We are trying our best to make the application process as easy as possible. However sometimes things that are obvious to us may not seem logical or clear to you. In this section you will find a list of questions which may help you regarding your application.

Q: Who should apply for the Summer School?

A: The Summer School is for advanced students, students with a bachelor degree or students working on their final thesis. Students from all faculties are welcome to apply.

Q: I am an undergraduate student in my first or second semester. Does that mean I cannot apply for the Summer School?

A: Students in their first or second semester are welcome to apply for the Summer School. All positions not taken by advanced students will be given to undergraduate students. This means you will have a good chance to participate if you send in your application.

Q: Is the Summer School for students only?

A: To apply for the Summer School, students have to prove that they are enrolled at university or a similar institution of higher education. If that is not possible for you, you can send an application form anyway and try to explain your special circumstances.

Q: I am not sure if my language skills will be good enough to attend the Summer School.

A: Please keep in mind that the language of instruction in seminars, lectures etc. will be English only! Therefore, fluency in English is a must! The Summer School is not an English language course!

Q: How much will I have to pay for attending the Summer School?

A: Beside your travel costs, you will have to pay a student participation fee of € 600, covering course costs as well as room & board for the entire two-weeks period.

Q: When will I have to pay the tuition fee & how?

A: If you are selected to participate in the Summer School you will receive an e-mail with further information (account numbers, due date to pay the tuition etc.). Only full payment guarantees valid registration.

Q: Will I get the tuition fee refunded in case I cannot join the Summer School?

A: Only in case of severe medical problems or illness or death of a relative/partner, 80% of your tuition fee will be refunded if you provide a medical record. There is no reimbursement in any other case.

Q: Is there a chance of getting a grant to cover the tuition fee and my travel costs?

A: Please check with your local university for funding possibilities.

Q: Who helps me with my travel arrangements?

A: Travel arrangements will have to be made individually. Browse the internet for relevant information on trains, busses, or planes, depending on you country of origin. Once in Austria check the section ‘Location/Tavel Infos’ on this homepage for detailed information on how to arrive at Seggau Castle.

Q: Will the Summer School take place in Graz?

A: No, the Summer School takes place in Seggau which is located 40 km south of Graz. However, you will visit Graz on a one-day excursion.

Q: What are the rooms like at Seggau Castle?

A: There will be double and triple rooms with en suite bathrooms for all students. Unfortunately there are no single rooms available.

Q: I come from a country belonging to the EU - do I still have to send a copy of my passport?

A: Yes! Please send all papers we ask for - no matter where you come from.

Q: My passport expires before the summer school and I have not renewed my passport yet. What should I do?

A: Please send a copy of your current (expiring) passport along your application with a short note explaining the current situation. And as soon as you will obtain your renewed passport, please send a scanned copy (via email) of your new passport.

Q: Who should write the letters of recommendation for my application?

A: The letters have to be written and signed by two of your university teachers.

Q: What should the content of these letters of recommendation be?

A: Within these letters, your university teachers should state why they think you are qualified for participation in the Summer School and why they recommend you.

Q: What should I write in the essay and how long should it be?

A: You should describe your motivation for attending the Summer School. Justify your choice of seminar and explain to which extent it is relevant for your studies.

Q: Can I attend more than one seminar?

A: No! Every student can choose only one of the offered seminars. It is not possible to change this selection during the Summer School either. However, there will be interdisciplinary talks and discussions that are open to students of all seminars.

Q: What kind of documents should I send regarding “certificates/diplomas”?

A: If you already obtained a certificate (e.g. bachelor or master degree) send a copy of this document. If you do not have a diploma yet, you have to send an academic transcript provided (and stamped) by your university. This transcript shows all exams you have taken and the respective grades. The transcript has to be in English or German. If your university does not provide an academic transcript in English (or German) you can send the original transcript and make an English translation yourself. Your translation, however, needs to be approved by your home university (signed and/or stamped). (We do not ask you to obtain an official or certified translation since this can be very expensive!). In addition to your academic transcript, please send a copy of your high school diploma, too (only if you have not obtained any bachelor or master degree yet).

Q: What kind of document is the “proof of enrolment”?

A: The proof of enrollment is issued by your university and it proves that you are enrolled in a university and thus, that you are student currently.

Q: Do I need to send all the required documents in duplicate (= 2x) or does only the application form needs to be send in duplicate?

A: Please send the application form twice (1 original + 1 copy) and all the other required documents in duplicate!

Q: When do I have to send in my application form?

A: The application deadline is March 28^th 2012, this means that your application has to have reached Graz University by this date. It is important that you post your application well in advance so that the Office of International Relations in Graz receives it before the deadline expires.

Q: Can I send my application via e-mail?

A: No! Only complete applications containing all required documents via conventional mail (snail mail) will be accepted. However, you can announce via e-mail the upcoming arrival of your application.

Q: What kind of documents do I have to send with my application?

A: Please look at the ‘Application’ section on this website to find all relevant details regarding documents. The first page of the application form also contains details and information.

Q: When will I get the information whether I was selected or not?

A: You will receive this information via e-mail as soon as possible. We will try to finish the selection process by April, 2012. Please be sure you have provided a valid email address in your application form so we can contact you.

If you have any further questions that are NOT mentioned in this section, do not hesitate to contact us  directly!