Vienna School of International Studies

In 1754 the Empress Maria Theresa founded the Oriental Academy to train young men for the diplomatic service of the Habsburg monarchy. Out of the Oriental Academy evolved first the Consular Academy and in 1964 the Vienna School of International Studies, which in 1996 was granted the status of an independent public training institution. The Academy is thus one of the oldest of its kind worldwide.

• The DA offers a unique educational experience: a modern, international, diverse and dynamic community profits from the traditions, experience and knowledge of a centuries old institution.
• Our study programmes equip students with the knowledge and tools necessary to understand, assess and shape international global trends.
• The main study areas are: political science and IR, international economics, inter- national and European law, and contemporary history. Individual advising and flexible curricula enable deepening previous knowledge as well as acquiring an understanding of new disciplines.
• Plurilingualism, emphasis on and proximity to the practical world are key elements of studying at the DA.

Our faculty has a global reputation for researching international affairs. In line with our multidisciplinary research and teaching philosophy, it sheds light on a range of aspects of international affairs. There are, to mention but a few, ongoing research projects on central banks as actors directing global financial flows, digital international relations, modes of diplomatic communication, deglobalisation, de-Europeanization, populist social movements, EU parliamentary practices, EU neighbourhood policy, environmental law, and decolonization in Africa. Faculty generates significant amounts of external research funding and publishes its findings in reputable academic journals.

• More than 2,500 alumni from over 125 different countries call the DA their alma mater. Many have become diplomats (approx. 20%). Others have chosen different careers, in particular in the public administration of their countries (18%), EU institutions (6%), international organisations (16%) and the private sector (34%; mostly consulting, international finance, energy, communication and entrepreneurs).
• To support its students and young alumni, the DA organises an annual career day, weekly career talks and lunches, skills seminars and workshops, individual counselling sessions and online services including a job board, networking and mentoring opportunities in close cooperation with its alumni association, ClubDA.