BOKU University·Sociology
Master of Science (MSc)
This program explores the societal challenges posed by climate change. It combines socio-ecological perspectives with strategies for low- to zero-carbon transformation. Students will engage with complex trade-offs and conflicts among competing interests in a changing environment.
The program covers the physical understanding of climate systems, socio-ecological analyses related to climate change, and transformative approaches for a sustainable society. It encourages students to explore the interconnections between climate impacts, mitigation strategies, and societal responses.
The master's program is structured into four phases: an onboarding and foundation phase, a specialization phase with compulsory and elective modules, an integrative closing phase where students collaborate across specializations, and a thesis phase focused on a research problem within their specialization.
Graduates gain competencies in inter- and transdisciplinary research methods, theoretical and practical knowledge on climate systems, and strategic thinking for sustainable societal transformation. They are equipped to develop and implement climate policies and solutions.
No tuition
EU/EEA students, within the standard study period (plus the ~€25 ÖH student union fee per semester).
€727 / semester
Non-EU / third-country rate. Always confirm on the official site.
€ 25,20 ÖH-Beitrag plus gegebenenfalls anfallende Studiengebühren im Umfang von € 363,36 bzw. € 726,72
Third-country (non-EU/EEA) applicants generally need to have their prior qualifications legalised and translated for the admission application. Exact rules depend on the country that issued each document — always confirm with the university's admissions office.
Program-specific items — a CV, letter of motivation, an entrance exam (e.g. GMAT, GRE, SAT) or a portfolio — vary by degree. Check this program's requirements above and its official page.
The level of legalisation your certificates need depends on your country of origin:
Apostille
If your country is part of the Hague Apostille Convention, an Apostille from the competent authority of the issuing country is sufficient.
No legalisation
A small number of countries have a bilateral agreement with Austria and need no further legalisation.
Full diplomatic legalisation
For all other countries: the full chain — pre-certification by the issuing country's authorities (e.g. Ministry of Education and Ministry of Foreign Affairs), then legalisation by the competent Austrian representation (embassy/consulate).
Translations are usually done after legalisation. Check the required order with the issuing authorities and the Austrian representation.
After admission: proof of sufficient funds, health insurance and the student residence permit are part of the visa process — not university admission. We cover those in the guides.
BOKU (University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna) specialises in agriculture, forestry, environmental engineering, and biotechnology — the go-to university for sustainability-focused study in Austria.
Visit university site€350–€650 / month (dorm room)
1040 WienSingle rooms, double roomsAkademikerhilfe
Mayerhofgasse 3, 1040 WienSingle & shared roomsAkademikerhilfe
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