Get ready for your full-degree studies at MCI

Get ready for your full-degree studies at MCI

All you need to know

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.

Before Arrival

Upon Arrival / During your stay

FAQ

Before Arrival

Online Pre-Arrival Session

Congratulations on your acceptance to MCI!

As you will be joining us as an international student for a full-degree program from September/October 2026 onwards, you have perhaps even started working on your relocation to Innsbruck, Austria.

In order to support you with your change of residence, we are planning an Online Pre-Arrival Session to discuss issues related to your visa, accommodation, insurance, and more.

 

Meet us on March 30, 2026 at 02:00 pm/ 14:00 (CEST).

 

We would like you to register for this event. Please sign up HERE.

Please note: This event is compulsory for non-EU students!

 

See you soon online!

 

Academic Calendar (When to come to Innsbruck?)

Two semesters constitute an academic year. Our academic calendar varies from study program to study program. So, look up the dates on the website of your selected study program. You are expected to arrive a bit earlier so that you can participate in your respective orientation program.

Roughly, the semester dates are as follows:

  • Fall semester:
    Beginning of September – End of December
    Beginning of October - End of January/mid-February
  • Spring semester:
     Beginning of March – End of June
  • Pre-arrival Online Session:
    End of March to clarify open questions for NON-EU students (visa, insurance, accommodation, buddies, etc.) and to help you plan your academic stay in Austria
  • Orientation Session:
    End of August/ Beginning of September for students starting in September
    End of September / Beginning of October for students starting in October 
Visa and Health Insurance (What to consider?)

Non-EU-Nationals

If you are a non-EU national, you should apply for your visa i.e. “Visa D Residence Permit – Student“ as soon as you have been accepted and secured your place by paying your tuition fees. The visa procedure in general takes three months or more. Check with the respective Austrian embassy in your country in terms of documents and visa appointment.

You are expected to have health insurance coverage for your entire stay in Austria. Details will be discussed at the pre-arrival online sessions as well as can be found HERE.

EU-Nationals

Your EHIC card can be theoretically used in any EU country, however, we’d advise you to get the S1 form from your home insurance provider and hand in that form at the ÖGK (Austrian Insurance provider). Based on this form they will issue you an Austrian e-card (insurance card). This entitles you to all medical services Austrians are provided. By using just your EHIC card the services provided in Austria may be limited.

Accommodation (Where to live in Innsbruck)

Book your accommodation immediately after receiving your acceptance letter. More information and the legit dorm providers can be found HERE. Make sure that you read “Tips & Tricks” to prevent you from being a victim of any scams or fraud.

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. Bus F brings you directly into town in approx. 10-15 mins.

In addition to Innsbruck airport, Munich and Vienna are the two big 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.

Upon Arrival / During your stay

Your MCI buddy

Starting your studies at MCI and arriving in Innsbruck can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone!

With Your MCI Buddy, international students can register to be matched with a fellow student who supports you during your first days and weeks in Austria.

Your buddy can help you with everyday and bureaucratic matters such as:

  • Pick-up upon arrival in Innsbruck

  • Registration at the local registration office (Meldeamt)

  • Opening a bank account

  • Buying the IVB semester ticket or advantage card

  • Registration with the health insurance provider, and more

Buddies are available approximately two weeks before the start of the semester, so you can begin your studies well prepared and feel at home from the very beginning.

Get your MCI buddy and...

REGISTER NOW!

Orientation Days

Now that you're about to start your studies and join the MCI Community, we invite you to take part in our Orientation Days! These events will help you settle in, meet fellow international students, and get all the essential information about your studies and life in Innsbruck.

 

Upcoming Orientation Dates 2026

  • August 31, 2026 Online Orientation Day

    (for study programs starting in September)

  • October 1 and 2, 2026 Onsite Orientation Days

    (for study programs starting in October)

     

     

Join us to gather detailed insights on move-in essentials, explore MCI – The Entrepreneurial School®, and connect with other internationals. We’ll also focus on your well-being when moving to a new country, offering guidance on adapting to a new environment, finding support networks, and making the most of your time abroad.

 

Registration is is closed.

 

  • Online Orientation Day: Confirm your attendance by RSVP TBA
  • Onsite Orientation Days: Confirm your attendance by RSVP TBA

 

We look forward to welcoming you in person!

 

Study Program starting dates 2026

Sept 03 - BA Business Administration Online, MA Business Psychology & Management
Sept 07 - BA Entrepreneurship, Tourism & Leisure Business, MA International Health and Social Management
Sept 09 - MA Entrepreneurship & Tourism
Sept 10 - MA International Business & Law
Sept 11 - MA International Business & Management (parttime)
Sept 28 - MA Environmental, Process & Energy Engineering 
Oct 05 - BA Business & Management, MA Biotechnology, MA Mechatronics - Smart Technologies, MA Medical & Sports Technologies, MA International Business & Management (fulltime)
Oct 07 - MA Management, Communication & IT

Information is subject to change. 

Student life & MCI Services

Student Life & MCI Services

Discover everything you need to know about student life in Innsbruck HERE. From housing and leisure activities to practical tips, we’ve got you covered!

Stay informed by keeping an eye on our monthly student newsletter, sent out by the Student Services department. It includes updates on events, support services, and important deadlines.

Austrian Student Union (ÖH)

As a student in Austria, you are automatically a member of the Austrian Student Union (ÖH) upon paying the mandatory membership fee. The ÖH offers various services, support, and student benefits—explore them HERE. 

Work & Study

If you're planning to work alongside your studies, make sure to check the official regulations HERE to understand your options and requirements.

The MCI Career Center offers valuable support, including a job portal, career seminars, application tips, and more. Find all the details HERE.

Additionally, the ABA – Austrian Business Agency hosts an annual info session on working in Austria after graduation. Students can register for this session via the Career Calendar.

Frequently asked questions

Which documents are required for the online admission?

Cover letter, CV, passport copy, passport photo, school leaving certificate, university degree and transcripts (for master’s applications), work experience (if applicable). For details check HERE. 

Must my documents be legalized when I apply for admission?

No, you are expected to show your legalized documents by the end of your first semester. However, the legalization process of your country may take long, thus, we request you to start the process as soon as you have secured a place in the selected study program.

Will I receive a discount for early payment?

No discount is offered for early payment. Students are expected to pay their tuitions in time in order to obtain access to all classes, coursework, etc.

Can I pay my fees in installments?

Students are expected to pay their full tuition fee for the academic year, when granted admission. However, exceptions are made on a case to case basis enabling students to pay at the beginning of each semester.

What is the refund procedure?

If you have paid your tuition fees and decide not to join, you can apply for a refund. Your tuition fees will be refunded minus administrative fees.

Can I defer my studies?

Yes, you can go for deferral. In that case your tuition fees will either be refunded minus administrative charges or your fees will be automatically carried forward to the following academic year. You will not have to go through the entire admission process again.

Are scholarships available for international students?

Yes, you can apply e.g. for the MCI Global Scholarship (25% discount) and many more during your application process. Merit based scholarships (50% discount) are available from second year onwards.

See more HERE.

When do I apply for my visa?

We request you to apply for your visa as soon as you’ve paid your tuition fees and have secured a place in the selected study program because the visa process for a student visa with Residence Permit D takes on three months on an average.

What kind of insurance coverage would you recommend?

It is always important to ask the Embassy first for recommendations. We generally recommend feelsafe. 

Does MCI offer housing services?

We do not have any dorms but support you in the accommodation process. More details on accommodation can be found at HERE.

How much money would I need per month?

You should roughly calculate 1,000 – 1,300 EUR per month.

Are there any other university expenses that I need to calculate?

You will have to come up for books, exercusions etc. prescribed by the university. This may be around €20-40 per semester. Also, the Austrian Student Association fee of around €25 must be covered by each student every semester.

Would MCI arrange for support on arrival?

Yes, you will be assigned a buddy who you should connect with before your arrival in Innsbruck. Buddies are MCI students, who assist you with all your administrative work such as registration on arrival, bank account, student residence permit etc.

Can I work alongside my studies?

Yes, you are allowed to work 20 hours per week alongside your studies.

Is German knowledge mandatory if I want to study in an English-taught program?

German knowledge is not compulsory but recommended. We offer German language courses at a highly subsidised rate and you can learn German alongside your studies.

Can I pick and choose courses from my study program or from other study programs?

No, the courses are set for each semester. You are expected to attend all these courses. Unless exempted by the Head of the Studies all the courses must be successfully completed.

On which campus do I study?

MCI has 6 campus locations. Your classes are predominantly held on locations depending on the study program you’ve joined. Engineering classes are generally held at MCI IV; Tourism classes at MCI III, and other business and social science programs hold their classes at MCI I or II.

How are my grades calculated? (grading system)

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 final exams held?

Your final exam for each course may be held during the semester i.e. immediately after the course has taken place or at the end of the semester. Exams (first attempt) take place during the regular semester; retake exams are scheduled after the regular semester dates. So, plan all your travels after the official end of the semester.

Am I allowed to retake an exam?

Twice. Retake exams are often scheduled after the end of the official semester. You can only retake an exam if you have failed in your first attempt.