Here you can find all the information you need about starting your degree program.

It is advisable to attend information events at both universities, as you will be studying at both universities.

• The Open House is held on the same day at all universities in Graz. Information: TU | KFU
• Welcome Days der TU Graz
• Welcome Day der KFU Graz

Every year, around 200 students begin studying physics at Graz University of Technology and the University of Graz (25% of whom are women). Thanks to the first-semester tutorial and various events, you quickly get to know all the students in your year (and others too) and help each other out. Most professors are also always willing to answer questions and help with any problems.

The bachelor's degree in physics can be followed by a number of master's programs, such as Technical Physics, Physics, Advanced Material Science, and Space Science and Earth from Space. The bachelor's program currently consists of an introductory and orientation phase (STEOP), which includes some prerequisites for further study. The minimum duration of the bachelor's program is 6 semesters, and 4 semesters for a master's program. Thus, the total minimum duration of study is 10 semesters, but the average takes a little longer (approx. 14 semesters). Family allowance is available for the minimum duration of study + 2 tolerance semesters per degree program (bachelor's or master's) (i.e., a maximum of 14 semesters). Additional tolerance semesters can be obtained through active participation in the HTU, in the student council, or as a first-semester tutor.

No prior knowledge is required to begin the program!

There is no admission procedure and no restrictions on admission to the Bachelor's program in Physics!

Graduates of the bachelor's program are awarded the title Bachelor of Science (BSc). Upon successful completion of the master's program in Technical Physics, Advanced Material Science, and Space Science, graduates are awarded the title Diplomingeneur (Dipl.-Ing. or DI for short), and for the master's program in Physics, the title Master of Science (MSc). It is also possible to write a doctoral thesis.

The degree program guide is a brochure for high school graduates and first-year students that explains the physics program, its content, and university life in general. The study guide is based on the 2021 curriculum. For now it is only available in German.

• Degree Program Guide (German)

You can find information about scholarships at the following links:

• Scholarship Office Graz (German)*
• Department for Social Affairs at HTU Graz

* The Scholarship Office only has an English Overview page (Link)

Since physics is the most important foundation of modern technology, physicists are able to understand and solve a wide range of problems. Although the degree program does not offer the same level of specialization as other fields of study, such as electrical engineering, mathematics, or mechanical engineering, it does provide a solid, comprehensive knowledge of the various subfields. Physicists are therefore often employed as mediators in teams with many specific disciplines, as they have a good insight into many other areas of research. The degree program places particular emphasis on independently solving a wide variety of problems, which means that graduates are ideally suited for work in research and development. Possible tasks for a physicist include:

• Research: Research mainly focuses on exploring new laws of nature, learning to understand effects, and investigating their impact on other laws. Research is conducted at universities and university-related institutions (e.g., Seibersdorf Research Center, Academy of Sciences) as well as in industry itself.
• Development and further development: These areas are closely linked to research, and the boundaries between them are often blurred. Newly discovered effects must first be implemented technically, and the economic viability of this implementation must be tested. Even if they prove to be cost-effective, there is often still a long way to go before production methods are fully developed. Existing systems must also be constantly adapted to the latest findings in order to ensure maximum efficiency.
• Production: Physicists can also play a role here, as production often needs to be adapted to new findings, or solutions need to be found for problems in conversion or manufacturing.
• Management: Hard to believe, but true. Since physicists have insight into many areas and are used to getting to the bottom of problems, they are often well suited for management.
• Banks and business: Many algorithms from theoretical physics are also used in other areas, e.g., in data interpretation and economic simulations.
• IT sector: Working with computers is now a matter of course in all areas of physics. Data is evaluated and models are developed to simulate nature. Therefore, it is not uncommon for graduates to remain in the IT sector rather than physics.
• Services: There are also companies that specialize in technical and scientific services. This is a relatively small field for physicists, but it should be mentioned that there are opportunities here as well.

If you are interested in more detailed descriptions of what individual people actually do in their everyday working lives, you will find individual reports and tips from graduates from Graz under Useful Information - Job Prospects.