Degrees offered
- PhD Computational X
- PhD Digital Transformation in Learning
- Master Interdisciplinary Computing
- Designing Interactions
- Digital Earth, Society and Networks
- Digital Humanities, Health and Life Sciences
- Future Industries
- Bachelor’s degrees are currently in development
- Certificate, continuing education, and professional programs are slated to be added in the future.
- To be the first to learn about new course offerings, join our mailing list!
Which academic title will I earn after I complete my degree?
- PhD in Computational x or Digital Transformation in Learning = PhD
- Master Interdisciplinary Computing = MSc
Do you accept applicants with a non-tech background?
- Yes! We welcome applicants from a variety of backgrounds. If you’re curious, motivated by hands-on learning, and ready to connect ideas across a variety of fields, IT:U is the place for you, regardless of what you’ve studied in the past.
- When applying at the master level, applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree (equivalent to minimum 180 ECTS).
- When applying at the PhD level, applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree and a master degree (equivalent to a minimum total of 300 ECTS).
- IT:U’s motto is “Come as you are.” We value and promote diversity in our team. Everyone is encouraged to realize their full potential, realize ideas and seize opportunities. Regardless of age, skin colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation or origin, we welcome applications from all people equally.
I’m interested in distance/remote learning options
- At this time, IT:U’s degree programs are held on-site in Linz
- Due to IT:U’s project-based learning and Learn Labs concept, it is necessary to be on-site for certain courses.
- Individual courses may be held online or in a hybrid model at the discretion of individual professors, but it is currently not possible to complete degree programs remotely.
I’m interested in studying part-time
- At this time, IT:U only offers full-time degree programs.
Tuition and fees
- At IT:U, we are proud to offer a tuition-free education for all students, regardless of country of origin.
- Tuition fees totaling €600/semester may be incurred after the recommended duration of the degree program plus two tolerance semesters.
- All students are obligated to pay the “OeH Beitrag” (Austrian Student Union Fee) each semester. This fee is €24,70.
Scholarships and funding
- Our scholarship programs are currently under development. More information will be shared as it becomes available.
- PhD positions are paid on a full-time (40 hr/week) basis
- PhDs receive a salary of €3.578,80 (gross, 14x/year)
Application FAQs
How to apply
- Login to the relevant application portal
- Prepare required documents (see “Required documents”)
- Complete application
- Submit application
- Please ensure that you have fully completed the application and uploaded all required documents. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
- Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interviews.
- Please note that unsolicited applications received by email or post will not be considered. Only applications received via the application portal will be considered.
I missed the deadline. Can I still apply?
- Unfortunately, we cannot accept late applications. However, we would invite you to apply during the next application cycle!
Required documents
- CV (in English)
- Proof of ID (passport/national ID card)
- Austrian/EU residency card, if applicable
- Bachelor’s degree certificate (original and certified translation to English or German)
- Bachelor’s degree transcripts (original and translation to English or German)
- Master degree certificate (original and certified translation to English or German)*
- Master degree transcripts (original and translation to English or German)*
- Letter of motivation (in English)**
- Digital Media (in English)
- Proof of English proficiency (optional)
- Supplementary documents (optional): additional certifications, previous ENIC-NARIC certificate, etc.
- *Only required for PhD applications
- **Master max. 1 page (approx. 500 words); PhD max. 2 pages (approx. 1000 words)
What should I write about in the motivational letter?
- For the motivational letter, we recommend writing about your academic background (including your strongest qualifications), your current computational skill level, your interest in this program and IT:U, and your academic/career goals. Your motivational letter MUST not exceed 1 page (approx. 500 words).
What should I include in my Digital Media?
- Your Digital Media could be a video, a podcast, a PowerPoint with a voiceover … Get creative!
- It should answer the following prompt: Describe an industrial/societal/global challenge that you are personally passionate about and explain how you believe participating in the Interdisciplinary Computing Master program will help you to address this challenge.
- Keep under 1 minute! Applications with digital media submissions longer than ONE minute will NOT be considered further.
- Make sure the audio is clear and be aware of background noise
- Upload the digital media online. You will be asked for a link in the application to where the media can be viewed. Make sure it is available!
- Professional grade audio and/or video recording devices will not better your chances (recording on a smartphone is sufficient as long as recording is clear!)
- IT:U aims to have a diverse body of students and works to actively support non-traditional and marginalized students. If there are any circumstances that may prevent you from the submission of the required digital media, contact us via and we will work together to find a solution for your case.
My bachelor or master is still in progress at the time of application. Can I still apply?
- Yes, if your degree is in progress and will be completed with the degree certificate and final transcripts issued by September (for Winter Semester start) or February (for Summer Semester start), we would encourage you to apply.
- You may upload your most recent transcripts and/or bachelor’s diploma in the relevant boxes as placeholders.
References
- PhD applicants should provide the contact information of 1-3 references.
- References could include, but are not limited to, master thesis supervisors, professors, and collaborators
- Have you been out of the academic world for a while and you’re worried you have no current academic references? We will also gladly accept references from managers, colleagues, and professional collaborators
- Please note that letters of recommendation are not required.
- References are not required for Master applicants
Language certificates
- IT:U’s working language is English, and courses are taught in English.
- C1 level English is required for admission.
- A certificate of English proficiency is recommended but not required.
- Please consult the table belwo for widely recognized English exams and how their scores compare to C1.
EXAM/FRAMEWORK | MINIMUM SCORE |
---|---|
CEFR | C1 |
UNICERT | III |
PEARSON PTE ACADEMIC | 76 |
CAMBRIDGE | 180 |
LANGUAGECERT | 75 |
TRINITY COLLEGE LONDON INTEGRATED SKILLS IN ENGLISH (ISE) PAPER | ISE III |
TRINITY COLLEGE LONDON INTEGRATED SKILLS IN ENGLISH (ISE) DIGITAL | 105 |
IELTS | 7.0 |
TOEFL ESSENTIALS | 10 |
TOEFL IBT | 95 |
TOEIC (LISTENING & READING) | 945 |
TOEIC (SPEAKING & WRITING) | 360 |
OTHER | – Native English speaker – Bachelor’s/Master degree taught in English – Certificate issued by a university language center at a university in the EU, EEA or Switzerland – An IB diploma awarded in accordance with the rules of the “International Baccalaureate – – Organization” with English as – Language A with a minimum grade of 6; – Language B with a minimum grade of 7 – Passing grade in English on the school-leaving certificate (such as a “Matura” or “Abitur”) issued by an educational institution recognized in the EU, EEA, or Switzerland |
- Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for an interview, which will assess English proficiency and fit with IT:U.
- We do not require proof of German proficiency.
When will I hear back about my application?
- The Program Committee aims to be as timely as possible when processing applications. However, we ask for your patience and understanding as we process applications. All applicants will be notified of their status once the Program Committee has completed their review.
What is the application timeline?
- Application opens
- Applications are reviewed by the Student Administration Team on a rolling basis to assess application eligibility
- Applications are passed on to the Program Committee
- Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for an interview
- Applicants will be notified of their status
- Programs will start in October (Winter Semester) or March (Summer Semester)
Entrance examinations
- In general, an entrance examination is not required.
- In exceptional circumstances, as reviewed by the President on an individual, case-by-case basis, an entrance examination could be required.
I have already completed some master or PhD courses and would like to have my credits transferred/recognized at IT:U.
- Credits may be transferred from other institutions on a case-by-case basis. Please contact to discuss credit transfer and course recognitions.
International Students
Deadlines
- Non-EU/EEA applicants: 30 April 2025
- EU/EEA applicants: 31 May 2025
I am a non-EU/EEA citizen (Third Country National), but I have a residency permit issued in an EU/EEA country. Where do I fit?
- If you are a Third Country National with a current EU/EEA residency permit, (for example: EU Blue Card, Rot-Weiss-Rot Karte, Aufenthaltsbewilligung–Student, etc), you are considered an EU/EEA applicant. You will be asked to upload a scan of your card as part of the application.
- If you do not have a current EU/EEA residency permit, you are considered a non-EU/EEA applicant.
- For questions, please contact
Do my documents need to be translated?
- If your documents were issued in English or German, or if your document was issued in multiple languages, wherein one of the languages is English or German, your documents do not need to be translated.
- In all other cases, IT:U recommends a certified translation to English or German for all documents. If your documents have not yet been translated at the time of application, please note that a certified translation to English or German will be required as a condition of admission.
Student Support
Visa support
- IT:U offers support for admitted students when it comes to navigating entry regulations, residency, and visa applications. Please contact with any questions.
- You can also find information via the OeAD (Austrian Governmental Agency for Education and Internationalization)
- Further information on cost of living in Austria: More information
I have questions about life in Linz
- Check out our student guide!
- For specific questions, please contact