FAQ about degree programmes with an entrance exam procedure

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• What is an Online-Self-Assessment?

  An Online-Self-Assessment (OSA) serves as a guide for choosing your degree programme. It helps you to better understand the requirements of a degree programme by aligning your interests and expectations or by testing your previous knowledge.
• How can I get the OSA code?

  As soon as you have entirely completed the Online-Self-Assessement (OSA), you will see your OSA code. You can also have it sent to you by e-mail.

  If you enter the same e-mail address in the OSA as when creating your u:account, the OSA code is automatically saved in u:space.
• Do I have to complete the Online-Self-Assessment?

  Yes, the OSA is mandatory for all degree programmes with an entrance exam procedure, apart from Psychology, and a requirement for participating in the written exam.
• Shall I prepare for the OSA? How long does it take and will it be evaluated?

  You do not have to prepare for the OSA. It serves the purpose of evaluating yourself and your previous knowledge.

  Depending on which OSA you do, you will need between 30 and 70 minutes. There is no time limit, so you can take as much time as you need.

  The result of the OSA is only available to you. It is not graded and not part of the overall result of the written exam.
• May I interrupt the OSA and retake it later?

  You may interrupt the OSA and continue with it later. However, we do not recommend doing so. 
• Can I complete the Online-Self-Assessment anytime?

  Yes, you can complete the OSA anytime. The OSA code is valid for 18 months.
• I have previously completed the OSA. Do I have to do it again?

  It can be used if your OSA code is not older than 18 months, and you have not applied for admission with this OSA code yet.

  If you have completed the OSA within an earlier entrance exam procedure, you have to do it again in order to receive a new OSA code.

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• The exams of the the degree programmes I am interested in take place on the same day. Can I participate in all of them?

  The dates of the written exams for bachelor/diploma programmes are chosen in a way that enables you to, theoretically, participate in all of them.

  You have registered for an entrance exam at another Austrian university and the exams take place on the same day? You have to decide at which university you would like to study, and take the written exam there.

  The written exam for the bachelor programme in Business Informatics/Computer Science takes place at the same time as the test of the Technical University of Vienna. You can only participate in one of them. 
• I do not have my secondary-school leaving certificate yet. Can I still participate in the entrance exam procedure?

  Yes, this is possible. Enter all data of the document (type, country of issuance, language of issuance) in u:space below "Secondary-school leaving certificate", but do not upload any document. 

  After having received your secondary-school leaving certificate, upload it in u:space. The application for admission and the registration for an entrance exam procedure makes sense only if you are currently attending your final year and will receive it within the upcoming academic year (e.g. in autumn). 

  Make sure you upload the secondary-school leaving certificate as soon as you have received it, otherwise you cannot complete the admission procedure. We require all pages of your secondary-school leaving certificate.
• My admission letter was issued for an earlier semester. How can I register for the entrance exam procedure?

  Read the Information on the registration of persons in the University Preparation Programme (VWU).

  Even if you do not attend/have not attended the VWU, you can register for an entrance exam procedure as described on this website if you have an admission letter of an earlier semester.
• When can I apply for admission?

  All application and registration deadlines for bachelor/diploma programmes with an entrance exam procedure
• Are there any exceptions to the entrance exam procedure/aptitude assessment?

  Please read the information on exemptions from entrance exam procedures.

  Further exceptions cannot be granted according to the regulation of the rectorate.
• I have an International Baccalaureate (IB). How do I proceed?

  The admission to a degree programme at the University of Vienna is only possible if your IB Diploma meets the following requirements:

  • You have to have reached a minimum of 24 points (an admission with an IB Certificate is not possible)
  • Among at least six subjects of examinations are
    • a foreign language (also possibly German)
    • mathematics
  • A minimum of at least three subjects have to be passed in "Higher Level."

  When applying for admission in u:space, specify Switzerland as the issuing country of your secondary-school leaving certificate, even if you have not finished school there. An upload of the IB document as PDF file in u:space is sufficient Do not send any documents to the Admission Office via terrestrial mail! You will have to present these only at the online first-time admission.

  German as subject in the IB Diploma can be accepted as proof German language proficiency at level A2 in the admission procedure. This does not replace the proof of German language proficiency at level C1 that is required upon admission.

  If you have a GIB (gemischtsprachiges IB), specify Germany as the issuing country. The requirements stay the same, the GIB can be accepted as proof of German knowlegde on C1 level.

  Detailed information on the proof of German language proficiency
• I have a GCSE ("Britsh A-Levels"). What do I have to bear in mind?

  You can be admitted to a degree programme at the University of Vienna, if your GSCE meets the following requirements:

  Four general subjects that are independent from one another have to be completed with grade A*, A, B or C (respectively grades 9 - 4). These subjects must include:

  1. a language
  2. Mathematics
  3. one of the subjects Biology, Physics or Chemistry
  4. a subject of the Humanities

  At least THREE of these subjects must be passed at GCE Advanced Level (A-Level).
  The fourth subject must be passed at the level GCE “Advanced Subsidary Level (=AS-Level) or at the GCSE/IGCSE level respectively.

  If one of the subjects passed at A-Level is German, it can be accepted as proof German language proficiency at level A2 in the admission procedure. This does not replace the proof of German language proficiency at level C1 that is required upon admission.

  Detailed information on the proof of German language proficiency
• My documents are from a non-EU/EEA country. Is there anything else I should keep in mind?

  If your documents are from certain countries, you have to fulfil specific requirements. For example, you need a proof about the university entrance exam, if your secondary-school leaving certificate is from Türkiye. Detailed info about all additionally required documents is available on our website for students from third countries. 

  Please also keep in mind that your documents might also have to be legalised (depending on the issuing country). 
• I would like to resume my Teacher Education Programme/I would like to change my teaching subject. Do I have to participate in the aptitude assessment?

  No, the participation in the aptitude assessment is not required.

  Information on the exemptions from the entrance exam procedure

  Information on the change of a teaching subject
• I already have a university degree. Can I apply with this certificate instead of my secondary-school leaving certificate?

  Yes, if your higher education degree certificate is from a degree programme with a duration of at least three years (full time or at least 180 ECTS, e.g. a three-year bachelor programme) at a recognised post-secondary educational institution.
• I would like to study one teaching subject at the University of Vienna and the other one at a University of Arts/Music. How can I do this?

  You do not have to participate in the aptitude assessment of the University of Vienna, but in the one of the University of Arts/Music. After your admission there, you can also be admitted at the University of Vienna.

  Detailed information
• Do I get a confirmation of registration?

  Yes. After completion of the registration for an entrance exam procedure, you can find your confirmation of registration in u:space > Personal Matters > My documents. This confirmation states that you have successfully registered for the entrance exam procedure and can be presented at other Austrian universities as well.
• What happens if there are fewer registrations than places available ?

  If the number of registered persons is lower than the number of available places, the next steps in the entrance exam procedure will not take place. If you have applied for admission in due time, you will receive the required information via e-mail. If you fulfil all requirements for admission to a bachelor/diploma programme at the University of Vienna, you can complete the admission procedure. 
• Is there a numerus clausus/minimum of required grades?

  There is no numerus clausus in Austria. If you fulfil all admission requirements, have uploaded all documents required for the admission and successfully completed the entrance exam procedure, you can be admitted.
• When do I know if the written entrance exam is going to take place?

  After the application period has ended, you will be informed via e-mail about the next steps in the entrance exam procedure and if there is going to be an entrance exam or not.
• I have already completed a degree programme. Do I have to participate in the entrance exam procedure?

  Yes. A completed degree does not exempt you from participating in the entrance exam procedure. Exemptions exist for the aptitude assessment for the bachelor programme in Teacher education.

  Information on the exemptions from the entrance exam procedure
• I have accidentally withdrawn my application. What can I do?

  If the application period is still open, you can apply again. You do not have to pay the administration fee twice.

  If the application period is already over, message us as soon as possible via the Servicedesk (Topic: Information on the entrance exam procedure).
• I am already studying this degree programme at a different university. Can I continue in a higher semester or do I still have to participate in the entrance exam?

  It is not possible to start in a higher semester. You will have to participate in the entrance exam procedure in any case. After the admission you can apply for a recognition of previously taken exams at the StudiesServiceCenter/StudiesServiceUnit responsible for your degree programme. Recognised exams do not have to be passed again at the University of Vienna.

  Exemptions are possible for Law and Teacher Education:

  Information on exemptions from the entrance exam procedure
• I missed the application/registration deadline. What can I do?

  As long as the application period for degree programmes without entrance exam procedure is open, you can apply for admission to another degree programme. If you fulfil all requirements for admission to this degree programme, you can be admitted within the admission period.

  The entrance exam procedure takes place only once a year (before the winter semester). The entrance exam procedure for bachelor and diploma programmes is only valid for the winter and summer semester following the procedure. The successfully completed entrance exam procedure for the bachelor programme in Teacher Education it is valid indefinitely. Information regarding the next entrance exam procedure will be available on our website in spring of next year.
• I forgot my password for logging into my u:account, where can I get a new one?

  You can reset your password at the Vienna University Computer Center.
• What do I have to do, if I change my mind and don’t want to participate in the entrance exam procedure anymore? Will the administration fee refunded?

  If this is the case, you simply do not participate in the written exam. Please ignore the e-mails with information regarding the entrance exam procedure, which you will still receive by default. This does not result in any negative consequence for you. 

  If the written exam takes place and you do not participate in it, admission to this degree programme is not possible in the following academic year. Admission to a degree programme without entrance exam procedure is still possible, if you fulfil all requirements. 

  According to the existing regulations a refund of the administration fee is not possible, as the payment of the administration fee is a specific measure aiming at securing that only those register for the entrance exam procedure who have a real interest in studying the degree programme. This has also been confirmed by the judicature of the Constitutional Court.
• I would like to study Sport Science and the teaching subject Sports and Physical Education. How should I proceed?

  If you want to study the bachelor Programme in Teacher Education with the teaching subject Sports and Physical Education and the bachelor programme in Sport Science, proceed as follows:

  1. Register in u:space and apply for admission to the Teacher Education Programme and the bachelor programme in Sport Science. You have to pay the administration fee for both applications, so 100 Euro in total.
  2. Complete all steps in the entrance exam procedure and take the sporting aptitude admission test.
  3. If you have successfully passed the written exam and the sporting aptitude admission test, you can be admitted to both degree programmes. In case you have not passed the sporting aptitude admission test you will still be able to choose a different teaching subject or a different degree programme (without entrance exam procedure and without compulsory Online-Self-Assessment) after the announcement of results.
• I am already a student of the University of Vienna/I have already studied a different degree programme here before. What do I have to do?

  Log in to u:space as usual. Go to Studies > Apply for admission, submit your application and pay the administration fee. You do not need to upload any documents which have already been approved by the Admission Office (status: approved).

  In case you have forgotten your login data, contact the Helpdesk of the Vienna University Computer Center.
• I have not clicked on the activation link for my u:account activation in time, so it is not valid anymore. What can I do?

  Please contact the Helpdesk of the Vienna University Computer Center. You will receive a new activation link.

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• I am from South Tyrol. Do I need a proof of German language proficiency?

  If the language of instruction and examination of your school was German, your secondary-school leaving certificate is an adequate proof of German language proficiency.
• I have German knowledge at level B2. Can I already participate in the entrance exam procedure?

  The application for admission and thereby the registration for the entrance exam procedure are possible with advanced German skills. You only have to provide your proof of German proficiency at level C1 during the online appointment for first-time admission and the admission to the degree programme.

  You have to decide if your German knowledge is sufficient to participate in the entrance exam procedure, or if you want to take a German course first.

  In any case, read the information on German knowledge for the entrance exam procedure carefully.
• I am a German native speaker, but I don't have any proof of German proficiency. What shall I do?

  If, in your opinion, your written and oral skills as well as your listening and reading comprehension in German correspond to level C1 or C2, upload a written declaration in the field "proof of German proficiency at level C1" when applying for admission in u:space. A written declaration is a signed statement of the facts, in which you confirm that German is your first language. Note that after having been admitted to the degree programme you will not have any possibility of participating in a German course at the University Preparation Programme of the Vienna Universities (VWU). 

  In case of doubt, the Admission Office has the right to request a proof of German knowledge. 
• I do not have any proof of German language proficiency (C1) yet. What shall I do?

  Read the information on German knowledge for the entrance exam procedure carefully and proceed as described.

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• When do I get the result of the entrance exam?

  The result is sent to you via e-mail approximately 14 days after the written exam.
• Where can I find the required literature?

  The required literature is available on the details page regarding the written exam the details page of the respective degree programme.
• How many times can I participate in the entrance exam?

  The entrance exam takes places once a year (before the winter semester). The entrance exam procedure for bachelor and diploma programmes is only valid for the winter and summer semester following the procedure. The successfully completed entrance exam procedure for the bachelor programme in Teacher Education it is valid indefinitely. Applicants who do not pass the entrance exam can repeat it in the following years as often as they like. 
• Am I allowed to use a calculator?

  No, this is not permitted.
• Am I allowed to use a dictionary?

  No, this is not permitted.
• My name/date of birth on the permission to attend ("Einlassbestätigung") is not correct. What can I do?

  Contact us as soon as possible by using our Servicedesk (Topic: Entrance exam procedure) and attach a scan of your personal ID card to your message.
• I have not received a permission to attend ("Einlassbestätigung"). When will I get it?

  Your permission to attend ("Einlassbestätigung") with detailed information about the procedure will be available in u:space > Personal Matters > My Documents at least 14 days before the written exam. You will also receive the corresponding link via e-mail. Please also check your spam folder.
• Are there any preparatory courses or test examples?

  The University of Vienna does not offer any preparatory course, because studying the literature is sufficient.

  Detailed information regarding the literature, sample exercises and the written exam is available on the details page regarding the written exam.
• When and where does the written exam take place?

  At least 14 days before the exam date, you can find your permission to attend ("Einlassbestätigung") with detailed information on the entrance exam procedure (place, time, duration, objects you may bring with you, etc.) in u:space > Personal Matters > My Documents. You will also receive the corresponding link via e-mail. Please also check your spam folder.

  On the day of the written exam, you will have to take the permission to attend ("Einlassbestätigung") with you.

  The written exam takes place in Vienna.
• Do I have to come to Vienna for taking the written exam? Or can I take it online/from abroad?

  The written exam will take place in Vienna and can only be taken on site. Your personal attendance is absolutely necessary. An online test is not offered.
• What is the procedure on the day of the written exam? How much time will it take?

  On the day of the written exam, the procedure will consist of the identity check of participants, a detailed explanation of the test procedure, the test duration and the collection of test sheets. Depending on the number of participants, the procedure will take some time, because the handing in of test sheets is checked several times. Please do not make any other plans for the day of the written exam. You may only leave the place once the audit manager has announced the end of the written exam. If you leave earlier, you will be excluded from the entrance exam procedure.

  If you do not live in Vienna or its surroundings, we recommend you to arrive a day earlier. Please plan your return in the late evening.
• What happens if I cannot come? Will there be an alternate date?

  No, an alternate date can not be arranged due to organisational reasons. The written exam must take place on the predefined day and time in order to guarantee equal opportunities for all applicants. Therefore, no alternate date exists. Make sure you are free on the day of the test and, if needed, travel to Vienna the day before.

  If you miss the written exam, you will have the possibility of participating in the entrance exam procedure next year. To do so, you have to apply for admission to the degree programme again. The entrance exam procedure takes place only once a year (before the winter semester). The entrance exam procedure for bachelor and diploma programmes is only valid for the winter and summer semester following the procedure. The successfully completed entrance exam procedure for the bachelor programme in Teacher Education it is valid indefinitely.

  According to the existing regulations a refund of the administration fee is not possible, as the payment of the administration fee is a specific measure aiming at securing that only those register for the entrance exam procedure who have a real interest in studying the degree programme. This has also been confirmed by the judicature of the Constitutional Court. 
• When will I know if the written exam takes place? What does it depend on?

  If the written exam takes place or not depends on the number of applicants. If the number of applicants exceeds the number of available places, a written exam will be carried out.

  Several days after the end of the application/registration period you will be informed about whether the written exam will take place or not via e-mail. Please also check your spam folder.

  If the number of applicants participating in the written exam is lower than the number of available places, all participants can be admitted to the degree programme provided they fulfil the admission requirements for the bachelor/diploma programme at the University of Vienna.
• If the written exam does not take place, can I begin my degree programme even if I was not registered?

  No. Even if the written exam is not carried out the admission to the degree programme is only possible if you have registered for the entrance exam procedure in time. This also applies, if less applicants than available places take part in the written exam.
• What shall I bring with me to the written exam?

  This information is included in your permission to attend ("Einlassbestätigung"), which will be available in u:space > Personal Matters > My Documents approximately 14 days before the written exam. The corresponding link will also be sent to you via e-mail. Please also check your spam folder. 
• Will there also be a written exam for the summer semester?

  No. The entrance exam procedure takes place only once a year (before the winter semester). The entrance exam procedure for bachelor and diploma programmes is only valid for the winter and summer semester following the procedure. The successfully completed entrance exam procedure for the bachelor programme in Teacher Education it is valid indefinitely. 

  However, with regard to the study organisation, we do not recommend starting in the summer semester.
• Can I receive a time statement?

  Yes. You can request a time statement (i.e. for your employer, school, civil or military service) after the written exam via the Servicedesk (topic: Entrance exam procedure). 

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• I would like to study an additional degree programme without entrance exam procedure. What should I do?

  Submit your application for admission to the degree programme in u:space within the application period and complete the admission procedure.

  Detailed information on the admission
• Until when can I be admitted to the degree programme?

  The admission to bachelor/diploma programmes with entrance exam procedure is possible within the admission period of the winter and summer semester following the entrance exam. The entrance exam is only valid for two semesters. The only exception is the entrance exam procedure for the bachelor programme in Teacher Education, which is valid indefinitely.

  Admission to the degree programme is only possible if you have successfully participated in the entrance exam procedure and fulfil all requirements for admission to a bachelor/diploma programme at the University of Vienna.

  If you were successful in the entrance exam procedure for the bachelor programme in Teacher Education, admission is possible within the admission period of the respective semester. The entrance exam for Teacher Education is valid indefinitely.

   

   
• I want to begin my degree programme in the summer semester. What shall I do?

  The entrance exam procedure takes place only once a year (before the winter semester). The entrance exam procedure for bachelor and diploma programmes is only valid for the winter and summer semester following the procedure. The successfully completed entrance exam procedure for the bachelor programme in Teacher Education it is valid indefinitely. Participate in the entrance exam procedure, even if you would like to begin your degree programme later on in the summer semester. However, with regard to the study organisation, we do not recommend starting in the summer semester.
• I have successfully completed the entrance exam procedure for the bachelor programme in Teacher Education. How long is it valid?

  The entrance exam for the bachelor programme in Teacher Education is the only entrance exam procedure that is valid indefinitely.

  If you have successfully participated in the entrance exam procedure for the bachelor programme in Teacher Education in Austria, you can be admitted within the admission period of the respective semester.

   

   
• How much does the degree programme cost?

  Information on the tuition fee/Students' Union fee
• How do I complete the admission procedure?

  If you have submitted your application for admission in due time, you will receive an e-mail after the end of the application period. This e-mail will inform you if the written test takes place and what your next steps in the admission procedure are.

  Read the information in the e-mail carefully.

  If the written test takes place, you will receive all information you need to complete the admission procedure when the test results are sent out.

   

   
• When does the degree programme start?

  The winter semester starts on 1 October. Keep in mind that the registration period for courses begins in September. You can only register for courses once you have completed the admission procedure.

  Schedule of the academic year
• I have successfully participated in the entrance exam procedure. Does this mean I am admitted now?

  No. You will receive information on the further steps in the admission procedure with your test result via e-mail. Please also check your spam folder.
• What happens if I am not successful in the entrance exam procedure? Can I still study?

  Yes, there are also degree programmes without entrance exam procedure that you can consider as an alternative.

  Our tip: Prepare a “Plan B” early on. Just in case you are not successful in the entrance exam. Please note: The test results for some programmes are only announced after the application period for degree programmes without entrance exam procedure has already ended. Then it is too late to apply for admission.

  • Inform yourself early on about
    • the degree programmes offered at the University of Vienna
    • all application and admission deadlines
  • Apply for admission to an alternative/additional degree programme within the application period.

  The admission is only possible if you have submitted your application in due time. The application periods depend on your citizenship.

  The “Plan B” degree programme was not the right choice? If this is the case, you do not have to complete any further steps to complete the admission procedure.

  All application and admission deadlines
• After the written exam there are still places available. Can I get admitted?

  It is not possible to get admitted due to remaining places.

  If the number of persons participating in the written exam is lower than the number of available places, only those who have completed all steps in the entrance exam procedure and fulfil the admission requirements for the chosen bachelor/diploma programme at the University of Vienna will be admitted.
• I have just taken the written exam, what comes next?

  Wait for the results. These will be sent to you within 14 days after the written exam via e-mail. Then you will also receive information on the next steps. Please also check your spam folder.
• Can I get accepted at the University of Vienna with a test result obtained at a different university?

  Bachelor and diploma programmes with entrance exam procedure:

  Option 1: The written exam at the University of Vienna took place
  Admission at the University of Vienna is not possible.

  Option 2: The written exam at the University of Vienna did not take place
  In certain degree programmes a late registration is possible. This is the case, if the written exam does not take place because less people applied for admission than places are available. 

  Information regarding the late registration will be available after the end of the respective application period on the website av-admission.univie.ac.at (only available in German).

  Example 1: The written exam for the bachelor programme in Economics of the University of Vienna does take place. You have successfully completed the entrance exam for a bachelor programme in Economis or Business at the Vienna University of Economics and Business. An admission at the University of Vienna is not possible. 

  Example 2: The written exam for the bachelor programme in Economics of the University of Vienna does not take place. You have registered successfully for the entrance exam for a bachelor programme in Economis or Business at the Vienna University of Economics and Business. An admission at the University of Vienna is possible within the "late registration" (as long as places are available and provided you fulfill the admission requirements for a bachelor/diploma programme at the University of Vienna).

  Aptitude assessment for the bachelor programme in Teacher Education:

  If you have been successful in the aptitude assessment for the teacher education programme at a different Austrian educational institution, the admission to a bachelor programme in Teacher Education at the University of Vienna is possible (see exemption for students of a teacher education programme).