International

Exchange - Incoming

MCI - The Entrepreneurial School^® is a leading destination in the west of Austria for international students. Each year we welcome more than 350 incomings from our extensive partner network.

Imagine a semester or two in the hub of the Alps surrounded by breathtaking mountains, pristine beauty, crystal clear lakes and endless adventure. Fun isn’t it? Come & Study with us for a semester or two and be part of our incoming bubble.

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

Visit us @

International Relations Office

MCI I, second floor

Universitaetsstr. 15

6020 Innsbruck

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IRO | #getready | for your Study Experience at MCI

Helpful Links

Courses in English

Fact Sheet for incoming students (pdf | 406.58K )

Checklist for incoming students (pdf | 435.63K )

All you need to know!

Important dates

	Fall semester	Spring semester
Nomination Deadline (for partner universities)	April 01	October 01
Application Deadline (for international exchange students)	May 01	November 01

Academic Calendar

Following Dates include the orientation program, courses and exams (first attempt).

MCI does not have a university-wide lecture-free periods. Days off will depend on the study program you choose & your time table.

Your preliminary time table will be online one month before the start of your program and available on your myMCI account (changes are possible during your course selection at the beginning of the semester and further small changes might occur during the semester).

Academic Year 2024-25

Fall semester 2024
BSc Mechatronics; BA Nonprofit, Social & Health Care Management; MA Entrepreneurship & Tourism:
September 02, 2024 – December 20, 2024

BSc Digital Business & Software Engineering; MSc Industrial Engineering & Management; MA International Business & Management; MA International Health & Social Management; MA International Business & Law:
September 02, 2024 – February 22, 2025

All other programs that offer courses for exchange students:
October 02, 2024 – February 22, 2025

Spring semester 2025

March 03, 2025 – June 30, 2025
All study programs that offer courses for exchange students.

Academic Year 2025-26

Fall semester 2025
BSc Mechatronics; BA Social, Health & Public Management; MA Entrepreneurship & Tourism:
September 02, 2025 – December 20, 2025

MSc Industrial Engineering & Management; MA International Business & Management; MA International Health & Social Management; MA International Business & Law:
September 02, 2025 – February 21, 2026

All other programs that offer courses for exchange students:
October 01, 2025 – February 21, 2026

Spring semester 2026

March 02, 2026 – June 30, 2026
All study programs that offer courses for exchange students.

Courses in English

MCI offers an education that equips students for future success and inspires them to make a difference.

Students may choose courses up to 30 ECTS per semester from one degree program plus our International Program (optional). MCI degree programs range from business, social sciences to engineering.

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 spring semester): www.mci.edu/courses-in-english

Time Models:

Study programs can be organized either part time (PT) or full time (FT). PT means that courses will mainly take place either in the evening during the week or on weekends full day (Thursday to Saturday). In FT study programs, courses take mostly place during the week. Find detailed information on each study program on www.mci.edu/courses-in-english.

Part Time Models:

Bachelor Digital Business & Software Engineering: online two times a week in the evening and some on-campus sessions on weekends.

Master Industrial Engineering & Management: mostly Fridays and Saturdays on-campus.

Master International Business & Law: mostly Fridays and Saturdays on-campus + one online evening session during the week.

Master Entrepreneurship & Tourism: Wednesday to Friday (sometimes Saturday) on-campus.

Master Social Work, Social Policy & Management: Wednesday to Friday (sometimes Saturday) on-campus.

Master International Business & Management: depending on the specialization you choose:

- Innovation & Sustainability and Financial Management courses are part-time (Friday & Saturday, on-campus)

- Digital Business and Marketing Management courses are full-time (mostly during the week)

Full Time Models:

All other programs are considered full time programs. Their courses take mostly place during the week.

All information is subject to change without notice or obligation.

English requirements

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

TOEFL: TOEFL iBT: minimum score 85; TOEFL PBT: minimum score 550
In addition to TOEFL iBT scores from a single test date, MyBest scores taken from valid test scores within a two-year period are also accepted. Minimum Score 20 in each of the areas (reading, listening, writing and speaking)
IELTS or IELTS Online: minimum overall band score 6.0
Cambridge English Business Vantage (BEC Vantage): A/B in all four skills; alternatively, students may submit a BEC Higher exam result
Cambridge English Advanced (CAE): A/B in all four skills; alternatively, students may submit a CPE exam result
PTE Academic: (PTE): minimum overall score 50

Oxford Test of English: minimum score of 111 in all 4 skills

Alternatively, we also offer an online English test free of charge. Details on our online test and the required scores are provided during the application period.

*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 take our online English test.

German Language Course

MCI's Language Center offers German language courses (approx. 100 EUR) for international students at various levels worth 2 ECTS credits. For more information, check our:

Language Center

German courses are also offered at the following institutions:

BFI Tirol
Ing.-Etzel-Straße 7
Tel.: +43 512-59660
Email: info@bfi-tirol.at
Web: www.bfi-tirol.at

Inlingua Tirol
Südtirolerplatz 6 / 4. Stock
Tel.: +43 512-562031
Email: info@inlingua-innsbruck.at
Web: www.inlingua-tirol.at

Internationales Sprachenzentrum der Universität Innsbruck (ISI)
Innrain 52f, Bruno-Sander-Haus, 1. Stock
Tel.: +43 512-507-36401
Email: isi@uibk.ac.at
Web: www.uibk.ac.at/isi

Volkshochschule Innsbruck
Ursulinenhof, Markgraben 10
Tel.: +43 512-588882-0
Email: innsbruck@vhs-tirol.at
Web: www.vhs-tirol.at

WIFI Tirol
Egger-Lienz-Straße 116
Tel.: +43 5-90905-7000
Email: info@wktirol.at
Web: www.tirol.wifi.at

Route Planer

By plane:
The three big international airports near Innsbruck are Munich, Frankfurt, and Vienna.
Flying into Innsbruck is the fastest way to get here, but it might also be the most expensive. Innsbruck airport is very close to the city center. Bus F brings you directly to the city center in approx. 10-15 minutes.

By train:
Innsbruck is also easily accessible by train. The main station is about 10 mins. from the city center. For more information visit the website of the Austrian Railways company ÖBB. Frequent train services are also available from Vienna and Munich airport.

By bus:
Flixbus from all over Europe or the airport shuttle Four Seasons Travel from Munich airport.

MCI Student Stories | Xinyang He (Incoming)

Ask us @

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 choose courses from different semesters but from the same degree program?

This is possible but not recommended due to probable time clashes.

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.

How are my course grades calculated?

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

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?

You are entitled to an official Transcript of Records (ToR) at the end of your studies. Your ToR will be sent via email directly to the International Office of your home institution. 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 400 - 700
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

In total, the average monthly cost of living for students is approximately EUR 1,250. The numbers above are rough estimates which may vary depending on students’ lifestyle.