ABC of terminology

Here you can find study-related terms and abbreviations, currently especially on topics as courses and examinations.

 

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  • Dean/Dean's Office

    Together with the vice dean, the dean presides over a faculty or department. The dean’s office is the central contact point for all administrative and organisational issues of the respective faculty. 

  • Degree programme

    If you have been admitted to a bachelor, diploma, master, Magister, doctoral or PhD degree programme, you are studying a so-called "degree programme". There is a curriculum for these programmes.

    After completing your degree programme, you will receive a title (= academic degree). If you do not (yet) fulfil the admission requirements for the degree programme or are interested in attending individual courses, you can be admitted to the non-degree programme.

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  • Degree programme code

    Every degree programme in Austria has its own degree programme code, which makes it clearly identifiable. Your degree programme code is specified in u:space in the section "Studies" > "Study Overview", as well as on your student record sheet in the section "Personal Matters" > "My Documents".

  • Description of qualifications

    For some master programmes, you will need subject-specific prior knowledge. You must provide proof of this when you apply for admission. Proof is provided either in the form of a trancript of records from the University of Vienna or a description of your qualifications (= a description of your achievements).

    The curricula of the master programmes or the Master Access Guide (MAG) indicate which extension curricula (EC) will provide you with the subject-specific prior knowledge.

    You have the following options:

    1. If you have been admitted to a Bachelor's programme at the University of Vienna, you will already complete the required EC during the course of this programme. You do not need a qualification description, your transcript of records is sufficient proof.
    2. You did not study at the University of Vienna? Compare the curriculum of your degree programme with the admission requirements listed in the EC curriculum and enter the relevant achievements from your previous degree programme in the "Description of Qualifications" form. Upload the form as proof with your application for admission.

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  • Diploma programme

    In 1999, the Bologna Process was initiated by the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). This fundamentally changed the university structure in Austria. Diploma programmes have been replaced by bachelor and master programmes. At the University of Vienna, two diploma programmes remain: Law and Catholic Theology. These comprise between eight and ten semesters. Diploma programmes are divided into several sequential stages, which must be passed one after the other. The language of instruction of these degree programmes is German, which is why German knowledge is required for the admission. Graduates are awarded the academic degree "Mag.iur." or "Mag.theol.".

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  • Diploma Supplement

    Together with the degree certificate graduates receive a Diploma Supplement. The bilingual (German/English) Diploma Supplement aims at increasing the transparency and recognition of higher education programmes. It includes details on the kind and level of qualification as well as information about the completed degree programme (requirements, course of study, grading scale) and the higher education system in Austria.

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  • Directorate of studies (Studienprogrammleitung, SPL)

    The directorate of studies (in German: Studienprogrammleitung, SPL) of your degree programme fulfils administrative and legal tasks. It is responsible for providing students with legal information and consultation and for organising the teaching programme.

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  • Discontinuing an exam/course with continuous assessment

    If you must prematurely discontinue an exam or a course with continuous assessment for a valid reason (e.g. sickness), please contact your examiner/course instructor immediately. If you have a valid reason, you will not be graded.

    If your examiner/course instructor cannot accept your reason because your reason is not clear, you can apply for recognition of your reason at the Office of the Studienpräses within 14 days after discontinuing the exam/course with continuous assessment. You will receive an official notice, notifying you whether or not your application was successful.

    Please note: If you prematurely discontinue an exam or course with continuous assessment (pi LV) without a valid reason, your study achievements up to the discontinuation will be graded.

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  • Discussion Course (KO)

    The discussion course ("Konversatorium", KO) belongs to the types of courses. It usually is a course with continuous assessment, which means that attendance is compulsory and the number of available places is limited. The charasteristic of a discussion course is that an intense exchange between students and course instructors shall be stimulated, for example by means of discussions.

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  • Distribution of remaining places (courses)
  • Service Unit: Teaching Affairs and Study Services (DLE SLW)

    The Teaching Affairs and Student Services unit consists of three divisions (Coordination of Student Services, Center for Teaching and Learning [CTL] and Admission Office).

    The Teaching Affairs and Student Services unit (SLW) supports teachers and employees of the University of Vienna in the administration of studies and teaching and provides prospective students with information about the range of degree programmes, the admission procedure, the tuition fee/Student's Union fee, etc. The SLW service unit is also responsible for the admission to degree programmes.

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  • ECTS credits

    The "European Credit Transfer System (ECTS)" contributes to the mobility between degree programmes, universities and countries, as ECTS credits facilitate a comparison of academic achievements.

    ECTS credits describe the average workload required to achieve the objectives of a course, module or degree programme. One ECTS credit corresponds to an average workload of 25 full hours. Course participation as well as the preparation and follow-up of a course, the duration of the exam and studying time are considered as part of the workload.

    In u:find you can see how many ECTS credits you have to obtain to successfully complete a course.

    Example: Max attends a seminar comprising 4 ECTS credits (= 100 hours). The seminar takes place ten times and takes 1.5 hours each time (= 15 hours). He has to prepare a presentation and a summary (which takes him 30 hours), a seminar paper (30 hours) and he has to read texts for every second session (5 hours each). Over the course of the semester, he will be working 100 hours for the seminar.

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  • Educational institution ID

    The educational institution ID is a unique label of a higher education institution and precedes the degree programme code. Both can be found in the Study overview on u:space and on the student record sheet.

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  • Educational leave

    An educational leave is a time off from work to complete education and continue education and training. During an educational leave, the Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS) pays a continuing education allowance under certain prerequisites. Please obtain information directly from the AMS. As part of educational leave, you can study in a non-degree programme. Please consider the consequences of a non-degree programme if you have a secondary-school leaving certificate.

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  • Eligible degree programme

    The admission to a master programme is only possible if you have previously completed an eligible degree programme. After having applied for admission to the degree programme, the Admission Office will evaluate the eligibility of your previous degree. If it is found to be eligible, but some exams (of max. 30 ECTS) are missing, supplementray exams are prescribed in your admission letter. The Master Access Guide illustrates which degree programmes enable you to continue with a certain master programme.

    Related Links:

    • Master Access Guide
  • Entrance exam procedures (bachelor and diploma programmes)

    The University of Vienna conducts entrance exam procedures for designates bachelor and diploma programmes. These programmes have their own application deadlines (always in spring, for the following academic year) and the number of study places is limited. As part of the application process, you must complete an online self-assessment (OSA), except for Psychology. You also have to pay an administration fee to apply for admission. You are then registered for the entrance exam procedure and can take part in the written test.

    You can complete the admission procedure if you were successful in the entrance exam procedure and fulfil all admission requirements.

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    Bachelor and diploma degree programmes with entrance exam procedure

  • Equal status with EU/EEA citizens with regard to the tuition fee

    Under certain conditions, third-counry nationals can apply for equal status with EU/EEA citizens with regard to the tution fee. They are then subject to the same tuition fee regulations as EU/EEA citizens.  

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  • Erasmus+

    Erasmus+ is a mobility programme enabling students within Europe to complete a part of their degree programme abroad. The Service Unit International Office provides information on the possibilities and requirements for an Erasmus+ stay.

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  • Exchange programme
  • Exercise (course type)
  • Extension curricula ("Erweiterungscurricula", EC)

    The majority of bachelor’s programmes (and diploma programmes) require you to complete not only compulsory and elective courses within your own degree programme, but also extension curricula (EC). An extension curriculum is a predefined module group comprising up to 30 ECTS credits. The required number of ECTS credits for extension curricula is defined in your degree programme’s curriculum.

    Almost all degree programmes offer extension curricula. Unless specified otherwise in your degree programme’s curriculum, you can, to a great extent, freely choose from the entire range of extension curricula.

    Example: Max is studying on the bachelor’s programme in Sociology, for which he has to complete extension curricula comprising 30 ECTS credits. The curriculum does not specify which extension curricula he has to attend, but he can not choose EC from his degree programme.

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  • Faculty

    Scientific investigation and teaching activities are carried out at the different faculties and centres. Altogether, the University of Vienna is subdivided into 15 faculties with different locations. Each faculty is presided by a dean.

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  • Field trip (course type)

    Field trip are research-related courses with continuous assessment during which students go on a research excursion. Field trips serve the purpose of raising and enhancing subject-specific knowledge. Usually, participants have to write a field report afterwards.

  • Financial Aid

    Students can receive financial aid, such as family allowance or federal aid for students, if they meet certain requirements. Further information is provided by the Austrian National Union of Students (ÖH), the tax office and the Austrian Study Grant Authority.

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  • First-time admission

    First-time admission is the admission procedure for persons who have never studied at the University of Vienna before. Apply for admission to the degree programme online within the respective application deadline. Then complete all further steps in the admission procedure. Entrance examination/selection procedures take place for some degree programmes. Successful participation is one of the requirements for admission to these programmes.

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  • Free elective subjects

    Some degree programmes allow for free elective subjects. These must present a meaningful complement to the degree programme. By completing free elective subjects, students can extend and/or deepen their existing knowledge. If your degree programmes allows for free elective subjects is specified in your curriculum.

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  • Free Mover

    Admission as Free Mover is not possible at the University of Vienna. Please inform yourself about the degree and non-degree programmes as well as the mobility programmes.

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  • Full legalisation

    Documents required for admission to a degree programme must be fully legalised depending on the issuing country. For a full legalisation, first, the ministry of education and then the foreign ministry in the issuing country confirm the authenticity of the signature and, if applicable, the official seal on the document. Subsequently, the documents are additionally legalised by the competent Austrian embassy or consulate in the issuing country.

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  • Habilitation

    Habilitation is the authorisation to teach in a certain field of higher education (venia docendi). The positive completion of a doctoral/PhD programme in the relevant scientific discipline is one of the habilitation requirements. Several years of scientific teaching activity at higher education institutions as well as the writing of a habilitation thesis are preceded by the habilitation.

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  • Helpdesk of the Vienna University Computer Center (ZID)

    The ZID Helpdesk provides information about the ZID services and supports members of the University of Vienna in solving university-specific IT problems. It helps users manage their u:account and password. Users can report technical issues and the Helpdesk forwards this information in a targeted manner.

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  • Hours per week per semester (SWS)

    The hours per week per semester ("Semesterwochenstunden", SWS) indicate the value of a course. One hour per week per semester equals 45 minutes.

    Example: Maria attends a lecture in Law. This lecture takes place every week on Tuesday from 9:00 to 10:30 (2x45 minutes) during the entire semester. Therefore, the lecture corresponds to two hours per week per semester (2 SWS).

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  • Inskription

    obsolete - see Admission

  • Instructions on the right to appeal

    Official notifications issued by the University of Vienna are provided with instructions on the right to appeal. The instructions on the right to appeal at the end of an official notification include information on the possibilty, form and deadline for lodging an appeal against an official notification.

  • Insurance

    A part of the Students’ Union fee you pay covers your casualty and personal liability protection within the buildings/university grounds of the University of Vienna. The insurance enters into force as soon as the Students’ Union fee is registered as paid. This insurance is no health insurance. Students must apply for health insurance at the health insurance fund of their choice.

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  • International Office

    The International Office informs students and employees of the University of Vienna about mobility programmes and enables them to participate in them. Together with faculties, the International Office works on the development of internationalization programs for students, academics and general university staff.

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  • Introductory and Orientation Period (STEOP)

    The Introductory and Orientation Period (STEOP) is a chance for students to get an insight into their degree programme in their first semester and find out whether or not it fulfils their personal expectations.

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  • Introductory seminar (course type)

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  • Job Center

    Information on the vacancies at the University of Vienna is provided by the Job Center, which handles the applications of those interested in a free position.

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  • Language Center ("Sprachenzentrum")

    The Sprachenzentrum (Language Center) is a subsidiary of the University of Vienna. It offers a wide range of language courses on different levels for students and non-students.

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  • Latin - additional exam

    The additional Latin examination must be taken either upon admission or during the course of the degree programme. This depends on the degree programme. 

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  • Leave of absence

    A leave of absence "pauses" your enrollment at the University of Vienna. You can apply for a leave of absence if one of the reasons for a leave of absence applies to you. The leave of absence applies to all the degree programmes on which you are enrolled at the University of Vienna, not for an individual degree programme. Please note the negative consequences that a leave of absence can have.

     

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  • Lecture
  • Legalisation

    Documents required for admission must be legalised if they were issued in a non-EU/EEA country. Depending on the country of issuance, two types of legalisation are possible: an apostille or a full legalisation.

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  • List of subjects

    If your secondary-school leaving certificate is from a non-EU/EEA country, you need a list of subjects to apply for admission to a bachelor/diploma programme. In many countries, the list of subjects is part of the school-leaving certificate. It shows how many hours of a subject you have completed in the course of your schooling.

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  • Livestreaming

    Teachers who hold courses in u:stream lecture halls can offer their courses as a live stream. There are two types of live streams: a web stream or a room2room stream. Audio and video recordings can be made available to the students on the e-learning platform (=Moodle).

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  • "Matura"

    "Matura" is the name of the Austrian secondary school-leaving certificate. A secondary-school leaving certficate is one of the requirements for admission to a bachelor oder diploma programme.

  • Master Access Guide

    For admission to a master programme, you need to have completed a bachelor or diploma programme in the same or an eligible discipline. The curriculum for the respective master programme specifies the degree programmes with which you are certainly admitted to the master programme. For some degree programmes, there is information about previous studies that is not mentioned in the curriculum. You can find this information in the Master Access Guide (MAG).

    For all degree programmes that are not listed there, an individual examination of the application for admission is necessary. Only after the documents have been examined, the University decides whether admission is possible or not.

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  • Master programme

    A master programme builds on an eligible previous degree programme. One of the requirements for admission is the completion of at least three years of study in Austria or abroad. For some master programmes, you can find out whether your previous studies are eligible in the Master Access Guide. For other programmes, this will be checked during the processing of your application for admission. The prescribed duration of studies is four semesters.

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  • Matriculation

    obsolete - see Admission

  • Mensa

    Everyone, students and non-students, can get good food for a reasonable price at the “Mensa” cafeterias. These cafeterias do not belong to a certain university, but are part of an external enterprise.

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  • Minimum number of credits

    Since winter semester 2022/23, the following rule applies: For each bachelor and diploma programme for which you are admitted (for the first time or if you resume your studies), you have to

    • obtain at least 16 ECTS minimum number of credits
    • within four semesters.

     

    Otherwise, the admission to the degree programme expires. A resumption of the same degree programme is only possible after two academic years (= four semesters).

    Students with psychological/physical impairments are exempt and don't have to obtain the minimum number of credits.

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  • Mobility programmes

    The University of Vienna offers a range of mobility programmes. This means that students have the possibility to spend one or more semesters at a different university within Europe or beyond, gather experience living in another country and improve their foreign language skills. Students from abroad can also study at the University of Vienna by means of a mobility programme.

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  • Module

    The curricula of bachelor’s and master’s programmes are divided into modules. Each module specifies the learning outcomes that students have to achieve.

    You can view the structure of your degree programme and the corresponding modules in your record of examinations in u:space.

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  • Module/subject exam

    A module exam (or subject exam) is an exam covering the contents of a module (which comprises the content of several courses). Grading is exclusively based on the results of the exam. Attendance or active participation in the courses will not be graded. Three module exam dates are offered per semester.

  • Moodle

    Moodle is the e-learning platform of the University of Vienna. To access Moodle, you require an active u:account. In Moodle, teachers can provide learning materials, students of the same course can connect and exchange information with each other, and streamed content can be viewed.

    It is specified in the course details in u:find if Moodle is used in a course.

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  • Negative assessment

    Exam

    In the event of a negative grade, you will be able to re-sit an exam three times, which means that you can take an exam four times in total. The fourth attempt takes place orally before an examination committee. Please register to an examination in front of an examination committee at the StudiesServiceCenter (SSC)/StudiesServiceUnit (SSS).

    If the fourth examination attempt was not successful, you will be permanently blocked from this degree programme and any other degree programmes at the University of Vienna, for which the same examination result is required. Admission to these degree programmes is not possible any more.

    Course with continuous assessment

    In the event of a negative grade, you will have to repeat the entire course with continuous assessment. You can repeat a course offered by a different course instructor if it serves the same purpose with regard to your curriculum.

    The course can be repeated three times (four attempts in total). If the fourth attempt was not successful, you will be deregistered from this degree programme at the University of Vienna (and any other degree programmes for which this course is required). A resumption of the study programme is not possible.

    Appeal against a negative assessment

    You can appeal against a negative grade if there were serious irregularities in the conduct of the exam (e.g. reduced time, noise, disturbance, change in mode of assessment that was not announced). You cannot appeal against the content-related assessment as this is at the examiner's discretion.

    In the event of serious irregularities at the time of the exam, you can apply for a deletion of your grade/attempt in the Office of the Studienpräses within 14 days after grading. The plausibility of the serious irregularities has to be demonstrated. A proof is not necessary. You will receive an official notice, notifying you whether or not your application was successful.

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  • Non-degree programme

    A non-degree programme means that you are admitted to “attending individual courses”. In this case, you do not study any particular degree programme. Especially persons who have to complete supplementary exams as part of the University Preparation Programme of the Vienna Universities (Vorstudienlehrgang der Wiener Universitäten, VWU) are admitted to a non-degree programme. As part of the university entrance qualification examination (Studienberechtigungsprüfung – studying without a secondary-school leaving certificate), non-degree programme students can also complete courses.

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  • Nostrification

    Nostrification is the recognition of a foreign university degree as equivalent to an Austrian university degree. It also applies to the resulting rights and obligations (e.g. the right to use an academic title, the right to exercise a profession).

    The official Austrian information centre for international nostrifications in the academic field is ENIC NARIC AUSTRIA.

    At the University of Vienna, nostrification is possible for any degree programme offered by the University. For further information, please contact the Office of the Studienpräses.

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  • "Promotion"

    What is called "Promotion" in German refers to the conferring of an academic degree to graduates of a doctoral/PhD programme. When doctorates are coferred, the Rector or Vice-Rector, Dean and Professor conferring the degree are present. A "Promotion" can be celebrated by taking part in an academic graduation ceremony.

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  • Payment period

    The payment period (= admission period, period for the continuation of studies) is the period in which you have to pay the tuition fee/Students’ Union (ÖH) fee every semester.

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  • Performance scholarship

    Performance scholarships are granted by the office of the Studienpräses. Students who fulfil certain requirements can apply for this scholarship. Excellent academic achievements or a successful completion of a degree programme is, above all, among these requirements.

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  • Plagiarism

    Plagiarism is the theft of intellectual property, which occurs for example when a text written by somebody else is disguised as one’s own. In many cases, quotes are not correctly cited and thus plagiarised. Special software exists and is also used at the University of Vienna for the purpose of identifying plagiarised texts. If there is proof of plagiarism, the academic degree of the respective student may be revoked.

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  • Point allocation system

    Every directorate of studies (in German: Studienprogrammleitung, SPL) determines how places for courses with a limited number of participants and exams are distributed in its degree programmes.

    With the point allocation system, you receive a certain number of points (= points account) every semester which you can use for the registration. You will have a points account for the registration for courses and another one for the registration for exams.

    If you register for courses offered by different directorates of studies, you will have several points accounts. The points can be used for courses with a limited number of participants.

    The more points you allocate to a course, the more likely it is that you are accepted.

    The points account is created when you register for a course for the first time. If you cannot find any points in u:space, register for the course and you will see that a new points account has been created for the current semester.

    The allocation of points can still be changed within the registration deadline. You cannot save points for the following semester, which means that you will lose points that you have not used.

    The directorate of studies can add additional regulations to the point allocation system:
    Bonus points: If certain criteria apply (e.g. academic progress or number of ECTS credits obtained in the previous semester), students automatically receive additional points. 
    Points of the previous semester: If you are on the waiting list of a course, you will automatically be credited the allocated points for the same course in the following semester and these will be added to your newly allocated points. You can view these extra points in the section “points of previous semester”. This only applies to allocated points. Any points that you did not allocate are lost.

    After the end of the registration period and the subsequent allocation of places, you will receive an e-mail to your u:account e-mail-address informing you about the status of your registration.

    For further information on the registration procedure, please contact the StudiesServiceUnit (SSS) or StudiesServiceCenter of your degree programme.

    Example: Max would like to attend a course with 25 available places. A total number of 30 students register for this course. Max allocates 200 points to this course. As 27 other students allocated between 210 and 500 points, he does not get a place. 70 students register for another course with 50 available places. Max allocates 100 points and gets a place, because several students allocated fewer points than he did.

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  • Positive assessment

    Your grade will be entered within four weeks after the exam/the completion of a course or final partial achievement. You can check your grade in the record of examinations in u:space as well as in your transcript of records.

    You can re-sit a passed exam once within twelve months (provided that you have not yet completed your degree programme/stage of the degree programme/module). With your new attempt, the previous examination result becomes void and the new grade is entered, even if the second grade is lower than the first.

    If no courses with continuous assessment are offered in the semester following your first attempt, you can only re-sit the exam in the semester after next at the latest, but not after you have completed the corresponding module, stage of the degree programme or degree programme.

    You should announce that you would like to re-sit the exam within 6 months. If you do not use this opportunity, you will not be able to repeat the exam at a later point.

  • Postgraduate Center

    The University of Vienna's Postgraduate Center offers the possibility of continuing education and training by means of continuing education programmes and certificate courses. For the participation in a continuing education and training programmes, a tuition fee is charged.

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  • Practical course (course type)
  • Preference system

    Every directorate of studies (in German: Studienprogrammleitung, SPL) determines for its degree programme how places for courses with a limited number of participants and exams are allocated in its degree programmes.

    With the preference system, several courses are offered for the same curriculum items. Students rank their registrations for courses according to their personal preference (from top to bottom). The system intends to achieve the highest possible preference. The higher the preference, the more likely it is to get a place in the prefered option.

    After the end of the registration deadline, the available places are allocated. On average, 98% of all students receive a suitable course place.

    After the registration deadline you will receive an e-mail to your u:account e-mail-adress informing you about the outcome of the registration.

    Example: According to his curriculum, Max has to complete an exercise. When registering for the exercise, different options (often called “groups”) appear. He ranks the courses according to his preferences.
    Max gets a place on the course of his first preference. If the number of students who ranked this exercise as their first preference had exceeded the number of available places, Max would have got a place on the parallel course he ranked second.

    For further information on the registration procedure of your directorate of studies, contact the StudiesServiceUnit (SSS)/StudiesServiceCenter (SSC) of your degree programme.

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  • Prescribed duration of a degree programme

    The prescribed duration of a degree programme is the time students at least need to complete their degree programme if they pass 30 ECTS per semester on average. The prescribed duration of bachelor programmes is usually six semesters, the one of master programmes is four semesters.

    During the prescribed duration plus two tolerance semesters, EU/EEA/CH citizens and students with equal status are exempted from the tuition fee and must pay only the Students' Union fee.

  • Printing service

    Students of the University of Vienna can find their study documents in u:space > Personal Matters > My Documents and print them at home. 

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  • Professor

    Professors are persons carrying out teaching and research activities at higher education institutions. Besides the official title "Full Professor" or "Associate Professor", numerous other terms exist which refer to scholars within the higher education sector. These include for example "Assistant Professor", "Private Lecturer", "Senior Lecturer", "Lecturer" and "Postdoc".

  • Proof of academic success ("Studienerfolgsnachweis")

    The transcript of records and the confirmation of courses passed serve as a proof of academic success. These documents are available in u:space in the section Personal Matters > My Documents. They can be printed and presented at authorities (i.e. tax office, Immigration Office MA 35), if necessary.

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  • Prüfungsaktiv - examination activity

    Students who obtain at least 16 ECTS credits in their degree programme per academic year have taken a certain number of exams and are thus considered 'prüfungaktiv’. This is relevant in bachelor’s, diploma and master's programmes. It does not apply to doctoral programmes. Only ECTS credits of courses passed are considered in the calculation. ECTS credits from recognitions are not taken into account for the calculation. All degree programmes in which students take a certain number of exams are taken into account. The more students are ‘prüfungsaktiv’ in all their degree programmes, the more financial resources the University can use for research and teaching. In addition, evidence of having taking a certain number of exams can be a prerequisite for receiving financial aids, such as Austrian family allowance.

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  • Public defence

    The public defence is the final exam in a master's or doctoral programme. It includes the defence of your academic thesis (master's or doctoral thesis) and an oral exam in front of an examination committee of at least three persons. The regulations are specified in the curriculum of your degree programme.

    Immediately after you have successfully completed your public defence, you will get a confirmation of completion of the last exam required for your graduation. This confirmation is valid for six weeks and can be presented at public authorities until your degree is issued.

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  • Qualitative admission requirements (QZB)

    Admission to a master programme is only possible if you have completed an eligible bachelor/diploma programme. For some master programmes, you must also fulfil so-called qualitative admission requirements ("qualitative Zulassungsbedingungen", QZB) when submitting your application. QZB are requirement for admission. You can therefore not make up for these as part of the degree programme you are applying for (e.g. as supplementary examinations).

    QZB are a certain number of ECTS that you must have already completed in parts of your previous degree programme. In addition, individual documents may also be required from you, e.g. a description of qualifications or proof of language proficiency. You can find out whether QZB are required for your master programme either in the curriculum of the respective degree programme (in German only) or in the Master Access Guide.

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  • Re-enrolment

    In order to continue your studies at the University of Vienna, you must pay your tuition fee/Students' Union (ÖH) fee in due time. If you deliberately do not pay the fee (because you do not want to continue your studies) or if you forget to pay the fee, you lose your admission to studies. In case you have paid the fee at a different Austrian university, you have to re-enrol in your studies at the University of Vienna. You can do that until the end of the admission period.

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  • Re-sitting an exam

    It is possible to re-sit a STEOP exam three times. If your fourth attempt is not successful, your  admission to the associated degree programme expires on the day of the exam.

    You can take exams that are not part of the STEOP four times. The last attempt takes place before an examination committee. If the last attempt is not successful, your admission to the associated degree programme expires. At the University of Vienna, re-admission to the same degree programme and other degree programmes that require you to complete the exam that you failes four times is not possible.

  • Recognition of exams

    You can apply for the recognition of exams that you have taken at the University of Vienna or at a different university, in your degree programme at the University of Vienna. This also applies to internships and academic activities outside the University. The directorate of studies (in German: Studienprogrammleitung, SPL) of your degree programme decides on the recognition of exams.

    A study achievement can be recognised only once in your degree programme. It cannot be recognised more than once in the same degree programme.

    Please note: Before applying for recognition of exams, please contact the StudiesServiceUnit (SSS)/StudiesServiceCenter (SSC) of your degree programme.

    Internal study achievements:
    The application for recognition of exams taken at the University of Vienna is done via u:space. Exception: If you are enrolled on two (bachelor's) teacher education programmes at the same time or one after the other, you do not have to apply for recognition of exams. For this purpose please check your record of examinations in u:space on a regular basis.

    External study achievements:
    You have to apply for the recognition of external study achievements separately. For further information, please contact the StudiesServiceUnit (SSS)/StudiesServiceCenter (SSC) of your degree programme.

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  • Recommended path of study

    The recommended path of study is part of your curriculum and divides it into semesters. It shows you in which semester and in which order you should ideally complete the individual modules of the curriculum, so that you can complete your degree programme as fast and efficiently as possible. Thus, the path of study serves as a guide: It indicates the best path through your degree programme based on content-related aspects and supports you in planning the individual semesters.

    Since the winter semester of 2020/2021, some fields of study have already been allocating places in courses with continuous assessment along the recommended path of study. Places in courses with continuous assessment in those studies are not allocated by means of a points or preference system, but on the recommended path of study. In the coming semesters, further fields of study will be released for the allocation of places by means of the study path.

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  • Record of examinations

    Your record of examinations is available in u:space. It presents the structure of your curriculum and your academic progress. You can search for study achievements and change their allocation, when applicable.

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  • Rectorate

    The rectorate consists of the Rector and Vice-Rectors and, together with the Senate and the University Board, forms the governing body of the University of Vienna.

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  • Reference number (GZ)

    Each application for admission is assigned a reference number ("Geschäftszahl", GZ), which makes it clearly identifiable. The reference number consists of several digits. You will find the GZ of your application at the top left of your letter of admission, official notice of rejection or refusal. When contacting the Admission Office, please provide your reference number.

  • Registration deadline for courses and exams

    The registration deadlines for courses and exams are announced on u:find, on the website of the StudiesServiceUnit (SSS)/StudiesServiceCenter (SSC) or on the website of the department of your degree programme. Additionally, you receive information on the registration deadlines for exams during the corresponding course.

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  • Registration for courses and exams

    You can register for courses and exams via u:find resp. the record of examinations in u:space.

    In order to be able to attend courses with continuous assessment or exams, you have to register in due time. You can find the registration periods within the respective courses in u:find.

    In order to register successfully, you have to fulfil the requirements according to the curriculum of your degree programme. This is being evaluated in the registration process. It is not possible to attend a course with continuous assesment if you have not registered in due time. The registration for courses with non-continuous assessment is not mandatory but recommended. You cannot be registered after the registration/late registration period has ended.

    If you have registered correctly, you are entitled to attend the course/exam.

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  • Registration status in u:space

    In u:space, in the section > Studies > Registration Overview you can view the status of your registrations.

    For courses with non-continuous assessment (e.g. lectures) the following status values may appear:

    • Registered (Angemeldet): You have registered for the course.
    • Deregistered (Abgemeldet): You have successfully deregistered from the course.


    For courses with continuous assessment (e.g. seminars, exercises) the following status values may appear:

    • Prerequisite currently not met (Voraussetzung noch nicht erfüllt): You have started but not completed your registration or you do not meet the course prerequisites yet. If you meet the requirements by the end of the registration deadline, you will automatically be considered for the allocation.
    • Allocation by registration deadline (Zuteilung nach Anmeldefrist):If you have registered for a course with a limited number of participants, you are in consideration for the course first. Once the places have been allocated (after the end of the registration deadline), it will be decided whether you gain a place on the course.
    • Registered (Angemeldet): You have gained a place on the course. In case you do not want to attend, you have to deregister in due time.
    • On waiting list (Auf Warteliste): You have not been assigned a place on the course. If other students deregister, you might be able to move up the list and get a free place. If you are on the waiting list, please attend the first unit of the course as there may be free places.
    • Alternative place available (Alternativplatz verfügbar): You have not gained a place on the course of your interest, but will be able to attend another group (parallel course). You can accept or reject it within a defined deadline.
    • In process (In Bearbeitung): The registration period has expired and the allocation of places or your record is being processed. This can take several hours. In the meanwhile, you cannot make any changes.
    • Closed (geschlossen): At the end of the semester, all registrations are closed, which enables you to register for the same or a similar course or exam without any problems in the following semester.
    • No place received (Keinen Platz erhalten): You have been on the waiting list of a course/exam and did not receive a place. You can no longer move up the list. You can register for an equal course/exam in the following semester.

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  • Registration system for courses and exams

    For courses and exams, you have to register via u:find. The registration for courses with non-continuous assessment is not mandatory but recommended. You can find the registration deadlines in the respective courses in u:find.

    During the registration period, you will be forwarded to the registration in u:space, by clicking on "Register/Deregister for this course". You need an active u:account and your admission must be valid to access the registration system.

    The registration date within the registration period is not relevant to the allocation of places. Please note that your registration status should be “Registered” (Angemeldet) or “Allocation by registration deadline” (Zuteilung nach Anmeldefrist) for courses with continuous assessment. If your status is "Prerequisite currently not met" (Voraussetzung noch nicht erfüllt) you have to meet the requirements by the end of the registration deadline to get registered for the course.

    For courses with continuous assessment the allocation process begins after the registration period has ended. Registrations are ranked according to the stipulations in the curricula (e.g. point system/preference system/study achievement system) and places allocated. Afterwards, you will be informed about whether you are “Registered” (Angemeldet), "On waiting list" (auf Warteliste) or if there is an "Alternative place available" (Alternativplatz verfügbar). If students deregister from a course, you possibly move up the waiting list. If you are on the waiting list, please attend the first unit of the course as there may be free places. If an Alternative place is available, you can accept or reject it within a defined deadline.

    You can find detailed information about the registration procedure at the website of the course and exam registration system.

    For further information about the registration for courses/exams, please contact the StudiesServiceUnit (SSS)/StudiesServiceCenter (SSC) of your degree programme.

    Links:
    u:account
    u:find
    registration overview in u:space

  • Reimbursement of the tuition fee

    Already paid tuition fee can be reimbursed for certain, precisley defined reasons. This is the case, for example, if your application for remission or leave of absence has been granted. Further examples: You have completed your studies before the end of the admission period or you have paid too much. 

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  • Remission of the tuition fee

    Citizens of an EU/EEA country or equivalent non-EU/EEA citizens can apply for remission of the tuition fee provided that:

    • it has been submitted on time and in full and
    • there is a recognised reason for remission.

     

    The application for remission is granted, but you have already paid the tuition fee? Read the information on tuition fee reimbursement and note the application deadlines.


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  • Residence permit ("visa")

    Residence permits authorise persons from third countries to settle in Austria (for a limited period) and/or to work here. Please enquire about this topic at an Austrian representation authority (embassy, consulate) or the Municipal Department 35 (MA 35). A residence permit can also have an influence on the amount of the tuition fee.

    Please note: The University of Vienna has no influence on the issuing of residence permits. Please take the processing time of the Austrian representation authority into account when planning the start of your studies!

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  • Resumption of studies

    Resumption of studies means that you have already studied at the University of Vienna and would now like to study the degree programme you dropped out of.

    If you have already studied at the University of Vienna and would like to start another degree programme or a master/doctoral programme, please submit an application for admission to the degree programme via u:space. 

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  • Teacher Education for General Secondary Education in Vienna and Lower Austria

    The teacher education programme for general secondary education in Vienna and Lower Austria is jointly offered by several higher education institutions. This association of higher education institutions is comprised of the University of Vienna, the university colleges of teacher education in Vienna and Lower Austria, the University College for Agrarian and Environmental Pedagogy and the University College for Teacher Education of Christian Churches.

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  • Teacher Education Programme

    The University of Vienna offers the Teacher Education Programme within the association for general secondary education in Vienna and Lower Austria ("Verbund Nord-Ost"). This degree programme consists of two or more teaching subjects as well as general educational basics. The Teacher Education Programme is divided into a bachelor and master programme. The prescribed duration of studies is 12 semesters (bachelor: 8 semesters, master: 4 semesters).

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  • Termination of a degree programme

    You can end your studies in the following ways:

    • successful graduation: You will receive your graduation documents in the StudyServiceCenter (SSC) of your degree programme (e.g. certificate, diploma supplement)
    • discontinuing your degree programme: You can print out a confirmation of withdrawal from university via u:space.

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  • Tolerance semesters

    EU/EEA citizens and persons treated as equivalent only pay the Students' Union fee for the presecribed duration of study (= "minimum duration of study"). At the end of this period, they are granted two additional "tolerance semesters", during which only the Studens' Union fee is charged.

     

    If you do not complete your degree programme in the prescribed duration of studies + the two tolerance semesters, you will pay both the Students' Union fee and the tuition fee.

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  • Transcript of records ("Sammelzeugnis")

    Your transcript of records lists all grades, positive and negative ones. It is an official proof of your academic progress, which you need for public authorities such as tax offices or the Austrian Study Grant Authority. You can print your transcript of records via u:space ("Personal Matters" > "My Documents") at any time.

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  • Transfer to a new curriculum

    Transferring to a new curriculum means the change from one version of a curriculum to a newer version of the same curriculum, for example

    • changing from a bachelor's programme with the 2017 curriculum to a bachelor's programme with the 2020 curriculum or
    • changing from a diploma programme in Teacher Education to a bachelor's programme in Teacher Education.

    According to study law, the transitional provisions as well as the regulations of the new curriculum version apply when you transfer to a new curriculum.

    Automatic transfer: If a curriculum expires, a transition period is specified. This period usually equals the length of the standard period of the curriculum. The transfer to the new curriculum comes into effect automatically at the end of this period.

    Information about the transfer is available in the record of examinations in u:space as well as in your student record sheet (u:space > Personal matters > My documents).

    Application for transfer: You have to apply for transfer to a new curriculum at the StudiesServiceCenter (SSC)/StudiesServiceUnit (SSS) of your degree programme, provided that the transition period has not ended yet and both curricula are offered simultaneously.

    Recognition of exams: If your curriuclum does not provide any regulation on the recognition, your exams will be automatically recognised from the old curriculum to the new one after the admission . Otherwise, you must apply for the recognition of exams. For more information and advice, contact the StudiesServiceCenter (SSC)/StudiesServiceUnit (SSS) in charge of your curriculum.

    Please note: Previously, inform yourself about possible legal consequences at your StudiesServiceCenter (SSC)/StudiesServiceUnit (SSS). It is not possible to reverse the transfer!

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  • Translation

    Before you can apply for admission to a degree programme, you must have the required documents translated - unless they are issued in German or English. This also includes any legalisations. You should therefore first have the documents legalised (if required) and then translated into German by sworn translators.

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  • Tuition fee

    As long as you are studying at the University of Vienna, you have to pay the Student's Union (ÖH) fee and, if applicable, the tuition fee eversy semester in due time. 

    The amount of the tuition fee depends on your nationality. For EU/EEA/CH citizens, the duration of their studies plays also plays a role.

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  • Tutorial

    Tutors are students of a higher semester and at the same time student assistants who support teachers. For some lectures a tutorial course is offered, which consists of additional sessions to explain relevant subject matters to students. In this case, however, no course instructor is present.

  • Types of exams

    In your curriculum, you may find the following types of exams:

    • Exams that cover the content of entire modules or subjects = module exam or subject exam
    • Exams that cover the content of an individual course (mostly lectures) = course exam
    • Courses in which your performance is continuously assessed (e.g. exercises, seminars) = courses with continuous assessment
    • Exams that take place at the end of a diploma, master's, doctoral or PhD programme = public defence

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  • u:account

    After you have been admitted to your degree programme, the u:account for students authorises you to access the IT services of the Vienna University Computer Center (ZID).

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  • u:card (student ID)

    The u:card is the ID card for students of the University of Vienna. You can order your u:card in u:space under "Personal Matters" > "My u:card" as soon as your tuition fee/Student’s Union fee appears as "received on..." in u:space. You will than have to validate your u:card every semester as long as you are studying.

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  • u:find

    u:find is the course directory and staff/unit directory of the University of Vienna. In u:find you can find all courses offered (sorted by semesters including detailed information about the content and course instructor, place and time, registration deadlines etc.) as well as organisational units and staff of the University of Vienna.

    You can

    • search for courses, exams, persons or organisational units
    • view course and exam dates
    • register for courses and exams during the registration period (forwarding to u:space)
    • export a calendar
    • view the area map of the University of Vienna via Google Maps

    The course directory is being continuously updated at the beginning of the semester.

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  • u:print

    u:print is a service provided by the Vienna University Computer Center (ZID). u:print devices for economical printing and copying are available at several computer rooms, departments and libraries at the University of Vienna.

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  • u:space

    u:space is the online portal and central access point to all services regarding organisation of studies and teaching. With their u:account, students and university staff can log in to u:space, where they can find all online services they need during their studies/teaching activities.

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  • Unauthorised absence from a course with continuous assessment/exam

    If you are registered for a course with continuous assessment or an exam, you can deregister from it within the deregistration period.

    If you are registered for a course with continuous assessment, but do not participate in it or do not provide performances, you will be deregistered in most cases.

    If you are registered for an exam and do not show up, you will not be graded and will potentially be blocked for the following exam date. To avoid this, make sure to deregister in due time!

    If you could not deregister in due time due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g. because you had an accident), you will have to provide evidence in the most credible way to be deregistered retrospectively.

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  • unileben

    Each year at the beginning of the winter semester, unileben - the "fair for university life" - takes place in the Main Building of the University of Vienna. Current and future students can collect information about their everyday student life. Apart from other activities, numerous workshopsand guided tours around the main building are offered.

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  • uniorientiert – open days for those interested in studying

    Uniorientiert is a university fair which takes place once a year. At this event, those interested in studying can get information about the range of degree programmes offered at the University of Vienna. By participating in info presentation and trial lectures they get a close idea about the degree programmes which helps them in their choice of career. Apart from this, they can get to know getter their future university or institute. 

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  • uniport

    Uniport, the career service of the University of Vienna, offers councelling and coaching to university students and graduates. It also organises numerous workshops and events, e.g. House of Jobs, as well as a career magazine. 

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  • Universities Act 2002

    As the central body of legislation, the Universities Act 2002 regulates the Austrian law on higher education.

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  • University Board

    The University Board consists of nine members, eight of whom are appointed in equal parts by the University and the Federal Government. These members elect the ninth member. Together with the Rectorate and the Senate, the University Board forms the governing body of the University of Vienna. The University Board elects the vice-rectors from a short-list of three candidates nominated by the Senate. The University Board members play an important role in the strategic planning and the further development of the University.

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  • University continuing education and training programme

    To participate in one of the university continuing education and training programmes, you must already have a subject-related educational background. The admission requirements differ from programme to programme. For the university continuing education and training programmes, fees are charged.

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  • University Gazette

    According to § 20 Abs. 6 University Act 2002, the University of Vienna must publish news regarding its degree programmes (scholarships, guidelines and regulations, organisation and structures, university's intern elections, award of authorisations to teach, etc.) in its university gazettes ("Mitteilungsblätter") and make them available to the public.

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  • University Preparation Programme of the Vienna Universities (Vorstudienlehrgang der Wiener Universitäten, VWU):

    The University Preparation Programme of the Vienna Universities (Vorstudienlehrgang der Wiener Universitäten, VWU) offers courses and supplementary examinations for future students who

    • do not have sufficient German language proficiency or
    • whose secondary-school leaving certificate was issued in a non-EU/EEA country.

    Example 1: John has received an admission letter which stipulates supplementary examinations in English and Mathematics. He registers for the relevant courses in the VWU and takes the supplementary examinations there. Afterwards, he is admitted to a degree programme.

    Example 2: Mary has applied for admission to the bachelor programme in Physics. Her secondary-school leaving certificate was issued in an EU/EEA country or Switzerland, but she does not have proof of German language proficiency at level C1. She completes the online first-time admission at the Admission Office and receives an admission letter. Afterwards, she registers for a German course in the VWU. After having passed the supplementary examination in German, she is admitted to a degree programme.

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  • University Sport Institute (USI)

    The University Sport Institute offers students and academics a wide range of sports courses (USI courses), a variety of (further) training courses as well as preparatory courses for the supplementary exam for assessing sporting aptitude.

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  • univie blog

    The univie blog comprises various articles on studies and everyday university life at the University of Vienna. Additionally, you can also find articles by academics who write about their latest findings. Everybody can contribute to the univie blog and share their experiences and stories about life at the University of Vienna or describe projects in everyday student life.

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  • Use of unauthorised aids ("cheating"/plagiarism)

    If you use unauthorised aids during an exam (“cheating”), you will not be graded. Your examination attempt/the entire course with continuous assessment will be marked separately (with an “X”) in your transcript of records. This counts as one of your permissible attempts. You will have lost one examination attempt.

    If you state an appropriate reason, you can apply for the deletion of your examination attempt in the Office of the Studienpräses within 14 days after your exam has been marked with an “X”. You will receive an official notice informing you about whether or not your application was successful.

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  • Directorates of Education ("Bildungsdirektionen")

    The Directorate of Education is responsible for the schools in the respective austrian federal province. For some bachelor and diploma programmes, you have to provide proof of additional qualifications in addition to meeting the general admission requirements prior to admission (Latin, Greek, Descriptive Geometry). If you are unable to provide evidence of this knowledge via your school reports (school leaving certificate, annual reports of the individual school levels), you will have to make up for this externally. Please enquire about this at the Direcotrate of Education of the federal province in which you live.

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  • Validating your u:card

    You have to validate your u:card at one of the u:card terminals at the beginning of every semester to guarantee its validity. You can validate it as soon as your tuition fee/Students’ Union (ÖH) fee has the status “received on...” in u:space.

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  • Vienna University Computer Center (Zentraler Informatikdienst, ZID)

    The task of the Vienna University Computer Center (ZID) is to support the University of Vienna with a stable and modern IT infrastructure and a wide range of IT services. The Vienna University Computer Center (ZID) develops, implements and maintains over 400 IT services at the University of Vienna. A u:account is required for the use of most of the IT services.

    The ZID Helpdesk provides information about the ZID services and supports members of the University of Vienna in solving university-specific IT problems. It helps users manage their u:account and password. Users can report technical issues and the Helpdesk forwards this information in a targeted manner.

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  • Vienna University Library

    The Vienna University Library is Austria’s largest library. The Library holds more than 7.4 million books as well as thousands of e-books, e-journals and print journals. The Main Library, located in the Main Building of the University of Vienna, the 38 special libraries as well as the Vienna University Archive form part of the Vienna University Library. Many students use the Library’s reading rooms for studying. External persons can also borrow books.

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  • Visiting Master

    The Visiting Master allows students of a master programme without entrance exam procedure to complete one semester at the University of Vienna. Applicants have to meet certain admission requirements, e.g. they must present a letter of recommendation from their home university.

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  • Waiting list and allocation of remaining places (courses)

    After the end of a registration deadline, you can check whether or not you gained a place on a lecture/an exam in u:space under Studies > Registration Overview. Furthermore, you receive an e-mail to your u:account e-mail address.

    If you did not gain a place, you may be listed on the waiting list or be offered an alternative parallel course.

    If students deregister from a course/exam and a waiting list exists, you can move up the waiting list. If you are on the waiting list, please attend the first unit of the course as there may be free places.

    In case of long waiting lists, the directorate of studies (SPL) will probably offer additional parallel courses, for which you may register. In this case, you will be able to change the number of points you allocated before a second allocation may start.

    If you gained an alternative place (remaining place) in a parallel course for which remaining places are available, you have to confirm or reject your place within the deadline defined by the directorate of studies (SPL). If you reject the place, you will be automatically deregistered from the course. The allocated points can not be transferred to the next semester. If you neither confirm nor reject the place, you remain on the waiting list.

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  • Webmail - E-Mail service

    The webmail service of the University of Vienna enables students to send, receive and manage their e-mails in a web browser from any location. This service is available for all those who have an active u:account with IMAP e-mail service. Exchange users are automatically forwarded to the Outlook Web App (OWA). Students without an active admission status cannot access their e-mail service.

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  • Wiener Linien semester ticket

    Degree students can use public transport within Vienna at a reduced rate with the Wiener Linien semester ticket. Please note: You must not have reached the age of 26 before the start of the respective semester.

    Related Links:

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  • YouTube channel of the University of Vienna

    The YouTube channel of the University of Vienna is a source of information and videos about studies, events or recent research (especially also by early stage researchers).

    Related Links:

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