Attending courses out of interest
You are interested in individual courses at the University of Vienna and want to further your education without completing a degree programme? Then a non-degree programme is the right choice.
The information on this website applies to persons who are admitted at the University of Vienna for the first time. If you were admitted to a degree or non-degree programme at the University of Vienna in the past, please read the information on the resumption of studies.
Required documents
You need the following document as JPEG or PNG file:
- your valid passport or personal ID card (front and back)
Deadlines
Winter semester 2025/26:
- Application and admission period: from 14 July to 31 October 2025
- Semester start: 1 October
Summer semester 2026:
- Application and admission period: from 7 January to 31 March 2026
- Semester start: 1 March
Consequences of a non-degree programme
- Examination attempts in the non-degree programme also count for the degree programme. If all examination attempts are graded negatively in the non-degree programme, you are permanently excluded from the degree programme and cannot be admitted to this programme at the University of Vienna.
- You have to pay the tuition fee as well as the Students' Union fee, irrespective of your citizenship.
- You are not admitted to a specific degree programme, but to attending individual courses ("Besuch einzelner Lehrveranstaltungen").
- The admission to a non-degree programme is possibile until the end of the admission period. However, the registration deadlines for courses end before the beginning of the semester in some cases. Therefore, it is possible that you miss these deadlines.
- Students admitted to a degree programme are favoured in the allocation of course places. If you have any questions regarding the registration for courses and examinations, please contact the StudiesServiceCenter or StudiesServiceUnit of the degree programme in which the courses are offered.
- You are only allowed to take individual examinations/courses and must comply with the curriuclum's registration requirements. Furthermore, you are not allowed to take any public defenses. Graduating is not possible.
- There might be restrictions/limitations when it comes to health insurance, obtaining a semester pass of the Wiener Linien, residence permit and financial assistance. Please make an inquiry at the responsible authority about the consequences of your non-degree programme up front.
Degree programme or non-degree programme?
Please take note of the differences as well as the pros and cons of both options.
| Degree programme | Non-degree programme |
|---|---|
| You are admitted to a specific degree programme. | You are admitted to "attending individual courses" ("Besuch einzelner Lehrveranstaltungen"). |
You are bound to the admission procedure of the respective degree programme. | You only need your valid passport or personal ID card for admission. |
If applicable, you have to participate in the entrance exam/selection procedure. | You do not have to participate in the entrance exam/selection procedure. |
| The amount of the tuition fee/Students' Union fee depends on your citizenship and duration of studies. | You pay the tuition fee and Students' Union fee, irrespective of your citizenship. |
With regard to courses, you are bound to the order determined in the curriculum (e.g. completing the STEOP). | You are able to choose courses more freely. |
Students admitted to a degree programme are favoured in the allocation of course places. Therefore, you have better chances of obtaining a spot. | Students admitted to degree programmes are favoured in the allocation of course places. It may well be that you do not obtain a spot. |
| You can follow the recommend study path, complete a degree programme and graduate. | You are only allowed to take individual examinations/courses and must comply with the curriuclum's registration requirements. Furthermore, you are not allowed to take any public defenses. Graduating is not possible. |
You may be eligible to receive student discounts and financial assistance. Please inform yourself at the responsible authority in advance. | There might be restrictions/limitations when it comes to insurance, semester pass of the Wiener Linien, residence permit and financial assistance. Please make an inquiry at the responsible authority up front. |
Your steps in the admission procedure
Step 1: Registration in u:space
- Create your u:account in u:space withing the application period. Make sure to remember your login data. You will need your u:account during your studies.
- Log into u:space to complete the registration.
- At "non-degree programme" you will find a link for the Statistical Data Confirmation (UHStat1). Fill in the questionnaire and choose "Check and submit". Download the confirmation and save it as PDF file.
Registration in u:space
Step 2: Online first-time admission
- Book an appointment for online first-time admission
The admission to a non-degree programme is completed online via video chat. Choose the service at bachelor/diploma or master programmes, that best relates to your situation. Important: enter "non-degree programme" in the field u:account/u:space User ID in the last step of the booking procedure. Only then we are able to correctly allocate your appointment.
Detailed information regarding booking an appointment
As your identity needs to be verified for admission, you have to complete this step in person. Representation by third parties is not possible. - You will be preliminarily admitted to a non-degree programme
You will receive an e-mail with your student ID number and information on further steps. - Pay the tuition fee/Students' Union fee after the appointment
Once the prescribed fee is received by the University of Vienna, the admission procedure is complete. You can download your study documents (student record sheet and confirmation of enrolment) in u:space > Personal matters > My documents.
Step 3: Creating a semester schedule and ordering the u:card
As soon as your tuition fee has been received by the University of Vienna, you can order your student ID card, the u:card.
Register for the courses you want to attend. The responsible StudiesServiceCenter (SSC)/ StudiesServiceUnit (SSS) will gladly help you with any questions regarding registration for courses and examination.
FAQ
-
Can I attend courses, even if I do not have a secondary-school leaving certificate?
Yes. You can be admitted to a non-degree programme to attend individual courses if you do not have a secondary-school leaving certificate. You do not have to fulfil any special admission requirements.
-
How much does a non-degree programme cost?
In a non-degree programme you have to pay the tuition fee as well as the Students' Union fee, irrespective of your citizenship.
-
Which courses can I attend?
Please inquire at the StudiesServiceCenter (SSC) or StudiesServiceUnit (SSS) of the degree programme that offers the courses you are interested in. Information on individual courses is available in u:find, the course and staff directory of the University of Vienna.