IT:U launches its first master’s program for the 2025/26 academic year
On October 1, 2025, Interdisciplinary Transformation University (IT:U) launched its inaugural master’s program, Interdisciplinary Computing, welcoming 40 students selected from 325 international applications. Representing 18 countries—including Austria, Germany, Romania, Spain, Iran, Pakistan, India, and Nigeria—these students bring diverse academic and cultural backgrounds to the program. Designed for bachelor’s graduates from all disciplines, the two-year program builds foundational and advanced competencies in computer science, with a strong focus on artificial intelligence and data analysis. Delivered in small-group settings, it offers four areas of specialization and emphasizes the integration of cutting-edge digital technologies with interdisciplinary expertise.
“Studying at IT:U means bringing great curiosity and enthusiasm for digital technologies and AI. In the coming two years, our master’s students will learn to actively help shape the digital transformation. They will recognize needs, translate between domains, and spark innovation. Our learning model uses many methods—just not traditional lectures—and is therefore the key to developing the skills needed to shape the future sustainably”.
Stefanie Lindstaedt, founding president of IT:U
The first master’s program: Interdisciplinary Computing
With its first master’s program, IT:U is sending a strong signal for interdisciplinary higher education and future-oriented university training. At the core is project-based learning in the so-called LearnLabs, where students work hands-on with digital key technologies such as virtual reality, motion capture, robotics, and artificial intelligence. Depending on the chosen specialization—Designing Interactions; Digital Earth, Society, and Networks; Digital Humanities, Health, and Life Sciences; or Future Industries—they apply these technologies in projects based on real-world challenges. In doing so, they acquire not only technological competence but also the ability to think across disciplinary boundaries and to develop data-driven solutions for challenges in business, science, and society.
“The development of our Interdisciplinary Computing master’s program was an intensive and at the same time enriching process. It is fantastic now to witness the launch and the strong response from highly qualified students from all over the world. In this way, we are not only making a significant contribution to educating the skilled professionals and researchers of tomorrow, but also setting new standards for innovative higher education and scientific quality in the field of digital transformation”.
Gerd Krizek, Head of Study Portfolio & Student Affairs, IT:U
Interdisciplinary study at IT:U promotes gender equality
IT:U shows that STEM programs are far more than pure technology: “Our interdisciplinary approach in the master’s program connects digital competencies with fields such as social sciences, psychology, medicine, or art, thereby making the societal relevance and creativity of these disciplines visible. Especially for women, this opens up new, exciting perspectives that go beyond classic technical professions,” says Lindstaedt.
A proportion of just under 40% women among the master’s students in this first cohort underscores the interest in this new master’s program and the targeted promotion of women in STEM subjects. To interest even more women in this degree program in the coming years, IT:U will make the opportunities that an interdisciplinary course of study brings even more visible. Gender parity is the declared goal.
Welcome Days for a strong start
To kick off the master’s program, Welcome Days will be held from October 1 to 3. The focus is on campus and lab tours, getting to know professors and learning coaches, answers to questions about student representation, and much more. Workshops on intercultural learning, a city tour of Linz, and the IT:U Student Support team will help ensure a smooth arrival at the place of study.