Consulting
College should be a time when you can focus solely on your studies. Nevertheless, obstacles keep cropping up along the way. Sometimes you run into problems with the university, your landlord, or your employer. But sometimes there are also social difficulties. To make your day-to-day life as a student easier, we offer a wide variety of counseling services specifically designed to address these issues.
Mental Health @ MCI
Mental health is the state of thinking, feeling, and behaving in a way that allows us to best meet our needs—in our personal lives with family and friends, at college, at work, and in society. It is perfectly normal to experience anxiety, mood swings, or loneliness from time to time.
Employment Law Consultation
In partnership with GPA-djp Tirol, we’re here to support you with any questions you may have regarding labor law. Thanks to the experts at GPA-djp, we can offer you the best possible advice on all issues related to employment.
The initial consultation is free for you.
Contact Person for Labor Law Consultations
Tenancy Law Counseling
In cooperation with the Tyrol Tenants’ Protection Association, we’re here to help you with any questions you may have regarding tenancy law.
Thanks to the experts at MSV, we can offer you the best possible advice on all issues related to housing.
The initial consultation is free for you.
Housing
What platforms are available in Innsbruck for finding an apartment?
ÖH Housing Exchange
Facebook Communities
Looking for a Shared Apartment or a Place to Live
- Looking for an apartment or shared apartment in Innsbruck—or do you have one available!?
- Innsbruck’s Housing Market on Facebook
- Apartments, Shared Apartments, Rooms in Innsbruck | Free Housing in Innsbruck
Student Housing in Innsbruck
- Home Compass (Download Folder)
- Accessible Housing in Innsbruck (Download Folder)
- Overview of Student Housing
What are the basic requirements for receiving rent assistance?
- The apartment must be privately financed
For housing units eligible for housing subsidies, an application for a housing allowance can be submitted to the Office of the Tyrolean Provincial Government (Landhaus 1, 4th floor)
- Rental agreement (stamped at the tax office) for an apartment (not a single room)
- Primary residence in the apartment
- Reaching the age of 18
Are there waiting periods for rent assistance?
In Innsbruck, as of September 1, 2016, EU citizens or those treated as such (e.g., Swiss citizens, refugees under the Geneva Convention) must have had their primary residence in Innsbruck for 3 years immediately and continuously prior to submitting their application.
Non-EU citizens must have resided in Tyrol for a total of 5 years.
When will the rent subsidy be paid out?
The subsidy is paid starting the month following the submission of the application. If the application is submitted within the first three business days, the subsidy is granted that same month. The subsidy is always paid out at the end of the month. Due to holidays and weekends, payment may be delayed by up to two to three days.
How long will I receive the rent subsidy?
The subsidy is generally granted for one year; after that, you must submit a renewal application. If the renewal application is submitted within three months of the subsidy’s expiration, the subsidy is paid retroactively from the expiration date. If this deadline is missed, the subsidy will be paid starting the month following the application, just as with the initial application. If the application is submitted within the first three business days, the subsidy will be granted in the current month. In any case, a new application must be submitted when moving to a new residence.
What should students keep in mind regarding rent assistance?
The subsidy is a flat rate and amounts to €125 for one person, €175 for two people, and a maximum of €225 for three people. The amount of rent does not matter. As long as students work no more than 20 hours per week in a part-time job and their income is less than approximately €800 net per month, this income is not taken into account. According to the guidelines, the income of parents who are obligated to provide support could be taken into account. Currently, this option is not being utilized.
How is a shared apartment defined for the purposes of the rent subsidy?
A student shared apartment is defined as a rented apartment with a lease covering the entire unit (no individual room leases) where the residents are exclusively students, high school students of legal age, and apprentices. A mixed shared apartment consisting of the groups mentioned above and working individuals generally does not qualify for financial aid. In such a case, all incomes—including those from part-time jobs—must be added together. In the vast majority of cases, the total income is then too high; however, if a student in the shared apartment terminates their studies while receiving financial aid and begins working, the aid may still be granted until the end of the one-year term, reduced by the amount corresponding to that one person.
Can students go abroad on short notice without losing their rent subsidy?
A study abroad period of up to six months for students (Erasmus semester) does not interrupt the payment of financial aid.
Do all members of a shared apartment have to have their primary residence in Innsbruck to receive rent assistance?
No, only the applicant must be registered as having their primary residence in Innsbruck.
Social Services
Have you just started college, or do you have general questions about financing your education or about various scholarships and financial aid options?
Your Social Services Department will be happy to assist you with a variety of questions.
The Office of Student Affairs will be happy to advise you on questions regarding the eligibility criteria for student aid, family allowances, and various scholarships. This advice covers the submission deadlines for a wide variety of applications, the requirements for receiving these benefits, and more.
Of course, your local social services office is also available to answer any questions you may have about your academic progress.
Contact Person for Labor Law Consultations
Family Allowance
What are the requirements for receiving family allowance?
Successful academic progress (16 ECTS credits after 2 semesters), compliance with the age limit (up to the 24th or 25th birthday) and the income limit (€10,000 per year), and a maximum of two changes of major, each lasting no more than two semesters.
Who is eligible for family allowance?
Citizens with permanent residence status and foreign nationals who are legally residing in Austria may apply on behalf of their children who are of legal age, provided those children are enrolled in an educational program.
How long am I eligible to receive family allowance?
Until the 24th birthday—an extension is possible in cases of civilian or active military service, a voluntary social year in Germany, childcare, pregnancy, a disability, or a degree program lasting more than 10 semesters.
Are children who are already divorced or married eligible for family allowance?
In this case, entitlement to family allowance exists only if the parents are still obligated to provide support because the spouse is unable to do so—for example, if he or she is still a student.
How much is the family allowance?
This depends on the child’s age and the number of children.
Starting at age 10, the family allowance is €130.90; starting at age 19, it is €152.70. In addition, there is a child tax credit of €58.40 per child, plus a total of €12.80 for two children, €35 for three children, and €50 for four or more children.
There are also special provisions for children with disabilities and child support deductions for children who do not live in the same household.
How do I apply for family allowance?
An application for family allowance can be submitted to the tax office in your place of residence. So if your parents (usually your mother) submit an application for family allowance, they must do so at the tax office responsible for their place of residence, regardless of where you are studying.
In addition to the application, the following documents are required:
- Copy of the registration form
- Confirmation of Registration
- Possibly a supplementary application for increased family allowance for students with significant disabilities
If you want to apply for family allowance yourself because your parents are not providing child support, you will also need the following:
- Please explain your situation: Why aren’t your parents fulfilling their child support obligations? Since when have they been failing to fulfill their child support obligations?
- A statement from your parents confirming that they do not pay child support
- You may want to submit a request for family allowance to be paid monthly; otherwise, it is paid quarterly in arrears.
What academic performance must be demonstrated in order to receive the grant?
In the first year, admission to the program is sufficient proof. After the first year of study, you must provide proof of successfully completed exams totaling 16 ECTS credits or 8 semester-week hours. After that, the student grant is awarded for the remainder of your studies plus the grace semester. However, if requested by the tax office, you must still provide evidence of “diligent study,” which means you must be able to present proof of academic achievement, semester transcripts, and, if necessary, enrollment confirmations.
When must proof of performance be provided?
You must submit proof of academic performance after your first year of study; the deadline for this is September 30. If the tax office does not receive proof of academic performance by September 30, payment of family allowance will be temporarily suspended until you provide proof of academic progress. In principle, you have until October 31 to take any exams from the first two semesters that you still need to pass.
If you are unable to take enough exams by October 31, you will not be eligible to receive family allowance again until you can demonstrate that you are taking eight semester hours per week or have earned 16 ECTS credits. In that case, however, the exams from the first two semesters unfortunately no longer count; you’ll have to start over to accumulate the required academic progress.
If you manage to pass enough exams by October 31, you’ll, of course, receive retroactive family allowance payments.
In exceptional cases, the verification period may be extended, for example, due to a prolonged illness (a continuous inability to study for at least three months) or studying abroad for at least three months.
If you began your studies in the summer semester, different deadlines apply, of course.
When must family allowance be repaid?
Generally speaking, you are not required to repay family allowance, even if you are unable to provide the required proof of academic performance after the first two semesters.
However, if you never seriously pursued your studies (e.g., you did not take a single exam or withdrew immediately after the first month), the tax office may demand repayment of the family allowance.
If you fail to provide proof of academic performance after the first year of study, but the tax office continues to pay family allowance, this constitutes family allowance received in error, which must be repaid.
Even if the income limit has been exceeded, the family allowance must be repaid.
What should you keep in mind when pursuing a dual degree program?
Generally speaking, the tax office doesn’t care how many fields of study you pursue; you must always choose a major, for which you must then provide the corresponding academic transcripts. If you decide to change your major, this is considered a change of program, and you must follow the relevant regulations.
What are the income limits for family allowance?
If you or your parents receive family allowance on your behalf, you are allowed to earn a certain amount in addition to that per calendar year. This amount is €10,000, but it has recently been adjusted annually for inflation. What counts is your taxable income—that is, gross income minus social security contributions, minus Chamber of Labor contributions, minus income-related expenses, and minus extraordinary expenses. Thirteenth and fourteenth month salaries are not taken into account.
Student Aid
What are the requirements for a student grant?
Financial need (parents’ income), satisfactory academic progress (30 ECTS credits after two semesters), compliance with the age and additional income limits (€10,000 per year), and a maximum of two changes of major, each lasting no more than two semesters, are considered general requirements for receiving a student grant.
Where do I apply for a student grant?
At the local student aid office—for more information, visit www.stipendium.at
Who is eligible for a student grant?
Austrian citizens, EEA citizens (if they are integrated into the Austrian education system, their parents work in Austria, and they have resided in Austria for 5 years), Foreign nationals and stateless persons (if, prior to the start of their studies, they and one parent were subject to income tax in Austria for 5 years and their center of life is in Austria), and convention refugees
How long am I eligible for a student grant?
In general, the eligibility period is the minimum duration of study plus one grace semester, although an extension is possible in certain cases—such as illness, pregnancy, military service, or alternative civilian service.
How much is the student grant?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the amount of the student grant depends on a wide variety of factors, such as the parents’ income, the number of dependent siblings, etc. The maximum student grant for students who study in their parents’ place of residence is €500 per month, and for students living away from home, those supporting themselves, orphans, married students, and students with children, it is €715.
In addition, there are other supplements available for students with disabilities. Using the scholarship calculator, you can enter your information and have it calculate how much your student aid might be. Please note, however, that these calculations are for informational purposes only and never correspond to the exact amount of the student aid. Also, you’ll still need to fill out and submit your application!
Is the parents' income taken into account when calculating the student aid?
Generally, the parents’ income from the previous calendar year is used to calculate the student aid. However, your parents do not need to provide their income information on the application form; instead, the student aid authority receives this information from the tax office. In special cases, you can submit a request to the student aid authority to have your income estimated based on the current year rather than the previous year. This makes sense, for example, if one parent is now earning significantly less due to retirement.
You can obtain further information on this directly from the relevant scholarship office.
What should you keep in mind when changing majors?
In principle, it is possible to switch majors without losing your eligibility for a student grant. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- In total, you can change your field of study no more than twice without losing your eligibility for a student grant.
- You must switch degree programs no later than after the second semester. For example, if you switch degree programs only after the fifth semester, you will not be eligible for a student grant during the first three semesters of your new degree program.
- You are eligible for a student grant for your new program of study only if you can demonstrate satisfactory academic performance from your previous program. If not, you will not be eligible for a student grant again until you can demonstrate satisfactory academic performance in your new program.
- There are a few exceptions here as well, so if you’re unsure, it’s best to contact your ÖH or the scholarship office.
Mobility Grant
When am I eligible for a mobility grant?
If I complete my entire degree program abroad, obtained my high school diploma in Austria, have had my primary residence and place of residence in Austria for the last 5 years prior to applying, and can demonstrate satisfactory academic progress (30 ECTS credits per year).
Who is eligible for the scholarship?
Citizens, foreign nationals with equivalent status, and refugees recognized under the Convention.
How much will I receive from the mobility grant?
679 euros.
Self-Supporting Student Scholarship
What are the requirements for receiving a self-supporting student scholarship?
At least 4 years of self-support (periods of on-campus attendance also count) with an annual income of at least 8,580 euros (before taxes) prior to receiving a student grant for the first time, compliance with the age limit (up to age 30—exceptions up to age 35) and the additional income limit (max. 10,000 euros/year), as well as satisfactory academic progress (16 ECTS credits after 2 semesters).
How much money do I receive from the Self-Supporting Students Scholarship?
The scholarship amount is a maximum of 715 € per month.
Academic Advising
Did something go wrong during your exam? Are you facing accusations that aren’t true? Our education policy department can answer all your questions regarding student rights, training contracts, and exam regulations.
To ensure you have the best possible chance of success, we will support you throughout the entire grievance process and, if necessary, arrange for the best possible legal representation.
Examination Regulations
What is the difference between the opportunity to take an exam and actually taking an exam?
Exam attempts include the initial attempt, the first retake, and the second retake, which is an oral exam before a committee.
In contrast, exam opportunities refer to the dates on which students can take the exams. There are four such opportunities: the regular exam date plus the three group exam dates specified by the degree program.
Summary: Three exam attempts, for which a total of four dates are offered.
When can I skip a test date?
You can be excused from an exam for a valid reason. This means you won’t miss the opportunity to take the exam, just a specific test date. If you need to be excused a second time, you’ll only have two more opportunities to take the exam. This means there will be no more dates available for a third attempt. Therefore, your second—or even your first—attempt may also be your last. Your final attempt is always an oral exam before an examination committee.
Under what circumstances am I allowed to be absent from an exam?
It is up to the program administration to determine which reasons for absence are considered sufficiently valid grounds for not attending class. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you inform your program in advance about your absence and ask whether the reason for it can be excused.
Is illness always a valid reason for missing an exam?
Yes, but here, too, you must notify your program as early as possible.
Above all, some program administrators may prefer to see certificates of incapacity for work or equivalent documents—but in any case, they will want a qualified medical certificate—and you’ll be putting them off if you submit simple sick notes.
When do I lose my exam attempts?
If you cannot provide a sufficiently objective reason for your failure to appear or if you are caught attempting to deceive someone.
When must exams be held?
Exam dates must be scheduled for the end and the beginning of each semester. However, they must take place shortly after the courses in which the material relevant to the exams is taught.
When must exams be announced?
The specific exam procedures and retake options for each course must be communicated to you in an appropriate manner at the beginning of each course.
Appropriate methods include, for example, syllabi, exam schedules, or presentation slides.
What are exam procedures?
Content, Methods, Assessment Criteria, and Grading Standards
When can I retake exams?
As a general rule, you can retake exams on scheduled dates that are announced in advance. However, we urge you to find out for yourself when these dates are and which exams you need to take. While the office staff always makes every effort to notify you of all dates in a timely manner, mistakes can still happen. Ultimate responsibility always lies with the student—after all, you want to successfully complete the course.
What is the maximum number of exams I can take on a single exam date?
Each degree program handles this a little differently. While engineering programs typically require a maximum of three exams with a total workload of 6 ECTS, other degree programs may require more. To be absolutely sure, you can check with your academic advisor.
When can I view my exam results?
If an exam is graded as a failing, students must be able to review the exam within the appeal period—that is, within two weeks of the date the exam results were posted on myMCI.
For exams that have been graded as passing, there are generally specific dates set aside for viewing the exam papers; normally, students may also view them by scheduling an appointment in advance with the program advisor.
Am I allowed to take photos of or make copies of my exams?
Yes, unless they are multiple-choice questions that include the available answer choices.
How long does the MCI keep my exam results on file?
At least six months.
What should you keep in mind for oral exams?
Oral exams are open to the public, regardless of whether they are conducted by an examination committee or without one, provided the exam is not classified as confidential.
We strongly recommend that you bring a support person with you to oral exams. This not only helps reduce your nervousness but can also assist you if you feel you’re being treated unfairly. You’re also welcome to ask your student representative to attend the exam.
Important: The person you bring is an observer and not your “ace in the hole.” If this person attempts to help you in any way, it constitutes an attempt at cheating, and both of you will face sanctions in accordance with the education contract.
What should you keep in mind during written exams?
The exam proctor will tell you how much time you have for the exam and what resources you’re allowed to use. Normally, this information is also listed on the cover page of your exam.
Be sure to bring a form of photo ID—it’s best to bring your student ID.
You must never separate the exam pages or write on the back of them. In the worst-case scenario, this could be interpreted as an attempt to cheat.
Write your name and student ID number on every exam page and any additional sheets.
Avoid having unnecessary or unauthorized items on your exam desk. It’s best to put these items—along with your jacket, cell phone, and pencil case—in your bag and place it either at the very front or the very back of the exam room.
Under no circumstances should you leave the exam room until you have turned in your exam. In urgent cases, you can ask the proctor to call someone to escort you outside. Anything else will be considered a withdrawal from the exam; furthermore, if you resume the exam later, this may be interpreted as an attempt to cheat.
What if the exam proctor accuses me of attempting to cheat?
Whether you’re right or wrong, you’re always allowed to finish your exam. The simple reason for this is that the proctor doesn’t have the authority to determine whether or not an attempt to cheat actually constitutes cheating. However, the proctor will document your alleged attempt to cheat and confiscate any cheat sheets or similar materials, possibly take a photo, or prevent you from working with others.
It’s very important that you don’t let yourself be thrown off if the proctor accuses you unfairly. You can finish the exam in peace, and the matter will then be clarified in consultation with the program administration.
Note: We strongly condemn it when individual students show a lack of solidarity and unfairly cheat their way through exams.
How are exams graded at MCI?
- Score: ≥ 90% – Grade: Very Good (1)
- Points earned: ≥ 80% to < 90% – Grade: Good (2)
- Points earned: ≥ 70% to < 80% – Grade: satisfactory (3)
- Points earned: ≥ 60% to < 70% – Grade: Satisfactory (4)
- Points earned: < 60% – Grade: Failing (5)
What should you keep in mind when taking partial exams?
Partial exams may be weighted differently, have different exam formats, and may be administered by different examiners.
None of these partial exams needs to be passed, but the overall grade must be passing. If it is not, all exam components must be retaken in a comprehensive exam.
You must be informed at the beginning of the course about the format of this comprehensive exam.
If you are sick during a partial exam, you must absolutely provide a doctor’s note certifying your inability to work; a simple sick note may not be sufficient in this case.
If you have a sufficiently well-founded reason for not taking one of these partial exams (a doctor’s note certifying your inability to work), then your absence from the entire exam must be excused, and the final exam will count as your first attempt.
When can I file a complaint about an exam?
In general, you can only file an appeal against exams that received a failing grade, and even then, only if there were procedural errors in the exam.
How can I file a complaint?
If you suspect a procedural error in the examination process and you received a failing grade, we recommend that you file an appeal. To do so, be sure to obtain the exam protocol from
or the graded exam, and submit these along with a statement explaining your case to bildungspolitik@oeh-mci.at
. It is important to observe the specified deadlines. You have two weeks after the grades are posted on mymci to submit your appeal. Normally, the appeal is forwarded to your program director at
. If the exam was administered by the program director, you must send the appeal directly to the faculty board at kollegiumsvorsitz@mci.edu
.
Formally, the appeal must be submitted as a hand-signed letter. In it, you must briefly explain your situation and cite the legal grounds on which you base your appeal.
If your appeal is rejected by the program director, you may file another appeal with the college administration within two weeks. If your appeal is rejected by the college administration, you may file a lawsuit in district court.
We strongly recommend that you contact us, as we are not only familiar with the legal situation but are also aware of relevant precedents.
Under no circumstances should you involve the recipient in the process.
Is complaining about exams the only thing I can do?
No, you can file a complaint with the University Council regarding any decision made by the program administration. This includes all credit transfers or denials of credit transfers, the allocation of study abroad spots, attendance requirements, etc.
Since these matters are legally quite complex, we strongly urge you to contact us regarding them.
Diversity Consultancy
Do you feel you’re being treated unfairly during your studies, or do you have other questions about equality and diversity at MCI?
Then please contact the ÖH MCI confidentially. We’re here to support you with any concerns related to discrimination, diversity, inclusion, and fair academic conditions. Together, we’ll review your situation and help you identify the appropriate next steps or resources to contact.
Your inquiry will, of course, be treated confidentially.