At a time when the lack of doctors in many regions in Austria, Danube Private University (DPU) sets a strong sign as an educational and future engine in healthcare: 61 young people from Lower Austria started their studies in human medicine in Krems in autumn 2024- with passion, idealism and the desire to actively shape medical care in their homeland.
The students come from all parts of Lower Austria – from Zwettl and Horn via Strasshof to Katzelsdorf or Wiener Neustadt. She all combines the desire to become a doctor and the goal of actively shaping your home. “The desire to become a doctor has already arisen during school – he grew even stronger due to community service,” says Nikolaus Müllner, who has been studying at DPU human medicine since autumn 2024. “The possibility of receiving a partial scholarship also motivated me to apply for a degree in the DPU.”
The (partial) scholarship specially set up for Lower Austrian students has made it easier for many Lower Austrians to get started at Danube Private University. It is a clear signal from the private university with locations in Krems and Wiener Neustadt to actively counteract the regional shortage of doctors.
High quality lessons and family atmosphere
What makes the DPU special are first-class content of the course, top lecturers and of course the family atmosphere. “The strong ones are challenged on the DPU and promoted the weak,” said study group spokesman Matthias Schöberl. “Compared to the public university company, it is possible for us to be cared for exclusively in small groups. We have fewer frontal lessons, but more space for discussions.” This not only grows technical knowledge, but also a strong sense of community.
“We have a school -like company,” says study group spokeswoman Anna Peter from Wiener Neustadt. “We know each other, collect the same impressions and help each other. You are not a number here, but a person.”
The anatomy internship is also a special highlight as part of your studies. Student Leela Reiter from Zwettl: “It is a unique experience where you can work directly on the human body for the first time. This practical insight helps to reduce fear of contact and creates a deeper connection to human anatomy.”
The students also appreciate the close connection to the lecturers. Nikolaus Müllner explains: “We are in close exchange with the professors who take time for our questions and answer them as best as possible.” In addition, students benefit from the international expertise of teachers, which enriches the training and facilitates the career path in the global medical environment.
Practice -oriented and structured study
The practical course begins early and follows an internationally recognized curriculum. It is divided into pre -clinic (first six semesters) and clinic (second six semesters). Matthias Schöberl explains: “In the first three years in Krems, pre -clinical subjects are in the foreground, in the following three years in Wiener Neustadt the focus is on teaching at the bedside.”
At the beginning of the course, the students gain practical experience: As part of the first three years, a 13-week care internship must be completed, whereby up to six weeks can be counted if there are already experience in the nursing sector. Leela Reiter reports: “For example, I was in Waidhofen on the Thaya, supported nursing staff in various activities such as washing, changing the association or changing blood pressure and received valuable insights.” In addition, five weeks of internship in the resident area are still planned.
The master’s degree in Wiener Neustadt extends over three years, the last year, the last year, the clinical-practical year, in which full-time work in the hospital-a real apprenticeship year on the way to the doctor diploma.
Despite high requirements, the well -organized administration ensures a pleasant learning environment. Anna Peter explains: “We receive complete and clear timetables, including recommendations for learning units in self -study and tutorials, which shows us that the study can be made when you stick to the plan.”
Fit for the future
In the first year of studies, some of the interviewed students have already developed interests for certain specialist areas. Anna Peter, for example, wants to become a pediatrician or orthopedic, Lukas Gaissfuß from Horn is interested in oncology and internal medicine, Matthias Schöberl for anesthesia. “Our insights into different disciplines are constantly changing our plans for the future,” everyone agrees. The DPU also promotes research skills: “We learn to think medically, to work scientifically and to present results,” says Leela Reiter. “After all, we will also take part in congresses later, should not be afraid of people and have to learn to defend our work. I personally like that very much.”
Conclusion: The sixth year of human medicine started on the DPU in the study year 2024/25. The Lower Austrian community at the private university is a shining example of how regional support, academic excellence and personal motivation can go hand in hand.