TU Graz Summer Research
- Work with faculty at a leading research university in Europe.
- Variety of research projects available.
- Experience the student-friendly city of Graz, Austria.
- Earn 3-6 EECS 690 credits while gaining valuable research experience.
- No foreign language experience necessary.
- Also available as a virtual program option.
This program offers KU Engineering students the opportunity to collaborate with international researchers at the Graz University of Technology (TU Graz) on a variety of on-going research projects. TU Graz is known for its cutting-edge scientific research, innovative use of technology, and high quality academics. Students will gain valuable research experience and deepen their knowledge in a specific scientific area, while enjoying the beautiful and vibrant city of Graz, Austria.
Graz is a student-friendly city of approximately 300,000 in the southeast corner of Austria. Located near the borders with Slovenia and Hungary and two hours south of Vienna, Graz is Austria’s second largest city and the capital of the province of Styria. Graz was previously named the European Cultural Capital and its well-preserved Old Town is on UNESCO’s list of World Cultural Heritage sites.
Graz is home to four different universities and a large student population, lending the city a vibrant and youthful atmosphere and many student-friendly amenities. The beautiful Mur River runs through the city center and there are numerous architectural, historic, cultural, and outdoors features to explore. Each year the city hosts numerous festivals. Students will enjoy the many green spaces, its well-preserved medieval city center, the lively arts scene, and the relaxed feel of this hidden gem in Austria.
Multiple research projects are available each summer. The list of available projects is updated in December/January for the following summer. See the Project List section below. Students will indicate their ranked project preferences during the application process.
Academic Credit
Students will receive 3 KU credit hours for EECS 690. Additional credits may be possible depending on the number of research hours completed. Most students should plan to spend at least one month in Graz, although a longer duration is also possible. It is also possible to combine participation in a research project with semester study abroad at TU Graz. Contact Jenna in KU Study Abroad for more information.
Student applications are reviewed by the appropriate research professor/project director at TU Graz. The dates for the research projects are flexible and will be arranged between the student and the project director after they are selected for a project. The opportunity to contribute to research publications may be possible.
Project List - Summer 2025
See the full list of projects with complete project descriptions, prerequisites and timeframes on the TU Graz Summer Research Project List.
Sample Research Projects
Sample projects from previous terms include:
- Artificial Intelligence in Smart Energy Systems
- Chimera - A VR gamified experience with educational purposes. The primary game environment is a spaceship that the user can navigate through using the central elevator. Users learn concepts of different scientific fields in an interactive environment.
- DigitalEnergyTwin – Optimised Operation and Design of Industrial Energy Systems
- Combining Cheap Power Amplifiers to Create a Test System for the Robustness of the Power Distribution in an Automobile Against Strong Pulses - This project requires good knowledge in electronics as they test what happens when several 500W audio amplifiers are combined to create a powerful test system that amplifies signals. Can it disturb 12V or 300V distribution systems in automobiles? What limits are there?
- Compositional Embedded Operating SystemsIntegration of a STATCOM into an Analog Grid Model
- Energy Analytics - Machine-learning based predictions of energy consumption and indoor quality will be developed and evaluated based on real use cases.
- How to Reduce Unwanted Electromagnetic Emissions from an Electronic System Using Special Magnetic Materials? Use experimental methods to determine which material works best for reducing electromagnetic waves in electronic circuits.
- IoT Technologies for Smart Energy Systems - Development of IoT technologies for future smart buildings.
- Maroon - An interactive virtual laboratory and experiment environment that allows students to explore various experiments and phenomena in an immersive and engaging way. Implemented in Unity, this project seeks to expand the Maroon framework, enhance the virtual reality experiences, and add new experiences to Maroon.
Technische Universität Graz (Graz University of Technology)
Technische Universität Graz (or TU Graz) has a 200+ year history of providing high quality, innovation-oriented education in the fields of science and technology. Founded by Archduke Johann in 1811, today the university is an international leader in scientific research and collaboration.
Students are housed in student residence halls within walking distance or a short bus or tram ride of the TU Graz campus. Several rooming options are available, including single or double bedrooms with a shared kitchen, dining area, and bathroom, or single apartments with private bedroom, bathroom, and kitchenette. All facilities offer basic amenities such as WiFi and laundry.
All students will have access to kitchen facilities in their apartment or suite. Students can also purchase inexpensive meals at the TU Graz cafeteria (“mensa”), with many options including vegetarian and vegan selections. Restaurants near the university also offer student specials with inexpensive meal options.
SAGE is dedicated to creating international engagement opportunities that meet the needs of all our students and providing resources to support you through the process of studying abroad. Study abroad is achievable for students of all identities including our BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ students, students with disabilities, and students with religious/non-religious viewpoints. Before selecting a program, consider how your identities may impact your experience abroad in unique ways and talk with your Program Coordinator about any program-specific concerns. Students with documented disabilities should discuss any accommodation needs with their Program Coordinator early in the planning process.
Considerations for Austria
Austria has laws in place to protect ethnic and religious minorities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, the differently abled, and other groups. Same-sex marriage is available in Austria and most large cities have well-developed LGBTQIA+ organizations. Many Austrian universities have student groups and community organizations to support LGBTQIA+ students. Racism and bigotry are not socially accepted although some extremist political parties have been accused of racist sentiments.
Austria’s cities and public transportation are generally accessible to individuals with disabilities. Older sections of the cities and smaller towns may be less accessible due to centuries-old architecture, cobblestone streets, and small indoor spaces but Austria has federally mandated laws requiring access to public buildings for people with physical disabilities. Austria offers services for people who are mobility, sight, or hearing impaired.
Source: U.S. Department of State country information pages and Diversity Abroad.
Additional Resources
Check our Identity Abroad page and resources listed below for information specific to you and other students who may be on your program.
Open to KU Engineering students sophomore level and above, although exceptions will be considered based on experience. Cumulative GPA of 3.0 required (exceptions also considered).
Program Budget
Program Cost for TU Graz Summer Research
Scholarships
- KU students are eligible to apply for a scholarship through the School of Engineering. See more here.
- Students with financial need (a FAFSA on file for the current academic year) can apply for a scholarship through KU Study Abroad here.
- Students in the KU Honors Program may apply for an Honors Opportunity Award.
- Pell Grant recipients are eligible to apply for the Gilman Scholarship, a nationally competitive scholarship for Pell Grant recipients. Contact KU Study Abroad for more information.
- Visit the KU Study Abroad Costs & Funding page for additional information.