• 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 designed to guide you. Please note that partner universities may not offer the same courses every semester, and there is no guarantee that all courses will be available to WU students (e.g., courses may be full or you might not meet the academic requirements).

• At WU Vienna, 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 abroad is worth 8 ECTS credits, you can request credit transfer for two courses at WU Vienna (each worth 4 ECTS credits).

• BAWISO 2019: It is advisable to use spare ECTS credits for “Free Electives” or the “International Elective” (major IBW, VWL). For other credit transfer possibilities, use the online credit transfer database (German: Online-Anerkennungsdatenbank) as a means of orientation.

• BAWISO 2023: Splitting ECTS credits is not really necessary since the modules “Courses Abroad” and “International Experience” ensure that all credits can be transferred. Any additional and leftover ECTS credits can be transferred towards “Free Electives”.

• If you need support, contact our colleagues from Study Regulations & Credit Transfer (Study Service Center).

• 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 session takes place in the semester before your stay abroad. It provides all the information you need about grants and credit transfer.

• Attendance is mandatory.

• The BAWISO 2023 curriculum offers opportunities for an international experience in every major.

• You can easily transfer credits earned abroad through the modules "Courses Abroad", "International Experience" (for the International Business Administration major), and "Free Electives".

• "Courses Abroad" is available for students majoring in Business Administration, Economics, Information Systems as well as Economy, Environment, Politics.

• As soon as you have completed 36 ECTS credits (excluding "Free Electives"), you can apply for an exchange semester.

• You  can check online to see if you fulfill the application requirements.

• If you have already completed an exchange semester or have already been allocated for an exchange semester during your bachelor’s degree, you cannot apply for another exchange semester.

• An application for an International Short Program is still open to you.

• Moreover, it is also possible to apply for an Erasmus+ grant for a self-organized internship abroad.

• Some partner universities require proof of language proficiency. Check the info sheets on our partner university map to see which ones do.

• Commonly accepted proofs include TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge Certificate, or DuoLingo.

• In some cases, you can demonstrate your language proficiency through enrollment in an English-taught program or by successfully completing certain WU courses:

  • English Business Communication (EBC, BAWISO 2019)

  • Communicative Competence in Business Contexts (CCBC, BAWISO 2023)

  • Communicating in International Contexts (CIC, BAWISO 2023)

• WU language certificates can be downloaded via the Online Services for Students: Click on "Mobility" and search under "Outgoing – My exchange program."

• We recommend completing one of the listed WU courses in the same semester you apply for an exchange place. This helps to avoid timing issues when submitting proof of language proficiency to the partner university.

• You do not need to provide proof of language proficiency when applying for an exchange place at WU Vienna. However, you must submit it after being allocated an exchange place – typically during the semester before your exchange begins.

• Important: If you miss the application deadline of the partner university, your exchange place may be revoked.

• You can apply for an exchange semester during the bachelor exchange – application period.

• Please note that you need to submit your application a year/two semesters in advance!

• Second round of allocations:

  • This application is only available to you if you applied during the main application period and did not receive an exchange place. You can use your score from the main application period to apply for any remaining exchange places which gives you another opportunity to secure a spot.

  • You do not need to re-upload application documents or undergo another interview process. Simply select the remaining exchange places as your preferences. You will be notified about the outcome of your application via your WU email address.

As part of the application process, the following documents must be uploaded:

Personal assessment form for a semester abroad 

• Provide 3-4 sentences (max. 100 words) per question

• Topics: motivation, engagement, and social & intercultural skills

• Aim for personal and self-reflective answers

• Please use this template 

• Upload as PDF format, max. 2 MB file size

Curriculum vitae

• Language: English

• Information on education, work experience, volunteering, internships, international experience, language skills, and other competencies

• PDF format, max. 2 MB file size

• Photo is optional

This information will automatically be added to your application (updated as of the day you submit your application):

• A list of courses that you have successfully completed at WU Vienna by the time of your application. The list contains only course titles and no grades. It will be available to the WU faculty member interviewing you. 

• Your grade point average (GPA) (updated for the day you send your application, not available to WU faculty members)

• You will receive a GPA and personal assessment score. The GPA score constitutes 60% of your total score, while the personal assessment score for 40%. The total score will serve as the basis for the allocation of an exchange place.

• GPA score: The GPA score corresponds to your grade point average (GPA). It includes all finalized grades. To ensure all applicants have comparable chances, the GPA is weighted and adjusted using an upscaling model (click here to see example calculation).

• Personal assessment score: All applicants undergo an interview that evaluates the categories motivation, engagement, social & intercultural skills, and personal impression. Each category is assessed individually using a four-level scale:

  • Outstanding

  • Good

  • Fair

  • Did Not Meet Expectations

• Motivation makes up 40% of the personal assessment score, while the other categories each account for 20%. Special consideration is given to your ability to demonstrate self-reflection and potential for self-development.

Matching with a faculty member

• After you have submitted your application, you will be matched with a faculty member based on your preferences.

• Your documents (CV and personal assessment form) will be forwarded to this faculty member.

• The role of the faculty is not to assess your fit for a specific university, but your suitability for an exchange semester in general. If you have any questions regarding one of your preferences, please get in contact with us under bachelor.outgoing@wu.ac.at. 

Interview process

• The personal assessment score is determined through an interview conducted by a WU faculty member. 

• Faculty members have access to the following application documents and information:

  • Personal assessment form for a semester abroad

  • Curriculum vitae

  • Preferences listed in alphabetical order (not in order of preference)

  • List of successfully completed courses at WU (course titles only, no grades)

• Interviews can be conducted in individual or group settings. As International Office, we recommend a maximum group size of three people.

• Interviews can also be conducted online, for instance, if a faculty member is on research stays abroad or applicants are abroad for internships.

• Please check your WU email address regularly for interview invitations.

• If you have any concerns or feedback regarding your interview experience, you are welcome to contact us at bachelor.outgoing@wu.ac.at.

Evaluation process

Below, you will find a brief description of the categories assessed during the interview:

• Motivation: Refers to the reasons and goals that motivate students to participate in an exchange program.

• Engagement: Refers to general efforts to assume responsibility for society and describes commitment in various areas of life (e.g., volunteering, work experience, care obligations, etc.).

• Social & intercultural skills: Refers to one’s ability to navigate social and intercultural contexts.

• Personal impression: Refers to the impression applicants make during the interview, including conduct and authenticity.

For a detailed explanation of the assessment scale, please see here.

• At the end of the application process, an overall ranking of all applicants is created. Your total score, which is used for this ranking, consists of your GPA score (60%) and personal assessment score (40%).

• An algorithm assigns exchange places based on the overall ranking.The algorithm automatically matches rankings with selected preferences. It starts with the top-ranked applicant and ends with the lowest-ranked.

• The International Office informs all applicants via email about the outcome of their application, either positive or negative.

• If you did not receive an exchange place during the main application period, you can reapply during the second round of allocations.

• Note: During the application process, your personal data will be processed. For details, please read our disclaimer on data privacy.

• Once you have been successfully allocated an exchange place, your WU International Office coordinator will officially nominate you to the partner university. This nomination confirms your participation in the exchange program.

• After the nomination, the partner university will contact you directly with detailed application instructions. These typically include information on:

  • Housing

  • Orientation programs

  • Course registration

  • Insurance

  • Other key aspects of your stay

• The application process at the partner university is usually a formal registration, provided you meet their requirements. You will be asked to submit personal information and required documents.

• Commonly requested documents include:

  • Application forms

  • Transcript of records

  • Language certificates (if applicable)

  • Other documents depending on the university

• Make sure to meet the application deadline set by the partner university.

• You can find nomination and application deadlines in the fact sheets available on our interactive partner university map.

• If you have not received any information from the partner university at least one month before their application deadline, please contact your WU International Office coordinator immediately.

The application forms often include the following questions:

• Are you a full-time student? Yes

• Program: Your study program or field of study (e.g., International Business Administration)

• Institutional or exchange coordinator: WU International Office coordinator

• Major: Courses of study that match your specialization (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 Vienna's Erasmus code is: A WIEN05

Frequently requested documents:

• Transcript: Some partner universities request an English version of your WU transcript (German: Sammelzeugnis). You can access and download it online via 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 by university. Click here for an example 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 language certificates. This may be a TOEFL, an IELTS, or another certificate. A confirmation about the language of instruction in your degree program may also be accepted. 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 WU exchange coordinator.
  
  OeAD International Testing Services: http://testing.oead.at/
  British Council: https://www.ielts.org/

• 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 your exchange coordinator immediately.

• Note that canceling without a valid cause (see above) excludes you from participating in any further WU exchange programs. This applies to your current study cycle.

• Mobility grant: In the semester before your exchange, you will be invited to a mandatory grant and credit transfer session (German: Stipendien- und Anerkennungsveranstaltung). The invitation will be sent to your WU email. During the session, you will receive detailed information about the credit transfer process and available mobility grants.

• Course selection: Choose courses at the partner university that can be recognized at WU Vienna. A full workload of 30 ECTS credits is recommended. Make sure to follow any course or credit requirements set by the partner university.

• Pre-recognition notice: Before going abroad, you must submit the online application for the pre-recognition notice (German: Feststellungsbescheid). This ensures that your selected courses abroad can be credited at WU after your return. Further details are available in this video.

• Intercultural skills: You must complete an intercultural skills seminar in the semester before your exchange. This seminar prepares you for cultural differences during your stay.

  • BBE students must take the English-language course "Cross-Cultural Competence".

  • If no English course is available for your target region, choose a seminar without a regional focus.

• Language skills: To brush up your language skills before going abroad, consider taking a language course at WU Vienna's Business Language Center.

• ÖH dues: Pay your Students’ Union (ÖH) dues during your exchange semester to avoid disenrollment.

• Tuition fees: Participation in an exchange semester grants you a tuition waiver for one semester at both WU and the partner university.

• Housing support: Many partner universities offer help with accommodation. Check the info sheets and exchange reports from former WU students for useful tips.

• Private accomodation: The International Office partners with Housing Anywhere, a student-to-student housing platform. You can use it for free to find accommodation abroad or sublet your space while being abroad. 

  • Services are free of charge for WU students

  • Also recommended to WU incoming exchange students

  • To receive a 20% discount on the booking fee, sign up for a WU Vienna VIP profile and gain priority access to the listings, both in Vienna and any other major city. 

• Please be cautious when looking for accomodation through inofficial channels!

• If you require special support during your time abroad, there are several resources available to assist you:

• Partner university: Contact the international office or student services at your host university for local support options.

• WU services:

  • BeAble: Offers support for students with disabilities or chronic illnesses.

  • Student Counselling: Provides guidance on personal, academic, and psychological matters.

• Additionally, the Outgoing Exchange and Partnerships team at WU is always available to help with any questions or concerns related to your exchange experience.

Connect through the Online Services for 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 your coordinator at the International Office.

Other ways to connect:

• Another way to connect with exchange students is through the Erasmus Buddy Network, organized by ÖH WU. As a buddy, you will have the opportunity to welcome and support new incoming students - helping them settle in and feel at home at WU Vienna.

• Every semester, our Incoming Exchange Team sets up a group on Signal for incoming exchange students. In order to join the group, please note that you will need to download the app first!

• 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).

Travelling to non-EU countries

• If you are planning a semester abroad in a non-EU country, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the entry and visa requirements of your host country well in advance.

• Visa requirements: Austrian students typically need a student visa for overseas destinations. Non-Austrian students may require additional documents depending on their nationality and the host country's regulations.

• Supporting documents: Once you receive your Letter of Acceptance and any required registration forms from the host university (e.g., DS-2019 form for U.S. universities), you can apply for a visa at the appropriate consulate in Vienna. Contact the consulate early to confirm which documents are needed for your application.

• USA: The US consulate charges a so-called SEVIS fee when issuing a visa. On the plane, you will need to fill out the white immigration form.

• Canada: Austrian citizens do not need a student visa for stays up to six months. However, upon arrival, you must present your Letter of Acceptance to immigration authorities and clearly state that you are entering as a student – not as a tourist.

• Insurance requirements: Some countries require specific travel and/or health insurance. Please check with the respective consulate to ensure you meet all insurance requirements.

Travelling to EU countries

• If you are not an EU citizen, make sure to check visa and entry requirements for your host country early enough to allow time for necessary arrangements.

Overseas/non-EU countries

• When studying outside the EU, additional travel and health insurance is strongly recommended. If your insurance policy is issued in Austria, it’s wise to bring an English translation to clearly show what is covered. Be aware that some host universities may require you to purchase local student insurance, so check in advance.

EU countries

• If you are a citizen of an EU member state, your home country’s health insurance is usually sufficient. Don’t forget to bring your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC or e-card) when traveling. If you are not an EU citizen, make sure to arrange appropriate health insurance coverage well before departure.

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 check with your coordinator at the partner university whether your transcript will be issued automatically or if you need to request it.

• For Erasmus+ grant recipients: Please ensure that the Confirmation of Stay is signed by the host university in the final week of your exchange stay. The signed document is required for the application of the second grant installment.

• Important: Also make sure that your host university has approved the Online Learning Agreement (OLA) before you return. For credit transfer at WU Vienna, only upload the Learning Agreement in PDF format if the host university does not use OLA. Otherwise, there is no need to upload any further documents! 

• Represent WU Vienna at your host university: Many partner universities organize exchange fairs. If a fair takes place while you are studying abroad, we would like you to represent WU Vienna. For this purpose, informative material can be sent to the International Office of your host university. Additionally, you can access a PowerPoint presentation with information about WU Vienna here.

• WU Alumni Hubs: WU graduates are found all over the world, also in cities with WU partner universities. For outgoings, the Alumni Hubs offer a unique 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: Transcripts of records are usually available one or two months after your exchange stay. They are typically sent directly to your student’s email address. In cases where the International Office or your WU coordinator(s) receive the transcript first, we will forward it to you or notify you on how to obtain it.

• Credit transfer: Please note that credits earned at a partner university are not automatically transferred to your WU degree. To have them recognized, you must submit an application through Study Regulations & Credit Transfer (Study Service Center).

  Once you have received the official transcript of records from the partner university, you can apply for recognition of your courses.

  • Log in to Online Services for Students

  • Click on "Credit Transfer & Graduation" (German: Anerkennung & Abschluss)

  • Search for "Online Credit Transfer" (German: Antrag auf Anerkennung)

• If you are unable to pick up documents from the International Office in person, you can authorize a trusted person to do so on your behalf. The authorized person must bring the following:

  • A completed authorization form

  • A photocopy of your student ID

  • Their own photo ID

• As a WU student who has completed an exchange semester, you will need to write a report about your experiences. The International Office will review your report and make it available for future exchange students.

• Please fill out the report template and upload it here.

• Once you are back in Vienna, you will need to complete a few formalities related to your mobility grant. Please refer to the links below for detailed instructions:

  • Erasmus+ exchange semester

  • WU mobility grant

  • CEEPUS

  • Swiss-European Mobility Programme (SEMP)

• Exchange stays organized through the International Office will be officially documented on your Diploma Supplement at the end of your studies.

• If you complete multiple degree programs at WU Vienna, your exchange stay will only be listed on the Diploma Supplement for the program in which the exchange took place.

• Share your experiences from your stay abroad with other students at the annual Go Global – Your Event to Internationalize Your Studies. Spread the word about your host university!