International Outreach at MCI

Double degrees and joint degrees have become an integral part of Austrian study programs. MCI | The Entrepreneurial School® now offers 17 double degrees and one joint master's degree in cooperation with international partner universities. In 2021, three new double degree agreements have already been added. With the participation in the European University Ulysseus in 2020, joint degrees will also move to the center.

A double degree refers to a bachelor's, master's, or PhD program that is conducted jointly on the basis of an agreement between two or more universities and for which two or more academic degrees are awarded. "Joint study programs with international partner universities are an important part of the MCI's internationalization strategy and offer students particular added value," explains Susanne Lichtmannegger, Head of the Department of International Relations at the MCI.

Students benefit from a diverse academic education at different universities, get to know other higher education systems and forms of teaching, can deepen their language skills and immerse themselves in the culture of the host country. After positive graduation, they can present an additional academic degree that has legal effects in the states of the participating universities without the need for a separate recognition procedure. "A double degree has a positive effect on students' qualifications when looking for a job, in that they can demonstrate not only experienced in a different cultural environment but also special commitment, willingness to perform or perseverance," emphasizes Andreas Altmann, Rector at MCI.

Joint degrees at European University Ulysseus

Unlike a double degree program, which leads to two academic degrees, in the case of a joint degree program, the participating universities award a joint academic degree. This means students receive a diploma certificate signed by all participating universities upon graduation.

The development of joint degrees plays a central role within the framework of the European University Ulysseus, in which the MCI is playing a major role. Ulysseus consists of six European partner universities that support each other in cross-national academic exchange and research and is, like the other European Universities, funded by the EU.