Study Abroad.

Experience memorable moments at your desired destination!

The JKU has over 200 partner universities around the world. The choice is yours but it's not an easy one!

 

Click here to learn more about what you need to know: What types of exchange programs are there, how long can I study abroad for, what are the pre-requisites, etc.

Good to know: Financial aid, grants, and scholarships are available to help cover the expenses of studying abroad.

 

International Office

Location

Altenberger Straße 69
Bank Buidling,
2nd Floor, BA 222

Office Hours

Monday-Thursday 10:00-12:00
and by appointment

What You Need to Know

  • Maximum stay abroad: 1 year
  • Requirements: Students must be enrolled in a full-time degree program at the JKU.
  • Students can apply for multiple stays abroad. However, first-time applicants will be given first choice.
  • Students may not attend two different universities consecutively; students must complete a semester in between at the JKU! (Exception: Global Business programs)
  • In general, stays abroad cannot be extended.

You can choose from a variety of exchange programs. Whether it be within the framework of Erasmus+ (Europe), ISEP (USA) or on a bilateral basis (mostly outside of Europe): The choice is yours!

Please note that ISEP programs have special features:

  • First-semester students at the JKU may not apply
  • Program Fee: US $525 ($100 processing fee + $425 for successful placement)
  • Comparable costs to studies in Linz: approx.3130 EUR/semester, ~6260 EUR/year
  • Additional scholarship
  • Mandatory health insurance: US $ 27 per week
  • TOEFL test score required (fee US $ 280)
  • In the USA: Internship after graduation is possible (max. duration as exchange period)

See the ISEP fact sheet (PDF), opens a file for detailed information.

Special "joint programs" (Global Business together with Canada/Taiwan, Canada/Peru , opens in new window) and "double degree" programs (together with Y Schools (Troyes) and the Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology) are a part of the graduate degree program in Management and include an integrated stay abroad.

The following requirements must be met by the time you begin your study abroad program:

  • Students enrolled in a Bachelor's or Diploma degree program must have completed at least 2 semesters at the JKU (40 ECTS credits and successful completion of the StEOP requirements)
  • Students enrolled in a Master's degree program must have completed at least one semester of the program at the JKU (20 ECTS credits, providing the undergraduate degree was not completed at the JKU)
  • Students must have taken examinations equivalent to 16 ECTS credits in the two semesters before starting the exchange program
  • For studies jointly organized with another Austrian higher education institution: Recognition of academic achievements abroad at the JKU or supervisor of the master thesis at the JKU

Before beginning your stay abroad, your language skills must be at the following level:

  • English as a language of instruction: B2
  • All other languages: A2/B1
  • For English-language programs in French, Italian or Spanish-speaking countries: additionally A1/A2 in the language of that country

Please note: Some universities require a higher level of language skills! You can find this information on the study abroad Info Platform.

When proving language proficiency, a "Matura" diploma alone is insufficent!

You can show language proficiency by successfully completing certain courses:

  • B2 corresponds to each course containing the suffix (B2) in brackets
  • A2/B1 corresponds to an "Intermediate course"
  • A1/A2 corresponds to a "Basic course"

Please note: Complete the course at least 1 semester before your stay abroad begins (i.e. WS for the winter semester). This way you have any required proof of language proficiency for the host university in good time.

If confirmation issued by the Language Center suffices to prove language proficiency, you can use the English Language Ability Form, opens a file in a new window.

No proof is required when enrolled in an English taught degree program at the JKU.

 

Results from the following tests can prove your language proficiency in English (the test cannot be older than 2 years):

CEF Level

TOEFL IBT

Cambridge General English

IELTS Exam

C2

 

CPE

7.5+

C1

≥110

CAE

6.5-7

B2

80-109

FCE

5-6

B1

 

PET

3.5-4.5

A2

 

KET

3

A1

 

n/a

1-2

 

Exchange Spots.

The choice is yours!

The JKU can offer exchange spots at over 200 universities:

 

 

Student Experiences

Here's how to read the testimonials:

  1. Search for the university you are interested in using the search mask, opens an external URL in a new window on the info platform
  2. Click on the university under the map and then
  3. onr "Erfahrungsberichte" in the second paragraph

A Step-by-Step Guide to Study Abroad.
 

  1. SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER – Get all of the information together: Do I fulfill the JKU's requirements as well as the host university's requirements? What kind of financial aid is available? How does academic credit transfer work? What are the study abroad options? Read the testimonials, sign up for language courses, and attend info sessions and events.

  2. OCTOBER / NOVEMBER: Attend the Info Sessions. Click here to view the event calendar, or read our info brochure, opens a file.

  3. DECEMBER / JANUARY: Submit your application (for Summer Semester as well). Deadlines: December 1 for ISEP, North America, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Global Business and double degree programs, and January 31 for all other countries.

  4. FEBRUARY: Sign up for language courses and adhere to the host university's requirements and pre-requisites.

  5. MARCH / APRIL: You will receive an e-mail from the International Office regarding acceptance to the program. You will then receive information from the host university regarding any necessary formalities. Keep the host university's deadlines in mind, it is vital that you submit the application on time!

  6. APRIL: Think about the courses you want to take and submit an application for academic credit transfer.

  7. APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID: Submit applications for scholarships/financial aid by June 1 (or by November 1st, if you are going abroad during the Summer Semester). Erasmus+ students must also draft a Learning Agreement.

  8. Study Allowance Abroad: If you receive a study allowance ("Studienbeihilfe"), please submit a separate application before the start of your study abroad semester, or study abroad year, in order to receive your study allowance abroad. All Erasmus+ students must sign the Erasmus+ agreement.

    See the check lists below for detailed information.

Application and Deadlines.

How do I Apply? What are the deadlines?

Have you set your sights on which university or universities you would like to attend? Then it's time to submit your application! Learn more about the application and deadlines here:

Financial Aid.

Money & Co: What kind of financial aid is available? When and where do I apply?

There are a number of scholarships available regardless of your citizenship to help provide financial support during your stay abroad. After all, studying abroad should not hinge on financial problems! Information is available here:

Guidelines and Check Lists.

Organization is (almost) everything!

See our guide for detailed information, opens a file in a new window on what to do once you have been nominated (meaning after you have been officially accepted to a study abroad program).

We want to help you organize your studies abroad. The checklists below provide information starting from when you have been nominated to the end of your studies abroad:

Our Tip: The guide 'Erasmus: A Complete Guide', opens an external URL in a new window published by ESN provides a comprehensive overview of all aspects of an Erasmus+ study abroad experience.

Credit Transfer.

Last but not least: How can I transfer academic credit for examinations taken abroad to the JKU?

Students are required to transfer academic credit earned abroad to count toward their studies at the JKU. By submitting an application in advance (not to be mistaken for the Erasmus+ Learning Agreement!), you will know from the start that you will get academic credit for the classes you take while studying abroad.

After completing your stay abroad, submit the application to ensure the courses are included in your transcript of records.

Information about credit transfer is available here:

Congratulations!

Study Abroad Excellence Award 2022/2023

International Incoming Students.

Have a look which countries and universities are represented at the JKU this semester!
Do you see your favorite destination?

Social Media.

Follow us on Facebook!