International Center
The International Center at FERNFH promotes international perspectives in student life, teaching, and research. We foster intercultural competence, academic mobility, and cross-border collaboration.
Our goal: to provide students, faculty, and staff with international perspectives and opportunities for exchange. We do this by supporting international projects and building partnerships across borders.
As a university committed to a cosmopolitan, digital, and socially just education, we are dedicated to making international experiencesaccessible to everyone —regardless of background, place of residence, or mobility. It is particularly important to us to provide access to those who are often excluded from international opportunities.
That is why we support our community on its journey toward active international participation and toward becoming reflective, forward-looking global citizens.
Our Four Pillars of Internationalism
Since FERNFHspecializesin hybriddistance learning, it also specifically offers low-threshold internationalization formats that are time-limited, supported online, or partially virtual.
This makes international experiences accessible even to those who, for family, professional, or financial reasons, are unable to participate in traditional study abroad programs.
International Focus in Academic Programs
International aspects are an integral part of our degree programs. For example, this is reflected in internationally oriented course content, as well as practical and academic perspectives provided by our faculty members who work internationally. The culturally diverse perspectives of our students are also incorporated into the programs.
Intercultural Learning Environment
Diversity and cultural diversity are important values at FERNFH. Our community embodies interculturalism through openness, respect, and collaborative partnership. About 10% of our students are international students from countries such as Italy, Switzerland, Slovakia, Germany, and Poland.
International Networking
FERNFH collaborates with and expands its network of international partner institutions. This opens doors to joint projects, collaborative initiatives, and new perspectives.
Mobility for Everyone
Whether it’s a study abroad program, an online program, or a hybrid format, FERNFH students, faculty, and staff also have the opportunity to gain international experience—in a flexible and personalized way.
Outgoing
International Experience – Broadening Horizons
We enable our students, faculty, and staff to learn, teach, and work across national borders. Outgoing mobility programs offer the opportunity to discover new cultural and academic perspectives, build an international network, and grow both professionally and personally.
Erasmus+
If you are a distance learning student and would like to study abroad through Erasmus+, you can find all the information you need at the International Center on the Online Campus.
Freemover
If you're interested in studying abroad as a freemover, we highly recommend the website www.wearefreemovers.com.
Here you'll find a wealth of information, from A for "Application" to S for "Scholarships" and "Support." Maybe your dream destination or university is among them?
Scholarships
The Department of International Higher Education Cooperation and the National Erasmus+ Education Agency at OeAD administer a number of outgoing scholarship programs.
Bachelor's degree
Master's degree
- Austria-Slovakia Exchange Program (Outgoing)
- Austria-Czech Republic Campaign (Outgoing)
- Austria-Hungary Program (Outgoing)
- Scholarships for Research Stays at Taiwanese Universities (Diploma or Master’s Students)
Graduate students, PhD students, and postdocs
Latest News
You can find announcements, calls for applications, scholarships, and summer/winter schools in the “International Centre” course on the Online Campus.
Go to the course: International Centre | OC (Access is also available as a guest on the Online Campus)
Incoming
Welcome to FERNFH—where internationalism is lived out in a digital and inclusive way
As a university with an innovative blended learning model, we warmly welcome international students, faculty, and staff. Incoming students enrich our learning and work culture with new perspectives, diverse experiences, and intercultural exchange.
Application
To apply to participate in individual courses as part of a mobility program, a Virtual Exchange program, or as a freemover, please contact the International Center at ic@fernfh.ac.at
Application Deadline
- The application deadline for winter semester courses is June 30.
- The application deadline for summer semester courses is November 30.
Entry into and Residence in Austria
Please check the " Entry and Residence" section to see if you need a visa or other residence documents to enter and stay in Austria.
Erasmus+
You can find all the information about Erasmus+ in the Erasmus+ section.
Ernst Mach Scholarship
Ernst Mach Scholarship – Worldwide
This scholarship program is aimed at young researchers and university faculty members from all disciplines who are studying or conducting research outside of Austria and would like to carry out a research project in Austria.
- Target audience: Young researchers from all disciplines who are studying or conducting research outside of Austria
- Duration: 1 to 9 months
- Maximum age: 35 years
- Submission deadline: Online applications can be submitted from October through February 1 of the following year
- Note: Courses at FERNFH are generally taught in German.
Further Information
FAQ: Ernst Mach Scholarship – Worldwide
Ernst Mach Scholarship for Study at an Austrian University of Applied Sciences
This scholarship program is open to undergraduates and graduate students (bachelor's and master's students) from universities outside Europe who wish to study at an Austrian university of applied sciences.
- Target audience: Undergraduates and graduate students (Bachelor's and Master's students) studying at a university outside of Europe
- Target institution: all Austrian universities of applied sciences (seehttp://www.fachhochschulen.ac.at/)
- Duration: 4 to 10 months
- Maximum age: 35 years
- Submission deadline: Online applications can be submitted from October through February 1 of the following year
Further Information
FAQ: Ernst Mach Scholarship at the University of Applied SciencesFreemover
You can find more information about Freemover@FERNFH here.
Public Transportation to the Wiener Neustadt Campus
You can easily reach FERNFH in Wiener Neustadt by train from all major cities and airports in the surrounding area. From the train station, it’s about a 350-meter walk (4 min). You can find more information on our travel information page.
Language Skills
Courses at FERNFH are generally taught in German. A sufficient understanding of German is therefore required to participate in a degree program or individual courses. If German is not your native language, you can only be admitted to a degree program or individual courses if you have the appropriate German language skills (Level B2 CEFR).
See Common European Framework of Reference for Languages | Europass
Or the “German Language” section at the International Center on the Online Campus.
Here's where you can improve your German skills:
- We highly recommend the German courses offered by the Language Center at the University of Vienna. Many participants use these German courses to prepare for their studies at an Austrian university or to apply their newly acquired knowledge in a professional setting. Most courses are offered online or in person on campus. German Courses at the University of Vienna | University of Vienna Language Center
- The best part: FERNFH students get a 25% discount on the course fee! You can find more information here: sprachenzentrum.univie.ac.at
- Or you can take an in-person course in Wiener Neustadt at the VHS Wiener Neustadt—see Courses—VHS Wiener Neustadt.
- The “Mein Sprachportal” language portal of the Austrian Integration Fund offers German language learning programs and is available in ten languages: German, English, French, Turkish, Bosnian-Croatian-Serbian, Hungarian, Romanian, Polish, Arabic, and Dari/Farsi. It also provides an overview of German courses and certified German language institutes in Austria and abroad. The portal also offers online exercises and materials for children learning German, as well as free live training sessions. Language Portal | Learn German – Language Portal
In addition, the International Center is also available to help you find other language courses outside the university—just send an email to ic@fernfh.ac.at.
Student Handbook & Course Catalog
Here you'll find our Student Handbook & Course Catalog, which contains useful information and a list of all courses offered at FERNFH.
Networking within the international community at FERNFH
If you want to improve your German language skills and network with other international students , you are welcome to enroll in the following course on the Online Campus: Course: International Centre | OC.
Admission Requirements
- For admission to a full degree program within a degree cycle (Bachelor’s, Master’s), you can find the admission requirements under “Admission Requirements – FERNFH.”
- To participate in individual courses as part of a study abroad program or mobility program, you must be enrolled in a degree program at the same level of study at your home institution and have a Learning Agreement for credit mobility.
Freemover@FERNFH
Study for one semester at FERNFH
Freemover@FERNFH primarily offers students who are studying while working or who have caregiving responsibilities and are from abroad—and who would like to or are required to spend a semester abroad—the opportunity to gain experience with us and complete their studies without having to change their place of residence for an entire semester or year.
A cooperation agreement between the home university or college and FERNFH is not required for this.
Application
Please send inquiries and applications directly to the International Center at FERNFH by email at ic@fernfh.ac.at.
After consulting with you and the respective degree program(s), you will receive a Letter of Acceptance. It will list the courses you have selected, the semester in which they will be taken, and the ECTS credits to be earned.
FERNFH will receive a Learning Agreement from you that has been signed by both you and your home institution (a document from your home institution confirming the credit transfer and recognition of the courses you have completed at FERNFH).
After that, the administration will enroll you as a freemover, and you will receive your training agreement for freemovers.
Required documents:
- Photograph
- Proof of enrollment at a college or university
- Proof of the highest level of education completed
- Passport
Application Deadlines
The application deadline for thewinter semester isJune 30, and for thesummer semester, it isNovember 30.
ECTS Credits & Grading
All courses at FERNFH are assigned ECTS credits. 1 ECTS credit represents approximately 25 hours of student work. The workload for one academic year is measured at 60 ECTS credits, and that for one semester at 30 ECTS credits.
Grades are assigned on a scale of 1 to 5, where
- outstanding performance is graded as a 1 (very good),
- generally good performance, rated 2 (good),
- A balanced performance with a few critical errors, rated 3 (satisfactory),
- Performance that just meets the minimum requirements is graded a 4 (satisfactory), and
- Inadequate performance is graded as a 5 (unsatisfactory); it requires the work to be redone.
Entry and Residence
Please check under Entry and Residenceto see if you need a visa or other residence documents to enter and stay in Austria.
Freemover Tuition
The tuition fee for Freemover students is €400 per semester (plus the ÖH fee).
Proof
The Transcript of Records will be issued to you immediately after you complete your “semester abroad.”
In-Person Days
Whether or not you, as a freemover, are required to travel to FERNFH for in-person sessions is determined by the respective program director(s).
Language
All courses at FERNFH are taught in German. If German is not your first language, you can only be admitted if you have the required proficiency in German (Level B2). You can find more information here.
Student Handbook & Course Catalog
Here you'll find our Student Handbook & Course Catalog, which contains useful information and a list of all courses offered at FERNFH.
Erasmus+
FERNFH’s intercultural and international focus is not viewed as a “supplementary offering,” but rather as an integral part of our social responsibility toward our students and staff. Active participation and networking within the European Higher Education Area are key elements of our strategic objectives.
In this context, the Erasmus Charter for Higher Education (ECHE) opens new doors and opportunities and serves as the basis for participation in the Erasmus+ program.
The European Policy Statement (EPS) describes the Erasmus+ strategy, objectives, and impact at FERNFH.
Funded by the European Union. However, the views and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or OeAD-GmbH. Neither the European Union nor OeAD-GmbH can be held responsible for them.
Incoming
In order to study at FERNFH as an incoming student under the Erasmus+ program, there must be a cooperation agreement in place between your home institution and FERNFH. Please check with the International Office at your home institution for more information.
Application
Generally, you apply through your home university, which then nominates you for the FERNFH.
Once you have been successfully nominated by your home university and by FERNFH, you can email your application materials to the International Center (ic@fernfh.ac.at).
Application Deadline
For the winter semester, May 31.
For the summer semester, November 30.
Application Materials
- Current Transcript of Records
- Photograph
- Letter of Motivation
- Proof of the highest level of education completed
Entry and Residence
Please check under Entry and Residenceto see if you need a visa or other residence documents to enter and stay in Austria.
Learning Agreement
The courses you plan to take must be approved by your home university and signed by you, your home university, and the International Office.
Courses
Here you’ll find our student handbook and course catalog, which contain useful information and a list of all courses offered at FERNFH.
In-Person Days
You can find the dates for the on-campus information days on the respective program pages on the website.
Language
All courses at FERNFH are taught in German. If German is not your native language, you can only be admitted if you have the required German language proficiency (Level B2). You can find more informationhere.
Outgoing
If you are a distance learning student and would like to study abroad through Erasmus+, you can find all the information you need at the International Center on the Online Campus.
EADTU
FERNFH is a member of the European Association of Distance Teaching Universities, the leading institutional network for open, digital, and distance-learning-based higher education. Its members include, among others, the Open Universities across Europe (UK, NL, …), the FernUniversität in Hagen, and the Swiss Distance Learning University.
Through its collaboration within the EADTU, FERNFH strengthens international exchange in teaching, research, and higher education development. The focus is on innovative educational programs, flexible access to higher education, and the promotion of equal opportunities and cross-border cooperation within the European Higher Education Area.
Contact
If you have any further questions, you can contact the FERNFH International Center at any time via ic@fernfh.ac.at.
