The University of Vienna Sommerhochschule (SHS) program provides a multidimensional survey of the present development of Europe and the European Union (EU). Participants will study both the decision making processes within the EU institutions as well as various aspects of European political culture. The program aims at contributing to an increased understanding of the EU and its possible future shape.

Students from all over the world have been drawn to the program, not only because of the outstanding academic reputation of its European Studies program and the excellent opportunities it offers students to learn German, but also because of its location directly on the shores of one of Austria's most scenic lakes, Lake Wolfgang, in the Salzkammergut region, and because of the area's excellent sports and recreational facilities.

Date: 11 July - 8 August, 2026

Location: Lake Wolfgang/Austria

Application Deadline: 31 March, 2026

The application deadline for scholarship applications has been extended until 31 March, 2026!!

Summer School Highlights:

• summer school is located in the picturesque village of Strobl in the Salzkammergut region, one of Austria’s most attractive summer vacation areas
• students are accommodated in high standard single and double rooms at the program’s beautiful summer campus on the shore of Lake Wolfgang
• the European Studies courses are held in English and focus on Europe and the European Union - they cover political, economic and legal, but also historical and cultural aspects of the multiple transformations the continent is currently undergoing
• the academic courses are taught by distinguished scholars with international teaching experience - like tenured professors from the University of Vienna as well as professors from other renowned universities and leading experts from institutions such as the Austrian Central Bank and the European Commission
• German language courses are offered at four different levels of proficiency
• unique Strobl experience is enhanced by an extensive extracurricular program including sports courses, mountain hiking, and excursions to Salzburg, St. Wolfgang, and the Ebensee Concentration Camp Memorial
• students who successfully attend and complete four courses will receive the SHS Diploma in European Studies'

Applicants must:

• have completed two years of studies at college or university level in their countries of residence or have an educational background equivalent to one year at a European university before the beginning of the program
• be in attendance for the whole period of the summer school
• be able to take part in the number of required courses, have an adequate command of the English language and be in good health

Fees:

• Summer school fees are € 3,000 (include registration, tuition, use of all sports and recreational facilities and all planned excursions)
• External students have to pay the Austrian students’ union fee of € 25.20 to be admitted to the University of Vienna and to enjoy insurance coverage (general accident and liability insurance).
• An additional fee for room and board on campus (includes accommodation and full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner) for the four week program):

- Accommodation in a single room: € 2,453.30

- Accommodation in a double room: € 2,061.30

Scholarship:

• A limited number of partial scholarships ranging from € 1,000 to € 3,000 are available for the European Studies section of the summer school.
• The scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence and financial need.
• In order to receive a scholarship, students must demonstrate their financial need by describing their financial situation and submitting related documents.
• Application deadline for scholarship applications is 31 March, 2026 (!!)

For more information, download the brochure below and visit the website HERE.