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Press #Internationales

“Border-less” education at IMC Krems

For more than 25 years, IMC Krems has pursued its path as an innovative, dynamic and, above all, exceptionally internationally oriented university of applied sciences. Here, internationality is not only tangible for students in everyday life, but encompasses all areas – from academic mobility, research and networking activities to virtual exchange and international online courses in times of pandemic. Internationality remains the declared focus and to this end, borders become bridges.

Studierende mit internationalem Background vor Weltkarte

At IMC Krems, bridges replace borders - bridges to a comprehensive, international world of education.

About 1,200 students from 53 countries started their first academic year at IMC Krems in autumn – 16 percent of them from EU or non-EU countries. This means that a total of around 3,300 students are currently enrolled in the 27 offered bachelor and master programmes. 13 degree programmes are offered in English.

Internationality extends through all areas: incoming students from all over the world appreciate the comprehensive personal support. Exchange semesters and internships abroad are offered to all students. International networks and research cooperation complement the cross-border character of the university of applied sciences.

“IMC Krems sees itself as an international focal point for students and teachers alike, because we consider intercultural competence, foreign languages and global thinking to be central elements of contemporary academic education,” says IMC Managing Director Karl Ennsfellner.

Incoming and outgoing students

Internationality has many faces at IMC Krems. The International Welcome Center provides guidance for incoming students, finds “buddies” and mentors, organises welcome days, meet & greet sessions, excursions and many events to facilitate social contacts from day one. Students and teachers from all over the world feel very well looked after in Krems.

The currently 156 partner universities in 50 countries not only bring internationality to Krems, but also welcome around 150 IMC students each year during their exchange semesters. In addition to an exchange semester at a partner university, IMC students can also gain experience abroad during their internships. Financial support is provided by the Erasmus+ programme. Applicants also show increasing demand for dual degree programmes – double degrees in Austria and at a partner university abroad – which are therefore expanded in a targeted manner. “We recently gained Kedge Business School, a top-class French partner university, as a dual-degree partner,” says Iris Waringer, Head of the International Relations Office at IMC Krems.

IMC University of Applied Sciences Krems offers selected study programmes also as transnational programmes at partner universities in countries such as China, Vietnam, Uzbekistan or Azerbaijan. Here, the same teaching content is presented as in Krems, numerous courses being held locally by the IMC Flying Faculty. Students also receive the Austrian academic degree. In addition, there is a lively student exchange between the transnational programmes and the degree programmes conducted in Krems.

A large network for students, alumni as well as teachers and staff in the form of social media contacts, virtual and real meetings ensures that cross-border contacts are always present, even outside of the study programme. All participants see themselves as a large international community that ensures mutual support and exchange far beyond the study programme.

Internationality also for teaching staff and employees

International mobility is also on the agenda for the IMC Krems employees and teaching staff. Language courses, international weeks and individual mobility agreements ensure that the international spirit is omnipresent. International experts bring relevant know-how to Krems, and English-language courses and complete study programmes in English further expand the internationally oriented education.

The organisation of the first IMC Staff Training Week for employees of international partner universities in June 2022 at the Krems campus will also give the entire IMC team the opportunity to network internationally and benefit from the experience and exchange with colleagues from partner countries.

Particularly in research, the international focus is omnipresent. In cooperation with universities, companies and other institutions in Austria and abroad, innovative solutions are developed, and products and processes brought to market. An international network of experts supports the research activities.

“The international spirit is not only created by domestic students studying abroad and international students studying with us in Krems, but also by an overall atmosphere of internationality. Our employees and, of course, all the teaching staff also spread this idea, which is one of the most defining characteristics of IMC Krems,” says Karl Ennsfellner. At IMC Krems, bridges replace borders – bridges to a comprehensive, international world of education.

More about the international focus at IMC Krems