Undergraduate Exchange Program
Vienna University of Economics and Business (WU) in Vienna, Austria
Semester Dates
Fall term: October – December
Spring term: March – July
*No summer option.
Application Procedure
1) Student completes UCF study abroad online application at www.studyabroad.ucf.edu.
2) Once approved, student will be nominated to WU.
3) After receiving your WU nomination letter, student will complete online pre-enrollment.
Academic Information
Students are required to get all of their intended study abroad courses approved by the Director of
International Programs before registering for classes. Students generally find that WU is a great choice because
of their extensive course offerings; however, they are host to a large number of incoming international students
which can result in the most popular courses filling up quickly. Since individual courses are not guaranteed it is
important to have alternate courses selected and approved.
Students must enroll in at least 12 credits (24 ECTS) and registration will occur before your arrival in Vienna. Prior
to your registration window, you will receive detailed registration instructions, as well as, a video tutorial. For up-todate information on courses, registration periods, etc., please visit http://www.wu.ac.at/io/en/incoming/courses.
Students studying at WU during the fall term must pay close attention to the end dates for classes. Be sure to
choose classes that end in December.
The WU grading system is on a scale from 1 to 5 (see below) and can be easily translated to UCF’s A,B,C,D,F scale.
Your study abroad grades do matter!
1
2
3
4
5
Excellent
Good
Satisfactory
Sufficient
Fail
Your WU transcript will be sent directly to UCF at the end of your study abroad term where it will be processed and
added to your academic record. It can take up to 2 months to receive your transcript.
Housing
In Vienna, exchange students have two housing options: You can apply for a room in a student residence hall run by
the OeAD (Austrian Agency for International Cooperation in Education and Research – Housing Office Vienna), or
look for private accommodation using the student-to-student housing platform Housing Anywhere or other
recommended housing services.
If you are interested in one of the residence halls, it is important that you complete your application as soon as
possible since rooms are assigned on a first come, first serve basis. Room types, amenities, and prices vary. Also
note that the residence halls are located all over Vienna and can be up to 30 minutes away from campus by public
transportation. Please be sure to research your options thoroughly.
The registration and application for any of the student residencies can be found at
http://www.housing.oead.ac.at/wien_e/anmeldung.asp and questions should be directed to housing@oead.at.
Welcome Meeting & Orientation
The International Office offers an optional orientation and cultural program for incoming exchange students. The
three-week program is held before the beginning of each semester. It helps you prepare for your exchange semester
and become familiar with life in Vienna. The program includes a guided tour of WU and its facilities as well as field
trips in and around Vienna. The fee for the program is 250 Euros and will need to be paid in advance. Space is
limited.
The International Office also organizes two information sessions. You are required to attend one of these sessions
upon arrival.
Eramus Buddy Network
The Austrian Students’ Union tries to match each incoming student with a “buddy,” an Austrian student who acts as
your personal mentor. Your buddy is available to pick you up from the airport and assist you with student residence
procedures and administrative requirements. If you arrive after residence hall office hours, you can even arrange for
your buddy to pick up your room key in advance.
The Buddy Network also organizes a large number of social activities for exchange students, like parties, skiing
trips, trips to neighboring countries, theater visits, dancing courses, etc. Be sure to sign up for this program no later
than six weeks prior to your arrival.
Visa
A Visa is required for students staying in Austria for longer than 3 months. You will need to apply with the Austrian
consulate before leaving for Austria. To apply you will need:
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Fully completed and signed application form
Biometric passport photo according to EU standard (between 3.5 x 4.5 cm and 4.0 x 5.0 cm in size)
Valid passport + photocopies of all pages that contain entries and stamps
Proof of accommodation in Austria: e.g. rental contract for private accommodations, contracts with a
student residence hall or OeAH-Housing confirmation
Proof of health insurance that is valid in Austria with coverage of at least 30,000 euros
Proof of your academic activities (letter of acceptance issued by WU) and of funding for your stay in
Austria
Return flight ticket
Please note that the above information is subject to change. The most up-to-date information and application form
can be found at http://www.austria.org/student-visa.
Registration with Local Authorities
After arrival in Vienna, students must register with one of the Registration offices, which are located in the
Municipal District Office, within three days. To register, you will need your passport and a registration form. The
form must be signed by your landlord or dormitory confirming your address. You can find the closest Registration
Office to you at: http://www.wien.gv.at/mba/mba.htm and don’t hesitate to ask your buddy for assistance.
Health Insurance
Non-EU citizens need to have insurance coverage for their whole stay in Vienna. You can either purchase health
insurance coverage in your home country or sign up for a voluntary insurance coverage (freiwillige
Selbstversicherung) in Austria after enrollment at WU. It covers any kind of medical treatment at the cost of
approximately 52 Euros per month.
You have to be enrolled at an Austrian University to be eligible for insurance so it is advisable that you buy
additional travel insurance (e.g., credit card insurance) before coming to Vienna to cover that period until
enrollment.
The Students’ Union dues paid at enrollment (app. 18 Euros) include accident insurance coverage for your way to
and from the university.
Best Resource
Without a doubt, your best source of information will come from returning students. They have been in your shoes
and have successfully navigated the application process. They can also provide you with invaluable, first-hand tips
and advice regarding your arrival in France and how to make the most of your time abroad. You are encouraged to
seek their guidance.
Living Expenses
The total cost of your study abroad experience is in large part determined by your personal choices. However, below
are some monthly estimates for your planning purposes.
Accommodation 240-400 Euros
Insurance 50 Euros
Food and personal expenses 300 Euros
Public transportation 150 Euros (per semester)
Books 75-150 Euros (per semester)
Entertainment 50-150 Euros
.Helpful Links
WU Website
Exchange Students’ Guide
WU Housing
WU campus map
Orientation and Cultural Immersion Programs
Erasmus Buddy Network (EBN)
WU Academic Calendar
Austrian Social Insurance Provider
Visa Information
Country Specific Information
Life in Vienna
Currency Converter
Contacts
Suzanne Waldrop
Director of International Programs, UCF College of Business
Suzanne.Waldrop@ucf.edu
Maureen Waked
Senior Admissions Specialist, UCF Study Abroad
MWaked@ucf.edu
Kaan Tasli
Undergraduate Exchange Program Coordinator
Kaan.tasli@wu.ac.at