University of Graz

The University of Graz, which was founded in 1585, is Austria's second oldest university and one of the largest in the country. Many excellent scientists, amongst them six Nobel laureates, have taught and researched here.

With 32,500 students and 4,000 employees the University of Graz contributes significantly to the vibrating life of the Styrian capital. Its location in Europe encourages a lively scientific, economic and cultural exchange with South-East Europe, from which not only the city benefits, but also its educational institutions.

A great number of students from other countries contribute to diversity at the University of Graz. Over 3,000 international students have opted for education in the fields of science and research at the University of Graz. The official teaching language at the University of Graz is German, so candidates should be qualified for C1 level (according to CEFRL). The doctoral programme in Natural Sciences is offered in English.

The second oldest university in Austria was founded in 1585 by Archduke Charles II of Inner Austria, initially with just two faculties, those of philosophy and theology in a Jesuit college; in 1778, the faculty of law was established. After the college had been turned into a lyceum, Emperor Francis I re-established the institution as Karl Franzens University in 1827, to which in 1863 a faculty of medicine was added. Today’s campus dates back to 1870.

The flourishing scientific life was severely damaged in 1938, when numerous teachers, amongst them Nobel laureates Otto Loewi, Viktor Hess and Erwin Schrödinger, as well as some third of the students were expelled by the Nazis. From the 1960s onwards, the number of students steadily increased.

Programmes by Faculty

• Faculty of Catholic Theology
• Faculty of Law
• Faculty of Social and Economic Sciences
• Faculty of Arts and Humanities
• Faculty of Natural Science
• Faculty of Environmental and Regional Sciences and Education
• Interdisciplinary studies
• Joint Degree