University of Graz, Austria

Why Southeast European Studies in Graz

Southeastern Europe has been a focus of the University of Graz for over a century. The noble prize winner Ivo Andrić wrote his PhD in Graz and many scholars and prominent intellectuals from the region have studied here. Since the early 1990s thousands of students from across the Balkans have decided to study at the University of Graz and it is today not unusual to hear Bosnian/Serbian/Croatian and Albanian in addition to German and English in the hallways of the university. Only two hours from Ljubljana and Zagreb by car, the city is close to Southeastern Europe and the dense ties to the region are tangible throughout the city, from the cultural life to the social scene.

Over the past decades, the University has had a strong academic interest in  history of Southeastern Europe, in particular historical anthropology. Various exchange programs, teaching, research and public events on the region have a long tradition. The Centre for Southeastern European Studies is not only coordinating the Master’s Programme, but also the Doctoral Programme Law and Politics as well as the PhD Programme Southeast Europe. In addition, the Centre hosts regular public events, workshops, conferences and conducts research on Southeastern Europe. There is another degree program focused on Southeastern Europe, a European Regional Master's Programme in Human Rights and Democracy in South East Europe. The  MA programme in the History of Southeastern Europe which was previously offered as an independent programme, will be merged with the former Joint Degree Programme with Belgrade and will allow students to choose among two focus areas within a new Joint Programm consortium.

Students are thus not just offered studies in Southeastern Europe, but are part of a vibrant community of scholars and students interested in, and from, Southeastern Europe. For more info check out the promo VIDEO

The University of Graz is a public higher education institution with a strong international profile. Close ties with more than 500 universities worldwide form the basis for the mobility of students, faculty and staff as well as numerous joint projects in teaching and research as well as organizational and curriculum development. University of Graz Website