Navigating university life involves more than just classes and exams. The Austrian National Union of Students (ÖH) is your official voice and support system, working to improve your academic experience and represent your interests at every level. Here’s how the ÖH works and how you can get involved.
The ÖH (Österreichische Hochschülerinnenschaft) is Austria's official student representation for all higher education institutions, including:
Universities
Private universities
Universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen)
Teacher training colleges
All Austrian university students are automatically members.
The Bundesvertretung represents all students across Austria and interfaces with ministries and national stakeholders. Its 55 members are elected every two years during the ÖH elections and coordinate nationwide positions and services.
The ÖH JKU Universitätsvertretung has 15 elected mandates and represents all JKU students, allocates budgets, and sets campus-wide priorities. Fakultätsvertretungen coordinate study reps within each faculty, while Studienvertretungen are the first contact for curriculum questions and study-related issues.
Chemistry (StV Chemie)
StV Chemie represents programs such as Chemistry and Chemical Technologies, Biological Chemistry, Management in Chemical Technologies, and Polymer Chemistry at JKU, offering advising, materials, and events. It serves as the direct study-level contact for academic guidance and curriculum matters within the chemistry area.
IBA (International Business Administration)
International Business Administration is represented within ÖH Wirtschaft, which covers the economic study programs and serves as the direct StV for IBA students at JKU. The team provides study advising, organizes events, and advocates for students in teaching and curriculum committees across the SOWI economic programs.
Study Representation (StV)
First point of contact for study-specific questions, curriculum issues, and course-related support.
Separate study reps exist for AI and for Computer Science to address program‑specific needs.
Faculty Representation (TNF/SOWI/REWI/MED)
Coordinates the study representations within each faculty and connects cross‑program concerns.
Organizes major faculty‑level events, projects, and initiatives for students.
University Representation (JKU/UV)
Handles university‑wide matters, advocacy, and policy at the institutional level.
Manages specialized departments (e.g., social services, legal, housing, equality, international).
Federal Representation (BV)
Coordinates student representation at the national level across all higher education institutions.
Represents students in discussions with ministries, national bodies, and government stakeholders.
Your study representatives:
Represent AI and Informatics students in academic and administrative matters.
Organize networking, community, and information events across semesters.
Provide academic advising, study resources, and first‑line support.
Serve on curriculum and faculty committees to develop and improve programs.
The ÖH JKU runs active Discord servers maintained by study representations (e.g., Informatik & AI, Lehramt, and WIN) to connect students, answer questions, and share timely announcements and resources. These servers offer channels for course discussions, study materials, event updates, and direct contact with StV teams, serving as a central hub for peer support and campus information. Join links and access details are posted on the respective ÖH study rep pages and official communication channels.
Links (TNF):
General inquiries: oeh@oeh.jku.at
AI students: ai@oeh.jku.at
Computer Science: informatik@oeh.jku.at
Chemistry: chemistry@oeh.jku.at
Elektronik & Informationstechnik: elektronik@oeh.jku.at
Kunststofftechnik & Maschinenbau: kunststofftechnik@oeh.jku.at and maschinenbau@oeh.jku.at
Lehramt: lehramt@oeh.jku.at
Mathematik & NaWi-Tec: mathematik@oeh.jku.at and nawitec@oeh.jku.at
Mechatronik: mechatronik@oeh.jku.at
Medical Engineering: medeng@oeh.jku.at
Physik & MoBi: physik@oeh.jku.at and mobi@oeh.jku.at