FAQs About StudyXplore

Am I eligible for family allowance?

Yes, definitely! As a StudyXplore student in the Health and Nursing Management or Industrial Engineering program, you are eligible for family allowance as long as you successfully complete at least 16 ECTS credits. 
After the orientation semester, you can extend your studies by one year—during which time you’ll remain covered under your parents’ social security; family allowance will only cease during the final semester. If you switch programs after that, the family allowance will continue uninterrupted for the regular duration of study (6 semesters)—though you’ll be using up one of your two allowed program changes. But since you’ve taken the time to make a well-considered decision, you won’t be changing programs again!

Am I eligible for a student grant?

As a regular student, you are generally eligible for scholarships. To qualify for the study grant, in addition to meeting other requirements, you must provide proof of having earned 30 ECTS credits from required or elective courses in your enrolled degree program. The StudyXplore orientation program covers 17.5 or 19.5 ECTS credits from required courses in your enrolled degree programs; while the remaining 10.5 or 12.5 ECTS credits must be covered by elective courses, which depends on your selection and should be verified before submitting your application. We’d be happy to advise you before you submit your application.

What happens after the introductory program?

If you have decided to attend CU Carinthia University of Applied Sciences, you have the following options:

1. You can continue your studies in your current degree program with your chosen specialization (Industrial Engineering or Health and Nursing Management).

• You’ll join the regular student cohort in the first semester, having already earned approximately 20 ECTS credits from this program.
• This makes it much easier for you to get started, since you’re already familiar with the processes and challenges.
• Extending the duration of your studies by one year allows you to remain covered under your parents’ social insurance during this time, though you will no longer receive family allowance during your final semester.

2. If you have chosen a different degree program, you will begin with the regular students in your chosen program after successfully completing the admission process.

• If you took and successfully completed elective courses from your new program during the orientation year, these ECTS credits will be transferred to your record.
• Depending on the degree program, it’s even possible that some course content from the orientation program and the specialization tracks will be credited—we’d be happy to advise you on this.
• In addition, general coursework will be reviewed for credit eligibility.
• In this case, you can receive family allowance for the entire duration of your regular studies.
  Please note that by making this change, you have used up one of the two possible program changes allowed to continue receiving family allowance. However, you took the time to make an informed decision, so there’s no chance you’ll have to change programs again!

Is the orientation program a regular degree program?

Yes, the StudyXplore orientation program is a full-fledged degree program with full enrollment at CU Carinthia University of Applied Sciences, designed as a part-time program. You are officially enrolled (in the Health and Nursing Management or Industrial Engineering program), earn ECTS credits, and have all the rights and obligations of a regular student. In addition, you’ll gain access to valuable content for personal and professional orientation, as well as the opportunity to get a taste of other degree programs.

Who is StudyXplore intended for?

The orientation program is designed for young people nearing the end of their high school education who are still unsure about their future educational path, are wavering between several degree programs, or would like to make good use of the time until they begin their desired degree program. Prerequisites include German language proficiency at the B2 level and a general university entrance qualification at the start of the program.

Do I have to choose a major?

When applying, you choose one of two specializations—Technology & Business or Health & Business—depending on your interest in complementary content in those respective fields. Regardless of your choice, you are free to explore multiple degree programs.

Which courses from which fields of study can I take?

You can find the current electives and their assignments to the respective degree programs here.

How many ECTS credits will I earn, and where will they be applied?

If you continue in the same degree program, you’ll already have about 17.5 to 19.5 ECTS credits credited toward your degree, making it easier for you to start the first semester as a regular student. If you switch to a different degree program, successfully completed electives—as well as, if applicable, portions of the orientation program and specialization—will be credited, depending on your new degree program.

How much does the orientation program cost, and how can I apply?

Tuition is €363.36 per semester, plus the applicable ÖH fee. For students from non-EU countries, tuition will be €500 per semester starting in the winter semester of 2026. Applications are submitted online via the CU Carinthia University of Applied Sciences application portal. Applicants must have the appropriate high school diploma or equivalent qualification.

Where will it take place, and how often will I have to travel to other locations?

StudyXplore is primarily held in person on the Klagenfurt Mitte campus, with a portion of the instruction taking place online. During the orientation week, you’ll tour all campuses. Which other campuses are included during the orientation program depends on your choice of electives—the sample schedules provide a good overview.

Can I work part-time?

Yes, part-time work is possible, since days off can be built into the schedule. The sample schedules provide a good guide.

What kinds of Xtras and additional training programs are available, and how can they benefit me?

Through the Xtras and additional training programs, you can earn additional qualifications while pursuing your degree:

• Training to become a paramedic or a ski instructor trainee
• Application Checklist
• Offers from CU Sport
• Language Center 
• Short-term student exchange programs through our European University ACE²-EU

The Xtras and additional training programs are already built into your class schedule and provide you with additional preparation for the job market or help with financing your studies.

Is a year of exploratory studies worth it?

Yes, and the numbers back that up: According to the 2024 IHS High School Graduates Survey, eight out of ten high school graduates struggle with choosing a major—often because they’re unsure what truly interests them (42%), are overwhelmed by the sheer number of options (32%), or are unsure of their own strengths (31%). This uncertainty doesn’t automatically disappear once students enroll: Research by Heublein et al. (2017) and Unger et al. (2009) shows that many dropouts are directly attributable to this very issue. 

What really helps is getting a real taste of the program rather than just doing research—a DZHW study shows that students who complete a preliminary orientation semester are significantly less likely to drop out without a degree (24% instead of 37%). This is exactly where StudyXplore comes in: From day one, you’ll be attending actual classes, fully enrolled, earning transferable ECTS credits, and discovering your own interests and strengths through accompanying reflection modules—the best foundation for a decision that will stand the test of time.

How does the orientation year differ from a gap year?

StudyXplore is not just a gap year, not volunteer work, and not a non-binding trial study program—nor is it a direct leap into a bachelor’s degree program without any guidance. It combines the flexibility of an orientation phase with the substance of a real degree program: You’re fully enrolled, combine courses from multiple disciplines based on your interests, earn transferable ECTS credits, and gain additional training and certificates through the Xtras—from language courses to hands-on training programs. This way, you’re investing your time in a way that’s doubly beneficial for your future path.