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Preparatory information

There are many good reasons for choosing to study abroad, or why studying abroad makes sense. The motivations are very individual, and no factor in someone’s decision to participate in an Academy mobility programme should be ignored (academic or artistic enrichment, change of scenery, getting to know another university system, friendships and professional contacts, etc.).

Exchange studies are a real enrichment for personal development as they broaden our perspectives of our own subject or artistic approach. They improve our foreign language skills, awaken or deepen our sensitivity to cultural differences, and help us to build global networks. They also promote the acquisition of important soft skills that may not be formally reflected in the academic curriculum vitae. Another benefit of participating in a mobility programme lies in the fact that the host university does not charge tuition fees from exchange students.

The Erasmus Traineeship programme provides another opportunity for gaining international experience. It helps participants to acquire international professional skills, and it might quench their wanderlust.

Requirements

Regular students of the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna can participate in mobility programmes from their third semester of study onward. Applications of students in higher semesters are given preferential treatment.

Such a study exchange is possible within the framework of individual courses or within the framework of the preparation of the final thesis. For an exchange within the framework of the final thesis, you must have completed and submitted the first study section of the diploma studies. In BA and MA studies, you must have completed all or nearly all of the course work as stated in the curriculum.

Your stay within the framework of your studies must be at least three months and can be a maximum of one academic year, whereby only the winter semester can be extended into the summer semester with the consent of the host institution. For all other universities, especially those outside Europe, the different division and designation of the academic year must be taken into account.

Partner universities outside Europe do not have our ECTS (European Credit Transfer System). Therefore, it is essential for you to obtain all the information on the courses you completed there:

  • Title and type of course (lecture; workshop, project, tutorial, …)
  • Number of credit hours per week and/or exact course times for the entire semester (timetable)
  • Content of the courses

Visa

Please also observe the entry and residence conditions in the host country. If necessary, submit an application to the competent diplomatic mission in good time. Processing time can take up to three months.

Language support

The Erasmus Programme provides for an online assessment and offers online language courses for all participants. This Online Linguistic Support is integrated into the preparation process of the mobility programme and assisted by the International Office.

Furthermore, participants of all mobility programmes have the opportunity to attend a language course at an institute in Vienna, with partial funding of this course provided by the International Office. For this purpose, the International Office will require them to submit a short, informal e-mail to clarify the project and all administrative details.

Insurance

Students are obliged to take out sufficient insurance for their stay abroad (medical, accident and liability insurance). By paying the membership fee of the Austrian National Union of Students ( Hochschüler_innenschaft ), students are automatically insured (indemnity and accident insurance) on the partner university’s premises. Please find the respective information on the website of the Austrian National Union of Students’ federal body of Representatives.

https://www.oeh.ac.at/node/238/oeh-versicherung

Please also obtain information on the medical system in the respective host country.