Info & advice
We offer you many different opportunities to get to know the world of polymers up close. A few hours, a morning or a whole day? We can always offer you a varied programme.
Basically, we offer the following activities:
We invite you and your class to Leoben and you can get a close look at the world of plastics on site. Our experienced employees will show you the most diverse areas of plastics technology and you can experience first-hand why plastics are the material of the future. Of course, individuals, teachers and parents are also welcome at any time.
You can either come along with your class or take the opportunity to visit one of the Info Days at the University of Leoben alone, with your parents or friends.
Brand new: Unfortunately, you can't visit us at the moment, so we've made a virtual tour of the campus for you! Take a look!
Keine Zeit für einen Besuch, oder der Weg zu weit und trotzdem interessiert? Kein Problem, unsere Mitarbeiterinnen und Mitarbeiter besuchen dich und deine Klasse auch gerne in eurer Schule. Immer mit dabei ist unser Demokoffer mit interessanten Ausstellungsstücken, der es euch ermöglicht, Kunststoffe aus den verschiedensten Anwendungsbereichen kennenzulernen.
Would you like to earn a little extra money during your holidays or get to know the different areas of work of a plastics technician? We offer you the possibility of a holiday internship during the summer months. Or would you like to experience at first hand what our plastics technicians do all day and what it is like to study in Leoben? No problem, you are welcome to come and "sniff around" with us for one or two days. We also give you the opportunity to complete your work experience days with us.
Whether in the classroom or at home through distance learning - our scientists want to share current research questions with students and invite school classes to work together on solutions for a sustainable future. As part of the [UN]CLASSIFIED lecture series, a variety of exciting lectures and workshops are available via live video chat. In times of social distancing, our lecturers are looking forward to opening their (laboratory) doors, at least virtually, and providing fascinating insights into research and science at the University of Leoben.
And this is how you can be part of it
Our lecturers are looking forward to giving fascinating insights into research and science. All lectures or workshops will be broadcast via the video conferencing platform Cisco Webex. For participation via smartphone and tablet, it is recommended to download the corresponding free app. No additional software is required for participation via PC. The announced link will be opened in the browser.
Before the event, you will receive goodie bags (by post) for the whole class with information about our study programmes.
All workshops and lectures are free of charge!
Registration and contact
Please send us an e-mail to info(at)unileoben.ac.at or contact us via the contact form below.
We kindly ask you to provide us with the following data:
Name, e-mail and telephone
School and class (participation from 9th grade recommended)
Number of students
title of the workshop(s)
one or more proposed dates
special wishes (duration, etc.)
After receiving your message, we will contact you to find a date for the online event together.
And these are our workshops:
3D printing and medical technology: how can additive manufacturing help people?
Sustainable with ease: Can composites also be natural?
Biodegradable plastics: a recycling alternative?
Soon available: From raw material to finished product: and back again.
The study programme in detail
There are hardly any limits to the areas in which plastics can be used. Only about 1/3 of plastics go into packaging, the far greater proportion is simply used by us, and often without knowing that it is plastic. Yet it is not only many gadgets and products from our everyday lives that we cannot imagine life without and that would not function without plastics: (micro-) electronics for entertainment products such as smartphones, tablets or notebooks, sports equipment - rarely has so much been invested in sports equipment as this year - or components in our scooters, bikes and cars... However, this year in particular has clearly shown us how important the material really is. Modern medicine would be unthinkable without polymers: Hardly any other material has proved as valuable as plastic in this time of crisis, as protection against infections or as components of life-saving medical equipment in hospitals, to name just a few relevant applications.
Because plastic can be processed in many ways and is thus widely applicable, the production volume is constantly increasing. Fields of activity such as sustainable design and production, disposal, recycling and ecological consideration of the entire life cycle of plastics (circular economy) are becoming increasingly important. Our students therefore also deal with the development through to recycling of polymer and composite materials, components and products. The plastics technology programme is continuously adapted to the latest requirements.
Because plastic can be processed in many ways and is therefore widely applicable, the production volume is constantly increasing. Fields of activity such as sustainable design and production, disposal, recycling and ecological consideration of the entire life cycle of plastics (circular economy) are becoming increasingly important. Our students therefore also deal with the development through to recycling of polymer and composite materials, components and products. The plastics technology programme is continuously adapted to the latest requirements.
Everything from the beginning
However, broad know-how also requires basics. The first year of study at the University of Leoben is therefore almost the same for all twelve fields of study: in addition to study-specific introductory subjects, the focus in the first two semesters is primarily on a sound basic education in the MINT subjects - i.e. in physics, mathematics, information technologies, chemistry and mechanics. This brings first-year students from different types of schools to a common level. So don't be afraid of technology, many graduates of a grammar school, HAK or HBLA etc. also decide to study technology in Leoben - with success.
Broadening the horizon
In the next semesters of the bachelor's programme, the technical training in plastics technology starts. Theory and application are combined in several practical courses in the state-of-the-art laboratories of the Centre for Plastics Technology. In addition, our students gain their first important practical experience in companies in the plastics industry during the compulsory internship, which can be completed either during the Easter and summer holidays or in the seventh semester.
The study plan
The master's programme in plastics engineering at the University of Leoben is designed to give you a deeper insight into polymer sciences and to prepare you for your career entry. It takes a total of four semesters and after graduation you will not only be a specialist in your field, but will also be able to use the knowledge and methods you have acquired in an interdisciplinary and networked way.
The curriculum of the Master's programme is oriented towards the value-added cycle - i.e. from the raw material to the finished product and back again. The curriculum includes the following disciplines: plastics chemistry, materials and component physics and testing, processing of polymeric materials and composites, mechanical engineering and toolmaking, design and structural layout for plastics and composites, as well as processing and recycling.
In your Master's degree, you will deal with the development, processing, application and recycling of polymer materials in constantly changing and expanding areas of application. Your timetable includes new materials and processing methods/combinations, material-specific calculation and design of components, ecological assessment of processes and products, testing and optimisation of property profiles, quality assurance, damage analysis and prevention. The content of your courses is constantly updated and also deals with controversial topics. This means that you are always actively involved in solving acute problems.
In addition to deepening your knowledge of the basics, you will also specialise in one of three elective subject groups:
Polymer materials - development and characterisation
Production technology and component design
Polymer lightweight construction
Depending on your interests, you can also either develop polymer materials, research innovative production techniques, design components or improve lightweight construction.
The curriculum also includes a field trip lasting several days to companies in the plastics processing industry. There you will gain an insight into industrial practice.
Master's thesis and degree
The Master's degree is completed with the Master's thesis and the Master's examination. The topic of your Master's thesis is chosen from the elective group you have selected. Possible topics include, for example: chemistry of plastics, technology of plastics processing / injection moulding / processing of composite materials, automation technology, plastics recycling, physics, materials science and testing of plastics, construction and structural design or economics and business administration.
The Master's examination is an oral comprehensive examination and consists of two examination subjects. The first examination subject is the subject in which you wrote your Master's thesis. You decide on the second examination subject together with the dean of studies.
All-rounder in business and research
As a graduate, you will mainly be employed in the plastics processing industry as well as in application technology departments of the plastics producing industry and plastics processing machine industry, but many are also drawn to research/teaching or consulting. Both in the private sector and in the public sector.
The fields of work are as versatile as the material itself - plastics engineers can gain a foothold in almost any industry: Construction, packaging sector, medical technology, sporting goods, electrical/electronic and automotive industries, aerospace and and and ... and our graduates thus take on leading roles in solving red-hot challenges.
The curriculum
Enrolment
The Bachelor's and Master's degree programmes at the University of Leoben start in the winter semester and summer semester. It is recommended to start studying in the winter semester. All students with a positive Matura certificate can start studying at the University of Leoben.
Persons without a school-leaving certificate can acquire the general university entrance qualification for Bachelor studies by taking the Studienberechtigungsprüfung. At Graz University of Technology, the university entrance qualification can be obtained for the technical and for the montanistic studies. Further information can be found here.
There is no selection procedure and the number of study places is not limited.
Students can only apply during the admission deadlines. (There are no exceptions to this rule!)
For the initial enrolment, the following documents must be brought along:
- Passport, or birth certificate/citizenship certificate in combination with official photo ID
- Matriculation certificate
- In case of transfer from another Austrian university additionally: certificate of graduation, study sheet
All documents must be presented in the original!
Initial registration at the University of Leoben:
- To simplify registration, it is necessary to register online in advance: Pre-registration
- The photo for the student ID card can also be taken on site.
- After presenting the above-mentioned documents at the Department of Studies and Courses, Main Building 1st floor, you will receive a record sheet (green folder) and a master data sheet, which must be duly completed.
- In order to complete the registration successfully, the ÖH fee must be paid immediately. You will find the account details in the payment instruction which you will receive upon registration. It is imperative that you state the correct reference number!
- Once the ÖH fee has been received (approx. 2-3 working days), you can activate your MUonline account and register for courses. For the initial registration you will need the pin code which you will receive upon registration.
Please note that the pin code is invalid after one week!
After the pin code has expired, you can apply for a new pin code in the Studies and Courses Department. Instructions for activating the MUonline account can be found here: Userguide
Campus Le(o)ben
Where is Leoben actually located? With just under 25,000 inhabitants, Leoben is the second largest city in Styria and the economic centre of Upper Styria. Directly on the S6, the Semmering motorway, the federal capital Vienna can be reached in about two hours; trains from Leoben to Vienna run almost every hour and also take hardly more than 2 hours.
Speaking of campus - all university buildings and the most important infrastructure you need can be found in Leoben's city centre, always just a few minutes' walk from each other.
Sport and leisure
Leoben also has a lot to offer in terms of sports: The USI - the University Sports Institute - for example, offers numerous courses in a wide variety of sports - from Akido to Zumba. The numerous sports courses of the University Sports Institute provide the right balance to the daily study routine. And did you know that we have our own ice hockey and rugby team (also for women)? For first-year students, our USI courses are a great opportunity not only to try out new and innovative sports, but also to make social contacts.
Those who like to work out indoors can do so in one of the 3 fitness studios located in the city centre alone.
Pure nature - Styria! The HOCHsteiermark region also invites you to take part in varied outdoor activities. Numerous well-designated running trails in various degrees of difficulty start partly directly in Leoben's city centre, mountain bike trails, for example to the Mugl, the local mountain in Niklasdorf, or the Mur cycle path and the mountains of Hochsteiermark offer active variety.
In summer, the LE Bootshaus offers many different ways to explore the Mur - rafting, stand up paddling or bridge jumping. All year round, you can do your laps in the outdoor or indoor swimming pool of the Asia Spa Leoben.
In winter, a total of 17 larger and smaller skiing areas in the immediate vicinity offer perfectly groomed slopes and cross-country skiing trails. And ski tourers also get their money's worth.
Shopping, culture and leisure
In the middle of the old town centre and in the historic walls of a former Dominican monastery is the LeobenCityShopping (LSC) with a wide range of modern shops, pubs and restaurants. If your heart beats not only for science, but also for art and culture, then visit the Kunsthalle Leoben, where renowned major exhibitions are held regularly.
Events and Nightlife
Small and nothing going on? Quite the opposite - Leoben has a very active student scene! In addition to the numerous bars, it is the many activities of the student representatives and the individual student associations that provide variety to the everyday student life. For example, the Plastics Engineering student representatives, the Association of Leoben Plastics Engineers and the Department of Plastics Engineering organise the KomeTogether every year in the run-up to Christmas and the suckling pig barbecue in May. These events offer the opportunity to talk to students and even lecturers. But the city of Leoben also has a lot to offer here, traditional festivals such as the Gösser Kirtag or the Advent market on the main square are just a few examples. At the LE Music Nights, which take place twice a year, the majority of Leoben's pubs participate and offer live music of the extra class!
Leoben's traditions
As one of the most modern universities in Austria, we can look back on more than 175 years of history. During this time, several mining and student traditions have been established and preserved, which contribute significantly to Leoben's identity. This begins with the common greeting "Glück auf!" and extends to the black mountain smock, which can be worn by all university members on festive occasions, to the "leather jump", with which the first-semester students are welcomed into their new profession. The personal greeting of these so-called "Schwammerl" by the rector when handing over the matriculation certificate or the farewell into the summer holidays at the "Bierauszug" are just as unique in Leoben as the personal graduation celebrations, called "Philistrierungen".
Living in Leoben
What is it like to live in Leoben? Good and cheap! There are 16 halls of residence in Leoben, 5 of which have only been completed in the last few years. Student halls of residence are ideal for making connections with other students in the early stages of your studies. Of course, you also have the option of moving into a shared flat or your own flat. However, all options have one thing in common: living in Leoben is affordable.
For comparison: flat rents in Vienna average €13.10 per square metre, in Leoben we have €8.64. (Source: Housing Exchange)
Leoben's infrastructure is also impressive: you can find almost everything you need right on the main square and in the LCS - the Leoben City Shopping Center.