Erasmus in Austria: key information to make the best out of your experience

• You have to submit a motivation letter, the transcript of your academic record and fill out the Learning Agreement choosing your subjects.
• Most commonly, the university will request that you have sufficient knowledge of the German language. Sometimes you need a certificate to prove it, and sometimes the home institution can guarantee that you have this ability.
• If you come from an EU/EEA country, your identity card is sufficient for your exchange. If you come from a non-EU country, you’ll probably have to get a visa.
• Both EU students and students from other countries are required to register their residence at a Municipal District Office within three days of arriving in the country.
• In case your stay lasts longer than three months and you come from the EU, it’s mandatory that you apply for a Confirmation of Registration (German: "Anmeldebescheinigung") at the municipality.
• You must have health insurance that covers your entire stay. For students from the European Union, the European Health Insurance Card is valid.
• To be able to do the exchange, it’s usually required to prove that you have sufficient financial funds to be able to afford the stay. This can be through a guarantor and/or a scholarship.

One of the main reasons to do an Erasmus in this alpine country is to take advantage of the possibility to practice and improve your German language skills. It’s a language that will surely be helpful on a professional and personal level, so we recommend that you look for courses and speak with locals as much as possible. In addition, international students often speak English with each other, so you’re sure to gain more fluency in that language as well.

When it comes to culture, in Austria you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a wide range of experiences that will allow you to immerse yourself in the Austrian way of life. From the folk festivals in Alpine regions to the majestic Viennese operas and even the incredible museums, try to experience even a small part of each aspect!

With its snow-capped Alps, crystal-clear lakes and picturesque valleys, Austria is a paradise for nature lovers! Hiking in the open air, skiing in winter or simply enjoying the serenity of the alpine landscapes are unforgettable experiences that you’ll be able to enjoy with your new friends.

As you probably already know, most Erasmus students take advantage of their exchange to travel and explore as much as possible. Well, let us tell you that Austria's central location makes it easy to travel throughout Europe. For example, from Vienna, you can easily explore neighbouring countries such as Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Germany.

From majestic alpine peaks to elegant cities steeped in history, every corner of the country offers a unique experience. Here are some of the things to do and see during your stay:

In winter it gets very cold in Austria and snow covers everything. Thanks to this, there are many winter activities to enjoy in the various regions of the country! From skiing in alpine resorts to winter hiking, to ice skating on natural or artificial slopes, you're sure to find a sport you're excited to try. One of the best-known ski destinations is Innsbruck in Tyrol, but there are plenty of options throughout the country.

In summer you can also enjoy the great outdoors, exploring those same landscapes but with summer sports, such as hiking or cycling. For example, in the Styria region, you can visit its forest areas, valleys and picturesque vineyards, while in Salzburg and the Lake District (Salzkammergut) you can visit some of them, including Lake Wolfgangsee.

As for the local traditions, take the opportunity to learn more about the folk music and festivals of each region, which will help you get to know Austria's rich cultural heritage. In addition, some 200 festivals of all sizes take place in the country throughout the year. We encourage you to attend as many as you can - the Salzburg Festival is one of the most well-known!

Finally, a stay in Austria wouldn’t be complete without contemplating the diverse architecture it boasts. For example, in the capital, Vienna, you can enjoy both majestic buildings from the Imperial period, as well as the Middle Ages with Gothic art and the modern era. Some highlights are the Hofburg Imperial Palace, the Schönbrunn Palace, St. Stephen's Cathedral and the famous Hundertwasser House.