Internationalization is a central element of the development plan of the Medical University of Graz and is seen as an integral part of the university's mission:
“Internationalisation of higher education is the process of integrating an international/intercultural dimension into the teaching, research and service functions of the institution.”
KNIGHT, J. (1994), Internationalisation: Elements and Checkpoints, Canadian Bureau for International Education, Ottawa
Internationalization at Med Uni Graz is viewed as a cross-sectional topic spanning all areas - research, teaching and administration. The topic is therefore central to the entire development plan and especially highlighted in the sections International mobility, Cooperation and Networking. Med Uni Graz aims to further develop the existing internationalization initiatives and to increase the global visibility and competitiveness.
The university sees its international orientation and active participation in global scientific discourse as a basic requirement for achieving sustainable success in research and teaching. The comprehensive approach spans beyond the promotion of mobility measures. Sustainable internationalization - and thus actively lived internationality - requires that dimensions of internationality are anchored as self-evident aspects in the thoughts and actions of the university members at all levels.
The Medical University of Graz – founded as a faculty in 1863 and established as an independent university in 2004 - was listed in the 2019 Nature Index as one of the top 30 academic institutions under 30, i.e., it is one of the best "young" universities worldwide. As part of its core values, Med Uni Graz has committed itself to further developing its position as an attractive research location and to preparing its students and staff for successful careers in an international context. Promoting outstanding achievements in competence development is a matter of great concern in this process. As a vital part of its mission, the university implements internationalization activities within the framework of the following fields of action: