How can I enroll in the EPU Program?

Simply fill out the application form, ticking the box indicating your wish to participate in one of our master programs (M.A.) or in the one-term certificate program. Then send the application to the EPU including the necessary documents listed on the form. Tuition must be paid in advance.   

What are the requirements to enroll in the EPU Programs?

The requirements for attending one of the M.A. programs are a B.A. (180 ECTS Credits) or an international equivalent degree and a good command of English (TOEFL required for non native speakers). A peace related background is appreciated. Applicants of the M.A. Program in Peacebuilding additionally need work experience of at least one year in a relevant field.

What kind of student visa should I get to study at the EPU?

Please make sure you obtain all the necessary travel documents on time. Most students will need a valid passport, many will need a visa. In any case, to get the necessary information if you need a visa or not to study in Austria, please contact the Austrian Embassy in your country at the earliest possible point in time. Sometimes visa matters take a long time! It is recommended that you apply for an Initial Residence Permit (Purpose of Residence "Study"). Please note that there are different types of visa depending on the length of stay in Austria, and that extension of visa is only possible at the nearest Austrian Embassy of the student's home country. For detailed information please download the "Guide to entry and residence requirements for foreign students" or contact epu.program(AT)epu.ac.at if you have further questions.

Is the EPU a recognized academic institution?

The European University Center for Peace Studies (EPU) received the official accreditation as a private university according to the Austrian University Accreditation Act (UniAkkG) and the European Bologna Process by the official notification of the Austrian Accreditation Council on 22 February 2010. The notification was officially confirmed by the Federal Ministry for Science and Research on 31 March 2010. The new private university therefore offers three officially recognized master programs (M.A.) which are meeting the international standards. Furthermore the EPU has been recognized by the UNESCO/IAU and is listed in the IAU Directory.

Do I need a health insurance during my stay at the EPU?

All students need to have health insurance for the duration of their stay in Austria. If you are from a European country, your national insurance might be valid in Austria - please check and make sure to send a copy of your insurance policy to EPU before your first trimester starts. If you have an international insurance please send us a copy of the respective policy. For those students who are not insured, EPU will arrange health insurance with an Austrian insurance company.

How many ECTS Credits will I receive for the EPU Program?

Students of the Master Program in Peace and Conflict Studies and of the Master Program in European Peace and Security Studies will receive 120 ECTS Credits in total (incl. Master Thesis and Internship). Students of the Master Program in Peacebuilding will receive 75 ECTS Credits in total. For further details please visit the section "Study". 

I would like to attend one of the EPU Programs. Is it possible to begin my studies in any trimester term?

M.A. students can begin their studies only in the fall trimester in each academic year, applicants of the one-term Certificate Program can attend any trimester. Applicants of the Module Program can also attend any module.

What kind of job can I get with an MA in Peace and Conflict Studies, European Peace & Security Studies or Peacebuilding?

Graduates of the M.A. Program in Peace and Conflict Studies can expect a variety of job opportunities in fields where conflict analysis, the development of strategies for conflict management and the promotion of peace are needed. This covers activities on a national and international level, in public administrations, in organizations, in intermediate sectors like political parties, foundations and NGOs, in development aid and conflict management, in the field of political consulting and mediation, in media, in political education as well as in economy. 

Graduates of the M.A. Program in European Peace and Security Studies can expect a variety of job opportunities in fields where European capacities are needed, especially in European Peace and Security Policy. This covers activities in policy and public administration on all levels (local, regional, national, supranational and international), in pan-European and internationally operating private companies, in European organizations as well as in intermediate sectors like political parties, donations and NGOs.

Graduates of the M.A. Program in Peacebuilding can expect a variety of job opportunities in fields where Peacebuilding capacities are needed. This covers activities in governmental and non-governmental organizations as well as in governments, ministries and executive bodies which are planning, implementing and evaluating peace missions. 

Furthermore, the graduates of all MA programs mentioned above will have job opportunities at universities and research institutions. Graduates of the one-term certificate program are qualified to continue their study towards a M.A. degree at EPU. A list of remarkable careers of former EPU students can be found here.

Who are the faculty of EPU?

EPU attracts university staff and practitioners from various disciplines throughout the world. The EPU faculty consists of permanent staff members as well as external lecturers who teach on a short-term basis. This enables EPU students to gain views on wide varieties of disciplines while studying at EPU.

How many students participate in a given trimester?

On average, the M.A. Program in Peace and Conflict Studies offers 30, the M.A. Program in European Peace and Security Studies as well as the MA Program in Peacebuilding offers approx. 20 university places each.

EPU sounds like such a unique academic experience because it is very small and located in the country side. What is the rationale behind it?

The medieval castle of Stadtschlaining, Austria, provides an ideal setting for the study of peace for a number of reasons. The small number of students encourages social learning among students. The cultural diversity of the participants ensures a great variety of views and values. EPU students enjoy not only a low student-teacher ratio, but are also in an environment where faculty members are accessible for advice as well as conversation. The EPU provides the students with the insight of the life and history of a multicultural region.

What kind of course work will be expected of me?

The exact description of the work requested from the students is listed in the EPU course calendars, which can be found in the section "Study" of this website.

What sort of student facilities does EPU have?

The EPU student hotel "Haus International" has computer and internet facilities including WLAN access. The Peace Library, in the vicinity of Haus International, offers a wide range of documents within the field of peace studies, international politics and development studies. There is a photocopying machine as well as WLAN which can be used by the students.

How do I become an EPU Alumni Sponsor?

Just fill out the EPU Alumni registration form in our EPU Alumni Plaza section indicating that you want to become an EPU Alumni Sponsor.