Introductory and orientation period (STEOP)
Almost all bachelor’s, teacher accreditation and diploma programmes require you to complete an introductory and orientation period (STEOP) during the first semester.
The aim of the STEOP is to give you an insight into your studies and enable you to assess
- whether the course contents are in line with your personal expectations in the programme, and
- if you can meet the requirements for the degree programme.
Only after passing all STEOP examinations, you can attend additional courses and take further examinations. All examination dates are scheduled in such a way that you can continue your studies in the subsequent semester, as soon as you have successfully completed the STEOP.
You can retake examinations three times. If the fourth examination attempt is not successful, your admission to the associated degree programme expires on the day of the examination. A resumption of this degree programme is not possible at the University of Vienna. You are also permanently excluded from all degree programmes in which this negatively assessed examimination is compulsory according to the curriculum.
You can find information about your degree programme’s STEOP and the relevant dates in u:find. Alternatively, you can also contact your studies service center (SSC) or studies service unit (SSS).
Important Information
Starting with the winter semester 2022/23, you will be excluded permanently if you do not pass the STEOP. Students who have not passed the STEOP before the winter semester 2022/23 and have not resumed the degree programme by then are excluded from the associated degree programme retroactively.
Examples:
- You have not passed the STEOP in summer semester 2022: a resumption is only possible for degree programmes, where the four times negatively assessed, examinations are not part of the curriculum.
- You have not passed the STEOP in the winter semester 2021/22 (or earlier) and have not resumed your degree programme: a resumption is only possible for degree programmes, where the four times negatively assessed, examinations are not part of the curriculum.
- You have not passed the STEOP in the winter semester 2020/21 and have resumed your studies after one year (as possible in the old legislation) and are currently admitted: You are not affected by the expulsion.
What is STEOP-Mentoring?
STEOP-Mentoring aims to support you during your first semester at the University of Vienna! Small peer-goups led by student STEOP-mentors serve as a voluntary addition to the lectures of the introductory and orientation period (STEOP) and are there to help you in mastering its challenges.