IES Vienna is the perfect program for students pursuing coursework related to business, economics, political science, international relations, music, and psychology. This program is located in Central Europe and students can participate in Fall or Spring program options.

Students receive  transfer credit for the courses taken on this program.

Academic Program

Fall or Spring

IES Vienna has several tracks that UI students can pick from for Fall or Spring. These tracks are:

• Business, Economics & International Relations
• Music
• Psychology & Social Sciences
• European Society & Culture/ European Society, Politics & Culture

While in Vienna, students will take 15-19 s.h. per semester. Students enroll in a required German language courses and additional area studies courses (taught in English and German). IES Vienna also offers a credit-bearing internship placement & seminar opportunity.

Review the IES Vienna website (any track) for the list of current courses: Semester Course offerings

Applying credit toward a UI degree

Unless UI Study Abroad has an approval on file for the courses you take abroad to be applied toward a specific major, minor, certificate, or general education requirement, you will receive general elective credit for your course. The course approval process will be discussed when you meet with your study abroad advisor.

Cultural Activities

Even though your adventure starts in Vienna, the field trips organized by IES take you beyond the city to discover the cultures and traditions of Austria. Students share a portion of the cost with IES Abroad.

You can learn more about the field trips available through your program on the IES Vienna website.

Program Dates

Program dates vary from year to year, but typically follow the University of Iowa’s academic calendar.

Fall dates typically are late August to early December. Spring dates typically are mid-January to early May. You can find your program dates on the IES Vienna website.

For More Information

Steps to Studying Abroad

1. Before initiating an application with IES, students must complete a Discover Study Abroad session at the University of Iowa. 
2. After completing the Discover Abroad session, students will receive an email with their study abroad advisor assignment.
3. Once assigned, students must meet with their study abroad advisor to receive program application instructions.

  

Study Abroad
1111 University Capitol Centre
Iowa City, IA 52242

Phone: 319-335-0353
Email: study-abroad@uiowa.edu

IES Vienna Center

The IES Abroad Vienna Center staff provides academic and student support services to UI students.

The center is an elegant, early 18th century palace called the Palais Corbelli in the central part of Vienna. The center is located near many museums, parks, and theaters.

Students will take IES Abroad courses in the Center’s multi-media classrooms. Students can meet with staff and faculty in their offices. In addition, students will have access to a reading room, library, computer lab, music practice rooms, and printing facilities.

Vienna

Vienna, Austria’s capital, is located in the heart of Europe and the perfect location for students from diverse backgrounds. This city is regarded as the birthplace of modern psychology and home to Sigmund Freud. You can immerse yourself in politics and international organizations with a visit to the UN, OSCE, or OPEC. Vienna is also known for giving rise to composers like Mozart, Beethoven, and Brahms. In Vienna, you will be able to experience their blend of tradition and modernity as you explore the neighborhoods, renowned art galleries, and museums.

Austria

Austria is a landlocked country in Central Europe known for its beautiful mountain range views, classical music heritage, and rich history. Austria is bordered by Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Germany. It’s the perfect location for students looking to explore Europe! Austria’s official language is German. It’s home to the second longest river in Europe, Danube River. Austria is known for classical music, folk music, architecture, coffee culture, and winter sports.

US Department of State Country Information

The US Department of State provides safety and security information for every country of the world to help you assess for yourself the risks of travel. Each country information page contains a Travel Advisory, Alerts, and other important details specific to that country that could affect you.

Pay close attention to the entry and exit requirements, local laws and customs, health conditions, and other details to help decide whether traveling to any given country is right for you. Non-US citizen travelers may also wish to seek guidance from the embassy of their country of citizenship. The UI International Travel Policy for Students addresses restrictions on student travel to high-risk locations and engagement in high-risk activities abroad.

Living Arrangements

Housing is included in the program fee, however some housing options carry an additional cost. Please check the Cost section of IES Vienna for accurate housing costs.

Students will select from the housing options outlined on the program website: one-room studio apartment, shared apartment, and studio plus. You can get more housing details on the IES Vienna website.

Passport

If you do not have a passport, it is important that you apply for one as soon as possible to ensure you receive it before the program begins. US citizens can find more information about how to apply for a passport on the US Department of State’s website.

Important notice for students without a valid passport or whose passport will expire within the next 12 months:

US citizens can find more information about how to renew a passport on the US Department of State’s website.

Students with a valid passport should check the expiration date. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months AFTER the anticipated return to the US from studying abroad. If your passport is not valid for at least 6 months after your anticipated date of return to the US, you must renew your passport before applying for the visa you will need to enter your host country.

Expedited processing service is available for US passports (although this still takes several weeks and is at an additional cost). UI Study Abroad encourages students to ask the passport agency at the time of application whether expedited service is recommended.

Non-US Citizens

Students who are not US citizens should contact their consulate for more information if they need to get a new passport or renew their passport.

Travel Arrangements

Students will work with their program provider to make travel arrangements to their program site. The cost of travel is not included in the course fee. UI Study Abroad will not arrange a group flight to your study abroad destination.

Do not purchase plane tickets until you have received instructions on how to do so from your program provider.

Local Transportation

Within your host city and around Austria, students will utilize public transportation such as buses and trains. Europeans are also very used to walking, so be sure to bring comfortable shoes!

Eligibility

This program is open to University of Iowa students who fulfill the following requirements:

• Demonstrated preparedness and maturity- Students must demonstrate preparedness to take on the heightened responsibilities associated with international study and travel. Students must demonstrate a commitment to behave responsibly abroad while respecting cultural differences. Students are expected to obey both local laws and program directives conveyed to participants before and during the program. The University of Iowa Code of Student Life applies to all program participants while abroad.
  
• Minimum 2.75 GPA- Students must have a minimum 2.75 GPA to participate in this program. Applications from students who have a GPA below 2.75 will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
• Good academic and disciplinary standing- Students must be in good academic and disciplinary standing at the University of Iowa. Students placed on either academic or disciplinary probation for any period of time overlapping with the study abroad program dates are ineligible to study abroad on a University of Iowa program. Academic and disciplinary history will also be considered when determining whether a student is prepared to represent the University of Iowa as part of this program. Students who are not in good standing at any point overlapping with the program dates will have their acceptance revoked and will be responsible for the associated late withdrawal fees.
• Sophomore, junior, or senior standing- Applicants must have sophomore, junior, or senior standing by the time the program begins to participate in this program.
• No previous German language study is required for students enrolling in English in English-taught courses.
• German language requirement: 4 semesters or the equivalent of college-level German required for students enrolling in German-taught courses. 5 semesters or the equivalent of college-level German required for spring semester students enrolling in German-taught courses.
• Approval by IES and UI Study Abroad- Applications will be reviewed by UI Study Abroad and by IES Abroad. Students will be accepted based on their review of their application materials.
• Attendance at mandatory orientation programming- Students must attend all in-person and online pre-departure orientation programming presented by UI Study Abroad and IES Abroad.

Costs

The cost sheets outline the total estimated costs associated with participating in this program and can be used for financial aid purposes. They include fees charged on students’ U-Bill as well as out-of-pocket expenses. Actual out-of-pocket expenses will vary from individual to individual. Quoted estimates are conservatively high, yet realistic.

Costs for future sessions are usually similar to the current session, however students can expect a modest increase in overall costs each session. Final cost sheets for future sessions are typically available early in the semester before the session begins.

The following cost sheet applies to the Spring 2026 session.

Cost Sheet IES Vienna Spring 2026

Calculating Fees

The cost sheets are based on the fees described below:

• University of Iowa Study Abroad Administrative Fees
• University of Iowa’s CISI health insurance
• The course fee/tuition, housing costs, plane tickets and transportation costs, personal expenses, visa and immigration fees, and other costs of attendance per the IES Vienna semester program website.

Cost sheets do not include the following optional costs:

Additional Optional Costs Paid to IES Abroad

• Single room housing upgrade
• Optional IES Field Trips

Optional fees vary by session, and will be available shortly before the upcoming session.

Personal Travel Costs

Costs for personal travel are not included in the cost estimates provided on the cost sheet. If you plan to travel outside of your host city or country during or after your study abroad program, you will need to budget for additional funds to cover the cost of your personal travel.

Scholarships & Financial Aid

For more information about receiving financial aid while studying abroad, please review the following:UI Financial Aid Information

You can find more information about options for funding your study abroad experience including scholarships on Undergraduate Scholarships for Study Abroad.

In addition, take a look at IES Abroad’s Scholarship website for information about scholarships offered directly through your program provider.

How to Apply

• Meet with the appropriate study abroad advisor to discuss your study abroad plans well ahead of the application deadline. Your application will not be approved until you've completed this step. You can set up an appointment by calling UI Study Abroad at 319-335-0353.
• Meet with your academic advisor to review your program and ensure that it is a good match for your academic and personal goals.
• If you and your academic advisor agree that the program is a good match for you, complete the UI Study Abroad application. Please note that the non-refundable $50 application fee will be charged to your U-Bill as part of this online application.
• Create an account in the IES Portal and complete the online application for your desired program.
• Complete all of the online sections of the application. Note: The IES online application takes 1-2 business days to activate. Submit your application 1-2 days before the IES application deadline to ensure it is received in time to be considered.
• Send an official University of Iowa transcript to enrollments@iesabroad.org. You can find information about requesting an official transcript here: Requesting a Transcript
• Upload any additional documents required for your IES application.
• Your Study Abroad advisor will complete the Home School Authorization once you have completed the UI application and the IES application.
• IES Abroad will contact you by email to inform you of your acceptance decision within several weeks.

Post-Acceptance

Confirmation

If you are accepted to your IES program, you will be asked to commit to participating in your program by submitting the University of Iowa Confirmation of Participation form and the IES Abroad Intent to Enroll document.

After you have formally confirmed your plans to participate, you will work with both UI Study Abroad and with IES Abroad. Follow instructions from both. Later in the semester, your UI Study Abroad advisor will contact you regarding orientation sessions, registration, and other required UI procedures and documentation.

Application Deadline

Applications for the Fall semester are due on February 24.

Applications for the Spring session are due on September 19.

Health & Safety Planning

In addition to submitting their Confirmation of Participation form, students should review the following:

Prepare for Departure

Iowa Regents CISI Health Insurance Information

Students are also encouraged to complete the Health Preparation Guide for International Travel form with their medical practitioner. This document is intended to help you plan for your medical needs abroad. Please DO NOT turn this form in to UI Study Abroad.

Visa

U.S. passport holders should follow the visa application instructions provided by IES. The closest Consulate available to UI students is the Chicago consulate.

U.S. Citizens will need a student visa if they are going abroad for a semester. Typically, they will not need a visa for the summer sessions.

Non-US Citizens- should refer to the Consulate General of Austria for more information on their visa requirements.

UI Study Abroad staff can provide some assistance on the visa application process, but ultimately the individual traveler (the student) is the person who is responsible for providing correct information on the visa application and securing the visa and all other required documentation prior to travel.

Prior to starting the visa application process check in with IES for more information; they have a preferred timeline that students need to follow.

Orientation

In order to prepare for your time abroad, you are required by the University of Iowa to complete two orientations. These may be in addition to orientations provided by your on-site provider. See below for more information.

Online Education Abroad Pre-Departure Orientation

You are required to complete the International Programs ICON course "Education Abroad Pre-Departure Orientation" prior to departure. This orientation is mandatory for all students going abroad under the auspices of the University of Iowa. It covers many practical matters about living overseas, such as health and safety, communication, money, goals, and much more. You will be enrolled in this course by International Programs and an email will be sent to you once enrolled. If you have any questions, you can email safety-abroad@uiowa.edu

Program-Specific Orientation

This orientation will be facilitated by your study abroad advisor and will cover content specific to your program and host country. It could be conducted in a group setting or one-on-one depending on your type of planned activity abroad. Your study abroad advisor will send you more information about this mandatory in-person session.

Pre departure Resources

IES will provide you with a variety of pre-departure resources to prepare you for your study abroad experience. These will include a packing list, cultural information, housing instructions, etc. Ensure that you thoroughly review any information provided to you by IES and refer back to it if you have any questions.

These materials may be periodically updated to reflect new program information prior to departure. Be sure to check your IES Account often.