FAQs About the Bachelor’s Program in Industrial Engineering and Management

Who is the Bachelor's program in Industrial Engineering and Management suitable for?

The IndustrialEngineering and Management program is ideal for people who do not want to study purely technical or purely business subjects, but rather combine the two. Graduates of HTL, HAK, and AHS schools, as well as working professionals with a technical or business background, will find this to be the right fit. The full-time, English-language track is also open to international students. What matters is not the type of high school attended, but the willingness to think interdisciplinarily.

In what language is the Industrial Engineering and Management program taught?

The language of instruction depends on the program format: The full-time program is taught in English, while the part-time program is taught in German. Both lead to the same academic degree, a Bachelor of Science in Engineering, and comprise the same 180 ECTS credits over six semesters.

What language skills do I need to study industrial engineering and management?

For the full-time Industrial Engineering and Management program, you'll need English proficiency; for the part-time program, you'll need German proficiency.

What is the difference between industrial engineering and management and a degree in pure engineering?

Industrial Engineering and Management is not purely an engineering program. Unlike mechanical engineering, mechatronics, or computer science, the program combines technical engineering thinking with business administration, project management, and targeted personal development. WING graduates are not merely specialists, but rather bridge-builders and leaders who understand both worlds.

How exactly does WING differ from mechanical engineering, business administration, mechatronics, or computer science?

Industrial Engineering and Management (WING for short) differs from these programs in its interdisciplinary approach, not in the depth of a single subject. Mechanical engineering delves deeper into design and mechanics but includes significantly less business content. Business administration is purely commercial and does not incorporate engineering thinking. Mechatronics focuses on electronics, control systems, and mechanics, with little emphasis on management. Computer Science focuses on software and algorithms. WING combines production engineering, business administration, and project management, and supplements these with circular economy principles, the application of AI, and personal development. If you want to work at the intersection of engineering and management, WING is the right choice for you.

Is industrial engineering and management more technical or more business-oriented?

The Bachelor’s program in Industrial Engineering and Management at CU Carinthia University is both—but not as two separate parts, rather as an integrated program. Starting in the third semester, you can choose your own area of focus: The Industrial Engineering track leans more toward production and technology, while the Sustainable Innovation Management track leans more toward innovation, business models, and management.

What specializations are available in the bachelor’s program in Industrial Engineering?

The program offers two specializations, which students select starting in the third semester; each comprises 15 ECTS credits spread over three semesters. 

• The Industrial Engineering specialization covers automated manufacturing machines and industrial robotics, cyber-physical systems, and cyber-physical production systems—including process automation, machine learning, digital twins, and sensor technology. 
• The Sustainable Innovation Management specialization covers systematic innovation using TRIZ and value management, entrepreneurship and business model development, as well as innovation organization and intrapreneurship. 

Those interested in traditional industry, the automotive sector, or production management should choose Industrial Engineering; those who want to develop innovations, design business models, or start a business should choose Sustainable Innovation Management.

What role do sustainability and the circular economy play in your studies?

Circular Economy is a required course for all students in the Bachelor’s program in Industrial Engineering. In the module “Circular Economy and Innovation Management,” you will learn to compare linear and circular economic models, evaluate product life cycles and life cycle assessments, and integrate sustainability aspects into innovation processes. Both semester projects in the fourth and fifth semesters are titled “Digitalization and Circular Economy” and are carried out in collaboration with industry partners. Students who wish to delve deeper into the topic can choose the “Sustainable Innovation Management” specialization.

What prior knowledge of math, physics, or programming do I need?

Basic knowledge from AHS or HTL is helpful but not required. The industrial engineering program begins at a level that accommodates students from both educational backgrounds. Programming skills are developed from the ground up. A willingness to develop mathematical and analytical thinking is required.

What are the admission requirements for the WING program?

Admission requirements for the Industrial Engineering program include an Austrian Matura (AHS, HTL, HAK, or equivalent), an equivalent foreign high school diploma, or the university entrance qualification exam. A specific high school track is not required. In addition, proficiency in the respective language of instruction is required—English for the full-time program and German for the part-time program.

Are HTL graduates eligible for credit?

Relevant prior coursework from a technical high school (HTL) may be credited toward the Industrial Engineering program. To find out which fields of study this applies to, which exams are recognized, and whether you can enter the program in a higher semester, it’s best to discuss this during a counseling session or at an online information session.

What specializations are available in the bachelor's program in Industrial Engineering?

The program offers one specialization: Industrial Engineering, with a focus on AI-supported production, smart manufacturing, and quality management. This is the right choice for those interested in traditional industry, the automotive sector, or production management. There is no need to choose between several areas of specialization—the specialization is an integral part of the curriculum.

Can I study industrial engineering while working?

Yes. The "WING Extended" part-time program allows students to study while working, with in-person sessions and hybrid components. The part-time program is taught in German, while the full-time program is taught in English. The program is offered at locations in Villach and St. Stefan im Lavanttal. As with the full-time program, the duration of study is six semesters.

How practical is the Industrial Engineering program, and who are its partners?

The WINGprogram emphasizes hands-on experience in the truest sense of the word: a mandatory internship at an industrial company, two semester projects on digitalization and the circular economy with real-world clients, as well as work in the Innovation Workshop and the Smart Lab on the Villach campus. 

The industrial network includes 

• Infineon Technologies Austria, 
• Hella, 
• Magna, and 
• AVL 

— both for projects during your studies and for your career start afterward. In addition, there are the ongoing research projects campAIgn and reCANet.

What can I do after completing my bachelor's degree in industrial engineering?

Graduates of the Industrial Engineering program work as 

• production planners,
• project engineers, 
• quality managers, 
• innovation managers, 
• technical buyers, or in 
• sustainability and circular economy management—or 
• start their own businesses. 

The main industries are the automotive and semiconductor industries, mechanical engineering, energy technology, logistics, management consulting, and Industry 4.0. Alternatively, the consecutive Master’s program in Industrial Engineering & Management at CU provides a direct pathway to further study.

How much does it cost to study industrial engineering?

Tuition is €363.36 per semester for EU and EEA nationals. For third-country nationals, it is €500 per semester. In addition, there is the ÖH fee.

Why is WING located at CU Carinthia University and not in Vienna, Graz, or Germany?

Because the industrial engineering program at CU brings three things together. 

• First, small classes and personalized support—something that’s structurally difficult to implement at large universities. 
• Second, the direct connection to Carinthia’s high-tech industry: Villach is the headquarters of Infineon Austria, along with Hella, Magna, and AVL; this network develops during your studies, not just afterward. 
• Third, a bachelor’s degree offered in two formats, both of which lead to the same master’s program at the same university. 

Added to this is its location in the Alpe-Adria region: Carinthia is an economic and living space in the border triangle, with collaborations extending across the borders into Italy and Slovenia. Furthermore, housing and living costs are lower than in major university cities.