Faculty of

Engineering
& IT

APPLY NOW

CU EXTENDED - Studying in the Lavant Valley

The EXTENDED program was specifically designed to realistically balance academic studies with a career in the Lavanttal region.

Students from the Lavanttal region are now able to complete the bachelor’s degree programs in “Systems Engineering–Green Electronics,” “Systems Engineering–Green Mechatronics,” “Mechanical Engineering,” and “Industrial Engineering” (in a part-time, work-study format).

Mechanical Engineering   

Study

Green 
Electronics

Study

Green 
Mechatronics

Study

Industrial Engineering & Management

Study

Next Start

Fall 2026: Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering
Fall 2027: Systems Engineering—Green Electronics and Systems Engineering—Green Mechatronics

Application Period

Online applications will be accepted through the end of September

Personal Consultation

Contact our Info Center at info(at)cuas.at

EXTENDED STUDIES means that

  • selected courses are held on the premises of CU University of Applied Sciences Carinthia at the PMS Elektro- und Automationstechnik GmbH campus
  • some courses or course sessions are broadcast live via videoconference from Villach to the state-of-the-art classrooms at PMS Elektro- und Automationstechnik GmbH
  • the remaining courses take place together with the group of part-time students at the Villach campus, where the degree program is offered

  • Monday & Wednesday (starting at 5:40 p.m.): Hybrid online lectures or in-person classes at the St. Stefan im Lavanttal campus (some parts are broadcast live from Villach).
  • Friday (starting around 2:00/4:00 p.m.) & Saturday (all day): Intensive in-person sessions for practical exercises, group work, and high-tech lab exercises at the main campus in Villach.
  • Self-study: Flexibly scheduled self-study and exam preparation in the evenings or on weekends.

  • Attendance / Lectures: Approximately 16–20 semester hours per week in-person/online or through self-study of provided materials (blended learning)
  • Total time commitment: Approx. 25–30 hours per week (including lectures, self-study, and projects).
  • Exam periods: Can be planned transparently in advance to coordinate with vacations or peak workloads.

You don't need a traditional AHS high school diploma to pursue a technical degree in the Lavant Valley! Over 40% of our part-time students come from alternative educational backgrounds.

  1. HTL graduates:
    Thanks to blanket credit transfers, you can advance to the 2nd semester without taking any exams, or—after taking a few brief placement exams—directly to the 3rd semester (reducing your study time to as few as 4 semesters!).
  2. Vocational Maturity Exam (BRP) / Apprenticeship with Matura:
    Full, direct access to all technical bachelor’s degree programs.
  3. Apprenticeship or Technical School (Vocational Qualification):
    Admission via the University Entrance Qualification Exam (SBP) or targeted supplementary exams.
  4. Preparatory Course (Add-ons):
    Are you unsure about your math or computer science skills? CU Carinthia University of Applied Sciences offers free refresher courses (add-ons) before the start of the program to help you fill in any knowledge gaps without stress.

Thanks to the Extended Program at St. Stefan, I was able to keep my 38-hour-a-week job at the industrial plant while earning my bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. The short commute during the week saved me a tremendous amount of time.

Stefan M.Mechanical Engineering Graduate (Extended Program)

As an HTL graduate, I was able to start right away in the third semester. The combination of online classes and hands-on days in Villach was the perfect solution for me.

Julia K.Industrial Engineering Students

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions & Answers About “EXTENDED – Studying in the Lavant Valley” 

Yes. You’ll earn the internationally recognized academic degree of Bachelor of Science (BSc). “EXTENDED” simply refers to the career-friendly, regional organizational structure.

Lectures are held during the week and streamed online to the regional campus in St. Stefan. Laboratory and practical exercises take place on Friday or Saturday at the Villach campus.

Unlike anonymous distance learning programs, Extended offers personalized support from professors, the opportunity to study in a fixed regional seminar group, and access to state-of-the-art laboratories.

Yes. The B.Sc. degree grants full eligibility for all relevant master's programs at universities of applied sciences and universities both in Germany and abroad.

The statutory tuition fee for universities in Austria is €363.36 per semester, plus the ÖH membership fee.