Bachelor in Oriental Studies

The University of Vienna, established in 1365, is one of Europe’s oldest and most comprehensive research universities, enrolling around 44,665 students with an international community of roughly 15,871. With nearly a century and a half of academic traditions and broad disciplinary breadth across humanities, natural sciences, social sciences and law, the university combines historic campus life with modern research infrastructure. Its program portfolio spans numerous undergraduate and graduate pathways, attracting scholars interested in rigorous scholarship and a multicultural study environment.

Research and teaching at the University of Vienna are characterized by strong academic freedom, interdisciplinary collaboration and significant international engagement. The institution’s profile includes numerous internationally recognized scholars and a record of high-impact publications. Academic programs emphasize critical thinking, research training and language diversity, and international students can access a range of support services and English-language options alongside German-taught courses.

Studying in Vienna offers cultural richness, extensive public transport and proximity to Europe’s academic and professional networks. The university supports career development through research assistantships, internships and partnerships with regional institutions. For prospective international students seeking a deeply historic yet research-intensive European university, the University of Vienna combines scholarly prestige, diverse study options and vibrant city life to support academic and professional ambitions.

The Bachelor in Oriental Studies at the University of Vienna is a degree program for students who want to learn about the history, culture, and languages of the Middle East and North Africa. This program helps students learn about the complex realities of these regions and how to work with different languages and cultures. Students will learn about the history of the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia, and will study a language like Arabic, Babylonian, or Turkish.

The curriculum includes classes on introduction to Oriental Studies, cultural and economic geography, and the history of the Middle East. Students will also learn about religious history, ancient Near Eastern history, and the history of the Ottoman Empire. They can choose to focus on a specific area like Babylonian, Arabic, or Turkish studies, and will take classes on topics like philology, archaeology, and cultural history.

After graduating, students can work as translators, cultural consultants, historians, archaeologists, or diplomats. They can work in government, education, or cultural institutions, and will have the skills to understand and work with different cultures and languages. The knowledge they gain in this program will help them navigate complex cultural and historical contexts, and will prepare them for a career in a field related to the Middle East and North Africa.