USI Vienna: Everything you need to know about Registration, Prices & Programs

Written by Kerstin Lakits, Apr 02, 2026

Sports and exercise are part of a healthy life as a student. But home workouts and gyms are not your thing? ​​Then why not try a course at USI Vienna instead? From handball and gymnastics to tennis and archery, USI offers the right class for everyone.

We’ll give you a little preview of the wide range of courses and provide the most important information. This way there is nothing stopping you from having an active semester.

Table of Contents:

What is USI Vienna?

At the University Sports Institute Vienna (USI), students, university employees, and even alumni can choose from a huge range of sports courses, from relaxing yoga sessions to sweat-inducing workouts. The best part? The prices are significantly lower than what you would usually pay for comparable classes or fitness programs. In addition to courses held at USI locations, there are also discounted options for sports classes offered by external providers – perfect for anyone who doesn’t want to miss out on sports, even on a student budget.

USI Course Registration: How to Secure Your Spot

As is often the case: the early bird catches the worm. It’s best to sign up right at the start of registration as soon as the new courses go online. Particularly popular classes like Pilates or yoga are often fully booked in a very short time. Active students and university employees even have a small advantage, because they can secure their favourite course one day before the official main registration opens. Registration is quick and easy online on the USI website.

The registration phases are usually in February for the summer semester and in September for the winter semester. Being punctual when booking is crucial, so it’s best to set yourself a reminder!

Term Dates & Holidays: When do classes start in?

USI sports courses generally follow the classic university schedule. That means:

The winter semester starts on October 1st, and the summer semester begins on March 1st.

Within these semesters, the courses run over several weeks. During official holiday periods (such as semester break, Easter break, etc.) or on public holidays, USI courses usually do not take place. However, it’s always best to check the exact dates in your course description so you don’t miss a session.

USI Courses Vienna Holidays

During holiday periods – such as Easter, Pentecost, and the summer break – regular courses do not take place. But in summer, USI Vienna offers a Summer Academy as well as special sports courses, usually running from July to September. You can find more information on the Summer Academy website.

USI Vienna Prices: Costs & Categories

The prices of USI courses vary depending on the type of sport, price category, and provider. In general, courses held directly at USI locations are usually cheaper than those offered by external partners. There are also different price categories: for example, students under 25 pay less than students over 25 or university graduates.  You can find detailed price information in the information section of every course.

Despite the classics, there are also some extraordinary classes that you should definitely try.

Padel-Tennis

Looking for a fast-paced, action-packed sport that’s easy to pick up but still really fun? Then padel tennis – a mix of tennis and squash – is definitely worth trying. It’s played on a smaller court surrounded by glass walls, usually in teams of two. Thanks to the compact playing field, rallies are quick and dynamic and even beginners get into it pretty quickly. Perfect if you want to blow off some steam while improving your reaction time and coordination.

USI courses allow you to discover all kinds of new sports! ©Adobe Stock
USI courses allow you to discover all kinds of new sports! ©Adobe Stock

Heels

Heels Dance is the ultimate confidence booster. In this class, you dance to music in high heels and learn how to move with elegance, power, and a strong presence. The course is not only a great workout, but also strengthens your body awareness and self-confidence – and is a lot of fun at the same time. Afterwards, you’re guaranteed to feel like a star!

Quidditch

Have you always wanted to try the probably most famous sport of the wizarding world from Harry Potter yourself? At USI, you actually can! Of course without flying broomsticks, but with just as much action and team spirit. The sport combines elements of handball and dodgeball and guarantees a lot of fun. Ideal if you’re in the mood for something out of the ordinary and want to really work off some energy together with your team.

Maybe you’ll discover martial arts for yourself - try it! ©Adobe Stock

Kung Fu

Wing Chun Kung Fu is the only style of Kung Fu that was developed by a woman. Alongside an intense full-body workout, you’ll also develop self-defense skills and learn how to use your body in the most effective way. At the same time, the training helps you reduce stress and find both physical and mental balance. The course is open to everyone – including complete beginners in martial arts!

Maybe you’ll discover martial arts for yourself - try it! ©Adobe Stock

USI Sauna Vienna

For ultimate relaxation, there’s a sauna at the USZ on Schmelz that you can book for 1.5 hours as a USI user. A sauna session is a great way to unwind after an intense workout, relax your muscles, and treat yourself to a little wellness break in everyday university life.

STUWO tip: If you live in one of our STUWO student residences, you can even use our in-house sauna for free.

During my studies, I tried several sports courses. From yoga to endurance training and swimming, I gave a lot of sport types a try. I especially loved the swimming classes at the university sports institute “Auf der Schmelz” because using the swimming pool at university was included in the price. This way I didn’t have to spend money on entrance to swimming centres. Especially the cheap prices for the sportive offer are perfect for students.

Michael from Vienna

For one semester I did piloxing at the USI “Auf der Schmelz” and I absolutely loved it. Great instructor, amazing music and exhausting workouts. And it was just something different for once and I can only recommend it. It was a perfect workout session before my afternoon classes. Signing up is super easy and the classes are not expensive at all.

Jasmin from Vienna

Cancellation & Refunds: Rules & Deadlines

You don’t like the course you signed up for or a lecture messed up your schedule? No problem, usually you can cancel the course within two weeks after the term started. In the summer term that would be in the middle of March, in the winter term it would be in the middle of October. Should you not be able to attend to the course because of an injury, you can cancel your course with a confirmation from your physician.

Your Path to USI Sports

So, are you curious yet? Then get onto the USI Website and start looking for courses. We wish you a lot of fun on your sports adventure in Vienna! By the way, each STUWO dormitory has its own gym with dumbbells, sports equipment and a cardio area. Perfect for uncomplicated and quick workouts in the comfort of your home. This is perfect for quick and easy workouts right in the comfort of your home – completely free of any semester fees or registration deadlines.

FAQs: Common Questions about USI Vienna

You can sign up for USI courses online via the USI Vienna website. Make sure to sign up right when registration opens, as popular courses fill up quickly.

Yes! International students can participate in USI courses as long as they are enrolled at a university in Vienna.

Many courses are taught in German, but some are offered in English. You can usually find information about the course language in the course description.

The deadline to cancel a course is two weeks after the term started but If you’re unable to attend due to an injury, you can also cancel your course by providing a medical certificate.

Regular courses usually do not take place during official university holidays. However, special programs like the Summer Academy may be offered during the summer break.

Questions?

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