Get ready for your study exchange at MCI

Get ready for your study exchange at MCI

Now that you’ve decided for MCI - The Entrepreneurial School®, take some time to familiarize yourself with our processes and get ready for your student experience.

Video: IRO | #getready | for your Study Experience at MCI

IRO | #getready | for your Study Experience at MCI

Application as an incoming exchange

Nomination

The application process starts when coordinators from your home university nominate you as an exchange student on our online-nomination platform. If your international coordinator does not have an account yet, please ask them to contact incoming@mci.edu.

Upon approval we will confirm your nomination. 

After the nomination deadline (April 1/ October 1), you will receive your login data for the online application process. (Don’t forget to check your spam folder.)

Online Application

The application is divided into two phases:

Phase 1 — Personal data and document upload:

  • Log in with your MCI application credentials to the online application platform.
  • Enter your personal information and upload all required documents.

Please prepare the following documents in advance:

  • A scan (in JPEG or PDF format; maximum size: 3 MB) of your official transcript of records.
  • A scan of your identification card (ID or passport - in JPEG or PDF format; maximum size: 3 MB)
  • Language proficiency certificate OR MCI online English test (see English Requirements)

Phase 2 — Learning Agreement creation (program and course selection):

  • Select one MCI degree program and choose your courses to create your Learning Agreement.
  • Business-oriented courses may also be available in other programs (e.g., Management, Communication & IT, Management & Law).
  • You may choose courses from one MCI degree program, plus courses from the International Program if desired.
  • Course places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. If a course is not visible on the platform, it is already full.

For engineering students only: In case it is not mentioned on your transcript of records, please also upload a list of courses you are currently enrolled in at the point of application.

Subsequently, your learning agreement will be generated and emailed to you. Make sure to sign your learning agreement and have it approved, signed and stamped by the coordinator at your home institution. Digital signatures are also accepted. Then, upload the signed learning agreement again onto the platform. If your coordinator does not approve your learning agreement, you will have to reselect your courses on the MCI application platform. Once you have completed the application, you will receive your letter of acceptance within one week.

 

Please keep in mind the application deadline (May 1 / November 1).

Courses in English

You may choose courses up to 30 ECTS per semester from one degree program plus our International Program (optional). Our degree programs range from business, social sciences to engineering. There is no minimum amount of ECTS that you need to take from our side. 

  • International Program courses are on Bachelor’s level, but can be taken by Bachleor’s & Master’s students. 
  • Bachelor’s students may take undergraduate/Bachelor’s level courses only, in addition to courses from the International Program (and, if they wish, a German language course).
  • Master’s students may take courses at graduate/Master’s level OR undergraduate/ Bachelor’s level, including courses from the International Program (and, if they wish, a German language course).
  • Please understand that you can only be admitted to courses from our Master programs in case you completed 180 ECTS at the beginning of the exchange. In case you did not complete 180 ECTS at the time application starts, we do suggest the following procedure:
  • Attach your up-to-date transcript including all credits which you completed until this date; also include a short written statement from your coordinator, confirming that you will complete 180 ECTS before/at the time starting your studies at MCI. With this confirmation we can further process your application (we will ask you for your transcript including 180 ECTS before the start of your exchange).

Here you can find the courses that we offer in English, sorted by degree program (please note that not every study program offers courses in English in both semesters): www.mci.edu/courses-in-english 

English Requirements

All incoming exchange students* are required to show English language proficiency. We accept the following standardized tests:

 

 

Bachelor

Master

CEFR Level

B2

C1

TOEFL iBT

75

85

TOEFL pBT

540

560

IELTS Academic (on-site or online)

5.5

6.5

PTE Academic 

50

65

Cambridge English Business Vantage (BEC)

Vantage - 160

Higher - 180

Cambridge English Advanced (CAE)

160

180 (CAE) or 200 (CPE)

Oxford Test of English

111 in all skills

120 in all skills
LanguageCert Academic 60 75

 

  • The above minimum scores apply to all band scores (listening, reading, writing and speaking) and the total score.
  • We can also accept a statement from your home university’s English teacher attesting your CEFR English proficiency.
  • *Students whose native language is English (including French-Canadians) or who are enrolled in a program fully taught in English at their home university are not required to hand in a standadized test score.

 

Diversity, Inclusion & Accessibility Services

At MCI, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse community where every student is supported, respected, and able to thrive. You can learn more about our initiatives and values on our Diversity & Inclusion website.

If you have a study-related impairment that may require accessibility support or possible modifications of examination methods, we encourage to follow the steps below so that we can provide the support you need.

  1. Inform us of your study-relevant impairments during the online application.
  2. Download and complete our "Confirmation of study-relevant impairments"
  3. Ask a licensed medical professional to review and sign the form. Please understand that we cannot accept existing confirmations from your home university.
  4. Ensure the form is filled out in English.
  5. Submit the completed form here before the start of your exchange period.

This helps us provide you with the right support and ensure your learning experience at MCI is as inclusive and accessible as possible.

If you have any questions, you can contact incoming@mci.edu at any time.

 

Letter of Acceptance

An official Letter of Acceptance will be issued only after you have successfully completed all steps of our online application.

Please note that once you receive your Letter of Acceptance we will plan with your attendance for the respective exchange semester or academic year. 
In case your plans have changed and you will not be joining us for this semester, please let us know, so we can plan accordingly.

Before arrival

Accommodation

Book your room immediately after receiving your confirmation of nomination. More information and the legit dorm providers can be found HERE.

  • Make sure that you read the section "Student Accomodation Service" with tips on how to prevent you from being a victim of any scams or fraud.
  • If a student dorm asks you to upload a letter of acceptance, you can upload the nomination e-mail (“Your nomination for study exchange at MCI Innsbruck”) in the meantime and add the letter of acceptance to their platform once you have received it.
Health Insurance

Citizens of EU/EEA countries and Switzerland have to bring their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) – this card affords you emergency insurance coverage in Austria. To be on the safe side, please check with your national insurance provider to make sure that you actually have/get this card before coming to Austria and that your insurance is valid in Austria throughout your stay.

Citizens of all other countries (“third countries”) also have to have international health and accident insurance valid in Austria (visa/residence permit requirement). As you do not have the EHIC card, you have to purchase international insurance for your time in Austria prior to coming here. Check very carefully what your insurance covers (are all sports injuries covered? Is repatriation covered? etc.) and check with the Austrian Embassy/Consulate General if your insurance is acceptable for your visa or residence permit.
It is also possible to purchase health insurance for students in Austria for approximately EUR 70 per month. However, the minimum duration of this Austrian insurance plan is six months and not all student are eligible. Should you plan to buy Austrian insurance once you are here, please make sure you get a travel insurance for entering the country and for the first few weeks here.

For more information on insurance for international students, please see OeAD’s website.

Timetable and Holidays

Your preliminary timetable will be available approx. one month before the start of your semester.

The timetable and calendar will be visible on your MyMCI account.

MCI does not hot have fixed holidays besides the national Austrian Holidays and the Christmas break between December 24 – January 06.

Your timetable will very much depend on the courses you have selected.

Activation of your MCI Student Account

You will receive the log-in data for your MCI student account one month before your semester starts, which must be activated. Make sure to check all your e-mail folders (including the SPAM folder) in case you haven’t received it.

The login data for the application platform will NOT be valid anymore.

Upon activation, you will have access to myMCI (your preliminary time table), Sakai (online learning platform) and Webmail. It is your responsibility to stay at MCI until the official end of the semester due to probable changes in schedules and exam dates during the semester.

For simple access to your MyMCI account, please feel free to dowload the MyMCI App after activating your MCI student account.

Download from Google Play

Download for IOS devices

Course Selection

There will be a course selection prior to your studies (about 2 weeks before the start of the semester), in which you will meet up online with your study advisor from your study department to:

  • Solve possible course overlaps
  • Make course adaptations & changes if wanted or necessary
  • You need to sign up for this meeting via our online learning platform SAKAI. You will receive the link & further instructions via e-mail.  
Administrative & Student Union Fee

All students in Austria are automatically members of the Austrian Student Union (ÖH) and have to pay a mandatory fee per semester.

  • For details on the services the Austrian Student Union (ÖH) offers, please see the website of the ÖH.
  • In addition, MCI also charges an administrative fee, covering some course materials and administrative support.
  • Both the Austrian Student Union and the administrative fees together make up EUR 50. For more information please review the Austria Student Union (ÖH) website.

You will receive further instructions on the payment via e-mail shortly before the semester starts.

Route Planner (How to get to Innsbruck)

By train or bus

Innsbruck is easily accessible by train and bus. The main station is about 10 mins. from the city center. For more information visit following websites:

By plane

Innsbruck airport is very close to the city center. The bus F brings you directly into town in approx. 10-15 mins.

In addition to Innsbruck airport, Munich and Vienna are the two larger international airports near Innsbruck:

  • Munich airport to Innsbruck: by train, bus (see above) or by airport shuttle (e.g. Four Seasons Travel).
  • Vienna airport to Innsbruck: by plane or train 

If you would like to calculate your carbon footprint and reimburse it, please check this website.

Things you need to bring

Here’s a short list of things you need to bring:

  • valid passport (and visa and/or residence permit, if applicable)
  • proof of valid health and accident insurance
  • proof of sufficient financial means for your stay in Austria (e.g. proof of stipend/scholarship, credit card or bank statement, financial support letter from your parents in English or German, etc.)
  • nationals of “third countries”: (copy of) acceptance letter from MCI
  • cash (in Euros) for your first days in Austria
  • credit card and/or debit card
  • any paperwork your university requires you to complete while in Innsbruck (if applicable)
German & other Language Courses

MCI’s Language Center offers German language courses at various levels as well as other language courses.

During the application for incoming exchange students, there is the possibility to add the German language course to your learning agreement. 
However, having the course on your learning agreement is NOT a registration.

For all language courses, a separate registration on the website of the MCI Language Center is necessary.
A course fee of 95 € (for regular courses once a week) / 150 € (for the intensive course twice a week) applies.

  • For the registration, you will have to login with your MyMCI data. Make sure to have activated your account beforehand.
  • Then you will see the courses offered in the respective semester and the exact course dates.
  • Once registered, you will receive a confirmation via e-mail.

Please note that the registration deadline for the language courses always ends before the official start of the semester, so make sure not to miss it! A registration after the deadline has passed is not possible!

Checklist for Incoming Students

Please find HERE the checklist for incoming exchange students

Upon arrival at MCI

Mandatory Orientation

All students are required to attend the mandatory orientation days during the first days of the official semester dates.

You will have also have the opportunity to participate in various optional social activities during the orientation week (e.g. guided city tour, welcome dinner, etc.).

More information about the sign up for the optional activities and the schedule for the mandatory orientation sessions will be sent out by e-mail shortly before the start of the semester.

 

For simple access to your MyMCI account and timetable, please feel free to dowload the MyMCI App.

Download from Google Play

Download for IOS devices

Administrative Tasks

Confirmation of Enrolment: 

  • Your confirmation of enrollment can be found within the section "Documents" of your MyMCI account. The document should visible on the MCI App and the web-version of your MyMCI account.

 

After your arrival in Innsbruck, you are required to fulfill certain legal obligations.

Mandatory for all students within 3 business days:

Mandatory for eu/eea/swiss citizens who are staying for more than 3 months (within 4 months):

Students from outside European Union who stay in Austria < 6 months.

  • make sure to carry your passport including your visa with you at all times
  • Visa D entitles you to stay in Austria for up to 6 months (check dates of your visa); visa cannot be renewed in Austria
  • entitles you to travel to other “Schengen countries” for up to 90 days during its validity period
  • Important: carry passport including visa and residency registration form (“Meldezettel”) with you at all times

Please note that there may be fees which are charged by presenting a foreign travel document. For more information on the fees, please visit this website: 

https://www.innsbruck.gv.at/en/leben/willkommen-in-innsbruck/an-um-abmeldung/wohnsitzmeldung

Erasmus+ Documents

This information is only valid for Erasmus+ students.

Erasmus Code: A INNSBRU 08

Learning Agreement:

  •  Contact Information: Coordinator: Daniel D’Assisi / Mail: incoming@mci.edu

Confirmation of Arrival: 

  • A Confirmation of Arrival can only be signed after your arrival
  • Usally your home university provides you with a specific document to be signed.
  • To receive a signature you can either: drop by in person, at the MCI I, International Relations Office (2nd floor) [Please adhere to our opening hours posted by the door] OR send us an email with the request for a signature.
Public Transportation

Public Transportation Ticket Options:

  1. Innsbruck (Innsbrucker Verkehrsbetriebe – IVB) Semester ticket (<27) - only valid for the city of Innsbruck region
  2. Tirol (Verkehrsverbund Tirol – VVT) Semester ticket (<27) - valid for the whole region of Tirol (including Innsbruck) 
  3. KlimaTicket Tirol U26 Valid for 12 months (<27) - valid for the whole region of Tirol (including Innsbruck)

When buying the semester ticket online, please make sure to include this information:

  • Marticulation number: the first number on your student ID (the one that starts with a “5”)
  • Your name & birthdate
  • Postal code: use your postal code from home, which you have entered in the online application 

Alternatively, you can also buy the ticket in the physical ticket shops – there you need to download your “confirmation of registration” from your myMCI (under “documents”).

Make your Stay Sustainable

Together with you as a student, we want to be part of a sustainable future. As part of the largest stakeholder group in our community, you can make a meaningful contribution to a sustainable environment, both in your everyday life and with your commitment and support for our university’s efforts in this area. https://www.mci4me.at/en/student-life/sustainability-mci

Erasmus Student Network (ESN) & Austrian Student Union (ÖH)
  • The federal representation of the Austrian National Union of Students (ÖH) is the representation of all students at universities, private universities, universities of applied sciences and universities of education. The MCI ÖH offer academic peer support as well as various social activities and fun get-togethers. 
  • Erasmus Student Network (ESN) is one of the biggest interdisciplinary student associations in Europe. ESN fosters cultural exchange, inclusion, and personal development by offering guidance, events, and activities that help students integrate into their new academic and social environments. Click here for more information on the ESN Innsbruck activities.

Both organizations offer a wide variety of welcome events at the beginning and throughout the semester.

Sports

The USI (University Sports Institute Innsbruck) offers a great variety of sports classes which students can sign up for.

The following steps have to be followed for registration:

  • Open your myMCI account and go to Private sphere to authorize the digital transfer of the personal data required for online registration for USI courses.
  • Following authorization, the required data will be made available to the USI database within one day. Then use this link to enter a login password for course registration in the section "Nicht LFU".
  • What to enter: use the long mci4me e-mail address e.g. your.name@mci4me.at; this e-mail address is listed as your “alternative e-mail address” on myMCI under Profile/mci4me Account.

Information on the course offer can be found here: https://usi.uibk.ac.at/usi/page
Unfortunately, it is only available in German – ask your buddy for help to navigate through the website.
The registration for the classes usually opens shortly before the semester starts (late September for fall semester / late February for spring semester).

Moreover, the ÖH (student union) also offers some courses and also have e.g. a soccer team. Further information: https://oeh-mci.at/en/events/  

Before departure

Housing
  1. Inform your dormitory authorities / your landlord of your departure; return your keys, etc.; make sure your rent is covered for the entire period agreed upon in the rental contract.
  2. Deregister at the town hall (“Rathaus”) within three business days before you leave Innsbruck (bring your "Meldezettel" form and passport).
    Deregistration Form (same as Registration Form), Translation Deregistration Form

Wohnsitzmeldung 

Attention: Please keep the deregistration confirmation, as your dorm may ask you for that paper!

Erasmus+ Documents

This information is only valid for Erasmus+ students.

Do you need a signed Confirmation of Stay (also referred to as: Certificate of Attendance)?

This form lists your arrival and departure dates. Your home university may provide you with a template, otherwise we can issue an MCI document.

You can either:

  • visit our office (MCI I, International Relations Office, 2nd floor) to obtain a signed paper version. Please adhere to the opening hours posted at the door.

OR

  • Send us your form electronically. We only sign documents received via E-mail, if you attach a document showing your date of departure (e.g. train ticket, bus ticket, deregistration form, etc.).

We will only provide signatures (electronic or paper) up to 5 days before or after your departure.

For any other paperwork with MCI for your university (e.g. Learning Agreement After Mobility), please also stop by our office or send us an e-mail.

Transcript of Records

You can download a digital version of your transcript of records by following these steps:

  • Open your myMCI app.

  • Go to the “Grades” section.

  • Tap the “Plus” (+) button in the bottom right corner.

  • Select “Request Transcript” to download your transcript of records.

  • For detailed steps please view the IT Knowlegde Base Guide


In case you need us to send the transcript of records directly to your home university, please send us an e-mail.

Austrian Grading System

The Austrian grading system ranges from 1-5, where 1 is the best grade and 5 is a fail.

 

The grades refer to the following percentages:

90%-100%

1 (pass)

80% - 89%

2 (pass)

70% - 79%

3 (pass)

60% - 69%

4 (pass)

0%-59%

 5 (fail)

Retake Exams

The following rules apply to retake exams:

  • If you have received a passing grade (1-4), it is not possible to retake an exam to receive a better grade.
  • You may retake an exam twice (= three attempts for every exam). The second retake exam will be an oral exam in front of a commission.
  • Unjustified absence from an exam leads to failing the exam (=one less retake possibility).
  • Most retake exams are scheduled after the official end of the semester and may need to be taken in person in Innsbruck at MCI.
  • Missing a submission deadline for a paper leads to negative grading.
Exchange Program Evaluation

As your last duty as an MCI exchange student, please complete our online Exchange Program Evaluation on your exchange experience.

Miscellaneous
  • Don’t forget to close your Austrian bank account (if you have one) and make sure to pay any outstanding dues beforehand (rent, internet/cell phone fees, etc.). 
  • Disposal of clean and usable personal belongings at a local charity called WAMS Sammelstelle Innsbruck (Reichenauerstrasse 80, Innsbruck ; Phone: 0512 / 391 559; open: Mo – Fri, 08:00-17:00, Sat 09:00-13:00). They accept clothes, linen, bed sheets, pillow cases, shoes, bags, suitcases, kitchenware, lamps, mirrors, books, skis/snowboards and boots, hair dryers, shaving kits, coffee machines, toasters, etc. 
  • For disposal of  furniture go to the local charity called HoRUCK.
  • If you want to donate clean clothes only, you can put them into a plastic bag and throw the bag into a yellow WAMS container that you will find all across Innsbruck.

Frequently asked questions

Can I choose courses from different degree programs?

Students may choose courses from ONE degree program only (due to probable time clashes). They may supplement these courses with courses from our International Program (optional).

Undergraduate/bachelor level students cannot take courses from a master’s degree program.

Can I add/drop courses once the semester has started?

Yes, students are free to add or drop courses during the first few days of the semester.

When do I need to arrive in Innsbruck for my exchange semester/year?

You can find updated semester dates in the section “Academic Calendar”.
We ask students to arrive in Innsbruck at least one day prior to the start of the semester as mandatory orientation days are held in the first few days.

Are there any scholarships available for exchange students?

MCI does not offer scholarships to exchange students. Exchange students must apply for a scholarship in their home country (e.g. Erasmus scholarship). This also holds true for the "Ernst Mach Grant for studying at an Austrian University of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschule)". Exchange students from outside Europe taking master's courses or who have already completed two years of university education are eligible for this scholarship.

For more information on scholarships, please go to www.grants.at.

Are there any other fees for exchange students?

Yes, each exchange student is required to pay an administrative fee of 50 EUR, which covers costs like course material, etc. as well as the membership fee for the Austrian Student Union (Österreichische HochschülerInnenschaft - ÖH). Furthermore, MCI offers activities for students during the semester (e.g. excursions) which are subject to extra charges.

Is the attendance of the courses mandatory?

Yes. Attendance is mandatory at the MCI. You need a minimum attendance of at least 75% per course.

Some courses even require 100% attendance, e.g. laboratory courses; (in some courses/programs, you need 75% minimum attendance per lecturer plus 75% minimum attendance per course as a whole).

How are my course grades calculated?

Grades range from 1 to 5; 1 is excellent and 5 is a fail grade

Grade 1: excellent (90% and more)
Grade 2: good (between 80% and 89%)
Grade 3: satisfactory (between 70% and 79%)
Grade 4: pass (between 60% and 69%)
Grade 5: Fail (less than 60%)

When are the final exams held?

This largely depends on the courses you choose - so it’s hard to say when your final exams will be held. Exams can be held immediately after the course has taken place i.e. during the semester or towards the end of your semester. Thus, we advise you to book your departure after the official end of the semester. Exams (first attempt) take place during the regular semester, retake exams are scheduled after the regular semester dates.

How often am I allowed to retake an exam?

Twice. However, retake exams are often scheduled after the end of the official semester; so you would need to come back to Innsbruck for your retake. You can only retake an exam if you have failed in your first attempt.

When will I get my transcript?

Please follow the instructions in the section "Before departure" to download your transcript. An original transcript will be sent via post upon specific request only.
Students who take courses offered by our Language Center may download their course certificate directly at myMCI.

What are the estimated costs of living in Innsbruck per month?

Housing including utilities (single room; studio apartment): EUR 500 - 1000
Food and drinks: EUR 400 - 500
Public transportation: EUR 35
Cell phone: EUR 15
Internet, if not included in rent: EUR 20 - 50
Miscellaneous (books, leisure activities, trips, personal expenses etc.): EUR 400


Your expenses may range between €1,370 – €2,000 per month. The numbers above are rough estimates which may vary depending on individual lifestyle choices.

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