activity
- Orientation Sessions part 1-3
- Intercultural Awareness Sessions (ICAS)
- Campus Survival Tour
- Academic Advising
- Welcome Reception
Do I need to take out health insurance?
Health Insurance
It is your responsibility to be insured sufficiently for your entire stay at Graz University of Technology:
Citizens of the EU, EEA or Switzerland
If you are citizen of an EU or EEA country or Switzerland, your national health insurance (EHIC) is also valid in Austria. In rare cases the validity must be activated by your health insurance company, please check well before you leave for Austria.
Citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Turkey
If you come from one of these countries, your national health insurance is also valid in Austria, but you need to ask for the form A3 from your health insurance company before you leave. This is a voucher which you have to change into a treatment bill before you see a doctor in Austria. We will explain the details during the Orientation Sessions.
Citizens of all other countries
We highly recommend exchange students who live outside the countries/regions mentioned to take out the Health Insurance from the Austrian National Health Insurance Provider (ÖGK) for their whole study abroad period.
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If the stay does not exceed 6 months, a travel health insurance covering all risks is also accepted.
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Students staying longer than 6 months are obligated to take out the Austrian National Health Insurance called ÖGK for their whole study abroad period.
A general overview about the ÖGK Health Insurance will be given once students are officially accepted. During the Orientation Sessions, students will receive further instructions and support in obtaining this insurance. Students should also take out travel insurance for the trip to Austria and the first 3-4 weeks in Graz.
Accident and Liability Insurance
In Austria, all students have to pay a small fee every semester (a bit more than € 20 EUR). This is in order to be registered with their university and allows them to take courses and to benefit from an accident and liability insurance on the campus and on their way to an from.
From the moment you are registered as an official student of TU Graz and have paid this fee, you are covered by this student´s insurance.
Is there a pickup service / buddy programme for exchange students?
Erasmus Student Network (ESN)
ESN is the student network that supports exchange students in Europe, no matter whether belong to the Erasmus exchange programme or to any other student exchange programme. The Department for Exchange Students at the TU Graz Student Union offers a Pick-up service and a Buddy Programme to connect national and international students. Students at TU Graz help you at the beginning of your stay in this new country. ESN also offers a weekly newsletter and lots of activities for exchange students.
