• 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).

• If a course at the partner university is worth more ECTS credits than the equivalent course at WU Vienna, you can use the extra ECTS credits to cover more than one course when transferring 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 guidance on credit transfer, 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 strongly encouraged for all students, or at least the vast majority. The program’s flexible structure allows for seamless credit transfer, and the International Office can recommend a wide range of 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 specific course requirements of each degree program, certain partner universities may be more suitable than others. Tailored 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 degree programs, students are required to complete the entire program at WU Vienna. Credit transfer for courses taken abroad is only possible to a very limited extent.

• Due to the structure and duration of WU's master's programs, it is recommended to spend your exchange semester in the third semester. Only in selected programs. such as Business Law and Business Education, an exchange during the the fourth semester is also possible.

• To ensure you can study at your preferred partner university in the third semester, we recommend applying for a semester abroad during your first 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 and/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 do.

• Commonly accepted proofs include TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge Certificate, and similar tests.

• In some cases, you can 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 submit it after being allocated an exchange place.

• Proof of language proficiency must be submitted during the partner university’s online registration or application process – typically in the semester before your exchange.

• Important: If you miss the application deadline of the partner university, 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.

• After the nomination, the partner university will contact you directly with detailed application instructions. These typically include information on:

  • Housing

  • Orientation programs

  • Course registration

  • Insurance

  • Other key aspects of your stay

• The application process at the partner university is usually a formal registration, provided you meet their requirements. You will be asked to submit personal information and required documents.

• Commonly requested documents include:

  • Application forms

  • Transcript of records

  • Language certificates (if applicable)

  • Other documents depending on the university

• Make sure to meet the application deadline set by the partner university.

• You can find nomination and application deadlines in the fact sheets available on our interactive partner university map.

• If you have not received any information from the partner university at least one month before their application deadline, please contact the WU Graduate Exchange Team immediately.

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.

• Mobility grant: In the semester before your exchange, you will be invited to a mandatory grant and credit transfer session (German: Stipendien- und Anerkennungsveranstaltung). The invitation will be sent to your WU email. During the session, you will receive detailed information about the credit transfer process and available mobility grants.

• Course selection: Choose courses at the partner university that can be recognized at WU Vienna. A full workload of 30 ECTS credits is recommended. Make sure to follow any course or credit requirements set by the partner university.

• Pre-recognition notice: Before going abroad, you must submit the online application for the pre-recognition notice (German: Feststellungsbescheid). This ensures that your selected courses abroad can be credited at WU after your return. Further details are available on this website.

• Language skills: To brush up your language skills before going abroad, consider taking a language course at WU Vienna's Business Language Center.

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

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

• Housing support: Many partner universities offer help with accommodation. Check the info sheets and exchange reports from former WU students for useful tips.

• Private accomodation: The International Office 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. 

  • Services are free of charge for WU students

  • Also recommended to WU incoming exchange 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 require special support during your time abroad, there are several resources available to assist you:

• Partner university: Contact the international office or student services at your host university for local support options.

• WU services:

  • BeAble: Offers support for students with disabilities or chronic illnesses.

  • Student Counselling: Provides guidance on personal, academic, and psychological matters.

• Additionally, the Outgoing Exchange and Partnerships team at WU is always available to help with any questions or concerns related to your exchange experience.

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).

Travelling to non-EU countries

• If you are planning a semester abroad in a non-EU country, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the entry and visa requirements of your host country well in advance.

• Visa requirements: Austrian students typically need a student visa for overseas destinations. Non-Austrian students may require additional documents depending on their nationality and the host country's regulations.

• Supporting documents: Once you receive your Letter of Acceptance and any required registration forms from the host university (e.g., DS-2019 form for U.S. universities), you can apply for a visa at the appropriate consulate in Vienna. Contact the consulate early to confirm which documents are needed for your application.

• USA: The US consulate charges a so-called SEVIS fee when issuing a visa. On the plane, you will need to fill out the white immigration form.

• Canada: Austrian citizens do not need a student visa for stays up to six months. However, upon arrival, you must present your Letter of Acceptance to immigration authorities and clearly state that you are entering as a student – not as a tourist.

• Insurance requirements: Some countries require specific travel and/or health insurance. Please check with the respective consulate to ensure you meet all insurance requirements.

Travelling to EU countries

• If you are not an EU citizen, make sure to check visa and entry requirements for your host country early enough to allow time for necessary arrangements.

Overseas/non-EU countries

• When studying outside the EU, additional travel and health insurance is strongly recommended. If your insurance policy is issued in Austria, it’s wise to bring an English translation to clearly show what is covered. Be aware that some host universities may require you to purchase local student insurance, so check in advance.

EU countries

• If you are a citizen of an EU member state, your home country’s health insurance is usually sufficient. Don’t forget to bring your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC or e-card) when traveling. If you are not an EU citizen, make sure to arrange appropriate health insurance coverage well before departure.

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 check with your coordinator at the partner university whether your transcript will be issued automatically or if you need to request it.

• For Erasmus+ grant recipients: Please ensure that the Confirmation of Stay is signed by the host university in the final week of your exchange stay. The signed document is required for the application of the second grant installment.

• Important: Also make sure that your host university has approved the 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 Vienna at your host university: Many partner universities organize exchange fairs. If a fair takes place while you are studying abroad, we would like you to represent WU Vienna. For this purpose, informative material can be sent to the International Office of your host university. Additionally, you can access a PowerPoint presentation with information about WU Vienna 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 at a partner university are not automatically transferred to your WU degree. To have them recognized, you must submit an application through Study Regulations & Credit Transfer (Study Service Center).

  Once you have received the official transcript of records from the partner university, you can apply for recognition of your  courses.

  • Log in to Online Services for Students

  • Click on "Credit Transfer & Graduation" (German: Anerkennung & Abschluss)

  • Search for "Online Credit Transfer" (German: Antrag auf Anerkennung)

• If you are unable to pick up documents from the International Office in person, you can authorize a trusted person to do so on your behalf. The authorized person must bring the following:

  • A completed authorization form

  • A photocopy of your student ID

  • Their own photo ID

• As a WU student who has completed an exchange semester, you will need to write a report about your experiences. The International Office will review your report and make it available for future exchange students.

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

• Once you are back in Vienna, you will need to complete a few formalities related to your mobility grant. Please refer to the links below for detailed instructions:

  • Erasmus+ exchange semester

  • WU mobility grant

  • Swiss-European Mobility Programme (SEMP)

• Exchange stays organized through the International Office will be officially documented on your Diploma Supplement at the end of your studies.

• If you complete multiple degree programs at WU Vienna, your exchange stay will only be listed on the Diploma Supplement for the program in which the exchange took place.

• 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!