FAQ
Would you like to learn more about the Bachelor’s degree program in Mechanical Engineering? Here you’ll find answers to the most frequently asked questions about course content, admission requirements, part-time study, internships, and career opportunities. If your question isn’t listed here, our team will be happy to assist you personally.
Is mechanical engineering the right major for me?
Mechanical engineering is the right degree program for you if you want to understand technology, develop innovative solutions, and play an active role in designing machines. You’re interested in the natural sciences, design, and technical concepts, and you want to develop, optimize, and refine products, machines, or production systems. Career opportunities range from automotive and energy engineering to medical technology and mechanical and plant engineering.
Do I need prior knowledge of math, physics, or programming?
No. The knowledge you’ve gained in school is generally sufficient. We’ll meet you where you are. If you’d like to brush up on your math or computer science skills, you can take advantage of free preparatory and bridge courses offered by CU Carinthia University of Applied Sciences before you start your studies. That way, you’ll be well-prepared when you begin your degree program.
I've completed an HTL—is it still worth going to university?
Yes. An HTL provides an excellent technical education and lays a strong foundation for university. In a bachelor’s program, however, you’ll significantly deepen your knowledge—for example, in the areas of simulation, design, materials science, scientific research, and the development of complex technical systems. At the same time, a bachelor’s degree and a potential master’s program open up additional career and development opportunities for you.
Can I study mechanical engineering even without an HTL degree?
Yes. The program is open to all prospective students who meet the required qualifications for university admission. Different educational backgrounds often bring new perspectives—and that’s exactly what benefits all students. If you’ve already completed a technical college (HTL) degree in mechanical engineering, you may even be able to enter directly into the third semester, subject to certain conditions.
Can I study mechanical engineering while working?
Yes. CU Carinthia University of Applied Sciences is the only university in Austria to offer a part-time bachelor’s degree program in mechanical engineering. The courses are organized in such a way that you can easily balance your studies, career, and personal life. Alternatively, you can also pursue the program on a full-time basis.
When do the classes for the part-time degree program take place?
Online classes are generally held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:40 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. In-person classes are usually scheduled on Fridays from 2:20 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and on Saturdays starting at 8:30 a.m. The class schedule is usually finalized about four months before the start of the semester. Our goal is to avoid making any further changes after that so that you can reliably plan your studies, career, and personal life.
What kinds of projects and industry partners can I expect to encounter during my studies?
Practical experience is a central component of the program. You’ll work on real-world projects—either in collaboration with companies or based on your own ideas. And if you don’t have a project in mind yet, you can choose from exciting topics offered by our research groups. You’ll be supported by numerous industry partners. This way, you’ll gain valuable professional experience even while you’re still in school and work on innovative topics such as additive manufacturing, drone technology, or sustainable energy systems.
Will my job or internship count toward my degree?
The mandatory professional internship builds on the skills acquired during your studies and is therefore intentionally scheduled later in the program. This allows you to directly apply and deepen the knowledge you gained in the first semesters through practical experience. Previous employment or summer internships therefore generally cannot be counted toward the professional internship.
What career opportunities will I have after I graduate?
With a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, a wide range of career paths are open to you. Graduates work, for example, in design, product development, manufacturing, automation, energy engineering, quality assurance, or research and development. Mechanical engineers are in demand in nearly all technical industries—both regionally and internationally.
What master's programs can I pursue after completing my bachelor's degree?
Many graduates successfully enter the workforce immediately after completing their bachelor’s degree. If you’d like to specialize further or explore additional career paths later on, a master’s program offers you a wide range of opportunities. At CU Carinthia University of Applied Sciences, for example, you can pursue the master’s program in Mechanical Engineering—Lightweight Construction and specialize in future-oriented topics such as resource-efficient design, the circular economy, and modern simulation methods.
What role does artificial intelligence play in mechanical engineering?
Artificial intelligence is already an important part of mechanical engineering today—for example, in image recognition, process optimization, and smart manufacturing. It supports mechanical engineers in many tasks, but it does not replace technical understanding or creative engineering. In particular, the development of new solutions and the understanding of complex technical systems will remain the responsibility of engineers well into the future.