Studying Abroad & Semesters Abroad

 

The International Relations Office at CU Carinthia University is responsible for the organizational management of Study Abroad Programs for all students. As an information center providing details about partner universities and funding opportunities, it supports students in deciding to spend a semester abroad and in completing the necessary forms. 

The International Relations Office then coordinates contact with the partner university and handles the nomination process for the Erasmus+ grant. Acting as the liaison between the home university, the host university and the Erasmus Office, the International Relations Office naturally also provides support during and after the study abroad period.

The International Relations Office is located on the Villach campus, on the first floor of the south wing, directly below the ÖH. However, office hours are regularly offered on all campuses and in-person appointments can be scheduled.

Application Process & Deadlines

Application Process

The application process is handled through Moodle. You can obtain your login credentials from the International Relations Office at international(at)cuas.at

Please also familiarize yourself with the application requirements at the host university. These vary by institution; in most cases, an additional online application or application form is required. Be sure to note the host university’s deadlines as well.

Deadlines

Submission of all required documents, including signatures

  • For a stay during the summer semester: October 30th
  • For a stay during the winter semester: April 30th

(Please note the respective deadlines at your host university! These may be earlier.)

Studying Abroad - Opportunities

(European Action Scheme for the Mobility of University Students) offers students the opportunity to study for 3 to 12 months within the European Union, as well as in Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, the Republic of Macedonia and Turkey.

Every ERASMUS+ student is exempt from tuition fees at the host institution and also receives a grant to cover the increased cost of living abroad. Depending on the destination country, the grant ranges from € 390 to € 490 per month.

Erasmus+ participants with a disability or chronic illness may apply for a special Erasmus+ grant in addition to the regular Erasmus+ mobility grant for study or internship stays, or for professional development stays abroad.

When preparing for your Erasmus+ stay, please inform us of your situation and provide an estimate of the additional costs you expect to incur during your Erasmus+ mobility or in the host country.

You can find information about the new Erasmus+ Program on the website of the National Agency for Lifelong Learning.

The number of spots available in each Degree Program is based on bilateral agreements, which are managed by the international coordinators in the respective programs. You can find CU Carinthia University’s partnerships within the EU/EEA region under the “Partner Universities” section.

Erasmus students can read about their rights and obligations in the Erasmus Student Charter.

The ESN (Erasmus Student Network) handbook also offers a wealth of helpful information → ESN Guidebook.

A “Joint Study” refers to a semester abroad that is completed at a partner university of CU Carinthia University but is not funded by Erasmus. This applies to partnerships outside the European Union – and, in some cases, within it as well. In such cases, students must arrange their own financial support. The international coordinators must approve the stay at the host institution. The application process is the same as for an Erasmus stay. It is possible that tuition fees may be required at the host institution. In such cases, students at CU Carinthia University are exempt from tuition fees.

“Freemovers” are students who spend their semester abroad at a university that does not have a partnership agreement with CU CarinthiaUniversity. In this case, the student organizes the exchange independently, meaning the student is responsible for handling all aspects of planning and arranging the semester abroad. In most cases, tuition fees must be paid to the host university.

Students are required to provide information to the International Relations Office and the International Coordinator. The application process for a semester abroad is the same as for Erasmus and Joint Study students. 

CU undergraduate students in technical fields who are planning a research project at a U.S. university can apply for the Marshall Plan Scholarship. 

CU undergraduate students majoring in business or social work can apply to study abroad as part of an International Credit MobilityPproject. For more information, please visit the following link: https://www.fh-kaernten.at/international/internationale-projekte-netzwerke

If you’re interested, please contact your international coordinator!

Virtual Mobility

Virtual mobility at CU Carinthia University enables students from partner universities to participate in digital learning activities by gaining access to individual courses or modules and completing them online. It offers the opportunity to gain international experience without having to travel, while also developing digital and intercultural communication skills.

Here you’ll find more information about our “exchange programs.”

Helpful Information 

Where can I find more information about "Studying Abroad"?

The Study Abroad Handbook summarizes the most important information and provides answers to the most frequently asked questions. You can also find a lot of helpful information on the ÖH website under the "Studying Abroad" section.

Are there any reports or additional information about partner universities?

CU students fill out a report after completing their semester abroad. The report includes information about the partner university and daily life abroad. You can find it on Drive I at I:\ZSB\International\Experience Reports.

What options are available for financial assistance?

You can find information about scholarships and other financial aid HERE.

Am I covered while abroad?

Before going abroad, you should carefully review your insurance policies: What does the ÖH insurance cover? What additional insurance have you already purchased? Are there any supplementary policies? In general, all students are covered by accident and liability insurance for study-related activities in Austria and abroad through payment of the ÖH dues.

  • However, ÖH insurance does not cover accidents or property damage that occur during leisure time.
  • Furthermore, there is no liability coverage in the U.S., Australia and Canada.

We therefore recommend that all students take out appropriate supplemental insurance for the duration of their stay abroad.

More information on health insurance can be found here.

Book an online information session

During the online information sessions, the program directors or academic directors provide detailed information about the program. Topics include course content, internships, admission requirements, and potential career prospects.

Martina Steiner, MA

International Coordinator for Outgoing Exchange Students
+43 5 90500 7043
martina.steiner(at)cuas.at