If you are planning to study abroad, please make sure to take the following into consideration:

• You can study abroad even during the COVID-19 pandemic but please be aware that depending on your destination and the local situation, you may be exposed to the following:
  • During your stay abroad, a higher risk of exposure to Covid on account of the rate of infection in your destination country could be considerably worse than in Austria (higher rate of incidence, new virus mutations, poor healthcare system, straíned hospital capacities), resulting in a relatively higher risk of contracting COVID-19, or even dying.
  • Potential negative impact on health insurance coverage.
  • Potential lack of options to return in the event of illness, as well as expenses involved to procure return transportation or visit family members.
  • A risk of - and a degree of uncertainty - that your semester/year abroad will be cancelled at short notice on account of the situation, and/or mandates in the destination country, and any costs incurred may not be reimbursed.
  • A risk and uncertainty in regard to COVID-19 mandates in the destination country, resulting in being unable to attain the desired results from a stay abroad.
  • A risk or uncertainty that your studies will be delayed due to cancellations or illness.
• The JKU assumes no liability for any damages that may occur.
• In this regard, monitor the host country’s situation frequently and check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ homepage, opens an external URL in a new window continually to remain updated about the current situation as well as if there are any current travel warnings or restrictions.
• Be familiar with - and understand the details - as outlined in your insurance policy, particularly those pertaining to general terms and conditions, and especially in the event of illness as well as in regard to entering and leaving the destination country.
• Some universities have suspended their student exchange programs or are only offering online courses. Check the host university’s website for detailed information. Click here, opens an external URL in a new window for an overview of the status at European universities.
• If the situation changes at short notice and you cannot/do not want to study abroad for that particular semester/year, the decision will not negatively impact future applications to study abroad, nor will it negatively impact acquiring a JKU scholarship/funding to study abroad. You may be able to postpone your semester/year abroad. Contact the International Office to discuss your options. 
• Financial aid/scholarships are not available in order to study online or only from home.