Best things often come in small packages. With a total enrollment of about 4000 students, Montanuniversität is one of the most exclusive universities in Austria. Consequently, students experience highly individual attention and optimal guidance throughout their studies.

Another distinct characteristic of Montanuniversität is the bachelor’s curriculum structure which is the only one in Austria to dedicate the first two semesters to basic principles of the natural sciences and engineering. Each student needs to gain a solid understanding of the most essential disciplines such as mathematics, physics and chemistry among others before being able to focus on a subject of their choice.

Montanuniversität Leoben integrates theoretical and practical education to prepare students for their professional life. Undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate programs of the highest academic level encourage students to give their best. This consolidates their reputation as extremely competitive and skilled graduates in the labor market.

A number of surveys conducted by several distinguished institutes confirm Montanuniversität Leoben as Austria’s best university. 

In terms of Oil & Gas, Department Petroleum Engineering was ranked third in the "World's Best Universities for Oil, Gas and Petroleum Engineering in 2017", a study carried out by the renowned CEOWORLD Magazine.

According to the Universum Communications survey, MUL was awarded the highly regarded title “Top University – Employability & Career Opportunities”.

World-class study programs, outstanding academic staff, modern facilities with high-tech research equipment, an international character, indoor and outdoor activities and high regard by employers all over the world are the key elements that make Montanuniversität the best university in Austria.

On November 4^th 1840, the so-called "Steiermärkisch-Ständische Montanlehranstalt" (Styrian Corporate School of Mining) was inaugurated in Vordernberg by Archduke Erzherzog Johann of Austria. Peter Tunner and Albert Miller von Hauenfels were the first professors assigned to educate a whole new generation of engineers in mining and metallurgy. In 1848, the Vordernberg School was nationalized and relocated to Leoben one year later.

In 1904, the University’s name changed to “Montanistische Hochschule” and received the right to grant doctorates. With the introduction of numerous academic programs and improvements of the infrastructure, the now called “Montanuniversität Leoben“ has been the alma mater of many successful figures, including the current CEO of the Austrian Postal Service and the president of Heinemann Oil GmbH. In particular, its petroleum engineering alumni are renowned for their extensive engineering education, technical skills and leadership skills.

Montanuniversität is recognized as an institution with a rich cultural heritage that has been preserved for more than 150 years since its foundation. Early traditions remain popular among students, professors and staff alike. Three of the most important customs are Ledersprung, Bierauszug and Philistrierung:

Ledersprung can be literally translated as “Leather Jump” and stands for the initiation ceremony of Leoben students. During a festive ceremony, new students give their name, profession, origin and motto, drink a glass of beer in one go and then jump over the so-called Arschleder, usually held by the Rector and the oldest miner present. The Arschleder represents the miner’s honor, while the jump is an expression of personal courage.

Concluding the summer semester, Bierauszug is celebrated to welcome the summer break. The mayor of the city, university corps and a music band precede the students walking from the main square to the former castle of Massenburg, where the festivities continue with traditional mining songs and free beer until the wee hours.

Philistrierung is a graduation ceremony that takes place at the university’s main door. Each graduated student is held on the shoulders of two close friends, getting pushed against the plaque on the door by a third classmate as many times as it took him or her to finish the master’s program.