• 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 (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.

• In the study plan of BAWISO 2023, an experience abroad is possible in each 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 request proof.

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

• In some cases, you can even 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)

• You can download WU language certificates through the Online Services for Students: To find these certificates, go to the Online Services for Students, click on "Mobility," and search under "Outgoing - My exchange program."

• Please note: You do not need to provide proof of language proficiency when applying for an exchange place through WU Vienna. However, you must provide it after being allocated an exchange place.

• Typically, proof of language proficiency must be submitted to the partner university during registration or application. Important: If you miss the submission deadline, your exchange place may be revoked.

• You can apply for an exchange semester during the main application period "Europe and overseas".

• 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 "Europe and overseas" and did not receive an exchange place. You will have to use your score from the main application period to apply for remaining exchange places. 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:

Application sheet 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 for the extracurricular score. 

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

• You will receive an academic score and an extracurricular score. The academic score constitutes 60% of your overall score, while the extracurricular score accounts for 40%. The overall score will serve as the basis for the allocation of an exchange place.

• Academic score: The academic 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).

• Extracurricular 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 extracurricular 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, your documents will be forwarded to a WU faculty member. Each faculty member is responsible for one or more geographical region(s).

• Based on the region predominantly chosen among the top three preferences, you will be assigned to a relevant pool of faculty members. For instance, if two of the top three preferences are partner universities in North America, you will be assigned to the North America pool and randomly matched with a faculty member responsible for this region.

• If your top three preferences span different regions (e.g., Asia, North America, and Europe), your first preference will determine the pool of faculty members you will be assigned to.

Interview process

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

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

  • Application sheet 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.

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.

• At the end of the application process, an overall ranking of all applicants is created. Your overall score, which is used for this ranking, consists of your academic score and extracurricular score.

• 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.

• After 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.

• The partner university will then contact you with detailed application instructions, along with information on housing, orientation programs, course registration, insurance, and other key aspects of your exchange.

• The application process at the partner university is essentially a registration(given you fulfill the requirements of the partner university).You will be required to provide personal information and submit necessary documents. 

• Requested documents often comprise application forms, a transcript of records, and possibly other materials like language certificates. Be sure to meet the specified application deadline.

• The nomination and application deadlines can be found in the fact sheets, which you can download from our interactive partner university map. If you have not received any information about the application process at least one month before the deadline, please reach out to your WU International Office coordinator.

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'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 IO 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.

• Course selection: Choose courses at the partner university that can be recognized at WU Vienna. It is recommended to complete a full workload (30 ECTS credits). Please adhere to any partner university requirements regarding courses and credits.

• Grants: In the semester before your exchange, you will be invited to the mandatory grant and credit transfer session (german: Stipendien- und Anerkennungsveranstaltung). You will receive an invite via your WU email address. During the session, you will be informed about details on the credit transfer process and how to obtain a grant.

• Pre-recognition notice: Shortly 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 in the video here.

• BAWISO International Business Administration major: As part of the International Business Administration major, an experience abroad is mandatory. For further details, please refer to this page.

• Intercultural skills: In the semester before the exchange, you must complete a intercultural skills seminar. This seminar provides you with cultural preparation for the exchange. Attention: BBE students must take the class in English ("Cross-Cultural Competence"). If no English class is offered for the target region, students must choose a class which does not have a focus on a specific region.

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

• 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. Also make sure to 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 accommodation through unofficial channels!

• 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 team for Outgoing Exchange and Partnerships.

• 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.

• 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 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 which 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).

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 to demonstrate 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 if your transcript will be issued automatically or if you will have to request it.

• For Erasmus+ grant recipients: The Confirmation of Stay must be signed by the host university during your final week there. This is required for the application of the second grant installment.

• If your host university uses printed or PDF Learning Agreements, please ensure these documents are also signed.

• 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 are typically sent directly to the International Office and your coordinator. You will receive an email notification once the document is ready for pickup at the IO Front Office, usually one or two months after the exchange semester ends. Some partner universities send their transcripts of records directly to students via email or postal mail.

• Credit transfer: Please note that credits taken abroad are not automatically transferred to your WU degree. You have to apply for credit transfer via Study Regulations & Credit Transfer (Study Service Center). You can apply for credit transfer via an online form on this website.

• 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.

• As a WU student who has completed an exchange semester, you will need to write a report about your experiences. This also includes an evaluation of the courses you took abroad. The International Office will review your report and make it available online for future exchange students.

• Please fill out the exchange 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.

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

• If you receive more than one degree from WU Vienna, your exchange stay will only be noted on the Diploma Supplement for the specific program that included your exchange experience.

• 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!