In 1898, Seraphine Puchleitner became the first woman to be admitted to study at the University of Graz. In 1902, she received her doctorate in geography, becoming the first woman to do so at the University of Graz. In 1905, Oktavia Aigner-Rollett became the first practicing female doctor to receive her doctorate in Graz.

The outbreak of the World War I marked a turning point for the University of Graz, resulting in a significant reduction in student numbers and a drastic cut in financial resources.