Interpreting: Austrian Sign Language – German
Bachelor's Program
Do you want to connect people and overcome language barriers? Then the Bachelor’s Degree Program in Interpreting: Austrian Sign Language – German is the perfect fit for you.
You’ll learn to interpret professionally between Austrian Sign Language (ÖGS) and German and to provide linguistic support to both deaf and hearing people in a wide variety of settings – such as in healthcare, educational institutions, government offices, the workplace, or at events.
During the Program, you’ll develop in-depth skills in Austrian Sign Language, interpreting techniques, translation, linguistics, and Deaf culture. Practical courses and close collaboration with the Deaf community will specifically prepare you for your future professional life. Prior knowledge of ÖGS is an advantage but not a requirement – you can also enroll without any prior knowledge.
With your degree, you’ll qualify for a profession of great social importance. Since qualified ÖGS interpreters are in high demand, you can expect a wide range of career opportunities and excellent future prospects.
A profession with strong prospects
In Carinthia, there are over 500 deaf people and only a handful of certified ÖGS interpreters. By pursuing this Degree, you’ll be making an important contribution to accessibility and inclusion.
No prior knowledge required
You don't need any prior knowledge of Austrian Sign Language. Language skills are developed systematically throughout the program – motivation and an interest in the language and culture are more important than prior experience.
Learning with the Deaf Community
You'll learn Austrian Sign Language through direct interaction with deaf instructors and the local deaf community. This way, you'll combine language, culture, and practical application right from the start.
Do you want to break down language barriers and bring people together?
Join us for a Degree Program that’s truly needed – to become an interpreter between ÖGS and German.
Special Features of the Program
Professional interpreting involves much more than simply translating language. During your studies, you will explore the linguistic, cultural, and social dimensions of communication and develop the skills needed to engage responsibly with diverse cultural contexts.
Hands-on Experience from the Start
Even while you’re still in school, you’ll gain experience in real-world interpreting situations through supervised internships and practice sessions – for example, in educational institutions, the healthcare sector, or government agencies. This will help you learn how to apply your knowledge confidently and professionally.
Experiencing Language and Culture together
Austrian Sign Language is inextricably linked to Deaf culture. Through close interaction with Deaf instructors and the Deaf community, you will develop not only linguistic skills but also cultural and communicative skills.
More than just Language Training
The Program combines Austrian Sign Language with linguistics, translation studies, cultural mediation, and professional ethics. This will enable you to develop comprehensive skills for a wide variety of interpreting situations and professional fields.
Unique to Carinthia
The Bachelor’s Degree Program in Interpreting: Austrian Sign Language – German is currently the only program of its kind in Carinthia and plays a key role in training much-needed interpreters in the region.
Details about the Program
Info Box
Level of qualification
Bachelor
ECTS credits
180
Tuition fees*
€ 363.36 / Semester
ÖH (Austrian Student Union) fee
€ 26.20 / Semester
Qualification awarded
Bachelor of Arts in Cultural Studies
Duration of study
6 Semester
Language of instruction
German
CU Campus
Klagenfurt
Dates Info Box
Winterterm 2026
Period I: 01.11.-15.03.26
Period II: 16.03.-15.05.26
Period III: 16.05.-15.07.26
Period IV: 16.07.-30.09.26*
Due to lengthy visa processes, applications from Africa, the Middle East and South, East, and Southeast Asia only in Period I.
*We reserve the right not to open the period or to close it early.
Winter semester starts in October. We only offer intake in winterterm!
The start of lectures can be found in the individual timetable which is available after enrollment.
4-day week, Saturdays only as needed, one lecture-free day per week. Up to 30% online teaching depending on the type of course.
An overview on our upcoming events can be found here.
You are interested in a personal (online) study consultation or would like to receive more information on the degree program? Click on the buttons below this checkbox to learn more.
Language of Instruction: German (min B2)
Application essentials:
More information on the application process, admission requirements and necessary documents can be found here.
* Tuition for non-EU/EEA citizens: €500 + €26.20 ÖH fee (per semester)
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about the “Interpreting: Austrian Sign Language – German” Bachelor’s Degree
What exactly is Interpreting: Austrian Sign Language – German?
Interpreting: Austrian Sign Language – German is a 6-semester, full-time Bachelor’s Program that trains students to serve as professional interpreters between Austrian Sign Language and German.
Who is a good fit for this Degree Program?
This program is suitable for people with an interest in language, culture, and communication who would like to serve as interpreters between deaf and hearing people – regardless of their prior knowledge of sign language.
Will I also learn video interpreting?
Yes. The Program teaches modern interpreting techniques and places a special emphasis on video-based interpreting. This prepares you for a variety of work settings and forms of digital communication.
A Bridge between different Worlds — “This Degree Program is not just an academic education, but a bridge between different worlds. It offers students the opportunity to actively contribute to social justice.”
A combination of linguistic and cultural education — “The combination of linguistic and cultural education is what makes this Program unique. Graduates are exceptionally well-prepared for the diverse challenges of professional life.”
A Milestone for Inclusion — “This Degree Program is a milestone for the inclusion of deaf people in Austria. The comprehensive training and close collaboration with the deaf community ensure high-quality interpreting services.”
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.
Eva Sacherer, M.A.
Program Director, Interpreting: Austrian Sign Language – German
+43 (0)5 90500-4180
e.sacherer(at)cuas.at
INFORMATION & APPLICATION
Virtual Campus Tour
Contact
Sonja Nagelschmied, B.A.
Program
Administration +43 5 90500 3301
admin_gs_klu(at)cuas.at
Tamara Stotter, B.A.
Program
Administration +43 5 90500 3501
admin_gs_klu(at)cuas.at
On Foot
From Klagenfurt Central Station, you can reach the campus “Klagenfurt Mitte” in about 25 minutes on foot (2.5 km). The route takes you across the station plaza toward the city center and then along St. Veiter Straße to the grounds of the Klagenfurt Regional Hospital.
From the Heiligengeistplatz bus station, you can reach the campus in about 15 minutes (1.2 km) on foot. The route takes you along Wiesbadener Straße toward Neuer Platz, then continues along Kramergasse, Alter Platz, and Wiener Gasse to Heuplatz. From there, continue along St. Veiter Straße. After about 600 m, you’ll find the entrance to the Klagenfurt State Hospital grounds on your left.
The university building is marked as Building No. 24 on the Klagenfurt State Hospital map.
By public transportation
From Klagenfurt Central Station, you can reach the campus by taking line A or 4 to the “Morogasse” stop. From the station building, turn left toward the bus station.
Lines A and 4 also take you to the campus from the Heiligengeistplatz bus station.
By car
Coming from Villach or Wolfsberg, take the A2 Südautobahn and the Klagenfurt Nord bypass to the Klagenfurt Nord/Feldkirchen exit. Then follow Feldkirchner Straße toward the city. At St. Veiter Ring, turn left, and then turn left again at the intersection with St. Veiter Straße. After about 600 m, you’ll see the entrance to the Klagenfurt State Hospital grounds on your left. The university building is on the left.
Coming from St. Veit, you can reach the campus via the S37 Klagenfurt Expressway, which leads directly onto St. Veiter Straße. Follow the road until you reach the entrance to the Klagenfurt State Hospital grounds. Our university building is on the left.
By Plane
There are several airports in the area to choose from:
- Klagenfurt: approx. 10-minute drive
- Ljubljana (Slovenia): approx. 1 hour 10 minutes by car
- Graz: approx. 1 hour 30 minutes by car
- Salzburg: approx. 2 hours 30 minutes by car
- Trieste and Venice (Italy): approx. 2 to 3 hours by car
- Vienna: approx. 3 hours 30 minutes by car
- Munich: approx. 4-hour drive
The rest of the journey to the “Klagenfurt Mitte” campus is then made by train, bus, taxi, or car.