Well prepared: start your studies with the Welcome Weeks

The Welcome Weeks offer an opportunity to get to know both the University of Graz and fellow students. Photo: Uni Graz/Kanizaj

A new academic year, new degree programmes, new students. The University of Graz is kicking off the 2026 winter semester with a modern range of courses. Several new programmes are being launched this year, including the Bachelor’s degree in Early Years Education, which combines vocational training with academic research. Three newly designed degree programmes in art history offer contemporary perspectives on artistic production – from the Old Masters to AI art. First-year students in particular can immerse themselves in university life and gather all the essential information even before the semester begins: during the Welcome Weeks starting on 1 September.

All those studying at the University of Graz for the first time are invited to take part in the Welcome Weeks from 1 September to 10 October 2026. Everything you need to know about studying is organised into two parts:

ONLINE from 1 to 18 September: The 4students Student Information Service is on hand to help with course enrolment, whilst other support services assist with a range of issues relating to student life.
ON CAMPUS from 23 September to 10 October: The programme includes guided tours, a welcome brunch, a Mario Kart tournament, a film night, yoga, a games night and the Radio Soundportal Freshers’ Party.

⇒ learn more

Art times three

First-year students on individual degree programmes will also be welcomed at their own welcome events in early October. In some faculties, it is not only the students who are new, but the degree programmes themselves. Take Art History, for example, which is launching modern Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes this winter term. The range of topics extends from a focus on historical traditions in Europe to an exploration of contemporary culture, photography and audiovisual media, as well as artistic production in other parts of the world.
The brand-new Master’s programme in ‘Musicology and Aesthetics of the Audiovisual Arts’ combines art and music studies. The University of Graz is thus taking on a pioneering role in the German-speaking world. Like art history, this programme is strongly practice-oriented. It addresses the growing significance of audiovisual productions and media formats in art and society.

Professionals for the youngest children

The professionalisation of training for nursery and kindergarten teachers is one of the University of Graz’s strengths. Following Austria’s first university Master’s programme in Early Years Education, which has been on offer since 2022, a Bachelor’s programme in Early Childhood Education is now also launching. Students learn how to support children effectively and engage with highly topical issues such as inclusion, digitalisation and critical attitudes towards power.

Psychosocial care

In close cooperation with the Medical University of Graz, the University of Graz is responding to the rising demand for psychotherapy by modernising the qualifications of professionals in this field. “With the joint Master’s programme in Psychotherapy, we are making Graz a leading centre for psychotherapy training in Austria,” emphasises Cathrine Walter-Laager, Vice-Rector for Studies and Teaching. “By combining the core strengths of two universities, students receive a top-class education and make a significant contribution to psychosocial care in Austria.”

Andreas Schweiger

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