Studying in Graz

Information for foreign students

Graz July 2004 H Uni Graz AAI Graz

Table of Contents Table of Contents............................................................................ 0 About the Booklet .......................................................................... 3 About the addresses and phone numbers ..................................... 3 The focus on gender sensitivity and gender neutrality................. 4 Authorship and Support ............................................................... 4 General Hints on Living in Graz .................................................... 5 The City of Graz .......................................................................... 5 The University of Graz ................................................................ 5 Life in Graz - Some hints and general information...................... 6 Mobility in Graz........................................................................... 7 Studying in Graz............................................................................. 9 Possibilities .................................................................................. 9 Terms and Abbreviations............................................................ 12 The Admission Procedure .......................................................... 16 Admission Regulations .............................................................. 18 Student fees ................................................................................ 25 Recognition of foreign degrees (Nostrifizierung) ...................... 26 Residence permit and Meldewesen........................................... 28 General Information ................................................................... 28 Erstaufenthaltserlaubnis First steps ..................................... 28 Prolonging the residence permit................................................. 30 Registration Meldewesen .................................................... 31 Housing ........................................................................................ 33 Provisional Housing ................................................................... 33 Dorms......................................................................................... 33 Sharing apartments, subcontracting, apartments........................ 33 Housing Office ........................................................................... 33 Free advice for tenants ............................................................... 34 Important Facts .......................................................................... 35 Working in Austria ....................................................................... 37 General Issues ............................................................................ 37 Exceptions to the Law on the Employment of Aliens................ 37
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EU citizens from new members (entry on May 1st 2004) .......... 38 Working with a student visa ....................................................... 38 Further types of work permits .................................................... 40 The Insurance Issue ...................................................................... 42 Health Insurance - Krankenversicherung................................... 42 Free Insurance ............................................................................ 43 H Accident and Liability Insurance......................................... 44 Auerordentliche Studierende - non-degree students ................ 44 Financial Support ......................................................................... 45 Studienbeihilfe ........................................................................... 45 Familienbeihilfe (Family Support)............................................. 46 Students.................................................................................... 47 Addresses supplement .................................................................. 53 Consultations on student issues.................................................. 53 Universities in Graz ................................................................... 54 Dekanate (the Deans offices) of the Karl-Franzens-Uni Graz.. 55 Specialized Colleges in Graz ..................................................... 55 German Courses in Graz ............................................................ 56 Working in Austria ..................................................................... 57 Finding a residence in Graz / dormitories .................................. 58 Health Issues .............................................................................. 60 Counceling Services on Social Affairs....................................... 61 Federal Ministries ...................................................................... 63 Consulates in Graz ..................................................................... 64 Foreign Cultural Institutes ......................................................... 65 Religious communities............................................................... 65 Christian students support in Graz ............................................ 65 Christian Churches ..................................................................... 66 The Opera und Theaters of Graz................................................ 67 Cinemas...................................................................................... 67 Students Cafeteria ..................................................................... 68

About the Booklet

This booklet was created by the Studienreferenten (person in charge of students support) at the African-Asian Institute, committed foreign students and some members of the H (sterreichische Hochschlerschaft, students union) at the University of Graz, partly in their free time. Its accuracy was checked by several experts (especially the chapter on admissions, which was looked over by the head of the Studien- und Prfungsabteilung (registrars office at the university) as well as the chapter on working in Graz, which was looked over by the head of the department for employment of foreigners at the AMS (Arbeitsmarktservice, labour market service) Graz. The booklet contains information on topics relevant to studying in Graz, especially an overview on the complex topic on admissions to Austrian universities as well as other topics of concern for foreign students in Graz: jobs, dorms and apartments, insurance, financial support, as well as other hints and useful addresses. The creator is open for any suggestions and thankful for any hints concerning mistakes and questions in order constantly to improve the booklet. Contact: Tristan Aichinger, Studienreferent des Afro-Asiatischen Instituts Graz Leechgasse 22, 8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 32 44 34 www.aai-graz.at

About the addresses and phone numbers

The authors cannot be held liable for any possible mistakes in the addresses and phone numbers mentioned. Remember that the area code is 0316, if you want to place an international call you have to predial 0043 (Austria)-316.

The focus on gender sensitivity and gender neutrality

The authors of this booklet used gender-neutral terms as far as possible while creating the text. Given the goal of readability however, we had to abandon the constant use of gender sensitive terms.

Authorship and Support

The following people cooperated in creating this booklet: Authors: Aichinger Tristan, Primorac Zrinka, Raji Kristina, Riepl Edith, Schnberger Jochen Proof-readers: Gollob Helga, Mindler Ursula, Steiner Anna, Szeberniy Andreas, Wagner Peter, Stephan Maier The project was sponsored by the H at the University of Graz. Special thanks to the Studien- und Prfungsabteilung (registrars office at university) of the University of Innsbruck, the Federal Students Union (H) and the International Office of the KarlFranzens-University Graz who gave their permission to use text from some of their brochures in this booklet. The chapter Admission Regulations used parts of the information brochure in German Das Studium an der Universitt Innsbruck - Informationen fr Studienbewerber mit auslndischem Reifezeugnis" of the University of Innsbruck and parts of the booklet Studieren in sterreich by the H. The chapter General Hints on Living in Graz is largely based on the Welcome Guide of the international office, which is designed for exchange students. Check: http://www.kfunigraz.ac.at/bibwww/welcome/studierende.html

General Hints on Living in Graz

The City of Graz
Graz, capital of the province of Styria, is the second largest city of Austria and due to its geographical position, an important turntable for the greater South-East European region as well as a center for science, culture and economic activities. The historic center of Graz was awarded the UNESCO title of world cultural heritage due to its Renaissance-style buildings, Baroque churches, its small alleys, and inviting squares. Graz used the year it had the honor of being the European Cultural Capital to present both those of its qualities that had been growing over the centuries as well as those that were newly created to an international audience. The variety of culture offered is strongly influenced be student participation. Some 37.000 University students and an additional 2.000 students at work-oriented colleges enjoy the student infrastructure, great libraries, comfortable restaurants, sponsored Mensa-dishes, affordable living quarters as well as the general atmosphere of the city with its many parks and biking opportunities. Information concerning the sites of Graz and the surrounding area are obtainable at the Tourismusbro: Herrengasse 16, 8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 8075-0 Or check: http://www.graztourismus.at/

The University of Graz

The University of Graz has been a cornerstone of both the life in and the appearance of Graz for more than 400 years. Famous scientists have conducted research and achieved revolutionary breakthroughs. The historicism-style main building in the center of the campus close to the historic inner city is symbolic of the rich history of the university. The innovative new buildings, many of them created by famous architects from Graz, symbolise dynamism and growth. Pictures and further information are obtainable at: http://www.kfunigraz.ac.at/onlinetour/

The following link will show you a current academic calendar: http://www.uni-graz.at/zvwww/studinfo.html

Life in Graz - Some hints and general information

The cost of living in Graz primarily depend on what kind of residence you pick and on whether you go out to eat or cook for yourself (which is what most Austrian students do). We recommend to expect expenditures of at least 580 each month for living and personal affairs. There are plenty of reductions in Graz and all around the county if you are a student. You get a great deal on a good meal in the UNI-Mensa, in the RESOWI-center and in the Catholic Mensa (addresses are attached). The courses offered by the sports institute of the university (USI) are an additional plus (additional must; another offer) for students. Application fees are low, ranging mostly from about 8-12 per class. The application procedure starts a little earlier than the semester in the main building of the university. As a student, you can also relax by travelling using of the BB (sterreichische Bundesbahnen, Federal train system). If you are under the age of 26, you can obtain a Vorteilskarte (discount card), which will allow you to travel for half the regular price in all of Austria. You can get this special card at the main train station of Graz (you will need a passport-style picture and a student ID); it will cost you around 20 and is valid for a year. Moreover, you can get cheaper student prices at cinemas, theatres or the opera with your student ID. If you want to subscribe to a newspaper your student ID will also help to save money. If you plan to spend the summer, you have to get a special vaccination because of the high number of ticks in the area, which can transmit Meningitis. For an effective immunisation you will need two injections, one in March and a second one 3-4 weeks later. The costs depend on whether you will have GKK-insurance (see chapter Insurance). If you have to take prescript drugs, you should bring along the prescription from your doctor with proper explanations for their use. That way it will be easier to get the drugs in Austria. You can get both prescription drugs and normal drugs in local pharmacies. Drugs and prescription drugs can be bought in the pharmacy.
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Electricity voltage is 220 volts, power outlets are to be used with two-phase sockets. So if you plan to use electric devices that do not comply with what was said before you should buy an adaptor. In Austria, every household in which a radio or TV is in use has to pay a monthly broadcasting fee (Rundfunkgebhr). The office responsible for this is the GIS (Gebhreninformationsservice, fee information service) of the ORF (sterreichischer Rundfunk, Austrian Public Broadcasting company). For a radio alone, the fee is some 6-7; for both radio and TV the fee amounts to about 22 each month. Because of considerable punishments in the event of proven unauthorised use of a TV or radio, it is a good idea to report yours. The forms you need for proper registration of your radio or TV are obtainable at Post Offices or the GIS service offices.

GIS Gebhreninfoservice Grieskai 10, 8020 Graz Tel.: 0810 00 10 80 http://www.orf-gis.at/

Mobility in Graz
Bus and tram stations are marked by yellow signs with a green H (for Haltestelle). Timetables and the direction of the trams are placed under the sign. The heart of public transport is the Jakominiplatz (Jakomini square), where most bus and tramlines cross. One-hour tickets cost about 1,70 and you can get them in the bus/tram (ask the driver, do not wait for controls). Within that hour you can change busses or trams as you wish, and the GVB (Grazer Verkehrsbetriebe, Service Center of the Public Transport Company) of Graz offers detailed information on all tram and bus lines. Here is a general overview of the fares: Einfache Fahrt
Standard ticket

1,70 3,40 8,20

1 Stunde gltig, fr 1 Zone

Valid for one hour, 1 zone

Tageskarte
Ticket for the day

24 Stunden gltig, fr 1 Zone

Valid for 24 hours, 1 zone

Wochenkarte
Ticket for a week

1 Woche gltig, fr 1 Zone

1 week, 1 zone

Monatskarte
Ticket for a month

28,30 271,00

1 Monat gltig, fr 1 Zone

1 month, 1 zone

Jahreskarte
Ticket for one year

12 Monate gltig, Foto erforderlich, 1 Zone

12 months, picture required, 1 zone

10-Zonenkarte (ZehnerBlock)
10-zone ticket

13,00

gltig innerhalb von Graz

Works within Graz

For additional information, check: http://www.gvb.at Every new ticked needs to be stamped in an orange device, which you will easily recognise. If you should encounter a ticket controller without a valid ticked, you will not only pay the normal fee but also a considerable fine. Unfortunately, there is no general reduction for students at the GVB, there is an excemption only for recipients of family support. Many students in Graz use the bicycle as an easy and cheap means of transportation. It therefore can be a good idea to consider acquiring one for your stay in Graz. Graz has a number of different cab companies. There are several spots where you will find several cabs at every given moment, like on Hauptplatz (Main Square), in front of the main building of the University, at the train station and at many other central spots. Naturally, you can always just call a cab. The minimal fee for a cab is identical for all cab companies in Graz ( 4). Using a cab to get from Hauptplatz to the university will cost about 5 to 6, depending on traffic and the time of your trip. A trip from the airport to the university will cost you around 17. Here are some of the phone numbers of bigger cab companies: 0316 / 878, 0316 / 889, 0316 / 222, 0316 / 444, 0316 / 555 or 0316 / 2801. There are other ways to get to Graz from the airport of Vienna. Arriving at the airport in Vienna, you can use the Shuttle-Bus to get to the Southern train station of Vienna. Once you are there, you can obtain a ticket to get to Graz for about 27 (one way). A train leaves for Graz every hour, one out of two of those go to Graz directly, without you having to change trains. Arriving at Graz airport, you can take the Shuttle-Bus to the main train station, from where you can proceed by tram or bus.

Studying in Graz
Possibilities
Graz actually has four Universities: The Karl-Franzens-University, the University of Technology, the University for Music and Art and the Medical University. Information on studying at those universities can be found on the respective homepages and on those of the student organizations. Apart from those universities there are several Fachhochschulen (colleges of higher education). Those focus on practical education, offer a narrow number of study possibilities and have special application and acceptance procedures (and semester fees). In Graz there are the Johanneum college, the Campus02 college education. This brochure gives information on studying at universities only, info on colleges of higher education can be found at http://www.fh-joanneum.at and http://www.campus02.at .

Universities in Graz
Karl-Franzens-University Graz (KF-Uni, Uni Graz) Universittsplatz 3, 8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 380-0 http://www.kfunigraz.ac.at Technische Universitt Graz (University of Technology, TU) Rechbauerstrae 12, 8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 873-0 http://www.tugraz.at Universitt fr Musik und darstellende Kunst Graz (University of Music and Performing Arts, Musik-Uni, Kunst-Uni, KUG) Leonhardstrae 15, 8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 389-0 http://www.kug.ac.at Medizinische Universitt Graz (The Medical University, Med-Uni) Universittsstrae 3, 8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 380-4000 bis -4015 http://www.meduni-graz.at

The offered studies can be categorized in different groups, according to structure and the degree. Following that system, university education can be offered as a bachelor, master, diploma, or Lehramt (see explanation below) program. The Diplomstudium (which in its classic form could be compared to a combined bachelor and masters program) is divided in two or three parts and generally lasts about 8 semesters, but can take significantly longer in several programs. The Lehramtsstudium (which entitles the successful student to teach at higher and middle schools in Austria) can generally be compared to the Diplomstudium, but includes several courses on educational theory. Diplomstudien are offered as programs on one general subject, but there are exceptions: If you pick the program on translation and interpreting you also have to pick two languages and if you pick the Lehramtsstudium, you have to pick two subjects to teach later on. In both programs, you will be awarded the title of magister/magistra upon completion. Due to an enhanced focus on comparability of degrees in the EU, an ever-increasing number of programs are transformed into bachelor and magister/master studies. A bachelor program lasts 6 semesters. It takes two major papers and in some cases a special exam to get a bachelors degree. Upon completion of the bachelors program or a comparable degree there is the option to go for the Magisterstudium (masters program), which usually takes four semesters. PhD (or MD, JD, Doktorat) programs take at least 2 semesters, most of them however last 4 semesters, and all of them require a Magister or a comparable degree. These programs generally focus on a major paper, the Dissertation, but also contain several courses. Beyond the options mentioned there also are Universittslehrgnge, which serve the purpose of additional education for academics and take two to four semesters. Often, they are postgraduate programs. Some of them (postgraduate Master programs) lead to degrees. Generally there are high course and exam fees to consider. Moreover, in most cases there are strict criteria of admission and a limited number of places. As participant in an Universtittslehrgang one is enrolled as extraordinary student. Information about content, costs and terms of admission are available at the Lehrgangs-secretariates. For information about the offered Universittslehrgnge, check: http://www.kfunigraz.ac.at/weiterbildung/programm/index.html
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Another possibility of defining studies is the division into Studienrichtungen (branches or subjects), like Mathematics, Pharmacy, Business Administration (BWL) or Law (Rechtswissenschaften). For a general overview of all of the 62 branches (subjects) offered by the Karl-Franzens-University (including information on whether they are offered as bachelors, masters or Diploma programs) check: http://www.kfunigraz.ac.at/4students/indexangebote.html or: http://www.kfunigraz.ac.at/ainst/services&produkte/srf/index.html Another option is to get the free H-booklet Studienfhrerin, in which all branches are listed. In order to get to know the exact content of each of the branches, one can check the Studienplan (study guide) of the branch of your choice, in which all mandatory courses and exams for that branch are summarized. You can also download all study guides at: http://www.uni-graz.at/zvwww/studplan/alphabet.html Moreover, there is a Studienleitfaden for each branch (subject), in which students compiled useful hints and explanations. Those Studienleidfden are obtainable at the H-building, Schubertstrae 6a. A hint: Most branches (subjects) are organized in a way that there are no fixed courses each semester. Instead, a student can pick from a variety of offered courses in that subject. This might be a big challenge for beginners, but there are great advantages: While you have to follow certain guidelines, you often will be able to decide which courses you wish to pick. However, in order to extend your title of residence as a foreign student (see chapter on residence permit and Meldewesen) or to get family support (see chapter on financial support), you have to pass a certain number of credit hours (each course or exam is worth a certain amount of hours). For an overview of the offered lectures, you can either buy the Verzeichnis der Lehrveranstaltungen, or check: http://lv-online.uni-graz.at

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Terms and Abbreviations

In the beginning all the university terms and abbreviations might confuse you. Here comes a short overview of the most important terms to help beginners find their way. WS und SS: The university year is organised in a winter semester (WS) and a summer semester (SS). Courses in the winter semester last from October until the end of February, the ones in the summer semester from March to early July. The equivalent to summer semester is spring term and to winter semester it is fall or autumn term.

Semesterwochenstunde / ECTS The system of Semesterwochenstunden (roughly translated credit hours) serves to determine the extent of a course. The system is quite easy, once you are used to it: If a course of two credit hours is offered, the class will take place during one semester for two 45 minutes lessons a week (normally 15 times). It is also possible that a class wont be held each week but in sessions of one or several days. In addition to the credit-hour-system there is the ECTS (European Credit Transfer System), points system, which gives an overview on how much time a class takes and how much work it is to take the class. 30 credits are normally taken each semester. Within the next few years the university system will start working exclusively with the ECTS system. At the moment the credit hour system is still predominant.

The organizational structure of the University Rektorat: University management, one Rektor and four Vizerektoren (vice principals). Fakultt (faculty/department): Organizational unit in which all Studienrichtungen (see above) of one area are united. Head of the department is the Dekan (dean). However, many decisions concerning courses and exams fall within the responsibility of the Studiendekan (roughly: dean for student affairs). For example, he is the one who takes care of the recognition of exams taken abroad. The Karl-Franzens-University Graz has 5 departments: SOWI Sozial- und Wirtschaftswissenschaftliche Fakult Faculty for Social Sciences and Business School
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REWI Rechtswissenschaftliche Fakultt Law School GEWI Geisteswissenschaftliche Fakult Humanities Department NAWI Naturwissenschaftliche Fakult Department for (Natural) Science THEO Katholisch-Theologische Fakult Catholic-theological Department Institut (institute): organizational unit of a branch of studies Organisationseinheit einer Studienrichtung

Lehrveranstaltungen (courses, lectures) Since there are different types of lectures in the different Studienrichtungen (branches of studies), you wont find detailed information in here. You can always check with the students representatives of your Studienrichtung (branch of studies) or look into the respective study guide (see above) to find out the meaning of all the different abbreviations for the lectures. There are two different types of lectures: Lectures with constant examinations, where the performance is assessed during the semester through participation, midterms, presentations, projects and papers. The number of students in those lectures is generally limited, which is why you normally have to register for them. In each Studienrichtung (branch of studies), some types of lecture are especially widespread. Typical lectures with constant examinations are Seminare (seminars) or Kurse (courses). Then there are those lectures without constant examinations, where the performance of the student is assessed after the lecture itself. The main type of this model is the Vorlesung (VO). A Vorlesung means the professor practically giving a speech in front of the students and there is typically very little interaction between the professor and the students. You do not have to register for this kind of lecture, and anybody can come and listen to the Vorlesung. Tutorium: This type does not count as a lecture type, which you have to pass to earn a degree, but still it is a good idea to participate. In a Tutorium more experienced students help with questions concerning your studies and even give you a chance to train or repeat what you have learned in
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lectures or what you may have neglected. A Tutorium usually takes place once or twice a week.

Services offered at the university (addresses listed at the end of the booklet) BIB Bro fr Internationale Beziehungen (Office for International Relations), the office which takes care of incoming as well as outgoing exchange students. UB Universittsbibliothek (University Library), structured in the Hauptbibliothek (Main Library) und Fachbibliotheken (specialized libraries) Hauptbibliothek (Main Library) located in the main building, often called UB, most of its books can be ordered though the Aleph computer system, it has a big reading room and a section with current magazines on a broad range of scientific topics. FB (Fachbibliotheken, specialized libraries) Libraries of the institute or groups of institutes, therefore also called IB (Institutsbibliotheken - libraries of the institutes), placed at various different locations. USI Universittssportinstitut (University Institute for Sports), a special USI-booklet informs on the wide range of cheap courses, registration at the start of the semester in the sub floor of the main building (Universittsstrae 3) Studien- und Prfungsabteilung (Department for University Studies and Exams, registrars office) StPA, main registrars office at the university, responsible for the administration of student data (like admission, Inskription, student success reports, etc.) ZID Zentraler Informatikdienst (Central Computing Services), administers all computer installations of the university, including the computer accounts of the students Career Center an institution which is co-funded by the university. Its goal is to help students start their professional life. For example, they offer help on how to write applications or how to get access to job data networks. Treffpunkt Sprachen (meeting place languages) The International Language Center of the University of Graz, offering cheap language programs which are under high demand.
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H sterreichische Hochschlerschaft (Austrian National Union of Students): Students representation and advice service by students for students H-Servicecenter: Selling scripts, office supplies, copy cards, bookbinding, copying opportunities AD sterreichischer Austauschdienst (Austrian Exchange Service). Society with far-ranging responsibilities concerning the organization of and care for education and mobility programs (e.g. looking for a place to live for exchange students).

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The Admission Procedure

This part of the booklet describes the general admission procedure. Detailed Information on which documents and in which form those are needed can be found in the part on admission regulations. In order to be able to study at an Austrian university, you have to fill in an application for admission to the university and hand it in at the proper Studien- und Prfungsabteilung (registrars office at university) with all necessary documents attached. In some fields of study you also have to pass an entry exam. The application does not have to be handed in personally. Direct contact to the Studien- und Prfungsabteilung (registrars office) can however be helpful in most cases in order to find out which documents are needed for each case. The Studien- und Prfungsabteilung (registrars office) then checks the application and the attached documents. In some cases it is necessary to verify the documents or to ask for further documents from the applicant. Because of this the duration of the admission procedure can last a little longer. Normally it takes the office between several weeks and months, and according to the law it does not have to be finished before 6 months are out. You also have to consider that foreign applicants only get admitted according to open places. At the Karl-Franzens-University, only a limited number of students get admitted to the studies of pharmacy. If the decision on the application is positive, the applicant will get a reply which confirms the basic admission, sometimes prescribes some additional exams (see German skills) and tells the applicant which documents to bring along at the enrolment. With the reply and a valid passport the path once again leads to the Studien- und Prfungsabteilung (registrars office), where the inscription (registration with the university system) is conducted. If a German test or some additional exam is prescribed, this registration will be conducted in the Bro des Vorstudienlehrganges (see German skills). After the registration you get your student ID and a paying-inslip for the student and H fees. As soon as that money appears in the university bank account, you are finally admitted.

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After about two weeks the Studienbuchblatt (an official document with information about your branch of studies), the confirmation of admission and information on your student account will be sent to you by mail.

Studien- und Prfungsabteilung (registrars office) of the Karl-Franzens-University Graz Universittsplatz 3, 8010 Graz (Hauptgebude 1. Stock) www.uni-graz.at/stpawww/index.html Your contact: Helga Gollob phone: 0316 / 380-2192 e-mail: [email protected] Monday Friday 9 a.m.-12 a.m. During the admission period, also: Tuesday und Thursday 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.

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Admission Regulations
The regulation concerning the admission to an Austrian university is a complex area, since different regulations apply to different groups of people. Moreover the basic idea is that only those persons shall be admitted to the university who can prove general as well as specific maturity for the university. To decide this, the system in Austria looks at the regulations in the country of origin. For the winter semester (starts October 1st) the application needs to be handed in before September 1st For the winter semester (starts March 1st), the date is February 1st If that date should be a Saturday or Sunday, the next regular week day becomes the last day to hand in the application. You can pick up the application for admission form in the Studien- und Prfungsabteilung (registrars office) or download it at: www.kfunigraz.ac.at/stpawww/formulare.htm Do not forget to attach the following documents (exceptions: see below): 1 Matura: Secondary school leaving certificate. In Germany called Abitur. The final examination at the end of the Gymnasium (roughly translated the branch of high school that prepares for higher education). The grades of each of the completed subjects must be on the document (the same goes for a different proof of your maturity for the university). 2 Zulassungsnachweis: Proof of your current right to enter the university in your country of origin. Note: If there is no comparable branch of studies in the county where your certification of maturity for the university was issued, you have to prove that you would be admitted to the field of studies which comes closest to the branch of studies (the subject) you wish to pursue in Austria. This proof has to be an official document proving your right to enter the university in the country of origin as a normal student and it needs to be still valid (recently issued and valid for the semester you plan to start your studies in Graz). If there are no exceptions according to the regulations for Inlndergleistellung (equalization to Austrian citizens concerning the rules, see below), the proof always has to be from the country where you obtained your Matura (or equal proof of your maturity for university
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Deadlines:

studies). 3 If you have any: proof of your German skills (see below chapter on German skills).

Accreditations and Translations (see below) For EU citizens the general deadlines for admissions apply (winter semester: end of October, plus extension period: 30.11. and summer semester Sommersemester: end of March plus extension period: 30.4.). This means that an application can be handed in until the end of the extension period. However, you should keep in mind that within the extension period the student fees are increased. It is a good idea to apply before the start of the semester, because you might otherwise have a problem getting into lectures with limited numbers of admission. Concerning other regulations, especially the required proof of admission by the country in which your final high school examination was issued; the regulations mentioned earlier apply as long as there are no other exceptions. Some groups enjoy Inlndergleichstellung (equal status with Austrian citizens), which means that there is no need for a proof of admission to a university in the country where the Matura (see above) was issued. Even the special application deadline and the limitations to enter certain programs do not apply to those persons. But even they have to attach a Matura certificate and have to take additional exams before being admitted if certain subjects are required to enter a certain branch of studies and do not appear or do not properly appear on the Matura certificate. Favoured by those exceptions are: 1. People who enjoy privileges and immunities in Austria due to the law or state treaties as well as people who are out of the country in the service of the Republic while earning their Matura and enjoy privileges and immunities due to the law or state treaties of that country as well as their wives/husbands and their children. (A legitimation card of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs serves as proof) 2. 3. Foreign correspondents who are accredited and work in Austria as well as their wives/husbands and their children. (A certified accreditation serves as proof) Persons whose center of interest in their lives has been in Austria for at least five years and without interruption or who are obliged to pay maintenance to at least one person to which this applies. (In order to prove this, you need either a certification of your work or your insurance of the last five years as well as the Meldebesttigung (registration certificate) - if you are proving
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that you paid maintenance as described above you also need the birth certificate or the marriage certificate.) 4. Recipients of a scholarship for the studies they strive for either due to the provisions of state contracts or by an Austrian territorial authority which, according to the financial provisions of those territorial authorities are specifically reserved for scholarships. (The scholarship notification serves as proof.) 5. 6. Owners of a Matura of Austrian schools in foreign countries Refugees according to the Convention on the legal status of refugees (you can prove this either through your notification that you are a refugee according to the Geneva Convention or through your refugee ID) 7. People from Sdtirol, Lichtenstein and Luxemburg Hint: The proof of equal status has to be filed together with the application for admission! In order to find out whether the regulations on equal status with citizens apply on a specific case, you should check with the Studien- und Prfungsabteilung (registrars office) of your university.

Limited Admission Students who successfully passed the first part of their studies at a foreign university can get a limited admission for the duration of two semesters. This is a good option for any students who plan to spend only limited time in Austria. The application for limited admission can be handed in until the end of the admissions period (including the late period, until November 30th in the winter semester or April 30th in the summer semester), other than that it works according to general admission criteria for foreign students.

Continuing your studies in Austria If someone has already started his university studies in another country and wants to continue them in Austria, there are two options: 1. 2. You have a university degree comparable to a degree in the university program of your You have completed several exams but have not yet earned a degree, which is comparable to choice in Austria. a degree in Austria. If the comparability of the degree is doubtful, it has to be looked into by the Studien- und
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Prfungsabteilung (registrars office). 1.

Comparable degree:

If you have a bachelors degree and want to proceed to the masters program in the same area, these are the regulations in place: Instead of the Matura certificate you have to attach your authenticated bachelors certificates and a certified translation to your application. You furthermore need the current proof of admission from the state where you obtained your degree for the field of studies that you wish to proceed with in Austria (exceptions see Inlndergleichstellung). 2.

No comparable university degree:

If you cannot prove that you have a comparable degree, the regulations for beginners apply (see above). Only after a successful admission to the program of your choice you can apply for recognition of the studies and exams that you already completed at a foreign university. The Studien- und Prfungsabteilung (registrars office) is not responsible for giving you information on what exams will be recognized or at which level they will be recognized. The ones responsible for that are the Dekanat (deans offices) of each faculty, but they can only act on questions of recognition after your successful admission. The form necessary for the recognition of exams can be downloaded at: www.uni-graz.ac.at/zvwww/formulare/anerkennung-pruefungen-1-2.doc

Studying without the Matura Normally the Matura (secondary school leaving certificate, further explanations see above) is a prerequisite to enter an Austrian university. There is an option for adults to get the Matura in special Matura schools using the Zweiten Bildungsweg (second or alternative education path). There also is the option to take the Studienberechtigungsprfung (roughly translated: university qualification exam) for one or several similar branches of studies. There is a special booklet of the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture in German, which you can get in the Studien- und Prfungsabteilung (registrars office). However, you should be aware that the preparation for the Studiumberechtigungsprfung costs a lot of time, energy and especially good German skills.

German skills

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The basic rule is that for a normal studies program at an Austrian university proper German skills are a prerequisite. In case an applicant cannot prove those, the university can grant admission under the condition that the student has to pass a German exam within three semesters. One way to prove your German skills is a Matura certificate, which shows that the teachings were being conducted in German. The normal situation is that you apply for admission to a normal studies program and, if approved, get a reply that you have to pass the German exam at the Vorstudienlehrgang (courses that prepare you for the university). Depending on your language skills, you can take the exam at the end of the vacation period or the beginning of the semester or register for a course. As long as you are preparing for your language exam, your status is that of an auerordentlicher Studierender (nondegree student). During this time, you do not have to pay student fees, only the H fees (fee for the students union, about 15) and the course fee, which adds up to some 350 each semester. You cannot take university exams, but can listen to lectures.

Vorstudienlehrgang of the Universities of Graz Burgring 8, 8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 83 14 96 11 www.vgu.at The proof of language skills can be waived for anyone who applies for a doctorate, if German skills are not required regarding the structure of the doctors program.

Accreditations and Translations Normally all documents have to be filed accredited and with an accredited translation, as long as there is no exception. English documents are accepted without translation, for other exceptions see below. The accreditation of a document serves to confirm the authenticity of signatures and seals. Therefore documents even have to be accredited if you hand in the original. The Ministry of Education, Science and Culture laid down the conditions for accreditation for each country. For further information, check with the NARIC (National Academic Recognition Information Center) Austria.

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Contact: NARIC AUSTRIA Bundesministerium fr Bildung, Wissenschaft und Kultur Abteilung VII/11 Teinfaltstrae 8, 1014 Wien http://www.bmbwk.gv.at/universitaeten/naric/index.xml 1. The accreditation procedure in Austria: Confirmation of the document by the ministry of education and the ministry of foreign affairs of the country that issued it and final accreditation by the responsible Austrian representative agency. 2. The accreditation procedure outside of Austria: Confirmation of the document by the responsible representative agency of the country which issued it and final accreditation by the legalization office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Contact: Minoritenplatz 9, 1014 Wien)

Translations All documents that were not issued in German or English have to be translated into German by an accredited translator. Note that all accreditation comments need to be translated and that the signature of the accredited translator needs to be accredited by the responsible authority (like the Ministry of Foreign Affairs). Translations by Austrian court-affirmed translators need no further accreditation. Generally there are administrative fees for accreditations. Prepare for high costs for accreditations and translations!

Exceptions No Accreditation: Because of bilateral agreements, documents of the following countries need no accreditation as long as you hand in the original (with an official seal and stamp). Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Germany, Finland, Italy, Croatia, Liechtenstein, Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Romania, Serbia und Montenegro, Sweden, Schwitzerland, Slovakia, Slovenia, the Czech Republic, Hungary Accreditation by Apostille: Because of an agreement, documents of the following countries do not need a full accreditation but rather a final accreditation (Apostille) by the responsible agency of the country where the document was issued:
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Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belarusian, Belize, Botswana, Brunei, El Salvador, Estonia, Fidschi, Grenada, Greece, Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Kazakhstan, Columbia, Lesotho, Latvia, Liberia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macao, Malawi, Malta, Marshall-Island, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Namibia, New Zeeland, Niue, Panama, Portugal, Russia, Samoa, San Marino, Zimbabwe, The Seychelles, Spain, St. Kitts und Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent/Grenadine, Switzerland, South Africa, Suriname, Swaziland, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Ukraine, Venezuela, USA, Cyprus The Apostille has to be attached to the original document and looks like this:

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Student fees
The student fees vary according to the country of origin of the foreign student. Normally foreign students pay twice the fee Austrian students have to pay (= 726, 72). Citizens of the European Union pay the same fee Austrians do, and students from least developed countries do not have to pay at all. Because new rules are currently being drafted, this booklet cannot inform in detail about this question. For current information, check the following homepage or contact the Studien- und Prfungsabteilung (registrars office): http://www.uni-graz.at/studienbeitrag/

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Recognition of foreign degrees (Nostrifizierung)

The Nostrifizierung is the recognition of a foreign degree (by the office responsible for university studies), which makes it equal to an Austrian bachelors, masters, or doctoral degree or a Diploma. It means that it is completely equal in status to an Austrian degree, which is connected to the right to apply for a job to which a degree is the prerequisite in Austria.

Application for a Nostrifizierung Generally the right to apply for a Nostrifizierung is reserved for those who prove that they have a compelling interest in order to continue their studies or proceed with their professional life. In other words the applicant has to prove that the Nostrifizierung is a necessary prerequisite for the activities he strives for. In all other cases the assessment of the foreign degree is up to your employer. It is therefore not possible simply to convert your foreign degree into an Austrian degree in order to complete another degree in Austria. The Nostrifizierung is unnecessary and therefore not possible for the admission to an Austrian doctors program. EU-Regulation Inside the European Union or the EEC as well as Switzerland the admission to a couple of academic professions is regulated in special Directions, which allow the members of those states direct access to those jobs. In those cases a Nostrifizierung is unnecessary and therefore impossible. Offices responsible You can apply for Nostrifizierung at any Austrian university, which offers a comparable Austrian degree. Therefore, you can normally choose between several Austrian universities, indeed you can pick your university. The important thing is that the Nostrifizierung is being taken care of by the office of the Studiendekan who is responsible for the degree in question. Keep in mind that the application for Nostrifizierung can only be handed in at one university and cant be handed in at another university later on.

Required Documents 1. Passport 2. Proof concerning the status of the foreign university or other higher educational institution 3. Detailed documents on the foreign studies, like exams, study guides, scientific papers... 4. Documents proving the completion of your studies and your degree 5. Information on the professional activities the applicant strives for
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Translation and accreditation of documents in a foreign language Basically, the rules are like those concerning admissions (see admissions regulations). Therefore, you can either hand in the original documents or accredited copies, documents issued in a foreign language need to have accredited translations attached. All foreign documents need to be properly accredited. The degree documents always need to be the original version.

Costs The fee for the Nostrifizierung is around 150 and has to be paid in advance. Also consider the student fees ( 726, 72) for each semester, which you have to be registered as a student in order to satisfy eventual conditions necessary to show that your studies are of equal value to an Austrian degree.

The procedure of the Nostrifizierung The procedure is intended to clarify whether the content, extent and standards of the foreign degree is similar enough to the Austrian degree in question. If the conditions are not met, you can still satisfy them as extraordinary student. All conditions, which you have to meet, are stated in a notice sent to the person applying prescribed by the reply. If the applicant has met all additional conditions or no further conditions are prescribed, the notice will grant the Nostrifizierung. The notice will also lay down which Austrian degree is the equivalent of the foreign degree. Alternative Possibilities in case of a negative reply If a Nostrifizierung is not possible because the differences between the degrees are too large, you can apply for admission to an Austrian university program and then, after your admission, apply for the recognition of single exams you completed in order to earn your foreign degree. Then you can continue and complete the program and this way earn an Austrian degree.

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Residence permit and Meldewesen

General Information
The following information relates to the Austrian Foreigners Law in its current form and contain the most important facts concerning the conditions of residence for students whose purpose of stay is education. Note: Students who are EU or Swiss citizens do not need a permission to stay in Austria; they only have to register (see Meldewesen). Asylum seekers and refugees are normally subject to different regulations. All other groups of foreign students, who want to start or continue their studies in Austria, need a residence permit.

Erstaufenthaltserlaubnis First steps

Foreign students get an Erstaufenthaltserlaubnis (roughly translated: first residence permit), if their stay serves exclusively for the purpose of ordinary or extraordinary studies and the study time there is not exclusively dedicated to studying German. This means that your stay in Austria has to be exclusively dedicated to getting a university degree. Taking classes at the Vorstudienlehrgang (course before starting to study) in German language is generally accepted and in nearly all cases justified by the Zulassungsbescheid (noticing granting acceptance) issued by the respective university.

Application for first residence permit One has to bring the first application for a residence permit while one is still in ones home country and not already staying in Austria. This means of course that one has to think about getting the notice of acceptance to a university at the same time since the notice is a prerequisite to the residence permit! The application papers are available at the relevant authority representing Austria or on the homepage of the Austrian federal printing office (Staatsdruckerei) (click on download). If your are applying for a student visa tick 7 Abs. 4 Z 1 RG: http://www.staatsdruckerei.at/ Necessary Documents
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1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Completed application for residence picture(s) passport (or a copy) birth certificate certification of conduct issued by the police in your homecountry (not issued earlier than 4 weeks before application is handed in) health certificate (also for students!) Certificate that one has the minimum maintenance money to live in Austria: one has to prove that he or she disposes of a minimum of 5.000 either in an Austrian bank account, traveller-check or student grant from somewhere)

Furthermore one has to give ones future living address. All documents that were issued in a language other than German have to be presented with accredited German translation!!! Relevant authority for issuing a residence permit 1. Austrian Authority representing Austria in another state (embassy, consulate). There the permit is also issued if application can be granted! 2. 3. 4. Respectable authority in Austria (documents have to be sent by mail) Respectable authority in Austria by a representative person already staying in Austria The respective university (send by mail, university proceeds application to respectable immunity) For 2.) to 4.): At the authority it has to be declared to which embassy or other Austrian representative the residence permit is to be sent, since the person applying for it has to pick it up. Furthermore it is possible to order the residence permit directly when applying for admission to the university. Those applying for the universities of art (in Graz the university for music and art) have to take an entrance exam and therefore have to come to Austria before the start of classes. Therefore they can apply for a Visa D while at the same time applying for a residence permit if proof of the date of the exam is proceeded. If you come to Austra with the Visa D and pass the exam the residence permit will be issued in Austria once you show the acknowledgement of the exam!

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It applies that: 1 2 Notice is given only at the time the permit is given. The first residence permit issued will be good for 6 months.

Prolonging the residence permit

Application for prolongation can be submitted in Austria at the relevant authority of the Austrian federal police, which is the Fremdenpolizei (police department section for aliens) of the federal police department in Graz (see address below). The prolongation has to be applied for before the first permit expires. Until a decision on a further permit is made one is permitted to stay in Austria until notice is given. This applies even though one may not have a permit in the time the authority is considering it. The application paper for prolongation is available at the respectable Fremdenpolizei (address see below). It can also be downloaded at the homepage of the Austrian federal printing office under http://www.staatsdruckerei.at/ . Generally prolongation is granted for a six month to two years period. The exact time depends on the proof of financial resources and on-time study results, depending on the individual course taken. Prolongation costs between 55 und 150, depending on the number of copies that have to be made and the demands of the relevant application. Documents needed Generally all documents not issued in German language have to be submitted in an accredited German version. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Completed application form, your picture (recently taken) passport (copy) Meldezettel (certificate of registration) (copy) Proof of Housing (lease contract) Proof of Austrian Health Insurance Proof of financial resources enabling you to stay (copy of bank account, checks)
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8. 9. 10.

For proof of financial ressources: scholarship certificate Certificate of further enrollemt certificate that at least 8 Semesterwochenstunden (credit hours i.e. 16 ECTS) were successfully passed per year

Concerning 10.): This condition is new and is a Kann-Bestimmung: This means that prolongation frequently is granted only if the person proves reasons outside his influence or due to inevitable or unforeseen events he could not meet that requirement. It is therefore up to the relevant authorities to believe in the reason stated in an individual case or not! Bundespolizeidirektion Graz Fremdenpolizei (Federal Department of Austrian Police-Police on Alien Matters) Parkring 4, 8010 Graz Tel: 0316 / 888-3414 or -3419 Mo Fr. 8 a.m. 1 p.m.

Registration Meldewesen
If staying in Austria notice has to be given within three days to the authority responsible for registration (Meldebehrde)! This notice has to be given in addition to the application for a residence permit! To give notice one has to fill out a Meldezettel (registration form) which is available at the authority responsible for registration (Meldebehrde) also in English, Bosnian, and Croatian-Serbian, and Turkish languages) or on the internet (only in German though): http://www.graz.at/meldeservice/download.htm. This form has to be signed by the landlord. With this signed form and your passport you then need to go to the Meldebehrde again. This form should be kept safely since it will be needed when contacting other authorities. It is necessary that you go through the same procedure every time you change your apartment. This procedure is a must but is free though.

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Zentrale Meldebehrde of the city of Graz Beethovenstrae 9, 8010 Graz 0316 / 872-5151 Mo.: 7 a.m. 6 p.m. Tue. Fr.: 7 a.m. 2 p.m.

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Housing
Provisional Housing
If you cannot stay at the home of friends or relatives in the beginning, you could stay at a youth hostel. With an international youth hostel pass, which you can buy there also (foto, about 15 depending on age, valid 1 year) spending one night costs about 20. If you do not stay longer than three nights additional 3 have to be paid. Jugendgstehaus Idlhofgasse 74, 8020 Graz Telefon: 0316 / 71 48 76 http://www.jgh.at/graz.php E-Mail: [email protected]

Dorms
The cheapest housing in Graz would be the dorms (Studierendenheime). The rent and prerequisites for getting in depends upon in which one you stay at. Frequently there are many applicants, therefore you need to apply early (for the winter semester in march). For more information check: http://www.studieren.at/wohnen_graz.shtml

Sharing apartments, subcontracting, apartments

Cheap single apartments are hard to find in Graz. Many students share apartments, or subcontract. In a shared apartment each student has his own room - bathroom, toilet and kitchen are shared. Costs are decided in different ways. Subcontracting generally means that one single room is rented in an apartment of for instance a family or a person living by himself.

Housing Office
Information on free rooms can be achieved in different manners. At the H (students union) service centers of the departments you can find leaflets with free rooms, which were put there by people renting rooms or former students looking for new students to rent their former room. The Studentische Wohnungsservice (SWS, room service for students) offers a homepage on which you
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can look for free rooms by typing in various criteria such as location. The SWS also has an office were you can get information (see above). Also the Katholische Hochschulgemeinde (KHG) offers a housing service. At the secretaries office booklets are offered. Furthermore information can be found in newspapers such as the Kleine Zeitung, Steirische Fundgrube und Basar.

Studentisches Wohnungsservice (SWS) Rechbauerstrae 4a, 8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 81 69 32 http://www.sws.or.at E-Mail: [email protected] Wohnungsservice der Katholischen Hochschulgemeinde (KHG) Leechgasse 24, 8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 32 26 28 E-Mail: [email protected] sterreichische Hochschlerschaft (H) At the Karl-Franzens-University: Schubertstrae 6a, 8010 Graz At the University of Technology: Rechbauerstrae 12, 8010 Graz At the University for Music and Applied Arts: Leonhardstrae 15, 8010 Graz

Free advice for tenants

Amt fr Wohnungsangelegenheiten der Steiermrkischen Landesregierung Dietrichsteinplatz 15, 8011 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 877-3718 or -3719 Wohnungsinformationsstelle der Stadt Graz Tummelplatz 9, 2. Stock, 8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 872-5451

Mieterschutzverband sterreichs Sparbersbachgasse 61, 8010 Graz Tel: 0316 / 384830

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Mo, Wed, Fr: 14:30 - 17:30 Advice, advice on legal matters, representation in court and at the Schlichtungsamt (membership required)

Important Facts
Miete/Mietzins (rent): The rent is composed of the fee for using the apartment and the operating costs (water, insurance, taxes). Electricity and heating costs are generally not included. In most cases the rent has to be paid at the start of each month for the following month. Mietvertrag (the contract): Usually the contract is in writing and signed by the tenant and the landlord. There is the Hauptmietvertrag (contract between the tenant and the landlord) and the Untermietvertrag (subcontract between the tenant and someone living in/in a part of his apartment/house). In any case it is a good idea to let the contract be looked over by a Mieterberatung (tenant counceling). Mietanbot/Vorvertrag (provisional agreement): Some landlords ask for a provisional agreement before signing the contract. That way you place an obligation on yourself really to take the room. Therefore you should only sign when you are sure that you want to rent the place. Kaution (security deposit): The landlord can ask for a security deposit up to the amount of the rent for three months when signing the contract. With the deposit the landlord can pay for eventual damage the tenant might cause. The tenant has a right to get his deposit back, if there are no damages to the apartment and the rent has been paid. We recommend getting a written confirmation that you had to place a security deposit, preferably on the contract itself. Ablse (roughly: transfer fee): In some cases, the landlord or the previous tenant of an apartment or room demands a certain amount of money for the furniture left in the apartment or for other investments in the room/apartment. Beware! The Ablse are only legal if you get an appropriate benefit in return. In many cases, you can negotiate on the conditions. A written contract is a good idea. Makler (real estate dealers): Makler are persons who will arrange a room for you in exchange for a fee. This fee must not exceed the amount of the rent of three months (main rent + operating costs + tax). In some cases you might be able to convince the Makler that as a student you only have to
35

pay a reduced fee (like paying the equivalent of the rent of two instead of three months).

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Working in Austria
General Issues
The current Austrian law on the employment of aliens was implemented on January 1st 2003. The law regulates the conditions under which aliens can work in Austria. A Beschftigungsbewilligung (employment licence) gives you the right legally to work in Austria. The condition for such a license to be granted is a valid residence permit (like a student visa). With such a regulated residence an application for a Beschftigungsbewilligung at the AMS (Arbeitsmarktservice / the Labor Market Service) becomes possible. The application needs to be filed by your employer. A commission decides, according to the current state of the job market, whether a licence will be granted. The commission also has to consider the highest possible number of licences given out by the federal and the provincial governments. The idea of that model is that the number of foreign employees and foreigners on the dole does not exceed 8% of the number of Austrian employees. The commission is composed of representatives of the GB (sterreichischer Gewerkschaftsbund, the unions), the AK (Arbeiterkammer / workers chamber) and the Wirtschaftskammer (chamber of commerce). For addresses of the AMS Graz look at the end of this chapter. Additional employment licences (for seasonal work) can only be granted if there is heightened need for additional labour sources in a certain area of commerce, a certain profession or a region. In this case, a general executive order by the ministry of labour and economy needs to be issued.

Exceptions to the Law on the Employment of Aliens

Some groups do not fall under the provisions of this law. Just as a foreigner with a proof of residence they have unlimited access to the entire Austrian job market. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. EEC and EU citizens (except citizens of the new members Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary and the Czech Republic) Swiss citizens (after June 1st, 2004) A husband/wife or child of EEC or EU citizens or of Swiss citizens A husband/wife or child of Austrians with a valid right of residence Recognized refugees (but not asylum seekers)
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6.

Teachers and scientists at the universities or scientific installations

EU citizens from new members (entry on May 1st 2004)

The new EU-citizens can live in Austria without a permit as of May 1st 2004. Still they have to apply for a Beschftigungsbewilligung (employment licence), except for those new citizens from Cypress or Malta. There is a seven-year provisional regulation for EU citizens from Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, the Czech Republic, and Hungary (the 2+3+2 years model). The provisional regulation is in place since May 1st 2004. According to this regulation, there is first a two-year period in which the regulations of the Auslnderbeschftigungsgesetzes (foreigner employment law) still applies. But since the new EU citizens no longer need permission to live in Austria, all they need is a Beschftigungsbewilligung (permission to work in Austria). That way they do have easier access to the Austrian Labour market. Moreover, there no longer is an income limit for this group anymore. After this first phase (two years) the EU Council will check whether this transitional regulation will be extended for an additional three years (phase two). In 2009, the Council will decide whether to extend the period for another two years (phase three). That way, even in a worst-case scenario for new members, they will have the full right freely to reside and work in Austria within seven years.

Working with a student visa

The regulations from the Auslnderbeschftigungsgesetz (foreigner employment law) generally also apply for foreign students. Attention: An Aufenthaltstitel zwecks Ausbildung (specific type of certificate of residence, often called Studentenvisum - student visa) does not give you the right to make a living mainly through work in Austria. The upper limit of legal gross income is around 316 each month. Based on this regulation, students who entered Austria with a student visa can only be granted a Beschftigungsbewilligung (employment permit). If they could be awarded an Arbeitserlaubnis (working permit) or a Befreiungsschein (another type of work permit, see below) this might result in a problem due to the laws for foreigners, because a substantial amount of the income would be earned through the job.
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3 Ways to work in Austria with a students visa 1. Beschftigungsbewilligung (employment permit) bound to certain conditions An employment permit makes it possible legally to work in Austria in a specifically mentioned working place in Austria. The permit is valid for a maximum period of one year and can be prolonged when applied for. Alien students can work on a minimum time basis only, meaning that they are not allowed to earn more than 316 each month. Only between 1 July and 31 august can more money be earned.

Attention: - If you change your job (either keeping your employer or changing the employer) you have to apply for a new Beschftigungsbewilligung (employment permit). - Consider the principle of Inlndervorrang (preferred treatment of citizens), which means that the AMS is obliged by law to check whether a citizen or resident alien looking for a job is suitable for the job in question, based on his qualifications and former employments. However, this principle is of lesser importance concerning minor employments.

How to get a Beschftigungsbewilligung (employment permit) 1. 2. 3. 4. Find an employer The employer applies for a Beschftigungsbewilligung (employment permit) for the employee The AMS-Kommission checks the application (valid visa, the preferred treatment of citizens principle and so on) and finally decides whether to issue the permit. The procedure is rather complicated and a Beschftigungsbewilligung (employment permit) is hard to get and far from guaranteed. Since you have to prove that you will be able to finance your stay in Austria for the student visa the AMS will assume that there exists no financial necessity to get a job. It can be useful in some cases to state on your application why your social and financial state has changed since your student visa was issued. Currently the chances to get a permit are best if the job you apply for has some connection with your area of studies. The connection between your studies and the job should be stated on your application (e.g. if you study a language and want to work as a translator).
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It can also be helpful to mention in your application the reason why the employer insists on employing this specific employee (like special language skills) The chances of getting a permit for a job in the area of cleaning are much better than in other branches because in this area replacements are hard to find. 2. Independent work based on a Werkvertrag Whoever produces an ordered work (like a translation, presentation, et cetera) normally does that based on a Werkvertrag (contract for work with special conditions) for which normally no Gewerbeberechtigung (business licence) is required. A person working on a contract basis (neuer Selbstndiger, new self-employed worker) gives an opus for payment, but is not part of the employers organizational working unit. Furthermore the focus is on the outcome of the work done: one has to bring the opus or another certain result. No personal and economical dependence on the employer may be given. The contractual relationship ends when the opus is brought. Therefore the opus brought or the result achieved automatically ends the employment relationship. Contractual relationships are found for instance with interpreters, experts and scientists. Attention: Working on a contractual basis may need a permit if the working relationship is comparable to one of a regular worker. If you are not sure about the situation in your specific case you had better ask the AMS. 3. Seasonal work There are quotas for short time and temporary extra labour for tourism, agriculture and forestry. The Bundesministerium fr Wirtschaft und Arbeit (Austrian ministry of economy and labour) sets those quota by passing decrees also in other branches. Time limit: Working permits for seasonal work last a maximum of six months and cannot be prolonged. With a respectable decree existing, a permit can be issued for a two to six month period also.

Further types of work permits

The Beschftigungsbewilligung (working permit) can be transformed into an Arbeitserlaubnis (labour permit), which is issued for the province in which you were last employed. In order for this to happen, the foreign employee has to file an application with the AMS. The Arbeitserlaubnis (labour permit) is issued for a maximum period of two years, but can be prolonged. With this permit you can look for a job without requesting a Beschftigungsbewilligung at the AMS. A Befreiungsschein also gives you the right to work without a Beschftigungsbewilligung. A
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Befreiungsschein is normally issued if you can prove that you were a registered employee for five of the eight years prior to your request. Under certain conditions children, whose parents have been legally living in Austria for at least five years, have the right to get the Befreiungsschein. Special regulations also apply for Turkish citizens according to the Association Treaty between the EU and Turkey, ( check http://www.migrant.at/de4.html).

The relevant AMS office is the one which is responsible for the area in which the main residence of the applicant lies. The Befreiungsschein then is good for all of Austria and the foreigner has the same rights as Austrians have rights when looking for a job. Aliens with a Niederlassungsnachweis (those who have permanently lived in Austria for five years, have a regular income as a result of a legal job and have fulfilled the Integrationsvereinbarung (integration agreement) also have an unlimited right to work. The Niederlassungsnachweis is issued for a period of ten years.

AMS The Graz Office Niesenbergergasse 67-69, 8020 Graz Phone 0316 / 7080-0 http://www.ams.or.at

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The Insurance Issue

Health Insurance - Krankenversicherung
In order to get medical services for free in Austria, you have to file for health insurance. In Austria local insurance agencies and private insurance companies offer health insurance. To get health insurance not only saves you a lot of trouble but is necessary for your right of residence as a foreign student. Austria has signed cooperation agreements in the field of social insurance with several countries (even outside the EEC). In those cases you only need a Betreuungsschein (roughly translated welfare document) from your home country. Austrian students, students from a country with a cooperation treaty in the field of social insurance, recognized refugees, as well as students whose parents have to pay Austrian income tax since at least 5 years are also insured against accidents according to the ASVG (Allgemeines Sozialversicherungsgesetz, The General Social Insurance Law). There has to be a connection concerning time, place, and causality of the accident with your studies. A list of countries with a cooperation treaty with Austria can be obtained at foreigners office of the H on the Karl-Franzens-University and can be downloaded at: http://www.wahlinfo-bmaa.at/up-media/681tabelle_soz.vers.abkommen_01.07.2003.doc The cheapest way to get insured depends on the specific case. Here are some options: If you 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Are an Austrian resident (proof is the Meldezettel) Have not yet earned a university degree (except if you continue those studies to get a higher degree, like entering the Masters program after earning the bachelor) Your income does not exceed 5.814 a year Have not changed your Studienrichtung (branch of studies) more than twice, or have not changed it after the third semester Have not exceeded the intended time of your studies plus 1 semester. Here is an example: If you are going for a bachelor in business administration (BWL), the intended time upon completion is 6 semesters, insurance is possible for 11 semesters. then the student insurance of the GKK (Gebietskrankenkassa, the local insurance agency) is the best option, with costs of 20.38 each month. (address of the GKK see end of chapter). If students do not meet the conditions mentioned above, the H (students union) made a special
42

deal with the Merkur-Versicherung for students that are 1. 2. 3. Students of the university of Graz Not older than 34 years And do not suffer from any special illnesses (for detailed information, ask the H office for social affairs. This insurance costs 38,95 each month.

Free Insurance
Mitversicherung (Participation in the insurance of others) If the parents, the wife or husband or the partner (the last option works only if you have shared the same official address for at least 10 months), you can participate with their insurance until your 27th birthday. In this case you do not have to pay for the insurance and get the Krankenschein (health insurance certificate) through the one insured. At each insurance agency there are certain conditions (like bringing proof of your success at the university each semester).

Asylum Seekers Asylum Seekers are automatically insured with the local insurance agency as long as they are under Federal protection. Recipients of an orphan pension, childcare support or Karenzgeld (money you receive while being away from work for reasons of child care) are automatically insured with the local insurance agency. If none of the options mentioned above fits, the allgemeine Selbstversicherung (general selfinsurance) is a possibility. Depending on income, insurance agency and services the insurance fee should be in the area between 72 and 292.

43

H Accident and Liability Insurance

In Austria, every university student automatically is a member of the sterreichischen Hochschlerschaft (H, students union). With your H-fee (contribution), which you have to pay each semester, you finance among other things an accident and liability insurance with the Wiener Stdtische insurance. Thanks to this insurance, the costs of accidents up to 2,500 will be refunded by the insurance company. Also, if you are permanently hospitalised for an uninterrupted period of at least three weeks you can get your student fee back. The insurance works for all university buildings, and can extend beyond that if there is a direct connection between the accident and university activities. The insurance also covers accidents on H-events, in dorms, at university sports activities and generally those happening during an exchange year. A typical case would be a bicycle accident on your way to the university. However the insurance does not cover cases of willing destruction or severe negligence. If there should be doubt if something is covered, check with the H office for social affairs.

Auerordentliche Studierende - non-degree students

For those students which are admitted to the Studienberechtigungsprfung (university entrance exam) and take preparation classes on those exams and for the future university course to be taken (for instance German class at the Vorstudienlehrgang (see above) the same applies as mentioned above.

Gebietskrankenkasse (GKK, the local insurance agency) Steiermark Josef-Pongratz-Platz 1, 8010 Graz 0316 / 80 35-0 Sozialreferat der H at the Karl-Franzens-University Graz Schubertstrae 6a, 8010 Graz 0316 / 380-2950

44

Financial Support
Studienbeihilfe
Studienbeihilfe is the state support for students who meet certain conditions. Those normally are: Austrian citizenship (exceptions: see below), social need (depending on the own income, the income of the parents, siblings etc.), success as a student (studying within the regular time, no change of your area of studies after the second semester, a certain number of Semesterwochenstunden (credit hours, explanation see chapter on studying in Graz), not passing the age limit (30 years, no earned degree, except if a subsequent higher degree is pursued). Following those criteria, not all Austrian students get this financial support. The upper limit for support (according to the area of residence) is between 400 and 600 each month. Foreign students can claim this form of state support under the following conditions: 1. 2. EEC citizen: Students with EEC citizenship who (or whose parents) have worked in Austria for at least two years as long as they live and study in Austria. Students with another citizenship: Students who were under the obligation to pay Austrian income tax unlimited and uninterrupted for five years or students, who have a parent to whom this applies. 3. Recognized Refugees, but not asylum seekers. The Studienfrderungsgesetz is a complex law, which is why we cannot go into detail. You can either check with the office for social affairs of the H or directly with the Studienbeihilfenbehrde (the office in charge of student support). Studienbeihilfenbehrde (Stip-Stelle) Metahofgasse 30, 8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 81 33 88-0 For further information, check: http://www.stipendium.at/

45

Familienbeihilfe (Family Support)

The Familienbeihilfe is a state support for parents, to help them support their children. As long as certain conditions (like the completion of a certain number of credit hours) are met, this support can be claimed for children up to their 27th birthday who study at the university. The family support is paid directly to the parents, but you can apply to the Finanzamt (internal revenue service) for the support to be paid directly to the student. Except for Austrian citizens the following groups of foreign students have a claim to family support: 1. Foreign student, whose partner is an Austrian citizen 2. Students lacking any citizenship and recognized refugees (not asylum seekers) 3. Foreign students who live in Austria for an uninterrupted period of five years 4. Foreign students who have a job in Austria for at least three months Note that there are many exceptions and additional provisions, moreover changes occur frequently. It is always a good idea to check with your local Finanzamt (office of the internal revenue service).

Finanzamt (internal revenue service) Graz-Stadt Conrad von Htzendorf-Strae 14-18, 8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 881-0

46

Scholarships and other sources of support

Abbreviations see below! Assistance Programme Beihilfen, Frderungen H AuslnderInnenreferat (Sponsored by the City of Graz) Mensabons (2975 / year, The entire amount) H AuslnderInnenreferat (Money from private funds) GVB-tickets (900 / year, The entire amount) H Sozialreferat Living space in exchange for help (1 m2 = 1h work/month) Students None Agreement with landlords Regular foreign students at the KF Uni Graz MidOctober Like the Mensa-support, of additional importance: residence distant from the university H at Uni Graz Schubertstrae 6a, second floor 8010 Graz, 0316 / 380-2962 H at the Uni Graz, Schubertstrae 6a, HP 8010 Graz, 0316 / 380-2950 Regular foreign students at the KF Uni Graz MidOctober or Mid-March Inskriptionsbest. Need, Primarily students without a Niederlassungsbew. Inlndergleichstellung, ... H at Uni Graz, Schubertstrae 6a 8010 Graz, 0316 / 380-2962 Assistance Directed at Deadlines Conditions Contact

H Sozialreferat

Free midday meal in a restaurant

Students of the KF Uni Graz in need

Early October / Early March

Need, agreement with a restaurant

H at the Uni Graz, Schubertstrae 6a, HP 8010 Graz, 0316 / 380-2950

H Sozialreferat Bundesvertretung in Vienna (Sponsored by the BMBWK, H)

Sozialfonds Maximum amount: 1200

Students (also auerordentl.) in financial distress

None, but its good to do it soon

Financial Distress

H BV Sozialreferat Liechtensteinstrae 13 1090 Wien 01 / 310 88 80-22 (Tuesday and Friday 9-12)

Vorstudienlehrgang (Funds of the AD)

The costs of the studies can be partially reimbursed (50-100 )

Students in the Vorstudienlehrgang

Start of the semester

10 students is the limit each semester, success in your studies, social need

Vorstudienlehrgang Burgring 8/II 8010 Graz 0316 / 831496

VP Youth and Student Support

300 / Year

Students in need

None

Financial need, early request

VP (Fr. Mag. Graf) Karmeliterplatz 6 8010 Graz 0316 / 60744-4170 (Mo-Fr 9 a.m.-4 p.m.)
48

Pro Scientia

600 / Year

Students, especially those writing a masters or doctoral thesis

November

Interest for religious issues, success as a student, letters of recommendation by professors, motivational letter, talks with the Hochschul-seelsorger, meeting every 2 weeks, participation at the Sommerakademie

ProScientia - sterr. Studienfrderungswer k Whringerstr.2-4, 1090 Wien, 01 / 3176165-41

The Province of Styria

1x/ semester, about 300 Euro depends on the number of applicants

Students from Eastern and South Eastern Europe, but not EU-citizens

March or October

Admission as a regular student at a Styrian university, 3/4 of your studies passed, social need, no students with a Niederlassungsbewilligung

Land Stmk. Frau Mag. Rupprecht. Abt. 3 Trauttmansdorffg. 2, 8010 Graz 0316 / 877-4672 For the former Yugoslavia: WUS Maiffredyg. 11, 8010 Graz 0316 / 382258

49

Stipendien AAI Wien (funded by the Ministry of Internal Affairs) 546 or. 676 Each month Asylum seekers and refugees in Vorstudienlehrgnge n February or September Proof of status as asylum seeker or refugee, especially for students in the Vorstudienlehrgang and applicants for Nostrifizierung, application in Austria AAI Graz (funded by the EZA and KFB) Eine-Welt(one world) Stipendien 400-510 / month Students of nonEuropean developing countries, different scholarships and conditions depending on your field of studies (Diplomstudium, Doktorat, Masterstudium/ Lehrgang) Further information: AAI Graz April/May Not for refugees, asylum seekers; success as a student, financial need, willingness to return to a developing country, not older than 30 years, especially engaged in questions of development, application in Austria, under certain circumstances for outside of Austria AAI Graz Leechgasse 22, 8010 Graz 0316 / 324434-58 www.aai-graz.at AAI Wien Trkenstr. 3, 1090 Wien 01 / 3105145312 www.aai-wien.at

50

AAI Graz (Incomes from the Multikultiball)

Multikultistipendium 2000 / year

Students engaged in intercultural matters especially from developing countries

September

Artistic activities or activities in support of multicultural issues, success as a student, participation at Ausbildung in Graz

AAI Graz Leechgasse 22, 8010 Graz 0316 / 324434-58 www.aai-graz.at Responsible Austrian authority abroad AD Stipendiendatenbank: www.oead.ac.at

AD, BMBWK

940-1040 / month, 1-9 months

Alien students with a masters/doctoral thesis concerning Austria

March

Application from the homecountry; A thesis concerning Austria, student not older than 35 years, no prior studies in Austria for longer than 5 months, German/English skills appropriate

Dizese Graz-Seckau

Bischof Weber Funds (570-620 Euro each month, for a maximum of 3 years)

Students of Theology from Eastern, Central and Southeastern Europe

None, decided before the start of each semester

Application from the home country, studying theology, humanities or art or studying at a religious schooling science academy, letter of recommendation by your home parish, willingness to return to your home country

Welthaus Grabenstrae 39, 8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 32 45 56 http://graz.welthaus.at

51

Abbreviations Abt. = Abteilung, department auerordentl. = auerordentlich, extraordinary BMBWK = Bundesministerium fr Bildung, Wissenschaft und Kultur, BV = Bundesvertretung, Federal Representation Dipl.Arb. = Diplomarbeit, Diploma thesis, masters thesis ehem. = ehemalig, former EZA = sterreichische Entwicklungs-zusammenarbeit, Ges. = Gesamt, alltogether h = Stunde, hour Inskriptionsbest. = Inskriptionsbesttigung Catholic Womens Movement of Austria KHG = Katholische Hochschulgemeinde, Catholic Higher Schooling Community Mag. = Magister/Magistra, Master AD = sterreichischer Austauschdienst Okt. = October ordentl. = ordentlich, regular Stmk. = Steiermark, Styria m2 = square meter Niederlassungsbew. = Niederlassungsbewilligung H = sterreichische Hochschlerschaft VP = sterreichische Volkspartei, Austrian People Party sterr. = sterreichisch, Austrian teilw. = teilweise, partially AAI = Afro-Asiatisches Institut auslnd. = outlandish, alien bes. = besonders, especially Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Culture ca. = circa Diss. = Dissertation, doctoral thesis evt. = eventuell, eventually Austrian Development Cooperation GVB = Grazer Verkehrsbetriebe, Public Transportation Agency HP = Hochparterre, raised ground floor KFB = Katholische Frauenbewegung sterreichs, KF Uni = Karl-Franzens-University

52

Addresses supplement
We cannot be held liable for any possible mistakes in the addresses and phone numbers listed below. The phone numbers are stated like this: 0316 / if you want to call from another country, you have to dial 0043-316 / instead.

Consultations on student issues

Afro-Asiatisches Institut (AAI)
Leechgasse 2 8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 32 44 34 Fax: 0316 / 32 44 34-59 http://www.aai-graz.at e-mail: [email protected]

AuslnderInnenreferat
Tel.: +43 (0)316 873-5111 Fax: +43 (0)316 873-5115 e-mail: [email protected]

Hochschlerschaft der Universitt fr Musik und darstellende Kunst Graz (HKUG)

Brandhofgasse 21, Zi. E.10 8010 Graz

Hochschlerschaft der Karl-Franzens-University Graz (HUG)

Schubertstrae 6a 8010 Graz http://oehuni.uni-graz.at

Office
Tel.: 0316 / 389 - 0 Fax: 0316 / 389 -1101 e-mail: [email protected] Ask for the Referent responsible in the office!

Main Office
Tel.: 0316 / 380-2900 Fax: 0316 / 380-9200 e-mail: [email protected]

Hochschlerschaft der Medizinischen Universitt Graz (H MedUni)

Stiftingtalstr. 24 8036 Graz http://oehuni.uni-graz.at/~fv-med/ Main Office located in the Zentrum fr Medizinische Forschung (ZMF) Tel.: 0316 / 385-73080 Fax: 0316/385-73089 e-mail: [email protected] #

Sozialreferat
Tel.: 0316 / 380-2950 http://oehuni.uni-graz.at/~sozref e-mail: [email protected]

AuslnderInnenreferat
Tel.: 0316 / 3802962 e-mail: [email protected]

Hochschlerschaft der Technischen Universitt Graz (HTU)

Rechbauerstrasse 12 8010 Graz http://oeh.tu-graz.ac.at/

AuslnderInnenreferat
e-mail: [email protected]

H Bundesvertretung
Lichtensteinstrae 13 1090 Wien Tel.: 01 / 310 88 80-0 www.oeh.ac.at

Office
Tel: 0316 873-51 DW 11 oder 01 Fax: 0316 873-5115

Sozialreferat
Tel.: +43 (0)316 873-5111 Fax: +43 (0)316 873-5115 e-mail: [email protected]

Universities in Graz
Technische Universitt Graz
Rechbauerstrae 21 8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 873-0 www.tugraz.at

Karl-Franzens-Universitt Graz
Universittsplatz 3 8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 380-0 www.uni-graz.at

Universittsbibliothek der Technischen Universitt

Technikerstrae 4a 8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 873-6176 www.ub.tugraz.at

Universtittsbibliothek der Karl-Franzens-Universitt

Universittsplatz 3 8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 380-3101 www.kfunigraz.ac.at/ub

Universitt fr Musik und darstellende Kunst Graz (KUG)

Leonhardstrae 15 8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 389-0 www.kug.ac.at

Bro fr internationale Beziehungen (BIB)

Universittsplatz 3 8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 380-2210 www.uni-graz.at/bib

Universittsbibliothek der Universitt fr Musik und darstellende Kunst

Brandhofgasse 21 8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 38 921-2035 www.kug.ac.at/bib

Studien- und Prfungsabteilung (Evidenzstelle)

Universittsplatz 3 (Hauptgebude 1. Stock) 8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 380-1163 www.uni-graz.at/stpawww

Universittssportsinstitut (USI) Medizinische Universitt Graz

Mozartgasse 12 Zi. 204 8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 380-4005, 4010 oder 4011 www.meduni-graz.at Universittsplatz 3 8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 380-2255

Universittschor Graz
Karl-Franzens-Universitt Graz Universittsplatz 3 8010 Graz

Bibliotheken der Medizinischen Universitt Graz

e-mail: [email protected]

Bibliothek Klinik
ZMF, Stiftingtalstrae 24 8010 Graz Tel.: 0 316 / 385-73055

Zentrum fr soziale Kompetenz Lehrinstitut fr das Schulpraktikum

Merangasse 70/II, Unizentrum Wall 8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 380-3636 Fax: 0316 / 380-9270 www.kfunigraz.ac.at/cscwww/homepage

Bibliothek Vorklinik
Harrachgasse 21 8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 380-1465 Fax: 0316 / 380-9252

Zentraler Informatikdienst (ZID)

Universittsstrae 15/G 8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 380-2230 www.kfunigraz.ac.at/zid

54

Dekanate (the Deans offices) of the Karl-Franzens-Uni Graz

Dekanat der Geisteswissenschaftlichen Fakultt
Universittsplatz 3 8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 380-2285

Dekanat der Rechtswissenschaftlichen Fakultt

Universittsstrae 15 8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 380-3260

Dekanat der Katholisch-Theologischen Fakultt

Universittsplatz 3 8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 380-6000

Dekanat der Sozial- und Wirtschaftswissenschaftlichen Fakultt

Universittsstrae 15 8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 380-3260

Dekanat der Naturwissenschaftlichen Fakultt

Universittsplatz 3 8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 380-5000

Specialized Colleges in Graz

FH JOANNEUM Graz
Alte Poststrae 149 A-8020 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 5453-0 Fax: 0316 / 5453-8801 www.fh-joanneum.at

Pdagogische Akademie (college of eduation) Graz-Hasnerplatz

Hasnerplatz 12 8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 68 31 89 Fax: 0316 / 68 31 89-20 www.pa.asn-graz.ac.at

Pdagogisches Zentrum (pedagogics center) Graz-Eggenberg

Georgigasse 85-89 8020 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 58 16 70 Fax: 0316 / 58 16 70-11 www.pae.asn-graz.ac.at

Akademie fr Sozialarbeit (academy for social work) Graz

Krblergasse 106 8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 386490 Fax: 0316 / 386490-19

55

German Courses in Graz

Vorstudienlehrgang der Grazer Universitten
Burgring 8/II 8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 83 14 96 Fax: 0316 / 83 14 964 www.vgu.at e-mail: [email protected] Short information: Preparation courses for students with an admission for the university or members of official exchange programs. If spots remain empty, exceptions are being made after talks with the administration. (Matura needed).

Verein ISOP
Dreihackengasse 2 8020 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 76 46 46 Short information: German for migrants, courses for young and mature people, small fees!

Urania
Burggasse 4/1 8010 Graz Anmeldung: Kaiserfeldgasse 1/III, 8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 82 56 88-0 Fax: 0316 / 81 42 57 e-mail: [email protected] www.urania.at Short information: German as a foreign language, trimester courses, good fees for students!

Treffpunkt Sprachen
Johann-Fux-Gasse 30 / 1. Stock 8010 Graz Tel.: 016 / 380-2493 www.uni-graz.at/treffpunktsprachen Short information: German classes on different levels, you get a lerning partner assigned to you. Directed at international students, researchers and professors of the University, who already have a basic knowledge of German.

Volkshochschule der Kammer fr Arbeiter und Angestellte Steiermark

Merangasse 18 8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 32 31 48 oder 32 32 69 Short information: Courses for different levels of understanding, cheaper for students under the age of 28.

ISZ - Internationales Sprachenzentrum

Harrachgasse 3 8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 32 25 28-11 Fax: 0316 / 32 25 28-4 Short information: Only personal education.

inlingua
Rechbauerstrae 23 8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 36 12 80 Fax: 0316 / 36 12 40 e-mail: [email protected] http://members.aon.at/inlinguagraz/

dig - Deutsch in Graz

Kalchberggasse 10 8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 833 900 Fax: 0316 / 833 900-6 e-mail: [email protected] www.dig.co.at Short information: Courses for adults, special courses and the SD (sterreichisches Sprachdiplom), courses with a sport or other activity program, intensive courses, individual education.

LEXIKA bersetzungsbro
Schrttergasse 8, 8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 38 43 47 Fax: 0316 / 38 25 47-5 Short information: Individual education and small groups of 4-5 persons. All courses have to be applied for, the fee depends on the number of participants and lectures.

56

Working in Austria
Arbeiterkammer (AK, workers chamber) Steiermark
Hans-Resel-Gasse 8-10 8020 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 872-5451

Berufsinformationszentrum (BIZ, job information center) of the AMS Graz

Wickenburggasse 32 8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 70 80-108

Arbeitsmarktservice (AMS, labour market service) Graz

Niesenbergergasse 67-69 8020 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 70 80-0 www.ams.or.at/neu/stmk/ e-mail: [email protected]

Career Center of the Universitt Graz

Harrachgasse 34 8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 380-1048 www.unitrain.at/ccgraz

Job sercice in the Internet

TU Graz: www.tugraz.hechtsprung.at

57

Finding a residence in Graz / dormitories

Studentisches Wohnungsservice (SWS, student apartment service)
8010 Graz, Rechbauerstrae 4a Tel.: 0316 / 81 69 32 www.sws.or.at

Katholisches Studentenhaus Leechgasse

8010 Graz, Leechgasse 24 Tel: 0316 / 322628 0 www.khg-graz.at

Afro-Asiatisches Institut (African Asian Institute)

8010 Graz, Leechgasse 22 Tel: 0316 / 32 44 34 www.aai-graz.at

Katholisches Studentenhaus Mnzgrabenstrae

8010 Graz, Mnzgrabenstrae 59 Tel: 0316 / 322628 0 www.khg-graz.at

Babenberg Studentenhaus
8010 Graz, Schiestattgasse 3 Tel: 0316 / 830725-0

Katholisches Studentenhaus (Catholic student house) Strassoldogasse

8010 Graz, Strassoldogasse 4 + 6 Tel: 0316 / 322628 0 www.khg-graz.at

Friedrich Schiller Studentenheim

8010 Graz, Elisabethstrae 85 Tel: 0316 / 32 45 00 http://schiller.vc-graz.ac.at

Kolpinghaus Graz
8010 Graz, Adolf-Kolping-Gasse 6 Tel.: 0316 / 82 94 70-0 www.kolping.vc-graz.ac.at

Hafnerriegelheim
8010 Graz, Hafnerriegel 53 Tel: 0316 / 804661 www.hr.vc-graz.ac.at

Schubertheim
8010 Graz, Schubertstrae 4 Tel: 0316 / 322307 www.studentenfoerderung.at

Heim der Akademikerhilfe Untere Schnbrunngasse

8043 Graz, Untere Schnbrunngasse 7-11, Tel.: 0316 / 32 35 58 www.akademikerhilfe.at

Studentenheim des Landes Steiermark

8010 Graz, Billrothgasse 41/43 Tel: 0316 / 38 12 66 http://beam.to/lsh

Heim der Akademikerhilfe Elisabethstrae

8010 Graz, Elisabethstrae 93 Tel: 0316 / 32 35 58 www.akademikerhilfe.at

Studentenheim Johannes Keplerhaus

8043 Graz, Am Rehgrund 4 Tel: 0316 / 327645 www.johannes-kepler-haus.at

Haus Steiermark
8010 Graz, Liebiggasse 4 Tel: 0316/381503 51 www.oejab.at

Studentenheim Pfeifferhof
8045 Graz, Pfeifferhofweg Tel: 0316 / 322678 www.pfeifferhof.at

Internationale Kulturvereinigung Kroisegg

8010 Graz, Elisabethstrae 42 Tel: 0316 / 32 20 07 www.kroisegg.at

Studentenhaus der Salvatorianer

8010 Graz, Lindweg 31 Tel: 0316 / 362236 www.salvatorianer.at

Katholisches Studentenhaus Elisabethstrae

8010 Graz, Elisabethstrae 45 Tel: 0316 / 322628 0 www.khg-graz.at

58

Studentenhaus des VA
8043 Graz, Am Rehgrund 14 Tel: 0316 / 327610 www.graz-vaoe.at

WIST Heime
www.wist.vc-graz.ac.at

Ghegagasse
8020 Graz, Ghegagasse 9-11, Tel.: 0316 / 724746

Keplerstrae
8020 Graz, Keplerstrae 75-77 Tel: 0316 / 724746

Moserhofgasse I
8010 Graz, Moserhofgasse 20-22 Tel: 0316 / 836666 0

Moserhofgasse II
8010 Graz, Moserhofgasse 34 Tel: 0316 / 836666 0

Moserhofgasse III
8010 Graz, Moserhofgasse 36 Tel: 0316 / 836666 0

Wiener Strae
8020 Graz, Wiener Strae 58a Tel: 0316 / 713782

59

Health Issues
Hospitals LKH-Graz
Auenbrugger Platz 1 8036 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 385-0

UKH-Graz
Gstinger Strae 24 8021 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 505-0

Insurance Gebietskrankenkasse (GKK) Steiermark

Josef-Pongratz-Platz 1 8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 80 35-0

Aidshilfe (AIDS service) Steiermark

Schmiedgasse 38/1 8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 81 50 50

Psychologische Beratungsstelle fr Studierende (psychological counselling for students)

Katzianergasse 7/3 8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 81 47 48

Marien-Ambulanz
(financed by the Caritas) Mariengasse 12 8020 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 71 66 32 Fax: 0316 / 71 66 32 e-mail: [email protected]

Referat fr Behinderte und chronisch kranke Studierende an den Grazer Universities (Center for handicapped and chronically ill students)
Universittsplatz 3 8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 7 380-2225

OMEGA
Health Service Graz Granatengasse 2 8020 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 77 35 54 Fax: 0316 / 77 35 54-4 e-mail: [email protected]

60

Counceling Services on Social Affairs

Amnesty International
Dietrichsteinplatz 9 8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 82 72 45 www.amnesty.at

CARITAS
Raimundgasse 16 8011 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 80 15-0 Fax: 0316 / 81 23 58 www.caritas.or.at e-mail: [email protected]

Arbeitskreis fr Gleichbehandlungsfragen (AKGL, Study group on questions of equal treatment)

Harrachgasse 34 8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 380 10 26

DANAIDA
Bildung und Treffpunkt fr auslndische Frauen (education and meeting place for foreign women) Marienplatz 5 8020 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 71 06 60 http://members.aon.at/danaida/ e-mail: [email protected]

Auschll
Interkulturelles Caf und Begegnungszentrum Friedrichgasse 36 8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 81 33 68 e-mail: [email protected]

Frauenhaus (women house) Graz

Verein Grazer Fraueninitiative, Soforthilfe fr bedrohte und misshandelte Frauen und deren Kinder Postfach 30 8018 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 42 99 00

Auslnderberatungsstelle des Landesschulrates fr Steiermark (Foreigners counceling service of the provincial School Council of Styria)
Krblergasse 23 (V. Stock, Zimmer 98b) 8015 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 34 51 98 Fax: 0316 / 34 57 2

HELPING HANDS
Antirassismus (Anti-racism) Hotline Schlgelgasse 9, 1. Stock, 8010 Graz Tel: 0316 / 873 51 88 www.foreigners.info

AuslnderInnenreferat des Sozialamtes der Stadt Graz (Foreigners Office of the Buro for ISOP Innovative Sozialprojekte (innovative social projects) Social Affairs)
Magistrat Graz Schmiedgasse 26 8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 87 26 330 Fax: 0316 / 87 26 339 e-mail: [email protected] Dreihackengasse 2 8020 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 76 46 46 Fax: 0316 / 76 46 46-6 http://isop.at e-mail: [email protected]

Auslnderbeirat der Stadt Graz

Schmiedgasse 26/III/Parterre 8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 87 23 067 und 68 Fax: 0316 / 87 23 069 www.graz.at/politik e-mail: [email protected]

WUS
World University Service Austria Head Office Graz Maiffredygasse 11 8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 38 22 58 Fax: 0316 / 93 17 51 http://www.wus-austria.org e-mail: [email protected]

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ZEBRA
Zentrum zur sozialmedizinischen, rechtlichen und kulturellen Betreuung von Aulander (Center for social, medical, legal and cultural counceling of foreigners) Schnaugrtel 29/I. Stock 8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 83 56 30 Fax: 0316 / 83 56 30-33 www.zebra.or.at e-mail: [email protected]

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Federal Ministries
Bundesministerium fr Bildung Wissenschaft und Kultur (the federal ministry of education and culture)
Minoritenplatz 5 1014 Wien Tel.: 01 / 53 120-0 www.bmbwk.gv.at

Bundesministerium fr Soziale Sicherheit und Generationen (ministry of social security and generations)
Stubenring 1 1010 Wien Tel.: 01 / 71 100-0 www.bmsg.gv.at

Bundesministerium fr Wirtschaft und Arbeit (the ministry of labour and the economy)
Stubenring 1 1010 Wien Tel.: 01 / 71 100-0 www.bmwa.gv.at

Bundesministerium fr auswrtige Angelegenheiten (ministry of foreign affairs)

Ballhausplatz 2 1010 Wien Tel.: 0802 / 42 622 www.bmaa.gv.at Legalisierungsbro: Tel.: 01 / 53 115

Bundesministerium fr Inneres (ministry for internal affairs)

Postfach 100 1014 Wien Tel.: 01 / 53 126-0 www.bmi.gv.at

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Consulates in Graz
Danmark
Grieskai 12-14 A-8020 Graz Tel. 0316 / 703-0

Norway
Amundsengasse 9a A-8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 32 50 73-0 Fax: 0316 / 32 50 73-3

Germany
Stattegger Strae 18 A-8045 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 69 49 70

Poland
Joanneumring 18/3 A-8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 33 82 51 Fax: 0316 / 33 82 51-15

Finland
Waagner Biro-Strae 39-41 A-8020 Graz Tel. 0316 / 509-0

Schweden
Lazarettgrtel 55 A-8020 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 71 15 80-12 Fax: 0316 / 71 15 80-14

Great Britain
Schmiedgasse 10 A-8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 82 61 05

Slowenia
Stempfergasse 3 A-8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 82 19 62 Fax: 0316 / 80 76-52

Italy
Conrad v. Htzendorf-Strae 8 A-8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 81 79 17 Fax: 0316 / 80 56 300

Croatia
Joanneumring 18/3 A-8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 33 82 50 Fax: 0316 / 33 82 50-14

Czech Republik
Theodor-Krner-Strasse 59 A-8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 6070-401 Fax: 0316 / 6070-402

Netherlands
Lastenstrae 11 A-8020 Graz Tel. 0316 / 71 15 65

Hungary
Conrad v. Htzendorf-Strae 160 A-8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 47 22 12-13 Fax: 0316 / 47 22 12-51

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Foreign Cultural Institutes

Institute Franais
Herzoghof, Herrengasse 3/II (Strassenbahnhaltestelle: Hauptplatz) Tel: 0316 / 82 93 96 Fax: 0316 / 82 93 965 www.ambafranceat.org/institut/graz/presentation.de.htm e-mail: [email protected]

Latin American Institute Graz

Rittergasse 2/P 8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 32 25 17 www.lai-graz.at e-mail: [email protected]

Societ Dante Alighieri

Elisabethstrae 16/II 8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 32 13 21

Religious communities
Bahai-Community Graz
Ruckerlberggasse 22 8010 Graz

Institut fr kumene und Patrologie

Johann Fux Gasse 30 8010 Graz

The Buddhist Center Graz

Griesgasse 2 8020 Graz

Israelitische Kultusgemeinde Graz

David Herzog Platz 1 8020 Graz

Hindu-Community Graz
Mariatrosterstrae 101 B 8043 Graz

Union islamischer Kulturzentren

Josef-Huber-Gasse 9/P 8020 Graz

Christian students support in Graz

Katholische Hochschulgemeinde Graz
Leechgasse 24 / Parterre 8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 32 26 28 - 0 FAX: 0316 / 32 26 28 25 www.khg-graz.at/index.htm e-mail: [email protected]

Evangelische Hochschulgemeinde
Kaiser-Josef-Platz 9 8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 81 10 25 www.ehg-online.at/index.php?ort=graz e-mail: [email protected]

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Christian Churches
For information on Catholic Services in foreign languages, check:
http://www.kath-kirche.org/inhalt_gottestdienst.asp

or the booklet: Gr Gott in Graz (which you can get at the Kircheneck in the Herrengasse) Altkatholische Kirche
Kernstockgasse 1-3 8020 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 71 29 74 (Gottesdienst: Sonntag: 10 Uhr)

Romanian-Orthodox Church
Service in the Dreifaltigkeitskirche Schlossbergplatz 8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 57 98 20 (Services: Sunday 10 a.m.)

Bischfliches Pastoralamt
Bischofplatz 4 8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 8041-284

Russian-Orthodox Church
Service in the Kreuzgangkapelle Mariahilferkirche, Mariahilferplatz 3 8020 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 71 31 69 (Services: Every last Sunday of every month, 10.30 a.m.)

Evangelische Superintendur
Mozartgasse 9 8010 Graz

Griechisch-Orthodoxe Kirche
Gottesdienst in der Leechkirche Zinzendorfgasse 2 8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 71 24 44 (Gottesdienst: Sonntag, Zeit wird jeweils angegeben)

Serbian-Orthodox Church
Service in the Zentralfriedhofskirche Triester Strae 164 8010 Graz Tel.: 0664 / 32 400 35 (Services: Sunday, 10 a.m.)

Ukrainian Community Koptische Kirche

St. Johannes Kirche Wienerstrae 246 8020 Graz Service in the Schatzkammerkapelle Mariahilferkirche, Mariahilferplatz 3 8020 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 71 31 69 (Services: Every last Sunday of every month, 4:30 p.m.)

Methodistenkirche
Wielandgasse 10 8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 82 22 25 (Gottesdienst: Sonntag: 9:30 und 15:30)

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The Opera und Theaters of Graz

Kasematten, Tanz und Events
www.theater-graz.com

Theater am Ortweinplatz
Ortweinplatz 8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 846094 http://tehateramortweinplatz.mur.at

Kulturzentrum bei den Minoriten

Mariahilferplatz 3 8020 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 711133-25 http://kulturzentrum.minoriten.autro.net

Theater im Bahnhof
Lendplatz 35 8020 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 763620 www.theater-im-bahnhof.com

Next Liberty Theater

Kaiser Josef Platz 10 8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 8008 - 1120 Fax: 0316 / 8008 - 1520 e-mail: [email protected] www.theater-graz.com/nextliberty

Theater im Keller
Mnzgrabenstrae 35 8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 846190 www.tik-graz.at/tik-graz

Opernhaus Graz
Kaiser Joseph Platz 10 8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 8008 www.theater-graz.com/opernhaus

UniT Kunst im ConTner Kontakt ber uniT (Verein fr Kultur an der KF Uni Graz), Mozartgasse 14, 8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 380-7480 www-gewi.kfunigraz.ac.at/unit

Schauspielhaus Graz
Hofgasse 11 8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 8008-44 www.theater-graz.com/schauspielhaus

Cinemas
http://www.uncut.at/graz/programm.html Annenhof UCI
Annenstrae 29 8020 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 72 77

KIZ Kino im Augarten Graz

Friedrichgasse 24 8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 82 11 86

Cineplexx Graz
Alte Poststrae 470 8055 Graz-Puntigam Tel.: 0316 / 29 09

Rechbauer Graz
Rechbauerstrae 6 8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 83 05 08

English Royal Cinema Graz

Conrad-von-Htzendorfstrae 10 Tel.: 0316 / 82 61 33

Schubertkino Caf Graz

Glockenspielplatz 1 8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 82 90 81

Geidorf Kunstkino Graz

Geidorfplatz 1a 8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 32 10 03 67

Students Cafeteria
Afro-Asiatisches-Institut: Cafeteria
Leechgasse 22 8010 Graz

ReSoWi-Fakultt: Cafeteria
Universittsstrae 15 8010 Graz

Mensa
Sonnenfelsplatz 1 8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 33 362

Vorklinik: Buffet
Harrachgasse 21 8010 Graz

Mensa im Katholischen Studentenhaus

Leechgasse 24 8010 Graz

Wall-Gebude: Cafeteria
Merangasse 70 8010 Graz

Additional useful adresses

Emergency Calls
Feuerwehr: 122 Polizei: 133 Rettung: 144 rztenotdienst: 141

sterreichischer Austauschdienst (AD, Austrian Exchange Service )

Heinrichstrae 37/1 8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 31 87 82

Finanzamt der Stadt Graz

Conrad-von-Htzendorf-Strae 15-18 8018 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 881-0

Studienbeihilfenbehrde (Stipstelle)
Metahofgasse 30 8020 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 81 33 88-0

Fremdenpolizei
Paulustorgasse 8 8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 888-2162

Studierendenanwaltschaft
Tel.: 0800 / 311 650 (gebhrenfrei) Fax: 01 / 53 120-7895 e-mail: [email protected]

Grazer Verkehrsbetriebe (GVB)

Zeitkartenbro Hauptplatz 14 8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 887-408

Tourismus - Information
Graz - Steiermark - Information: Grazer Tourismus GesmbH. Herrengasse 16 8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 80750 Hours: Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. or at the Hauptbahnhof

H Kindergarten (children day care)

Hochsteingasse 16 8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 380-2990

H Servicecenter
Schubertstrae 6a 8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 380-2990 www.oeh-servicecenter.at e-mail: [email protected]

Zentrales Meldeamt Graz (Central Registration Office)

Beethovenstrae 9 8010 Graz Tel.: 0316 / 872-5151

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