Off you go into the world – and take your studies with you
Discover new cultures, grow beyond your limits and enrich your degree with international experience – without extending your study time.
Your options at a glance
5 Benefits of a Study Semester Abroad
A study period abroad will help you grow academically and personally – and open doors for your future.
- Academic enrichment of your degree
- Full recognition of your achievements possible
- Improve your foreign language skills
- Gain intercultural competencies
- Strong asset for your CV
More Information on Procedure, Application & Funding
Erasmus+ and Joint Study
1. What both programmes have in common
- No tuition fees (exception: Joint Study “Fee-Paying” → reduced fees)
- Organisation & support by the International Office
- Credit transfer via a Learning Agreement
- Apply through Mobility-Online with up to 3 preferred universities
Deadlines
- Winter semester: 1 February – 1 March
- Summer semester: 1 September – 1 October
Selection criteria
- Grade point average
- Language proficiency (min. B1+)
- Motivation
- Personal interview
Important: If your application is accepted, participation in an information workshop is compulsory.
2. Erasmus+ (including Swiss-European Mobility Programme)
Countries:
- EU member states, Liechtenstein, Norway, Iceland, Serbia, North Macedonia, Turkey
- Switzerland: Participation via the Swiss-European Mobility Programme with approx. CHF 2,000 grant per semester
Funding:
- Erasmus grant (automatically applied)
- Green Travel Bonus for environmentally travel
- Additional support for students with fewer opportunities
- Online Linguistic Support (language tests & online courses before and during your stay)
Note: Mobilities to non-EU countries (e.g., UK) are only eligible for funding if “Erasmus” is explicitly stated in PIP.
Costs covered by Erasmus+ for students and graduates (login required, handbook on eCampus > chapter 6,2)
3. Joint Study
Countries:
Non-EU countries + Switzerland
Funding:
- No tuition fees
- For “Fee-Paying“ partner universities: reduced fees
- Switzerland: same as Erasmus via Swiss-European Mobility Programme
Special features:
- No Erasmus-specific bonuses (Green Travel, OLS)
4. How to apply (both programmes)
Step 1 – Choose your partner university
Step 2 – Submit your application
Step 3 – Selection process
- Attend interview & await decision
- If accepted: attend mandatory info workshop
5. Any questions?
The International Office will support you personally with planning and application.
Free Mover – Your Self-Organised Study Abroad
What does “Free Mover“ mean?
As a Free Mover, you study at a university abroad that does not have a partnership with USTP – University of Applied Sciences St. Pölten.
You organise your stay independently – from choosing the university to financing your studies.
Your path abroad – in 4 steps
1. Choose your preferred university & align your study programme
- Research a suitable university abroad
- Compare the study offer with your USTP curriculum
- Create a Learning Agreement and have it approved by your Academic Director
Detailed instructions:
eCampus > “General Courses“ > “Study Abroad“ > Study Semester Abroad Handbook > Chapter “Free Mover“
2. Register at USTP
Deadlines for internal registration:
- Winter semester: 15 March – 1 June
- Summer semester: 1 October – 30 November
Find registration documents on eCampus under “General Courses” > “Study Abroad”
3. Apply to the host university
- Apply directly to the university abroad
- Pay any tuition fees directly to the host university
4. Financing & scholarships
Any questions?
The International Office is happy to assist you with planning and answer all your questions about the Free Mover programme.
Listen to our podcast to find out how the International Office supports you on your way to your semester abroad.
Further Information & Requirements for Your Semester Abroad
Requirements
A semester abroad is a fantastic opportunity – and very achievable with us! Here you will find the requirements you need to meet:
- Academic progress: At the start of your stay abroad, you must be at least in the 3rd semester of your bachelor degree programme.
You can find the recommended semester for each degree programme here.
- Minimum stay: 2 months
- Enrolment status: During your stay abroad, you remain enrolled at USTP and are still required to pay your tuition and Students' Union (ÖH) fees.
- Language skills: You need a good command of the language of instruction in the host country (minimum level B1+ according to the “Common European Framework of Reference for Languages”).
- If the language of instruction is neither German nor English, you must submit a language certificate at level B1+ to the International Office by the end of the USTP’s internal application deadline.
- For French or Spanish, knowledge can be verified via a language test if no certificate is available.
These tests are organised by the International Office.
- Questions? Contact: outgoingstudents@ustp.at
- Repeat opportunity: In individually justified cases, a second semester abroad is possible.
- Academic requirements: You can find all necessary academic requirements here: Academic Requirements for Studying Abroad.
Selection Criteria for Applicants
In order for your application to be considered, the following criteria are assessed:
- Overall grade point average
- Language proficiency: minimum level B1+ according to the „Common European Framework of Reference for Languages“ at the time of USTP internal registration
- Motivation: motivation letter (max. 1 page per chosen university),
- Personal interview: applicants’ motivation and maturity will be evaluated
- Mobility: students going abroad for the first time have priority; mobility to your home country has the lowest priority
Process & outcome
- The result of the selection process will be announced within two weeks.
- All selected candidates will be invited to a workshop explaining the next steps.
- Additionally, all necessary information will be available on the eCampus.
Erasmus grant
Selected applicants studying at an Erasmus partner university must sign a Grant Agreement to receive an Erasmus grant.
Funding overview
- Monthly grant amount: varies depending on host country and year
- Additional support: students with fewer opportunities may receive extra funding
- Travel cost support: transport for arrival and departure by means of eco-friendly transport
Contact: International Office
Online Linguistic Support (OLS)
OLS supports students and graduates within the Erasmus+ programme in acquiring language skills.
- Language assessment: before and after the stay
- Interactive online courses: improve language skills before and during the stay abroad
Further information: OLS website
Contact: International Office
Switzerland
Switzerland does not participate in the Erasmus programme. Study and internship stays at Swiss partner universities can be funded through the Swiss-European Mobility Programme with approx. CHF 2,000 per semester (currency converter).
Payment is made directly via the Swiss universities.
Useful links for studying abroad
1. General
2. Europe
3. USA
4. Asia
