Graz University of Technology

Overview

The Graz University of Technology, or TU Graz, is a public university located in Graz, Austria. It was founded in 1811 by Archduke John of Austria. TU Graz is one of the largest universities in Austria and the second oldest university in the country. Its mission and vision revolves around knowledge, technology, and passion. It aims to make students competent and knowledgeable and it espouses in them a passion for science, technology, and innovation.

TU Graz offers 18 bachelor programs, over 30 masteral programs, nine postgraduate programs, and English-language doctoral programs taught in 14 doctoral schools. They also provide over 20 courses and seminars for continuing education. Programs are taught across seven faculties: architecture; civil engineering; electrical engineering and information technology; computer science and biomedical engineering; mechanical engineering and economics, mathematics, physics, and geodesy; and technical chemistry, chemical and process engineering and biotechnology.

In 1811, Archduke John established the Joanneum Museum where he donated his scientific collections. Later named as the Imperial and Royal Technical College in Graz, the college conferred its first doctorate award in 1901 and admitted female students in 1919. The school closed briefly during World War II but soon resumed operations in 1945. By 2001, TU Graz offered its first bachelor’s program, marking a shift from its previous system of diploma programs.

TU Graz is home to accomplished individuals who have made a mark in science and technology. Notable alumni include engineer and physicist Nikola Tesla, who developed the first alternating motor (AC) and AC generation transmission and technology; Karl Kordesch, inventor of the alkaline battery; and Karl von Terzaghi, a mechanical and geodetic engineer who is considered as the father of soil mechanics and geotechnical engineering.

TU Graz is considered as one of the best universities in Graz, Austria. It has achieved top 300 and top 500 to 700 placements in different global university rankings. In addition, a number of its science courses were included in global subject-based rankings, the highest being given to its computer science subjects within the top 200.

True to its mission, TU Gaz is making advances in breakthrough technologies, including developing the world’s smallest particle sensor, making liquid batteries from vanillin, and producing new chemicals from blue-green algae.

Within the next decade, TU Graz is focused on accomplishing nine long-term objectives. These are centered around community-building, fostering collaboration, attracting top talent, maintaining high quality of teaching, developing global expertise, encouraging entrepreneurship, celebrating diversity, and maintaining organizational efficiency.