FAQs

Participation:

How can I participate in GBS?

You can apply via our application form.

Please note that you will be asked to register for the website first. Enter your name and email-address and choose a password to complete this step. Afterwards, you need to fill in the application form for the GBS Summer University.

Who is the program aimed at?

The target groups of the summer program are architects, urban and energy planners, constructors, building and civil engineers as well as students from similar fields in the construction environment from a domestic or foreign university. We also invite people studying and working in the field of resource management, ecology, and landscape planning to apply.

The focus of the academic program lies on students AND professionals: we welcome everybody, who is motivated to learn in an intercultural and multidisciplinary environment and would like to build his/her professional network within.

The GBS offers the possibility to learn from experts while staying in the heart of Europe - Vienna! GBS attracts like-minded changemakers and future green builders who aspire to make the world a better place by implementing the gained knowledge in their future careers.

When and where does it take place?

The GBS Summer University is held from July 13th to August 1st, 2026 in Vienna, Austria. BEFORE the course, participants get the possibility to expand their stay in the OeAD-Guesthouse by one week free of charge to better get to know Vienna, one of the most liveable and green cities in the world. This is a great chance to combine your educational trip to Austria with deep diving into the great cultural and historical heritage of Vienna and surroundings.

Why should I take part?

Participating in the program offers several benefits - ee how you can profit from GBS here!

How many participants take part in the course?

Each year between 50 and 60 participants are admitted to the course.

I am working full-time / part-time. Can I still attend the program?

The GBS is a full-time program taking place for the duration of three weeks (7 ECTS = 175 real hours including a preparation work). Continuous attendance is mandatory to receive a certificate. However, we want to reach as many people as possible with the contents of green and sustainable building to create impact. So if you are unsure about the workload, reach out to us at [email protected].

Where can I find a short overview?

Have a look at our Onepager to see a short overview of GBS.

I am Austrian, can I attend?

Of course you can! The course is for national and international students as well as professionals, and we aim to have a heterogenous group with people from different backgrounds and nationalities for an outstanding intercultural learning experience.

Application:

What criteria and experience is required to apply?

English proficiency (C1)

MA Student (or at least at the end of your Bachelor) or professional in a field related to the building environment

Knowledge of design and simulation tools. The following tools are a particular asset:

Relevant experience in architecture, engineering, planning or a related field

High motivation and engagement with GBS topics and values.

When should I apply?

Application is possible until June 15th, 2026.

If you apply before March 8th 2026, your participation fee will be reduced by the early-bird discount of 200€. (scholarship applicants are not eligible)

The application deadline for scholarships is April 30th, 2026.

We recommend applying as soon as possible, especially if you are interested in a scholarship, as spots are limited.

What do I need for the GBS application form?

Please have the following documents ready to upload in the application form:

• Identification document (eg. Passport)
• Certification for English skills at level B2/C1 (study program / lectures / courses previously that were entirely taught in English; passed school-leaving examination in English level B2; long-term stay in an English-speaking country; signed confirmation from one of your professors/University of your English skills level; other certificate eg. Cambridge exam)
• CV
• Grade Transcript
• Photo

If you are applying for a scholarship, please also upload:

• Confirmation of student status of your university
• Proof of extracurricular research activities (e.g., competitions, awards, publications, or reference letters) or relevant practical experience (such as internships, volunteering, or social initiatives) related to sustainability or GBS topics.

Do you offer any discounts?

Yes!
Bring-a-friend-offer: There is a special treat for our former participants of both summer universities: As an alumni of GBS or AEMS you can get one week in our student residence in summer for free, if somebody joins on basis of a regular participation fee upon your recommendation! The applicant only needs to enter your name in the application form.

If you apply before March 1st 2026, your participation fee will be reduced by the early-bird discount of 200€. (scholarship applicants are not eligible)

What is the language in this course?

All study and social activities are carried out in English, a good knowledge of English is therefore mandatory to understand the content and to make the best out of your participation in GBS.

Knowledge of English at level B2/C1* is required and can be verified for example by showing that:

• you joined a study program / lectures / courses previously that were entirely taught in English
• successfully passed school-leaving examination in English (Level B2)
• you did a long-term stay in an English-speaking country
• a signed confirmation from one of your professors that you can communicate and understand English on an advanced level.

I have applied for GBS - how long does it take, until my application is reviewed?

After you handed in your application, the documents you handed in will be evaluated. We will inform all the applicants as soon as possible but this might take 2-3 weeks. Please be patient if we do not answer to your application immediately.

Do I need a visa to travel to Austria?

It depends on your country of residence, whether you need a visa for Austria or not. Please check with the Austrian Embassy in your country. Note that it is the student’s obligation to take care of visa arrangements for the entry and duration of their stay in Austria.

Please be aware that it can take some weeks or even months for your visa to be issued and to get an appointment. So please request an appointment at the embassy as early as possible.

Do you provide an invitation letter?

We will support your visa application by providing you an invitation letter for the Austrian Embassy. Make sure, that you apply early – only after you have paid the participation fee and you ’re successfully enrolled in the program, we will issue and send to you the invitation letter! We recommend to make an appointment at the embassy as soon as you have received our nomination mail.

Where can I find the Terms and Conditions?

Please read our General Terms and Conditions before applying.

Organisation:

Who is the organizer of this course and is it officially accredited by a specific organization?

GBS is an officially accredited university course by BOKU University Vienna. The program is collectively organized by OeAD student housing together with TU Vienna, University of Vienna, Danube University, FH Technikum Vienna, Austrian Institute of Technology, Marcello Turrini ZT as well as Reinberg Architekten ZT and Studio Calas GbR. Find the full list of our partners here.

What is OEAD student housing?

The main duty of OeAD student housing is to accommodate students in energy efficient residences throughout Austria. We host around 10.000 students per year.

Sustainability is a deeply rooted core value of OeAD student housing and being a non-for-profit organization, we are constantly working on innovative construction projects: CEO Mr. Jedliczka has built globally recognized student guesthouses to the Passivhaus Standard and beyond since 2005. There is the pioneering mobile student home popup dorms in passive house standard constructed from wood; the GreenHouse as very first Energy-Plus student accommodation worldwide and mineroom: the first multi-storey Passive House-Plus student residence built from wood, globally. As a pioneer itself, Günther Jedliczka initiated the GBS and the AEMS Summer University to fight against climate change, resource scarcity and to support the green transformation.

Do participants receive a certificate / ECTS at the end of the course?

You receive a participation certificate issued and signed by the main organizers. If you pre-register until May 31st, 2026 for the BOKU certificate you also receive an official university certificate from BOKU University (7 ECTS)**.

Both certificates show the modules and ECTS of the course.

**ECTS: European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System, this is used by European Universities to provide a similar scheme for evaluating the workload of a study course.

How can I use the 7 ECTS towards my university degree?

Please get in touch with your home university about accreditation of the ECTS into your studies beforehand, to clarify if the course is credited at your university. If you need help, reach out to us, as we can provide respective documents.

Please keep the application deadlines mentioned above in mind.

Costs and scholarships:

Do you offer scholarships?

Yes, we offer scholarships for students who cannot afford the full course fee but have excellent qualifications in the fields of architecture, building and planning as well as similar study fields. Please find all the info here. Make sure, that you demonstrate the financial need in the application form.

The deadline for scholarship applications is April 30th 2026. Note that you should apply early for a scholarship, as spots are limited!

Am I eligible for a scholarship?

Students are chosen by a jury on basis of the application and the documents handed in.

Eligible are students ...

- who meet the general application citeria

- have a confirmation of student status from the university
- from academic excellence: extracurricular research activities (e.g., competitions, awards, publications, or reference letters) or relevant practical experience (such as internships, volunteering, or social initiatives) related to sustainability or GBS topics.
- financial need

Learn more about our scholarships here.

Most of our collaborating universities around the globe provide scholarships: see the full list here.

How can I apply for a scholarship when I am studying at a partner University of GBS?

Students from our partner universities can apply for a scholarship of the respective university. If you study at one of our partners (see list of our partner universities here) and would like to apply for such a scholarship spot, please fill in the name of your university in the application form in the field “scholarship reference”.

How much is the participation fee?

Find all the information regarding the participation fee here.

What is included in the participation fee?

The participation fee includes accommodation (for 3 weeks during GBS, plus the option to extend your stay for 1 extra week BEFORE GBS, free of charge), all parts of the program (workshops, excursions, entry fees, social events, restaurant visits, …) as well as lecture materials, and tickets for the public transport system in Vienna. You can have a look here what’s included.

Which costs do I need to cover myself?

• All costs related to your trip to Vienna, e. g. flight, visa expenses, …
• Costs related to health and household insurance
• Food and laundry during your stay in Vienna
• Individual activities

You can find more information on what’s included here.

Do you provide funds for my travels?

Travel costs are not included in the participation fee. However, we recommend to have a look at OeAD GmbH, who provides some grants for research and staff mobility (such as CEEPUS, Erasmus, etc.).

Accommodation:

Do you provide accommodation in Vienna?

Yes. Accommodation in a central OeAD-Guesthouse in passive house standard is included in the program fee. We will send more information about the housing as soon as your participation is fixed.

I am living in Vienna - do I have to move in the student guesthouse?

Moving into the guesthouse is not obligatory. If you’re already living in Vienna, you can take part in the program while living at home. Still, our participants always enjoy the possibility of getting to know each other better and further discussing the topics of the course through living in a shared community.

If you don't need accomodation EUR 300,- are deducted from your fee.

Other:

I have a disability or require special medical attention. How do I let you know about this?

We are committed to create an environment of equal opportunity and will strive to make all reasonable adjustments in order to enable students to undertake the program. If you have any prior questions, don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected]

Does OeAD student housing offer any other summer universities?

We also offer the Alternative Economic and Monetary Systems (AEMS) Summer University. AEMS participants get an in-depth understanding of the complex interconnections between economy, ecology and society. Together with experts from different fields, they explore already existing alternatives to the current profit-oriented economy. They also get support in developing their own project ideas. The course takes place from July 13 to August 1st, 2026, and is open to students and professionals from various backgrounds.