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The JKU Science Holidays Program.

Build rocket cars, conduct experiments in the chem lab, engage in theater arts at the Circus of Knowledge, use a self-made raft to find treasure in the pond, or try a bit of soccer training or judo... Once again, the JKU Science Holidays summer program offers an exciting, hands-on program for kids & teens.

Spend part of your summer holidays discovering the world of science at the Johannes Kepler University Linz! The Johannes Kepler University's summer enrichment program gives kids & teens an opportunity to explore science in an imaginative way by offering a unique selection of workshops filled with fun, games, and lots of friends!

 

Registration for Summer 2025 was open until March 31, 2025; the program is now full.

 

What is the JKU Science Holidays Program?

The JKU Science Holidays is a week-long, full-day summer childcare program under the motto "Holidays in the World of Science". Program organizers have put together an exciting, age-appropriate program of workshops, seminars and day trips, ranging from areas in natural sciences, engineering, law, medicine, business, to social issues and biology, inviting kids & teens between the ages of 6 and 14 to explore, discover and get active. Registration for ALL age groups is also an option for one of the four weeks (max. 1 week).

Spots in the program are limited (a total of 680 in all, or 170 spots per week) and will be allocated by lottery. All of those taking part will be divided into small, age-appropriate groups (max. 22 per group). Two trained educators will supervise the group throughout the week and make sure they get to their workshops.

There is a participation fee of € 60 to take part in the program. This fee covers any entrance fees as well as lunch (Monday to Thursday). There are no additional costs.

Key Facts

Program Management & Contact

Bernadette Weinreich, JKU University Communications

scienceholidays(at)jku.at

Meeting Area / Info Point

Johannes Kepler University Linz
Altenbergerstraße 69
4040 Linz

Kepler Hall

The 2025 Program Period

Week 1: July 14-18
Week 2: July 21 - 25
Week 3: July 28 to Aug. 1
Week  4: Aug. 4 - 8

Program Times

Monday to Thursday
8.00 AM - 4.00 PM
Fridays from 8.00 AM - Noon

Age Groups

Ages 6-7
Ages 8-9
Ages 10-11
Ages 12-14

Cost / Fees

€ 60 per child for one week (incl. lunch Monday-Thursday, and any entrance fees)

Sign Up

Registration closed on March 31

Free Spots in the Program

Children and teens from low-income or socially disadvantaged families are eligible to attend free of charge. if applicable, please provide proof, such as confirmation of receiving social welfare assistance, minimum income, or valid confirmation of being exempt from ORF contributions.

If you are eligible, please tick the applicable box on the registration form.

 

 

Sign up for the "JKU Science Holidays" newsletter.

We would gladly like to keep you up-to-date!

Here are a few program examples from the 2023 Science Holidays progrm (4 of 32 different schedules):

Sample schedule 1st week, ages 10-11
Sample schedule 2nd week, ages 12-14
Sample schedule 3rd week, ages 8-9
Sample schedule 4th week, ages 6-7

How does the registration process work?

  1. Registration was open on this site until March 31, 2025. Registration is now closed.

    Please note:

    • You must complete a registration form for each child.
    • During program allocation, only siblings will be considered.
  2. You will be notified by mid-April 2025, as to whether or not your child/children has/have received a spot in the JKU Science Holidays program.

  3. The participation fee of € 60 must be paid within 7 days of receiving an invoice (invoice will be sent via e-mail). Children and teens from low-income or socially disadvantaged families are eligible to attend free of charge. There is space in the registration form to indicate need.

  4. You will receive a schedule one week before your child is scheduled to start the program. Please pay special attention to any information provided in regard to any planned excursions or field trips.

Frequently Asked Questions

There is a participation fee of €60 per child. The fee covers all admissions and lunch (Monday - Thursday). You will not be subject to additional fees. Children and teens from low-income or socially disadvantaged families are eligible to attend free of charge. If applicable, please provide proof, such as confirmation of receiving social welfare assistance, minimum income, or valid confirmation of being exempt from ORF contributions.

Trained educators and designated JKU workshop leaders will supervise and care for your child(ren) during program hours. You are, however, responsible for getting to campus for the workshops.

Yes, children may go home alone provided the parent or guardian has given consent. Please sign a consent form, opens a file.

Please bring the document with you on the first day and give it to the group leader.

No, as there is a limited number of participants. Participation in the program is limited to ONE week between July 14 to August 8, 2025.

As part of the JKU Science Holidays summer program, participating kids and teens will get lunch at the JKU cafeteria, fruit, drinks, and cereal bars to snack on in between.

No, children return home every day after the program or are picked up by a parent/guardian.

A total of 680 children will have the opportunity to actively take part in this educational summer enrichment program between July 14 and August 8, 2025. This means that 170 kids & teens will spend time enjoying the campus each week! The kids & teens will be divided into groups of 22 max.

The Info Point is located on the ground floor of the Kepler Hall.

You will receive a "schedule" approximately one week before your child is scheduled to start the program. The program will include a variety of hands-on workshops, excursions, field trips, as well as fun & games!

No, the registration list will be reviewed before spots are allocated. This gives each and every child an equal chance in the drawing to get a spot in the program.

If possible, please take public transportation to get the JKU. The Info Point at the Kepler Hall is only a 5 minute walk from the tram stop "Universität" (tram lines 1 or 2). In addition, the bus stops for the express bus lines 311 and 77 are located close to Kepler Hall.

If using public transportation to get to the JKU is not an option, you can park in our main parking lot for 30 minutes free of charge in order to drop off / pick-up your child(ren). This parking lot is located directly next to Kepler Hall.

PLEASE NOTE: Parking in the underground parking garage or in the parking lot directly next to the Science Park buildings is NOT free!

Our Partners

The "Science Holidays" program during July and August 2025 at the JKU campus is an initiative by the Austrian Federal Ministry of Education, Science & Research with the generous support of the state of Upper Austria and the OEAD.

 

Cooperation Partner
[Translate to Englisch:] LOGO Bmbwf

Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research

Cooperation Partner
[Translate to Englisch:] Logo OEAD

Agency for Education and Internationalization

Cooperation Partner
[Translate to Englisch:] Logo Land Oberösterreich

Upper Austrian Government