Fachhochschule Kärnten

Key Highlights

• Independent Austrian university of applied sciences with accredited bachelor’s and master’s programs
• Teaching locations in Villach, Klagenfurt, Spittal an der Drau and Feldkirchen
• Founded through the TECHNIKUM Kärnten association in 1993
• Official institutional name changes on 1 September 2026

Student Life & Environment

Student experience is spread across four Carinthian cities, so everyday life differs by program location. The university’s sports club organizes activities for students, employees and alumni, while its International Relations Office arranges excursions and social events for incoming exchange students. The official study guide also identifies student counseling, a Student for a Day program, career support and start-up facilities among the services available. Housing is generally arranged independently rather than assigned as part of admission. The university publishes dormitory and private-rental information for its locations. In Villach, the official housing page describes both single-room accommodation several kilometres from the campus and a privately operated residence next to the Villach site. It also notes that private-landlord lists are available at the different sites. Prices and availability should be confirmed directly with each operator before committing. Incoming exchange students can request accommodation assistance from the International Relations Office and are asked to make contact at least two months before arrival. Regular international degree students may contact the administrative office at their study site for local housing lists. Because campuses and residences are dispersed, students should compare the address of their program, transport options and lease conditions before choosing accommodation.

Location & Surroundings

The university is based in Carinthia, Austria’s southernmost federal state, with teaching in Villach, Klagenfurt, Spittal an der Drau and Feldkirchen. Villach, the location recorded for this database entry and the address of the central Info Center, hosts management and several engineering, technology and social-study activities. The campus lies in the St. Magdalen technology area outside the historic city center. Villach sits on the Drava River in the Alps-Adriatic region, near Austria’s borders with Italy and Slovenia. The university describes the city as a regional transport junction and an international high-technology location with connections between industry and applied research. Mountains and lakes shape the surrounding area and support outdoor recreation, but prospective students should distinguish the wider region’s attractions from facilities immediately adjoining campus. The multi-site structure is the main practical consideration. A degree advertised by the institution may be taught in another Carinthian city, and some subject areas use more than one campus. Applicants should confirm the program address before arranging housing. In Villach, official accommodation information shows that some residences require a bus or bicycle journey, while another is adjacent to campus but several kilometres from the city center.

Costs & Career Outcomes

For winter semester 2026/27, the official admissions page states a tuition fee of EUR 363.36 per semester for EU and EEA citizens and Swiss nationals. From winter semester 2026, students from third countries are charged EUR 500 per semester, subject to specified exemptions based on residence status or Austria’s Regulation on Groups of Persons. Every student must also pay the Austrian Student Union fee, whose amount is adjusted periodically. These figures concern tuition and compulsory student-union charges, not housing, insurance, food, transport or course-specific expenses. Housing costs depend on the study city and provider. The university’s current Villach housing page lists one nearby private residence from EUR 445 per month, with a EUR 750 deposit, but applicants should confirm current prices, availability and contract terms directly with the operator. Other residences, shared flats and private rentals are available, and the university maintains local landlord information. No institution-wide room-and-board package is presented. Career support includes an online job portal, job newsletters, CV and motivation-letter feedback, coaching and career events. The Meet & Match fair connects students and graduates with regional, national and international organizations. The Study & Work initiative links students with partner employers so that eligible participants can combine study and employment. These services may improve access to internships and early professional experience, but the university does not provide a universal employment or salary guarantee.