• The online credit transfer database (German: Online-Anerkennungsdatenbank) offers a comprehensive list of courses that were completed abroad by WU students.

• Course combinations that have been approved in the past are very likely to be approved again.

• This database is designed to guide you. Please note that partner universities may not offer the same courses every semester, and there is no guarantee that all courses will be available to WU students (e.g., courses may be full or you might not meet the academic requirements).

• At WU Vienna, courses and lectures typically have a workload of 4 to 6 ECTS credits. If courses at the partner university offer more credits, credit transfer is still possible. You can use the spare ECTS credits for another curriculum-specific module.

• Example: If a course at the partner university is worth 8 ECTS credits, you can request credit transfer for two courses at WU (each worth 4 ECTS credits).

• Please check your study plan for suitable electives or modules. In this regard, the online credit transfer database (German: Online-Anerkennungsdatenbank) can be a helpful tool.   

• If you need support, contact our colleagues from Study Regulations & Credit Transfer (Study Service Center).

• After you have been allocated an exchange place, you will be invited via your WU email address to the grant and credit transfer session (German: Stipendien- und Anerkennungsveranstaltung).

• The event takes place in the semester before your stay abroad and provides all information you need about grants and credit transfer.

• Attendance is mandatory.

Students of the master's programs:

• Business Communication

• Export and Internationalization Management

• Marketing

• Strategy, Innovation, and Management Control

An exchange semester is encouraged for all students, or at least a significant majority. The flexible program structure facilitates easy credit transfer, and the International Office can recommend numerous suitable partner universities.

Students of the master's programs:

• Finance and Accounting

• Management

• Socioeconomics

• Supply Chain Management

• Economics

• Business Law

• Business Education

An exchange semester is optional. Depending on the courses required by different degree programs, some partner universities may be more suitable than others. Recommendations are available for these master’s programs.

Students of the master's programs:

• Digital Economy

• Quantitative Finance

• Socio-Ecological Economics and Policy

• Taxation and Accounting

Due to the specific structure of these programs, students are required to complete the entire program at WU Vienna. Credit transfer for courses taken abroad is only possible to a limited extent.

• It is recommended to spend your semester abroad in the third semester. In some exceptional cases, such as for Business Law and Business Education, the fourth semester is also an option.

• We recommend applying for a semester abroad during your first semester to ensure you can study at your preferred partner university in the third semester.

• To apply for a stay abroad, you have to be admitted to a master’s program at WU Vienna.

• Most partner universities have additional requirements, which you need to fulfill. This can include professional experience or language certificates. Information on these requirements is provided in the info sheets of the partner universities.

• You do not need to meet the additional requirements set by partner universities during the application period at WU Vienna. It is sufficient to fulfill these requirements after you have been allocated an exchange spot.

• WU’s master’s programs provide recommendations for partner universities that are ideal for an exchange semester. Courses approved for credit transfer are listed in the credit transfer online database (German: Online-Anerkennungsdatenbank), managed by Study Regulations & Credit Transfer (Study Service Center).

• Use our interactive map to find out which universities are recommended for your master’s program.

• We strongly recommend applying to partner universities recommded by your master’s program. If you are interested in a university not recommended by your program, carefully review their course offerings and consult the International Office to confirm which courses are available to WU exchange students.

• If the partner university you choose is recommended for your program, you will receive priority in the selection process over students whose programs do not have an explicit recommendation for that university.

• Exchange places reserved for specific master’s programs are only available to students admitted to those programs.

• Some partner universities require proof of language proficiency. Check the info sheets on our partner university map to see which ones request proof.

• Commonly accepted proofs include TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge Certificate, etc.

• In some cases, you can even demonstrate your language proficiency through enrollment in an English-taught program or by successfully completing certain WU courses (e.g, English Business Communication).

• You can download WU language certificates through the Online Services for Students: To find these certificates, go to the Online Services for Students, click on "Mobility," and search under "Outgoing - My exchange program."

• Please note: You do not need to provide proof of language proficiency when applying for an exchange place through WU Vienna. However, you must provide it after being allocated an exchange place.

• Proof of language proficiency must be submitted to the partner university during registration or application - typically in the semester before the exchange starts. Important: If you miss the submission deadline, your exchange place may be revoked.

You can apply for an exchange during the official application periods. Please note that applications must be submitted a year/two semesters in advance.

During the winter semester, there are three periods available:

• Master exchange – special programs application period

• Master exchange – main application period

• Master exchange – additional application period

During the summer semester, there is only one period:

• Master exchange – application period

During the online application, the following documents must be uploaded:

• One motivational letter for all preferences: Submit one motivational letter in English (approximately 3,200 characters, including spaces, and no larger than 2 MB as a PDF) addressed to the program director of your master’s program. Business Communication: If you are applying for an exchange semester or a double degree program, please be aware that you must meet requirements that differ from the 3,200-character recommendation. For detailed information, check the guidelines provided here.

• CV: Provide a CV in English (for WU degree programs in English) or German (for WU degree programs in German). The CV should be a PDF document no larger than 2 MB, detailing your education, professional experience/internships, international experience, language skills, and other relevant skills. A photo is optional.

• WU master’s and WU bachelor’s transcript are automatically added. Students with a (bachelor’s) degree from a different institution have to upload their transcript (German: Sammelzeugnis) as a PDF-file.

• For additional program-specific selection criteria, please see the selection criteria of master programs.

Applicants are evaluated using a specialized algorithm that calculates an overall score based on the following criteria:

The allocation process consist of two steps:

1. In the first round, applicants in the first tertile from master’s programs which explicitly or optionally recommend a semester abroad are allocated. In this round, the relevant parameters are the ranking by the program, the tertile-points, and the potential recommendation of a partner university.

2. In the second round, applicants in the second and third tertile are allocated. In this round, all criteria from the table above are taken into account.

 

If applicants have the same total scores, the exchange place will be randomly assigned. After determining the total scores, preferences are reviewed sequentially, and once a match is found, the applicant is allocated that exchange place.

Example of the determination of the total score

• After you have been successfully allocated an exchange place, the WU Graduate Exchange Team will officially nominate you at the partner university. This means your data will be forwarded to the partner universities by WU’s International Office.

• The partner university will then contact you with detailed application instructions, along with information on housing, orientation programs, course registration, and other key aspects of your exchange.

• The application process at the partner university is essentially a registration (given you fulfill the requirements of the partner university). You will be required to provide personal information and submit necessary documents.

• Requested documents may comprise application forms, degree certificates/ transcripts of records, language certificates, etc. Be sure to meet the specified application deadline.

• The nomination and application deadlines can be found in the fact sheets, which you can download from our interactive partner university map. If you have not received any information about the application process at least one month before the deadline, please contact the WU Graduate Exchange Team.

The application forms often include the following questions:

• Are you a full-time student? Yes

• Program: Program name of your study program

• Institutional/Exchange coordinator: IO coordinator(s) for master's exchange programs

• Departmental coordinator: Program manager / director of your study program

• Major: Focus of your studies (e.g., marketing, finance, management, etc.)

• Semester dates: Please note that other countries often use different semester descriptions (e.g., "spring term" for our summer semester or "autumn/fall term" for our winter semester).

• Erasmus code: WU Vienna's Erasmus code is: A WIEN05

Frequently requested documents:

• Transcript: Some partner universities request an English version of your WU transcript (german: Sammelzeugnis). You can access and download it online via the Online Services for Students.

• Bank confirmation (financial statement): All US partner schools and some other overseas partners require proof of sufficient financial means to fund your exchange semester. The required amount varies depending on the university. Click here to view a template of a financial statement / bank letter.

• Medical report and vaccination pass: Many overseas universities require an English health certificate issued by your physician.

• Language certificate: Some partner universities require language certificates. This may be a TOEFL, an IELTS, or another certificate. A confirmation about the language of instruction in your degree program may also be accepted. To find out which universities require such tests and how many points are needed, please see the info sheets on our website or contact the WU Graduate Exchange Team. 
  
  OeAD International Testing Services: http://testing.oead.at/
  British Council: https://www.ielts.org/

• Cancellation of an allocated exchange place is only possible in exceptional cases (e.g., illness, pregnancy, crucial family commitments, or unforeseen serious events). Proof will be required. If you are facing such circumstances, contact our coordinators for master's exchange programs immediately.

• Note that canceling without a valid cause (see above) excludes you from participating in any further WU exchange programs. This applies to your current study cycle.

• Course selection: Choose courses at the partner university that can be recognized for receiving a grant at WU. It is recommended to complete a full workload (30 ECTS credits). Please adhere to any partner university requirements regarding courses and credits.

• Financial aid: Every mobility is supported by a grant. The type of support is depending on your chosen country. Details are provided in the mandatory grant and credit transfer session before your exchange semester. You will receive an invite via your WU email address.

• Pre-recognition notice and Learning Agreement: Before you go abroad, you must fill out the online application for the pre-recognition notice (German: Feststellungsbescheid). Do this to clarify which courses at the partner university are eligible for credit transfer after you return to WU. Find further details here. In the semester before your exchange, you will also be invited to the mandatory grant and credit transfer session (German: Stipendien- und Anerkennungsveranstaltung), where you will be given all  necessary information.

• Cross-Cultural Competence: We recommend the seminar for cross-cultural competence to WU master’s students prior to their exchange stay. Participation is optional.

• ÖH dues: Pay your Students’ Union (ÖH) dues during your exchange semester to avoid disenrollment.

• Tuition fees: Participation in an exchange semester results in a tuition waiver for one semester at both WU and the partner university.

• Language skills: If you wish to brush up your language skills before going abroad, consider taking up one of the classes offered by the WU Vienna's Business Language Center.

• Housing: Many partner universities offer assistance in finding accommodation. Check info sheets and exchange reports by former WU outgoing students.

• Private accomodation: The International Office (IO) partners with Housing Anywhere, a student-to-student housing platform. You can use it for free to find accommodation abroad or sublet your space while being abroad. These services are free of charge for WU students, and the IO also recommends Housing Anywhere to incoming students.To receive a 20% discount on the booking fee, sign up for a WU Vienna VIP profile and gain priority access to the listings, both in Vienna and any other major city. 
  
  Please be cautious when looking for accomodation through inofficial channels!

• If you need special support during your stay abroad, you can contact the partner university or WU Services, such as BeAble and Student Counselling. In addition, you can always contact the person responsible for you from our Outgoing Exchange team.

Connect through the Online Services for Students:

• After you have been successfully allocated an exchange place, you can network with other students.

• Click on "Mobility" in the Online Services for Students and search for "Contacts" under "Outgoing - My exchange program". For your respective partner university, you will find contact data of outgoing and incoming students. Important: You can only access data of people who are associated with the partner university and have agreed to share their contact information.

• If you want to network with students who are studying at another WU partner university but in the same city, please contact our coordinators for master exchange programs.

Other ways to connect:

• Another way to connect with exchange students is through the Erasmus Buddy Network, organized by ÖH WU. As a buddy, you will have the opportunity to welcome and support new incoming students - helping them settle in and feel at home at WU Vienna.

• Every semester, our Incoming Exchange Team sets up a group on Signal for incoming exchange students. In order to join the group, please note that you will need to download the app first!

• On this website, you can find advice on how to make a stay abroad more sustainable. Tips and tricks for traveling as well as on-site behavior are highlighted.

Travelling to non-EU countries

• If you complete your semester abroad in a non-EU country or if you are not an EU citizen, please familiarize yourself with your host country’s entry requirements in due time.

• To travel to overseas countries, Austrian students usually need a student visa. Non-Austrian students may need additional documents.

• As soon as you have received the registration forms and the Letter of Acceptance from the partner university (US universities also require the DS-2019 form), you can apply for a visa at the appropriate consular authority in Vienna. Be sure to contact the consulate in advance to find out what documents will be needed!

• USA/Canada: The US consulate charges a so-called SEVIS fee when issuing a visa. In the plane, you will need to fill out the white immigration form. To travel to Canada for a stay of up to six months, students with Austrian citizenship do not need a student visa. However, upon your arrival, you have to present the Letter of Acceptance to immigration authorities on your own initiative, and you have to state to the authorities that you enter the country as a student and not as a tourist.

• Some countries require special travel and/or health insurance. Please inquire about the applicable insurance requirements with the appropriate consulate.

Travelling to EU countries

• If you are not an EU citizen, please be sure to inform yourself about any visa or entry requirements made by the host country (early enough to make the necessary arrangements).

Overseas/non-EU countries

• Additional travel and/or health insurance is recommended. For insurance policies issued in Austria, it’s a good idea to take an English translation with you of what is covered by your policy. Some universities require students to purchase separate student insurance in the host country.

EU countries

• If you are a citizen of an EU member state, the health insurance provided by your home country is usually sufficient. Don’t forget to take your European insurance card (e-card) with you when you go abroad! If you are not an EU citizen, be sure to arrange for the necessary insurance coverage well in advance.

Accident and liability insurance is optional but recommended. The ÖH insurance includes accident and liability insurance also at the place of study in the host country. Please inform yourself accordingly, for example here.

• Before your departure, please ask your coordinator at the partner university whether your transcript will be issued automatically or whether you’ll have to request it.

• For Erasmus+ grant recipients: The Confirmation of Stay must be signed by the host university during your final week there. This is required for the application of the second grant installment.

• Important: Make sure that your host university has approved your Online Learning Agreement (OLA) before you return. For credit transfer at WU Vienna, only upload the Learning Agreement in PDF format if the host university does not use OLA. Otherwise, there is no need to upload any further documents. 

• Represent WU at your host university’s exchange fair: Many partner universities organize “exchange fairs”. If a fair takes place while you are studying abroad, we would like you to represent WU. For this purpose, information material will be sent to the International Office of your host university in advance. You can find a PowerPoint presentation with information on WU here.

• WU Alumni Hubs: WU graduates are found all over the world, also in cities with WU partner universities. For nominated Outgoings, the so-called Alumni Hubs offer a unique additional networking opportunity for exchange students. Find out if there is an Alumni Hub close to your partner university and attend Alumni events. The local WU graduates are looking forward to hearing from you.

• Transcripts of Records: Transcripts of records are usually available one or two months after your exchange stay. They are typically sent directly to your student’s email address. In cases where the International Office or your WU coordinator(s) receive the transcript first, we will forward it to you or notify you on how to obtain it.

• Credit Transfer: Please note that credits earned abroad are not automatically transferred to your WU degree. You will need to apply for credit transfer through the Study Regulations & Credit Transfer (Study Service Center). This can only be done after you have received the official transcript of records, including all finalized grades. To apply for credit transfer, use the online form available on this website.

• If you are not able to pick up documents at the International Office in person, you can authorize a person of your trust to do it for you.

• The authorized person has to bring the following documents: completed authorization form, photocopy of the student's ID as well as a photo ID of the authorized person.

• As a WU student who has completed an exchange semester, you will need to write a report about your experiences. This also includes an evaluation of the courses you took abroad. The International Office will review your report and make it available online for future exchange students.

• Please fill out the report template and upload it here.

• After your return to Vienna, you have to complete several formalities related to your grant. Please click here for further information on grants.

• Exchange stays organized through the International Office will show up on your Diploma Supplement at the end of your studies.

• If you receive more than one degree from WU Vienna, your exchange stay will only be noted on the Diploma Supplement for the specific program that included your exchange experience.

• Share your experiences from your stay abroad with other students at the annual Go Global - Your Event to Internationalize Your Studies. Spread the word about your host university!