Johannes Kepler University Linz·Social Sciences
Master of Social Sciences (MSSc)
The COSOPO Master's degree program focuses on socio-political challenges, allowing students to conduct research in social policies and welfare state systems from a comparative perspective. It emphasizes the production and distribution of social wealth and equips graduates to provide consulting services in an international context. With a unique format including intensive programs and distance learning, the program prepares students for future socio-political challenges.
Students in the COSOPO program study social policy, welfare state theories, and social science research methods. The program includes compulsory internships and offers a deep dive into comparative analyses through international perspectives.
The program is organized into four semesters with a mix of intensive programs at partner universities and distance learning modules. Students are required to complete a mandatory internship as part of their studies and finish with a Master thesis.
Graduates gain expertise in empirical social research methods, ability to analyze socio-political issues, and skills necessary for conducting research and providing consultancy in various socio-political fields. The program effectively prepares students for careers in international contexts.
Periods can differ for EU/EEA and non-EU applicants. Always confirm on the official site before applying.
Winter 2026/27
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.
JKU Linz combines law, business, social sciences, engineering, and Austria's first medical faculty with a bachelor in medicine — on a green campus with strong industry ties (including the LIT Institute of Technology).
Visit university site€300–€480 / month (dorm room)
4040 LinzSingle rooms, double rooms, studios
4040 LinzSingle rooms, double rooms
Julius-Raab-Straße 10, 4040 LinzSingle & double rooms, single & double apartmentsOeAD Housing