On Friday, March 28, 2025, IT: U Interdisciplinary Transformation University opened its doors to the public as part of its first open day. From 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., almost 500 visitors took the opportunity to get to know the new public technical university for digital transformation in Linz. Among them were students: inside, students, PHD candidates: inside as well as interested Linz: inside and potential applicants: inside who found out about the diverse range of university.
Digital transformation for gripping close
The visit started for many with a guided tour of the IT: U and especially the Learn Labs. Here the visitors were able to experience up close and also try out how to work with technologies such as virtual reality (VR), motion capture and robotics. In doing so, they also got to know very specific research projects: for example, how a robot in agriculture supports, contribute to disaster protection data analyzes or a VR driving simulator can ensure more safety in road traffic.
Another highlight for many guests was the lecture by several of the eleven founding professor: inside, which presented the new master program “Interdisciplinary Computing”, which will be offered from autumn. They explained the various specializations and departments of the program. In the “Project Space”, guests received exclusive insights into the everyday student life at IT: u. Unlike at many other universities, the apprenticeship is based on project -based and personalized learning. In interdisciplinary small groups, students are working on real challenges – supported by Learning Coaches who are at your side with professional and methodological expertise.
Great interest, many questions
At the end of their visit, the guests were able to confirm the impression: The IT: U is not a classic university, it consciously relies on a future -oriented, completely new university concept. The focus on interdisciplinarity is working on an equal footing – which was also felt at the Open Day.
The numerous conversations that the visitors were: inside the IT: U at the various information stands were all the more valuable. Here are the most asked questions and the answers to it:
Since when has IT: U?
The IT: U started in September 2023 with the first employees: the inside – the new Technical University of Digital Transformation has been around for one and a half years. The first two PHD programs have been running since autumn 2024, and the first master’s degree will start in the next semester.
Where is IT: U?
In Linz Auhof, im Science Park 4 (JKU).
Is IT: U a private university?
No, IT: U is a public university – the 23rd university in Austria.
What is the focus of IT: U?
IT: U is a technical university and Austria’s first interdisciplinary university that combines technology, project -based learning and global problem solutions.
At IT: U, students meet with different professional backgrounds and receive a wide range of technical training here – from data science and artificial intelligence to robotics and augmented reality. This makes it possible for you to change or supplement your respective field (e.g. biology, psychology, etc.) by technology.
How is IT: U taught and learned?
The IT: U relies on project -based learning (PBL) in interdisciplinary small groups and Learn Labs. This means that students proactively participate in the learning process, are accompanied by a learning coach and that additional knowledge is conveyed to them as part of workshops. Creative thinking is always required, for example, a task is not just: “Program the robot.”, But: “How can you use a robot to collect data about biodiversity?”. Students therefore work on complex, real questions and challenges. This type of – strongly personalized – teaching is unique in Austria.
What can you study on IT: U?
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PhD (doctoral degree): Digital Transformation in Learning – Prerequisite: master’s degree
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PhD (doctoral degree): Computational X – Prerequisite: master’s degree
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Master program: Interdisciplinary Computing – Prerequisite: Bachelor’s degree
Both are full-time studies and they take place on site in Linz. IT: U is a public university, the programs are therefore not subject to a fee. Due to its international orientation, the central teaching and work language at IT: U English.