Master in Informatics

Master in Informatics is one of 11 English-taught Computer Science programmes at master’s level in the register, offered by 9 institutions. 11 of them list an annual fee for students from outside the EU, EEA and Switzerland, from EUR 727 to EUR 1,453; this programme lists EUR 1,453 a year. 8 are at a public university, where EU, EEA and Swiss students pay no tuition within the standard duration plus two semesters.

What you study

The Master's in Informatics at the University of Klagenfurt is taught in English and builds on a bachelor's degree in Applied Informatics or an equivalent. You choose one specialisation from eight: Artificial Intelligence, Business Information Systems, Data Science and Engineering, Distributed Systems, Human-Computer Interaction, Information and System Security, Multimedia Systems, or Software Engineering. Each specialisation goes deep into its area. For example, Artificial Intelligence covers machine learning, knowledge representation and reasoning. Distributed Systems looks at cloud and edge computing, serverless and edge-native approaches. Human-Computer Interaction focuses on user-centred interfaces and how humans and AI share roles. Information and System Security deals with security and risk management, cloud security and security engineering. Multimedia Systems covers streaming, deep learning and immersive XR applications. Software Engineering looks at automated testing, software re-engineering and AI techniques for automating software tasks.

Alongside your specialisation, you take required subjects in Informatics (22 ECTS) and Advanced Social and Academic Skills (12 ECTS), plus 6 ECTS of open electives. You also complete either a project (18 ECTS, including a cross-project review) or a supplementary subject (18 ECTS). The programme ends with a master's thesis (25 ECTS), a research seminar (2 ECTS) and a final overall examination (3 ECTS).

How the programme is organised

The degree runs over four semesters and 120 ECTS. The recommended course of study shows a sample path. In the first semester you might take Data Engineering, Distributed Computing Infrastructures and Advanced Software Engineering, all as VC courses with compulsory attendance. The second semester includes Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Compiler Construction (VO and UE), and Scientific Writing (SE). You can study at your own pace, and the curriculum is designed to keep bureaucracy out of your way.

Practical experience matters here. You are encouraged to complete an internship or project to test and expand your knowledge. The programme also recommends spending at least one semester abroad at one of the university's 250 partner universities, and you can do your project abroad. On campus, teaching takes place in small seminar groups with close supervision.

Who it suits

This programme suits you if you want to do more than use tools. You should be curious about how to develop and refine your own toolkit using computer science concepts and methods. The programme builds a broad theoretical foundation so you can keep your knowledge up to date independently. It is a good fit if you like solving emerging problems with computers and want to adapt to technical paradigm shifts. The English-language instruction also prepares you for an international career.

Admission, language and next steps

There is no special admission procedure. You need a bachelor's degree in Applied Informatics or an equivalent, and proof of English at CEFR level B2. Depending on your previous degree, you may need to take additional exams. Non-EU and non-EEA citizens must submit their complete application by 30 June for winter semester or 30 November for summer semester. The general admission period for master's programmes runs from 6 July to 31 October for winter semester and from 8 January to 31 March for summer semester. Applications go directly to the University of Klagenfurt, not through a central portal. The programme page gives the details.

As a public university, EU/EEA and Swiss students pay no tuition within the standard duration plus two semesters. Other students pay a fee per semester. The student guidance service can help you with the first steps, and the ÖH student union runs info days at the start of each semester.

The focus of the master’s programme in Informatics at the University of Klagenfurt is on applied informatics. The aim is to enable graduates to develop high-quality computer-aided solutions to problems, to manage the problem-solving process efficiently and effectively, and to plan the profitable use of solutions based on methods and techniques of informatics. This requires above all sound knowledge and skills in the field of informatics and basic knowledge of economic contexts as well as profound knowledge of possible fields of application. In computer science software systems are usually developed in organisations and embedded in social systems. Moreover, methodological, social and individual skills are necessary for a successful creation, implementation and profitable use of informatics systems.

There is no central application portal in Austria: you apply to the institution, here University of Klagenfurt. A public university sets the admission requirements and dates for this level, so read them on the programme page. Entrance examination, as the register states it: No. Entry requirements and language tests are set by the institution, so start from the official programme page. Our guides cover tuition fees, the student residence permit and housing.