Studying

Affected persons

Which people are addressed?
People with study-related impairments, such as

• mobility impairment
• hearing impairment
• visual impairment
• speech impairment
• mental impairment (depression, burnout, etc.)
• performance difficulties (dyslexia, dyscalculia, etc.)
• Autism spectrum disorder
• AD(H)S
• chronic illnesses
• injuries
• etc.

Alternative examination method (compensation for disadvantages)

Alternative examination method - admission test

According to the Universities Act 2002 (§ 59 Abs. 12), students have the right to an alternative examination method in the admission exam if they cannot take parts of the exam using the prescribed method due to a disability. The content and requirements of the exam must not be affected by this adaptation (e.g., oral instead of written exam, longer exam duration).

The University of Arts Linz supports applications from people with disabilities and endeavours to make the admission procedure as accessible as possible. If you require an adaptation of the admission procedure, please contact the contact point for students with disabilities at the Student-Service-Centre when registering for the entrance examination. A specialist doctor's confirmation of the study-related restrictions (without stating the diagnosis) must be submitted at the latest at the examination.

Examinations during the degree programme

According to the Universities Act 2002, students have the right to an alternative examination method if they are unable to take the examination using the prescribed method due to a disability. The content and requirements of the examination must not be affected by the alternative method.

The adaptation of the examination method is a compensation for disadvantages for the students concerned. It depends on the respective impairment and the form of the examination and can vary greatly from student to student.

Deviating examination methods are agreed between teaching staff and students on the basis of a medical certificate (without stating the diagnosis) and confirmed by the body responsible for study law (Vice-Rector for Arts and Teaching).

Examples of alternative examination methods can be

• oral instead of written examination or written instead of oral examination
• examinations with sign language interpreting, assistance or technical aids
• examinations with 50 to 100% more time
• examinations in extra rooms
• alternative performance assessment, e.g., written work instead of excursion participation for mobility-impaired students or written work instead of a presentation for students with speech impairments.

Exemption from the minimum study performance in the first four semesters

If you belong to the group of persons with disabilities according to § 3 BGStG, you are exempt from the regulation of the minimum study performance for the first four semesters (§ 59a para. 5 UG). In this case, please contact the Student-Service-Centre.

Studying with child(ren)

KuKi Kiste

The University of Arts Linz and the Student Union of the University of Arts Linz want to improve the compatibility of family responsibilities with studies/work. This is why the Coordination Centre for Gender Issues launched the KuKi Box project together with the student body of the University of Arts Linz. KuKi Kiste primarily offers all students and employees of the University of Arts

• flexible childcare by educators from Hilfswerk Oberösterreich. After prior registration, children from approx. 15 months to three years can be looked after in the KuKi Kiste for up to 15 hours in the mornings three days a week. Depending on the availability of places, the childcare programme can be extended. The opening hours are adapted to the reported demand. (Mon-Fri mornings between 8.00 – 13.00 and once in the afternoon from 13.00 –  16.00)
• expert advice from Verena*Henetmayr, coordinator of the Kuki Kiste, on all matters relating to your child and childcare at the Kuki Kiste, as well as information on other childcare facilities, financial support options, legal regulations and returning to work and study.

The childcare fee is € 1 per hour. A semester fee (including a lump sum of € 30 per child for fruit, vegetables, craft materials, excursions, nappies), of € 45 (for students) or € 50 (for university employees and graduates) per semester is also charged for each child cared for.

Top-up for stays abroad

In the mobility programmes Erasmus+ programme, scholarship abroad to prepare the final thesis and mobility scholarship (study visit to bilateral partners), the University pays a top-up of EUR 250 per month to cover additional costs, including for students and recent graduates (graduates only for internships) with children requiring care who are taken to the place of study/internship.

Support for stays abroad

For students and recent graduates with disabilities or health problems, there are top-up and inclusion funding options for funding stays abroad.

Top-up

In the mobility programmes Erasmus+ programme (long-term mobility), scholarship abroad to prepare the final thesis and mobility grant (study visit to bilateral partners)
the university pays a top-up of EUR 250 per month to cover additional costs for the following target groups:

• students and recent graduates with disabilities (graduates: internships only),
• students and recent graduates with health problems (graduates only for internships), if this results in increased financial expenditure during the stay abroad (compared to the stay in the sending country),
• students and recent graduates (graduates exclusively for internships) with children who need to be cared for and who are taken to the place of study/internship
  There is also a top-up for Erasmus + short-term mobility of five to 14 days.

Inclusion support - only in the Erasmus+ programme

In addition to the monthly top-up, additional costs actually incurred (e.g. accompanying person, barrier-free accommodation) can also be covered upon submission of a corresponding application.

For further information on criteria, application and proof, please contact the International Office.

Financial support

Family allowance

Students with a degree of disability of at least 50 percent can receive an increased family allowance. In this case, the family allowance can be received until the 25th birthday. Information on this can be found at the Ministry of Social Affairs.

If it is to be expected that a person with a disability will not be able to support themselves in the long term, the increased family allowance can also be drawn beyond their 25th birthday.

Study allowance

Students with a disability of at least 50 per cent can receive an increased study grant. In this case, the period of entitlement is extended by two semesters. In the case of certain disabilities or illnesses, both the amount of the study grant and the entitlement period can be further increased or extended. The application must be submitted to the Student Aid Office. 

Either the notification of the increased family allowance or a medical certificate serve as proof.

Tuition fee

University tuition fees are waived for students with a degree of disability of at least 50 per cent. A corresponding application must be submitted to the respective rectorate. 

Tuition fees are also waived in the case of illnesses for which a leave of absence from studies is requested. 

However, the ÖH contribution must be paid in both cases.

Stays abroad

Students and recent graduates with disabilities are eligible for top-up and inclusion funding under certain conditions. More information here.