Future vision for Klagenfurt: campus expansion and new dormitories planned!

Future vision for Klagenfurt: campus expansion and new dormitories planned!

Klagenfurt, the charming city with a Mediterranean flair, has an educational institution that enjoys the highest recognition in the eyes of both students and academics: the University of Klagenfurt. Founded in 1970 as a “University of Educational Sciences”, it began teaching in 1973. The campus, located in the popular St. Martin/Waidmannsdorf district, covers more than 100,000 square meters, over half of which is designed as green space.

Lake Wörthersee, a sought-after recreational destination, nestles directly on the campus. This location not only offers students an ideal learning environment, but also numerous leisure opportunities. How aau.at reports, students can relax in cafés between lectures or pursue activities at the University Sports Institute (USI).

Campus and infrastructure in transition

The university has invested in infrastructure in recent years; Between 2016 and 2018, central building wings were renovated for around 26 million euros. Another major project is imminent: the campus is to be expanded by 2028 in order to accommodate the increasing number of students and expand the research fields. The Snøhetta architectural firm will implement the master plan. Plans include the “Digital Age Tower” and a “landscape ribbon” that connects the campus, city and Lakeside Park. The university has already committed to a budget of 284 million euros for 2025-2027 - an increase of over 28% compared to the previous three-year framework.

Another pressing issue is the housing situation. There is a lack of hundreds of places in student dormitories, which the city and the university have to address. A new student residence with up to 150 places to live is to be built in the former Capuchin monastery on Waaggasse in order to meet this need.

Student life and internationality

Around 13,300 students are enrolled at the University of Klagenfurt, with around 30% coming from outside Austria. This international community contributes to the diversity on the campus, which is considered one of the most beautiful in Austria. The good student support - the ratio of 38 students per professor - enables individual exchange and promotes student satisfaction. In addition to a wide range of courses in areas such as business, law, culture and technology, the university also offers numerous international collaborations that enable internships and stays abroad.

The quality of life in Klagenfurt is particularly high due to its proximity to ski areas, lakes and the Adriatic. The accommodation options are diverse, from student dormitories to shared apartments. The cost of living and housing is relatively cheap compared to other cities. Loud studying.at Students can expect accommodation costs between 350 and 600 euros and around 300 euros for food. EU citizens can also enjoy free studies.

The campus is not just an educational institution, but a place where leisure and learning go hand in hand. The cafeteria provides sustainable, regional food and the wide range of leisure activities on offer ensures that students also get their money's worth outside of their studies.

The University of Klagenfurt has prepared itself well for the challenges of the future with its concept and infrastructure. With all of these considerations and plans, one can rightly say: Klagenfurt is in the fast lane when it comes to modern higher education!