Since 1954, CALS has offered their students unique opportunities to study abroad via the CALS Exchange program. CALS students are able to internationalize their academic experience by integrating themselves into a partner university abroad, taking classes and living alongside degree-seeking students. The CALS Exchange programs are rooted in, and in many cases designed by, CALS faculty affiliated to an international academic institution or university department that complements your academic program. Students who have previously gone on exchange have found it to be a rewarding experience as it has added an international dimension to their degree, challenged them academically and facilitated the development of new skills, and enhanced their personal growth and self-confidence.

This exchange program is suitable to nearly all CALS majors, especially for undergraduate students majoring in Agricultural Sciences, Biological Sciences, Environment and Sustainability, Food Science, Landscape Architecture, or Plant Science. Students focusing on horticulture, sustainability, climate change, and forestry would find courses of interest. BOKU offers a variety of courses. Students in majors outside of those recommended may also be able to participate, depending on your interests and academic needs.

What is unique about this program?

BOKU offers a BSc and MSc "Environmental and Bio Resources Management", and also MSc "Natural Resources Management and Ecological Engineering". 98% of Austria´s waste water is treated in sewage treatment plants. Waste water treatment is an important part of BSc and MSc in "Environmental Engineering."

What is unique about BOKU and Vienna?

There are no nuclear power plants in Austria. Most energy is generated with hydro-electric power plants. Lectures in the field of Water Resource Planning and Water Management are given at the "Institute of Water Management, Hydrology and Hydraulic Engineering". Austria has the highest percentage of organic farmers within the European Union. BOKU offers classes in the MSc "Organic Farming"--Cornell students with the appropriate background are eligible to take them. Austria has an age long tradition of wine production and is an important exporter of wine. BOKU offers a BSc in "Viticulture, Oenology and Wine Marketing."

Austria is one of the countries with the highest percentage of recycling of used materials. Austrian citizens have a high awareness of the limitations of natural resources. BOKU Vienna is taking on the challenge to play a role in securing and consciously using their natural life resources.

Vienna, Austria's capital, has a population of 1.8 million and is the cultural, economic and political center of the country. Known for its high quality of life and music, it is often called "The City of Dreams" as it was the home to famous psycho-analyst Sigmund Freud.

How do I apply?

Applying to study on an exchange program is a two-step process. The Cornell approval process must be completed first, before your Education Abroad advisor in the Office of Global Learning can submit your nomination to the exchange partner.  Exchanges may have limited spaces, so early applications are encouraged. If you are applying to an exchange program, it must be your first choice.  Exchange programs cannot be a "back-up" to another program.

1. For Cornell approval and nomination, click on the "Apply" button on this webpage. Applications are approved by your college and the Office of Global Learning on a rolling basis until the application deadline listed on this page, or earlier, if the program fills.
2. Once nominated by Cornell, BOKU will email you and invitation to apply with application instructions.  At that point, you must complete the external application required for exchange students by BOKU's deadline. Nominated exchange students are typically admitted by partners, but you must complete the application process for them to review your application and offer you a place.