You can ask friends or acquaintances who know about - or already hold a degree in - academic programs in engineering/natural sciences. Get different opinions. The JKU also has a Study for a Day program, that also includes mechatronics. The Young Scientists Programme can also help you decide what major is right for you. We also encourage you to speak with an academic advisor at the Office of Student Information and Academic Advising Services. Our team is happy to answer any questions you may have and assist you in your decision.

Mechatronics is a combination of the terms "mechanics and electronics" and aims to describe the interaction (or, "synergy") of these two disciplines. This is, in fact, not an entirely new subject area but one that pools engineering sciences, focusing substantially on common foundations. The educational concept in Linz does not consciously favor either of these areas. The mechatronic institutes, however, conduct research in various engineering sub-disciplines that can be categorized to conventional subject areas in electrical engineering or mechanical engineering.

Students are as diverse as the field of mechatronics. Most mechatronics engineers are curious individuals who want to get to the bottom of things and use their expertise to design and create something new. Having an interest in base-knowledge engineering and natural sciences is a good start, along with a strong dose of curiosity. Depending on personal inclination and talent, some students move more toward theory and others are drawn more toward a technological or experimental direction. Specialization in sub-disciplines in electrical and mechanical engineering varies by individual and students in the graduate degree program have many elective options to suit their personal interests. Many students choose Mechatronics as their major because there are so many opportunities to specialize later on, once you have the basics and can make more informed decisions.

Like any engineering or technical degree program, the Mechatronics program is challenging. However, it's not about memorizing facts and figures but rather understanding the material. Thanks to our outstanding student-to-faculty ratio, we have a strong support system and experienced experts will always be there to help. And once you have learned the basics, you can comprehend advanced material quickly and easily. Cramming information from encyclopedias and thick readers is not necessary and does more harm than good. The program is not particularly difficult but does require you to work and practice independently. The personal atmosphere at the Mechatronics departments in Linz - along with additional programs such as our mentoring program - provides you with a strong support system, especially during the first few semesters. Faculty members at the JKU are always ready, willing, and able to answer any of your questions and address any issues.

Mathematics is an essential tool when it comes to engineering. Those who did well in math during middle school should not have any problems. But experience has shown that many people start enjoying math once they start university studies because here math is no longer abstract; you apply math to solve specific problems.

From the technical point of view, the degree programs are very similar. Physics focuses more on the fundamental laws of nature, but Mechatronics focuses more precisely on the relevance of the laws of nature in engineering in a scientific capacity. In general, physicists focus on analyzing processes found in nature (as well as engineering); in addition to this analysis, the systematic use of the laws of nature play a role, such as in the development of new devices, mechanisms and instruments. In short, physicists analyze what is already found in nature, engineers create new technical systems based on the laws of physics, existing materials, and manufacturing technologies.

The degree program in Mechatronics gives students a solid foundation in the technical sciences. This concept is not new and has been taught at other universities. However, the Bachelor's degree program in Mechatronics gives students an opportunity to focus on specific technical disciplines, building on what they have learned by understanding the basics well. Students in the Master's degree program can, if they wish to, specialize in a certain area or focus broadly on various areas. There are more options to customize the program to suit individual interests and career prospects. After graduation, some of our students go on to create chips for mobile devices while others develop machine tools. A degree in Mechatronics can open the door to various areas of technology.

When it comes to studying Mechanical Engineering, there is a stronger emphasis on areas such as design/product development, materials science, and production technologies and not as much emphasis on electrical engineering and automation technology. Graduates in Mechanical Engineering acquire stronger skills in product development for mechanical engineering systems.

Unlike universities, universities of applied sciences focus more on practice-oriented vocational training. This means that universities of applied sciences place more emphasis on mastering tools and methods currently used in industry. In addition, the program is designed so that students have a set curriculum of classes to take, receive set class schedules, and have little or no flexibility in their schedule. Universities not only focus on scientific base-knowledge in technology, but also on how to work scientifically and conduct research so new ground can be broken. You not only learn to apply existing technology, but also how to develop it further. This gives you more flexibility and allows you fully quench your thirst for research.

The outstanding student-to-faculty ratio at the JKU and close cooperation to strong industries in Upper Austria give you a unique opportunity to be actively involved in specific industrial projects. You are not just a number at the JKU - JKU faculty members and students who are further along in the program have your back. Early contacts to representatives at industrial companies let you get to know potential future employers before graduation. And just to mention, the Mechatronics program at JKU has an internationally excellent reputation. Also, did you know that the JKU was the first European university to offer an academic degree program focusing solely on Mechatronics? The JKU has retained this pioneering position to this day - and you can also benefit.

Yes. The JKU Mechatronics curriculum focuses strongly on base-knowledge and its broad direction and high qualification levels meet pre-requisites and prepare students well. The degree program offered by the JKU opens doors to pursue careers in business, research and continual education - not only in Austria but internationally as well.

Mechatronics engineers develop things like robots, sensors, vehicles, mobile phone chips, diesel engines for cars and electric motors for cardiac pumps or electric vehicles, software, automated machines and manage production plants. The program's scientific basis also gives students the option to perhaps pursue a doctorate degree and go on to work in research and development at industrial companies or at universities. Many graduates (the majority) prove themselves in other occupational fields such as in upper management positions or in technical sales. Students can even apply their scientific-analytical and technical education to work in non-technical sectors.

In general, graduates in Mechatronics are highly sought-after and many students even receive job offers from well-known companies before they graduate.

The JKU offers preparation courses, opens an external URL in a new window for this degree program. Material from higher-level schools is reviewed in a condensed format, designed to help you prepare for introductory, university-level courses. These courses are for newly enrolled students. Attendance is optional.

In addition, new students can take part in a mentoring program, opens an external URL in a new window. Professors and other JKU faculty members meet in small groups with newly enrolled students provide tips and advice about studying in the program.

Browse through students' summaries about studying abroad as well as graduate profiles to learn more about studying mechatronics and your career prospects!