This exchange program is located in the charming town of Graz, Austria. The University of Graz, also known as Karl Franzens Universität, was founded in 1585 and is Austria’s second oldest university and one of the largest in the country. Graz is a student-friendly city with more than 60,000 students across 4 universities and other higher education institutions, creating a fabulous college town atmosphere in the heart of Central Europe. The University of Graz enrolls over 30,000 students, and the university’s regional focus on South-Eastern Europe is one of the defining factors throughout all areas of study. The historic center of Graz and the Baroque Eggenberg Castle have been named a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Academics
Academic calendar: Students can study at the University of Graz for the fall semester, spring semester, or the full academic year. The spring semester or full academic year are recommended. The typical program dates are:
Fall (Austrian “Winter Semester”): early September – late January*
Spring (Austrian “Summer Semester”): early February – late June
Academic Year: early September – late June
*There is typically a brief overlap between the time fall classes end in Graz and spring classes begin at Hendrix. Students must work with each professor in Graz to request early or remote exams and return to Hendrix by the start of spring classes. Early/remote exams cannot be accommodated in lecture-style courses offered in the Business or English & American Studies departments.
Courses: A robust selection of English-taught courses are offered by the Political Science, English Studies, Business Administration, Economics, Philosophy, Psychology, and Sociology departments, though many other areas of study across the university’s 120 B.A. programs offer English-taught courses as well. Labs are generally not available to visiting exchange students. See English-taught course offerings for the current or upcoming term on the program website.
Many exchange students enroll in the three-week intensive German course prior to the start of the semester (yields 1 Hendrix credit) or in a semester-long German course through the “treffpunkt sprachen” language center for a small fee.
Exchange students may also co-register for some courses offered at the University of Technology or the University of Music and Performing Arts. At least 16 ECTs must be completed at the University of Graz.
To enroll in German-taught courses, students must possess B2-level German proficiency.
Grades/credits: Students must take a full course load of 24-30 ECTs and must earn the equivalent of a “C” or better in each course to be awarded a full course load of transfer credit. Hendrix policies on transfer credit apply. Grades will not appear on the student’s transcript and do not figure into the cumulative GPA.
The Disability Resource Center is the primary resource for accessibility questions and services.
Housing & Meals
Hendrix students are placed in double-occupancy rooms in co-ed OeAD student housing. The University of Graz covers housing expenses for a double-occupancy room. Students may upgrade to a single room, if available, at their own expense. The housing is apartment-style with a shared kitchen, living/dining area, and bathrooms. Dormitories are spread throughout the city and located approx. 15-30 minutes from the University of Graz by public transit or bicycle. Walking, bicycling, and public transit (tram, bus) are commonly used modes of transportation by locals and visiting students.
Each student will receive a modest monthly meal stipend to purchase meals in the campus cafeteria (Mensa) or buy groceries from local stores to prepare meals at home.
Estimated Costs & Financial Aid
Students will owe Hendrix tuition, fees, room (double occupancy), and board (full meal plan) during their semester(s) abroad at the University of Graz to cover these costs for an incoming exchange student. In return, Hendrix students will receive tuition and housing waivers from the University of Graz, and a monthly meal stipend pro-rated for the actual length of stay during the official program dates. Meal stipends are not issued during the winter break between semesters. Students should be prepared to pay the security deposit of 1-2 months’ rent directly to the student housing provider following their acceptance to confirm their participation and secure a housing placement. Hendrix charges an administrative fee of $500/semester abroad, excluding summer programs.
Normally, all financial aid applies, including Hendrix scholarships. Students are encouraged to reach out to the Office of Financial Aid with any questions about their aid package.
Non-billable expenses students should budget for include roundtrip airfare, passport and visa fees/travel (if required), some meals, incidental expenses (local transit, textbooks, etc.) and personal expenses.
Application Procedures
Students must first submit an internal application for study away. Internal applications are due in early November for the upcoming summer abroad and in early February for the upcoming academic year abroad. The Committee for International & Intercultural Studies (CIIS) reviews all applications and clears students to move forward in the application process. Approved students will receive a Study Away Student Handbook and instructions for submitting the program-specific application directly to the partner institution for consideration. Partner institutions make all final admissions decisions.
GPA requirement: 2.75
Entry Requirements
All travelers are required to have a valid passport. U.S. citizens must also obtain a visa for the fall or spring semester in Austria, or a residence permit for the full academic year. The Austrian Embassy in Washington, D.C.has consular jurisdiction for permanent residents of Arkansas, who must generally apply for a visa at a VFS National Processing Center in Houston, New York City, or Washington, D.C. (subject to change). Applications for the residence permit can be submitted at the Embassy in D.C. or in Graz upon arrival. The University of Graz and the Office of International Programs at Hendrix provide supporting documentation and general guidance, but it is each student’s responsibility to research their entry requirements based on their personal circumstances and obtain a visa or residence permit following official acceptance by the partner institution.
International students who are not U.S. citizens will need to research the entry requirements for citizens of their country. F-1 visa holders must discuss maintaining status with their Designated School Official in the Office of International Programs.
Program & Country Resources