Johannes Kepler University Linz (JKU) is one of Austria’s leading public universities and the largest university in Upper Austria. The Johannes Kepler University has four faculties and one hundred twenty seven institutes, offering undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in business, engineering, law, science, social sciences and medicine. If you have been searching for Johannes Kepler University Linz admission procedure for international students for a bachelor’s degree or for a master’s, this guide covers every stage of the process.
This blog is about sponsorship and funding options for students worldwide so as well as the admission procedure itself we have included practical detail about tuition fees, scholarships and the additional steps that third country nationals specifically need to plan around.
About Johannes Kepler University Linz
The Johannes Kepler University of Linz is a public university located in Linz, Austria, that was founded as the College of Social Sciences, Economics and Business in 1966. The university is divided into four schools, the Linz Institute of Technology, the Linz School of Education, the Business School and the Kurt Rothschild School of Economics and Statistics. Each focus of study is different, from the cutting edge of engineering research to teacher training and business leadership programs.
JKU has grown considerably since its founding and now operates across two locations. The main campus opened in 1966 and hosts most of the university's academic and research facilities, while the second location, the JKU Med Campus, opened in 2021 and is where students of the Faculty of Medicine gain real life clinical experience at the Kepler University Hospital.
Do You Need a Visa Before You Apply?
It is worth clarifying early that admission and visa processes at JKU run separately, with admission coming first. You need a confirmed offer of admission before you can begin any visa or residence permit application, so the sequence described in this guide always starts with the academic side of the process before turning to funding, fees, and residence arrangements toward the end.
General Admission Requirements for International Students
Before diving into the separate bachelor's and master's procedures, it helps to understand the baseline documents almost every international applicant needs to prepare. International applicants to Johannes Kepler University Linz must satisfy several requirements, starting with possession of a valid international passport, since any other official government ID may only be accepted if it carries a photograph and the signature of the applicant.
Academic documentation requirements differ by level of study. For applicants to bachelor's courses, secondary school certificates must be submitted, and in cases where the applicant is still in their final year of education, a provisional certificate can be uploaded instead. For applicants to master's courses, degree certificates from a bachelor's program at a recognised international university are required, along with detailed grades and transcripts from the applicant's most recent degree, certified by the relevant school or university authorities.
Document certification requirements also vary by country of origin. Documents issued in many Western European countries generally do not need additional certification, while all other certificates must be certified or notarised in the country of origin by the relevant public authorities, so it is worth confirming the exact certification route required for documents issued in your specific country well before your intended application deadline.
Undergraduate Admission Procedure at JKU
The bachelor's admission route at JKU follows a structured sequence, with a few important variations depending on your citizenship and educational background.
Step 1: Choose Your Bachelor's Programme
JKU offers a wide range of bachelor's programs across its four schools. Before applying, students should thoroughly research the programs offered at JKU to find the one that best fits their academic and career goals, since the university's website provides detailed information about each program, including its curriculum, language of instruction, and specific admission requirements.
Step 2: Confirm You Meet the Academic Requirement
For undergraduate programs, applicants generally need a high school diploma that qualifies for university admission in their home country. Bachelor's degree programs of at least three years, awarded by a post-secondary institution in Austria or another country, will also count as an academic qualification for enrolment in certain progression routes, and supplementary examinations can be taken to fill academic gaps where required.
Step 3: Meet the Language Requirement for Your Programme
Many undergraduate programs at JKU are taught in German, requiring proficiency demonstrated through recognised tests such as the ÖSD, the Goethe-Zertifikat, or TestDaF. For programs taught in English, proof of English proficiency through tests such as IELTS or TOEFL is required instead. It is worth checking the specific language of instruction for your chosen bachelor's program early, since most undergraduate degrees at JKU remain German medium, unlike a growing share of postgraduate offerings.
Step 4: Register Through the JKU Application System
If you are an international student and wish to enrol as a degree seeking student to pursue an academic degree at JKU, you must first apply for admission. Please note that there are special admissions procedures if you hold educational qualifications from Germany, South Tyrol, or Liechtenstein and would like to enrol in a bachelor's degree program, so applicants from those specific regions should check the dedicated guidance for their qualification type rather than following the general international route.
Admissions to JKU are handled online, and the general procedure involves creating your account and choosing your intended major, before completing the remaining steps and paying the mandatory Austrian Student Union fee along with any applicable tuition fees.
Step 5: Submit Any Additional Program Specific Documents
Some programs might have additional requirements such as entrance exams, interviews, or specific prerequisite courses, so it is worth reviewing the exact requirements listed on your target program's page rather than assuming every bachelor's course follows an identical process.
Postgraduate Admission Procedure at JKU
Master's admission at JKU follows a broadly similar overall structure to undergraduate admission but with a different set of academic prerequisites and, for many programs, greater flexibility around the language of instruction.
Step 1: Confirm Your Bachelor's Degree Meets the Requirement
For master's programs, applicants generally need a bachelor's degree relevant to their intended field of study. Degree certificates from a bachelor's program at a recognised international university are required, along with detailed grades and transcripts from your most recent degree, certified by your school or university authorities.
Step 2: Meet the Language Requirement for Your Chosen Programme
Master's applicants need to demonstrate proficiency in whichever language their chosen program is taught in. In Linz, both English and German serve as languages of instruction, so you may need to prove your language proficiency through standardised tests such as TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo for English, or through the ÖSD for German, depending on the language of instruction for your specific program. Specific score requirements can typically be found on the admissions requirements page of the university, and it is worth checking whether a dedicated language requirements page for international students exists for your program.
Step 3: Prepare Supporting Documents Specific to Postgraduate Applications
Institutions offering master's programs, including JKU, might also ask for a statement of purpose, a curriculum vitae or resume, and letters of recommendation, alongside your core academic transcripts and language proof. It is sensible to prepare these supporting documents well in advance, since strong, well written statements and references can take considerably longer to finalise than transcripts or test scores.
Step 4: Register and Submit Your Application Online
Similar to the undergraduate route, master's applicants complete their registration and application through JKU's online system, selecting their intended program and uploading the required documents. Since the admissions procedure varies depending on your citizenship and educational background, it is important to read through the specific instructions for your situation very carefully before applying, and JKU maintains separate guidance pages for applicants registering with international educational qualifications at bachelor's and master's level respectively.
Step 5: Await Your Admission Decision
Processing your application can take several months, so it is strongly recommended that you submit your application as early as possible rather than waiting until close to the relevant deadline, particularly if you also need time afterward to arrange a residence permit.
Application Deadlines and Intakes
JKU operates on the standard Austrian academic calendar with two main intakes each year. The application deadline for the winter semester, which typically starts in October, generally falls around early July, while the application deadline for the summer semester, which typically starts in March, generally falls around early January.
There are two intakes at the university, covering the summer and winter semesters, and the acceptance rate of the institution is approximately fifty six percent, which reflects a moderately competitive but accessible admissions environment compared with some more selective European universities. Given the multi month processing time noted above, applying as close to the opening of the application window as possible, rather than near the deadline itself, gives you the best chance of a timely decision.
Documents Checklist for International Applicants
Based on JKU's own published guidance and common requirements across similar Austrian universities, prepare the following documents before starting your application.
- Valid international passport or an accepted equivalent government issued photo identification
- Secondary school leaving certificate for bachelor's applicants, or a provisional certificate if still completing final year studies
- Bachelor's degree certificate and detailed transcripts for master's applicants, certified by the issuing institution
- Certified or notarised translations of any documents not issued in a recognised Western European country
- Proof of German language proficiency through ÖSD, Goethe-Zertifikat, or TestDaF for German taught programs
- Proof of English language proficiency through IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo for English taught programs
- Statement of purpose, curriculum vitae, and letters of recommendation for many master's programs
- Proof of payment of the Austrian Student Union fee and any applicable tuition fee once admission is confirmed
Tuition Fees at JKU
One of the most attractive features of JKU for many international students is its relatively low cost compared with universities in many other countries. Johannes Kepler University Linz is one of the tuition free schools in the city, meaning students are generally only required to pay registration and other study fees, which remain relatively low for most EU and EEA students within their standard study duration.
The situation is different for students from outside the EU and EEA. Degree seeking students holding Austrian, EU, or EEA citizenship are exempt from tuition fees when completing their studies within the designated period of study outlined in the curriculum, plus two additional tolerance semesters, while third country nationals, with some exceptions, are subject to tuition fees.
Tuition fees for students outside the standard duration of studies plus tolerance semesters stand at three hundred sixty three euros and thirty six cents per semester, while third country nationals pay seven hundred twenty six euros and seventy two cents per semester, based on the last published update for the winter term. In practical terms, international students should generally budget around seven hundred twenty six euros and seventy two cents per semester at the institution, though exact figures should always be confirmed directly with the university, since fee levels are periodically reviewed. On top of any tuition fee, all students are required to pay the mandatory Austrian Student Union fee each semester, regardless of citizenship or tuition exemption status.
Program specific fees can also differ. For example, the tuition fee for certain master's programs, such as an MS degree popular among international applicants, has been reported at around one thousand four hundred fifty two euros for the full duration, with such postgraduate programs typically running for around twenty four months.
Scholarships and Financial Support
JKU offers a range of scholarships aimed at supporting different categories of students throughout their studies. Study Grants are intended for postgraduate students working on their dissertations, covering incidental costs not otherwise covered by the university, with amounts ranging between seven hundred fifty and three thousand six hundred euros.
The Graduation Scholarship is awarded to bachelor's and master's students who are close to completing their degree and have only a few examinations remaining, providing financial support during this final phase of study. The MORE Scholarship for Refugees at JKU Linz, sponsored by Borealis AG, a company based in Vienna, provides a stipend between one hundred ten and three hundred thirty euros per month, depending on the residence status of the awarded student.
The Department of Gender and Diversity Management also awards two scholarships specifically to driven and talented female students studying within engineering and the natural sciences, reflecting the university's broader efforts to support underrepresented groups within its technical and scientific faculties.
Support Services for International Students
Once admitted, international students at JKU have access to a range of support structures designed to ease the transition into Austrian academic and daily life. Support services offered to international students include a career centre, help with accommodation, medical care, study zones, IT services, and scanning and copy services, alongside the office of student information and academic advising which offers all necessary general support.
JKU offers on campus accommodation to students through a total of eleven dormitories, with additional support available for students seeking off campus accommodation. Career development is also well supported. The JKU Career Center functions as a one stop career support solution for students, offering guidance, professional consulting, and other support, alongside the Karriere News job magazine available for students, and the JKU Job Exchange Board connects students and alumni with prospective employers for full time and part time jobs and internships, alongside an annual internship challenge offering paid internships with leading companies.
It is important to understand which office to approach for which type of question. The IWC, the university's international welcome centre, is not involved directly in the admissions process itself, so for specific questions regarding the application, processing time, or required documents, you should contact the Admissions Office directly, which provides information about admission requirements, qualifications for admission, and tuition fees.
Popular Degree Programs at JKU for International Students
The table below summarises a selection of popular bachelor's and master's programs at JKU, along with their general language of instruction, typical duration, and broad entry requirement. Always confirm exact current details for your specific program and intake directly with the JKU Admissions Office, since requirements and available languages of instruction can change between academic years.
| Programme | Level | Language of Instruction | Typical Duration | General Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business and Economics | Bachelor's | German | 3 years | Secondary school certificate, German proficiency via ÖSD, Goethe-Zertifikat, or TestDaF |
| Computer Science | Bachelor's | German, with some English taught modules | 3 years | Secondary school certificate, German proficiency |
| Law | Bachelor's | German | 3 to 4 years | Secondary school certificate, German proficiency |
| Mechatronics | Bachelor's | German | 3 years | Secondary school certificate, German proficiency |
| International Business Management | Master's | English | 2 years | Relevant bachelor's degree, IELTS or TOEFL |
| Data Science | Master's | English | 2 years | Relevant bachelor's degree in a quantitative field, IELTS or TOEFL |
| Mechatronics (MS) | Master's | English or German depending on track | 2 years | Relevant engineering bachelor's degree |
| Medicine | Diploma or Doctoral track | German | Multi year program based at the JKU Med Campus | Secondary school certificate, German proficiency, entrance examination |
Tips for a Smooth Application
- Start gathering your academic documents and certified translations at least six months before your intended intake, since processing can take several months
- Confirm the exact language of instruction for your target program before booking a language test, since German remains the dominant language for most bachelor's degrees
- Keep your contact details active and check your email regularly during the review period, since JKU may request additional documents or clarification
- Apply as close to the opening of the application window as possible rather than waiting until the deadline, given the multi month review process
- Contact the Admissions Office directly for any specific questions about your application, since the international welcome centre is not involved in admissions decisions
- Research scholarship opportunities early, particularly the Graduation Scholarship and Study Grants, since some awards are tied to specific stages of your degree
Getting Started With Your JKU Application
The Johannes Kepler University Linz procedure for admission for international students, whether at undergraduate or postgraduate level, rewards early preparation, accurate document certification, and close attention to the specific language and academic requirements of your chosen program. Confirm your eligibility, gather your certified documents, and submit your application as early as possible within the relevant intake window to avoid unnecessary delays.
When you are ready to begin, you can start your application directly through the official JKU international students admission page, which also links to the specific registration routes for bachelor's and master's applicants with international qualifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the basic admission procedure for international students at JKU Linz?
The procedure involves choosing your program, confirming your academic and language eligibility, registering and submitting your application through the JKU online system, providing certified academic documents, and paying the Austrian Student Union fee along with any applicable tuition fee once admission is confirmed.
Do I need to speak German to study at JKU?
Most bachelor's programs at JKU are taught in German, requiring proficiency demonstrated through tests such as ÖSD, Goethe-Zertifikat, or TestDaF. A number of master's programs are taught fully in English instead, requiring proof of English proficiency through tests such as IELTS or TOEFL.
Is JKU tuition free for international students?
JKU is tuition free for Austrian, EU, and EEA students within their standard period of study plus two tolerance semesters. Third country nationals are generally required to pay tuition fees, reported at around seven hundred twenty six euros and seventy two cents per semester, alongside the mandatory Austrian Student Union fee that applies to all students.
How long does the JKU admission process take?
Processing an application can take several months, so it is strongly recommended to submit your application as early as possible within the relevant intake window, particularly since document certification and translation can add further time for applicants outside Western Europe.
What documents do I need for a master's application at JKU?
Master's applicants generally need a bachelor's degree certificate and detailed transcripts certified by their issuing institution, proof of relevant language proficiency, and in many cases a statement of purpose, a curriculum vitae, and letters of recommendation.
Does JKU offer scholarships for international students?
Yes, JKU offers several scholarships, including Study Grants for postgraduate students working on dissertations, a Graduation Scholarship for students close to completing their degree, the MORE Scholarship for Refugees, and dedicated scholarships for female students in engineering and natural sciences.
What are the application deadlines at JKU?
The application deadline for the winter semester, which starts in October, typically falls around early July, while the deadline for the summer semester, which starts in March, typically falls around early January. Exact dates can vary by program and by academic year.