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Study options for students in Upper Austria
Upper Austria is not only a hub of innovation and industry – it’s also home to some of the most forward-thinking and internationally connected universities in Austria. Whether you're interested in technology, business, social sciences, arts, or applied sciences, the region offers a wide range of study programs in English and German, tailored to meet the needs of a global student body.
With strong ties to leading companies, a high standard of living, and a vibrant student community, Upper Austria provides an ideal environment for academic success and personal growth. From the Johannes Kepler University in Linz to the Anton Bruckner University and other specialized institutions, students benefit from cutting-edge research, practical training, and excellent career prospects.
Explore your options and discover why more and more international students choose Upper Austria as their destination for higher education.
Evelyn Hetzinger
Study options
Anton Bruckner Private University
Anton Bruckner Private University in Linz is one of Austria’s five universities dedicated to music, drama, and dance. It offers personalized education for future performers, educators, and researchers in a modern, state-of-the-art campus on the Pöstlingberg. With around 850 students and over 500 events annually—from concerts and plays to jazz, dance, and lecture performances—the university plays a key role in Upper Austria’s cultural life. Its mission combines artistic excellence, academic rigor, and international outlook.
Catholic Private University Linz
The Catholic Private University Linz (KU) is a pulsating place of scientific reflection. In the courses of study in theology, philosophy and art studies, critical questioning and independent thinking are encouraged and demanded. The lecturers and students of KU Linz are therefore in constant dialogue with the philosophical, theological, social and art-scientific perspectives and challenges of our time. The private university has an optimal scientific and administrative infrastructure. All study courses offered in the fields of theology, religious education, philosophy and art studies are state-accredited and recognized throughout Europe.
Interdisciplinary Transformation University Austria
Founded in July 2022, Interdisciplinary Transformation University (IT:U) is one of Europe’s first public universities wholly dedicated to digital transformation in science, business, and society. Located in Linz, it offers a project-based, inclusive, and hands-on learning experience where students from diverse disciplines acquire digital skills—such as AI, robotics, and computational methods—to address real-world global challenges. IT:U’s innovative educational model is built around small interdisciplinary teams working in “Learn Labs,” fostering collaboration between fields like computer science, law, biology, design, and medicine . Its research agenda spans areas like geosocial AI, explainable AI, neuroscience, game theory, education technology, and more.
Johannes Kepler University Linz (JKU)
Founded in 1966, Johannes Kepler University (JKU) is Upper Austria’s largest public university, with around 24,000 students and over 2,200 staff across four faculties: Social Sciences, Economics & Business, Law, Engineering & Natural Sciences, and Medicine. Its suburban park-like campus in Linz offers a lively academic environment. Anchored in a strong economy, the JKU is a creative and internationally oriented university, inspired by technological advancements in the region. As Upper Austria’s largest educational institution, the university continues to pursue a progressive strategic plan aimed at showcasing academic excellence and ultimately becoming a leading European academic institution.
Private University of Education, Diocese of Linz
Private University of Education, Diocese of Linz (PHDL) offers initial teacher training, in-service, and continuing education grounded in a holistic, humanistic‑Christian educational philosophy that values each person’s uniqueness. Programs include Bachelor’s degrees for primary and secondary teaching, plus master’s and supplementary courses—such as Health Promotion, Neurosciences & Education, Art Therapy, Theatre Pedagogy, and Existential Pedagogy & Counseling—all state-accredited and aligned with Bologna standards. PHDL supports around 700 participants in part-time study and partners with roughly 57 universities in 33 countries for international exchange.
University of Applied Sciences for Health Professions Upper Austria (FH Gesundheitsberufe OÖ)
This university offers practice-oriented Bachelor’s, Master’s, and postgraduate programs across multiple campuses (Linz, Wels, Steyr, Ried, Vöcklabruck). With a strong emphasis on combining theory, science, and research with hands-on clinical experience, the university collaborates closely with regional healthcare providers such as Kepler University Hospital to ensure high-quality training. Its programs cover diverse health fields including physiotherapy, nursing, midwifery, biomedical analysis, and health management, all state-accredited and internationally recognized. Students benefit from modern facilities, innovative teaching methods, and extensive practical placements, developing not only scientific knowledge but also essential social and communication skills. This integrated approach equips graduates for excellent career prospects in Austria and abroad.
University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria (FHOÖ)
With over 6,000 students from around 60 countries, 70 internationally accredited degree programs, and about 450 faculty members engaged in research and teaching, the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria (FHOÖ) is a leading institution in the region’s higher education landscape. Its extensive network includes cooperation with over 250 partner universities worldwide and more than 1,000 industry partners, offering broad opportunities for international education, research, and career development. Latest research findings are directly integrated into teaching and project work, benefiting more than 600 external institutions. Six Centers of Excellence provide a foundation for innovative and industry-relevant research. Through agreements with partner universities, many students can earn double degrees, gaining an additional academic qualification alongside their FHOÖ degree.
FHOÖ is organized into four schools:
- School of Informatics, Communications and Media in Hagenberg
- School of Medical Engineering and Applied Social Sciences in Linz
- School of Management in Steyr
- School of Engineering in Wels
University of Art and Design Linz (Kunstuniversität)
The University of Arts Linz is an internationally active academic institution, engaging in the fields of fine arts, design and cultural studies. Its core values lie in the fundamental freedom of art and research, with a strong commitment to modern approaches and contemporary art. A strong focus on application and a great variety of partnerships with industry and cultural institutions ensure direct transfer of theoretical knowledge into practical contexts.
Its four departments — Fine Arts and Cultural Studies, Art and Education, Media Design and Space and Design — offer various programmes at Bachelor's, Master's and PhD level.
University of Education Upper Austria (PH OÖ)
The University of Education Upper Austria (PH OÖ) in Linz is the second-largest university college for teacher education in Austria. PH OÖ offers programs in primary and secondary teacher education—in cooperation with regional universities in Upper Austria and Salzburg—as well as vocational teacher education. Its curriculum also includes focus areas such as inclusive education and all in-service training for teachers in Upper Austria. By combining practical experience with scientific, research-based education, PH OÖ prepares teachers with the competencies required for teaching in diverse, comprehensive school environments. The programs address special needs education, intercultural perspectives, gender equality, and social disadvantage. PH OÖ holds a leading position in Austria in inclusive education and hosts the national center for this field.