Erasmus Mundus Global Studies

Onboarding

Welcome to Vienna!

We are thrilled to welcome you to Vienna and to our university community. To help you settle in, we have compiled all the necessary information to ensure a smooth transition. Below, you will find essential details about living in Vienna, including visa requirements and housing options, as well as guidance on selecting your courses and writing your master's thesis. Additionally, we have included links to important contacts who are here to support you every step of the way.

Ian Ehm

Living in Vienna

Before starting your studies in Vienna, our administrative coordinator, Sebastian Messer, will reach out to you via email with all the essential information you need to arrive in Vienna.

You can also find important details on Living, Transport and Medical Care on the International Office website for Incoming Students. 

  • Cost of Living
  • Public Transport
  • Medical Care
  • Emergency Numbers
  • Erasmus Student Network
  • Leisure Time tips in Vienna

If you need information about entry and residence regulations, the International Office has you covered with essential details.

  • Entry into Austria/Visa
  • Health Insurance
  • Accommodation
Emma Rabe

How to get your u:card

The u:card serves as both your student ID and library card at the University of Vienna. Be sure to order and validate your card when you arrive in Vienna. The International Office provides you with detailed information on how to get your u:card.

If you encounter any issues while ordering your u:card, please contact our office at emgs.wiso(at)univie.ac.at.

Ian Ehm

Erasmus+ Grant

Self-paying students can apply for an Erasmus+ grant for their second study year via the first years’ university (University of Vienna). Master students have a personal Erasmus+ mobility quota of 12 months; potentially depleted Erasmus+ months are deducted. Please apply via Mobility Online. The application link is available on the website of the International Office during the application round.

Application deadline:  Mid-January until March 5 (first Application round).

  • Particularities to consider as EMGS student

    • You do not have to apply at the host university (your second year’s university) since you are already registered there within the EMGS program.
    • BUT: You need to apply for the Erasmus+ grant independently and submit an online learning agreement which has to be signed by you, the directorate of studies (SPL) at the University of Vienna, and the host university. You will receive further information on this once you have been informed about your nomination by the Erasmus+ Outgoing Team of the International Office.
    • At the end of your stay, you have to upload two documents in Mobility Online (it is necessary to fill both upload-slots): You can either submit your transcript of records from the host university (twice) or, if it is already available, your master certificate (twice).
    • Important: As an EMGS student you do not have to upload a notification of academic recognition ("Bescheid über die Anerkennung der Prüfungsleistungen"). 

  • Remember to apply for an extension!

    • At the University of Vienna, you can only apply for an Erasmus+ grant for one semester. BUT as a student in the Erasmus Mundus Global Studies Program you can and should apply for an extension in order to receive funding for your fourth semester (wintersemester) as well.
    • Application period for extension: End of October until 4 weeks before the end of your original stay.
    • Should you later decide to spend your third semester outside of Europe, you can apply for a deferral of your Erasmus+ stay to the summer semester (your fourth study semester).

  • Postponement of the stay?

    • If you want to defer your stay, please contact the International Office at erasmus.outgoing(at)univie.ac.at as soon as possible.

    • You will receive emails by the International Office (Erasmus+ Outgoing Team), informing you about important steps you must complete throughout this process as well as the relevant deadlines.

       

    • For more information, visit the International Office's website for Erasmus-Outgoing Students.
    • If you have any questions or issues, contact the IO Team at erasmus.outgoing(at)univie.ac.at (Contact person: Siina Karbin) and cc the EMGS office (emgs(at)univie.ac.at).

German Courses for EMGS Students

As part of the EMGS program, we offer German language courses to support your integration during your studies in Vienna. These courses are financed by the program budget, provided specific conditions are met. Please read the following information carefully to understand your options, eligibility, and responsibilities.

We hope this opportunity helps you improve your German language skills and enhance your academic and social experience in Vienna. If you have any questions or need further clarification, feel free to contact our office. 

The funding of these courses are strictly for EMGS Master students only. It is not open to the public or students from other programmes. Please do not contact us if you are not part of the EMGS programme.

  • Course Option: Intensive Course

    • When: Offered in September and February
    • Schedule: 5x/week, Monday-Friday
    • For more details, check out the information on the summer and winter intensive courses.

  • Course Option: Trimester Course

    • When: Offered from October-December and April-June
    • Schedule: 2x/week, Mon+Wed or Tue+Thu
    • Look at the website of the language center for more information.

  • How to register

    1.Inform us first:

    Before registering, please email our office with:

    • Your preferred course option.
    • Your German proficiency level (beginner or prior knowledge).
    • We will forward your information to the Language Center.

    2. In-Person Registration:

    Mention that you are an EMGS student and show this email to ensure the program covers the course fees.
    If required, you may need to take a placement test at the Language Center to determine the appropriate level.

  • Important Guidelines

    • Participate Regularly: Participation is mandatory. If you register but do not attend the course, the program will reclaim the course fees from you.
    • Maximum of Two Courses: The EMGS program finances a maximum of two courses per student (one per semester). Any additional courses must be self-funded.
    • Eligible Course Options: Only the above-mentioned course type and time slots will be funded. Other time slots or course formats cannot be funded. Please make sure to take this into account when planning your course.
    • ECTS Credits: While language courses award ECTS credits, these cannot be credited toward the EMGS curriculum.
    • Placement Test: Students with prior German knowledge must take a placement test at the Language Center to determine the appropriate level.