Below, you can access Excel sheets displaying available exchange places. These sheets provide details on the number of places available per application period, as well as programs for which exchange places are recommended or reserved.
Note: While we wholeheartedly support and facilitate WU's exchange programs, we would like to clarify that the International Office is not involved in freemover exchanges. We cannot provide support or oversight for individual arrangements.
Partner universities
WU offers an international network of partner universities worldwide. The following information may help you to choose the right university:
Info sheets and fact sheets Info sheets are compiled by WU and provide information on our partner universities. They include information on application requirements at the partner university, semester dates, and website links. Fact sheets are provided by partner universities and contain general information for exchange students. Info sheets and fact sheets can both be found on our map of partner universities.
Financial planning for experiences abroad Depending on the exchange program, there are financial aspects that you should consider when planning and deciding on an exchange. You can find information here.
Exchange reports by former exchange students All students who completed a semester abroad fill out an exchange report (german: Erfahrungsbericht). You can access these reports online. They answer questions concerning course registration, arrival, accommodation, costs, and local tips.
For students with disabilities, chronic illnesses, care obligations, and/or socio-economic need, there is the possibility to apply for special funding. Depending on the destination, students can apply for special support under the WU mobility grant or apply for an Erasmus+ Top Up (depending on your status, you may also apply for Erasmus+ inclusion support).
Credit transfer possibilities
Courses and achievements completed abroad must be recognized for your studies at WU. The credit transfer process is not automatic, but is handled by our colleagues in Study Regulations & Credit Transfer (Study Service Center). Below, you will find more information.
Online credit transfer database
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 meant as a means of orientation. The list does not guarantee that partner universities offer the same courses each semester or that courses are open to WU students (e.g. course is already full, academic requirements are not fulfilled, etc.).
Splitting of earned credits abroad
At WU, 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 can be a helpful tool.
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.
Application requirements
When should I apply for an exchange abroad?
It is recommended to take your semester abroad in the third semester. In some exceptional cases, the fourth semester is also possible (Business Law and Business Education).
We recommend that you apply for a semester abroad in your first semester in order to study at the partner university of your choice in the third semester.
Which requirements do I have to meet in order to apply?
To apply for a stay abroad, you have to be admitted to a master’s program at WU.
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.
It is not necessary to fulfill the additional requirements by the partner universities during the application period at WU. It is sufficient if you meet these requirements after you have been allocated an exchange place.
Suitability of master's programs
Students of the master's programs:
Marketing
Strategy, Innovation, and Management Control
Business Communication
An exchange semester should be completed by all or at least a large percentage of all students. The flexible structure of the programs allows for easy credit transfer. The International Office can provide recommendations for a large number of suitable partner universities.
Students of the master's programs:
Export and Internationalization Management
Finance and Accounting
Management
Socioeconomics
Supply Chain Management
Economics
Business Law
Business Education
An exchange semester is optional. Due to the courses required in the various degree programs, some partner universities are better suited for an exchange semester than others. Recommendations are available for each master’s program.
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. Credit transfer for courses completed during a semester abroad is only possible to a limited extent.
Why do exchange places have recommendations or reservations for individual master's programs?
Use our interactive map to find out which universities are recommended for your master’s program.
We explicitly advise you to apply to partner universities that are recommended by your master's program. If you are interested in a partner university that is not recommended by your master's program, you should check the course offerings carefully and find out via the International Office which courses are accessible for WU exchange students.
If the partner university of your choice is recommended for your program, you will be given priority during the selection process over students of programs for which the university in question is not explicitly recommended.
Exchange places reserved for selected master's programs are open only to those students who are also admitted to these programs.
I plan to apply for universities that require proof of language proficiency. Until when do I need to provide such proof?
Most partner universities have additional requirements, you need to fulfill (TOEFL, IELTS, EBC). Information on these requirements is provided in the info sheets, which you can find on our interactive map of partner universities.
It is not necessary to fulfill the additional requirements by the partner universities during the application period at WU. It is sufficient if you meet these requirements after you have been allocated an exchange place.
Usually, proof of language proficiency must be submitted to the partner university when registering or applying. Note: If you do not submit the proof of language proficiency by the given deadline, your exchange place may be revoked under circumstances!
You can download language certificates through the Online Services for Students. Certificates are available for EBC as well as for an English-taught degree program. In the Online Services for Students, click on "Mobility" and search under "Outgoing - My exchange program".
Master's program Business Communication: The recommendation of approx. 3200 characters does not apply for the application of a semester abroad. Likewise, applying for double degree programs entails specific details. Please inform yourself here.
CV in English (for degree programs in English) or German language (for degree programs in German). The CV should be a PDF-document, not larger than 2 MB and include information about education, professional experience/internships, international experience, language skills and other skills. A photo is optional.
WU master’s and WU bachelor’s transcript (automatically generated). Students with a (bachelor’s) degree from a different institution have to upload their transcript (german: Sammelzeugnis) as a PDF-file.
Interviews may be conducted with applicants for a semester abroad by the respective master's program director.
The International Office will send out notifications about the final selection results via email approximately one month after the application deadline. For the application period special programs one week after the application deadline.
During the application process, your personal data will be processed, which is why we ask you to read our disclaimer on data privacy.
Allocation for an exchange place
Applicants for an exchange position are assigned using a specially created algorithm that calculates an overall score for each person based on the following criteria:
ExplanationBased on the ranking place, applicants receive points for the corresponding tertile (third) they are in. In case of doubt, applicants are placed in the better tertile.
Points3/2/1
CriterionCategorization of your master’s program
ExplanationDepending on how much an exchange semester is considered in the study plan, each master's program is put into one of three categories. Two points mean, an exchange semester is planned for a large number of students. Zero points mean, an exchange semester is only possible to a very limited extent.
Points2/1/0
CriterionRecommendations for partner universities
ExplanationIf you have applied for an exchange place at a recommended partner university, you receive an additional two points. These points are also added when two applicants are eligible for the same exchange place.
Points2/0
The allocation process consist of two steps:
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.
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.
What happens after successful allocation for an exchange place?
After a successful application process, your data will be forwarded to the respective partner university (“nomination”). Subsequently, you will also have to register with the partner university. The partner university or the International Office (IO) will provide you with further details and documents required for this process. The process may differ from university to university.
Application documents including additional required documents such as language certificates and an application form must be submitted to the partner university in time.
When do I receive information from the partner university?
Depending on the partner university, you will receive an email or postal mail just before or during the registration process. The mail contains detailed information regarding visa, housing, orientation programs, and course registration.
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's Erasmus code is: A WIEN05
Frequently requested documents:
Transcript: Partner universities sometimes request an English version of your transcript (german: Sammelzeugnis). You can print your WU transcript at one of the self-service terminals in front of the Study Service Center (Library and Learning Center building (LC), level 2) or access it online using 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 a language test such as TOEFL or IELTS, an EBC certificate, or a confirmation about the language of instruction of your program. To find out which universities require such tests and how many points are needed, please see the info sheets on our website or ask your IO regional coordinator.
You can download language certificates through the Online Services for Students. Certificates are available for EBC as well as for an English-taught degree program. In the Online Services for Students, click on "Mobility" and search under "Outgoing - My exchange program".
What should I know about cancelling an exchange semester?
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 students from participating in any further WU exchange programs in their current study cycle.
What points should I inform myself about in order to be best prepared?
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, although it is optional.
Tuition fees: Participation in an exchange semester results in a tuition waiver for one semester at both WU and the partner university.
Housing: Many partner universities offer assistance in finding accommodation. Check info sheets and exchange reports by former WU outgoing students.
The International Office (IO) partners with Housing Anywhere, a platform for student-to-student housing offers. Use Housing Anywhere to search for accommodation in your host country and consider subletting your space during your stay abroad. These services are free for WU students, and the IO also recommends Housing Anywhere to incoming students.
Please be cautious when looking for accomodation through inofficial channels!
Students with disabilities and/or need for psychological support
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.
Networking with other 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.
Sustainable exchange stay abroad
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.
Visa
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).
Travel/health insurance
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.
Erasmus+
For recipients of an Erasmus+ grant: Please make sure to take the Learning Agreement and the Confirmation of Stay home with you. Both documents have to be signed by the partner university.
Exchange fairs and WU Alumni Hubs
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 are usually sent directly to the International Office and your coordinator. You will be informed by email once the document is ready to be picked up at the IO Front Office. That is usually one or two months after the end of the semester. Some partner universities send their Transcripts of Records directly to the students via email or postal mail.
Credit transfer: Please note that credits of courses taken abroad are not automatically transferred to your WU degree. You have to apply for credit transfer via the Study Service Center (Study Regulations & Credit Transfer). You can apply for credit transfer via an online form on this website.
Picking up documents in your absence
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.
Exchange report and grant formalities
WU students who have completed an exchange semester are required to write a report on their experiences, including an evaluation of the courses taken. Completed reports are reviewed by the International Office and made available online.
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.
Diploma Supplement
Exchange stays organized through the International Office will show up on your Diploma Supplement at the end of your studies. In case you receive more than one degree from WU, your exchange stay will be noted only on the program’s Diploma Supplement which your exchange stay was part of.
Participate in the Go Global - Your Event to Internationalize Your Studies
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