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You receive an academic degree after you have successfully completed your higher education by means of a final examination and/or presentation (e.g. public defence). Subsequently, you will receive your graduation document.
The academic year consists of the winter semester and the summer semester. These are divided into the period when classes take place and the period when there are no classes. The University of Vienna is closed on public holidays.
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Team Barrierefrei offers support to people with psychological or physical impairments at the beginning of their studies and in their everyday university life. Students can reach the the team personally, by telephone or via e-mail.
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If you are currently studying at the University of Vienna, you can apply for admission to an additional degree programme via u:space. Please note the respective application deadlines.
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In some bachelor programmes, you have to present proof of certain exams, such as Latin or Greek, during admission. In these degree programmes, you can only be admitted if you have already taken these exams. In other bachelor or diploma programmes, you can take these exams also during your studies. The University of Vienna offers the relevant courses preparing you to take these additional exams.
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For the registration for entrance exam procedures of certain bachelor/diploma programmes, an administration fee of 50 € must be paid by credit card or eps online transfer. The registration is complete only after the payment of the administration fee. It is not possible to have your administration fee refunded, as the payment of the administration fee is a specific measure aiming at securing that only those with a real interest in studying the degree programme register for the entrance exam procedure.
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The Admission Office is the gateway to the University of Vienna. It is responsible for the initial admission to bachelor’s, diploma and master’s programmes. Its area of responsibility includes all matters related to admission to a degree programme, such as the tuition fee or the university entrance qualification examination (‘Studienberechtigungsprüfung’).
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Please note that the admission period differs from the application period.
Within the application period you have to submit an application for admission to a degree programme via u:space. After having submitted your application via u:space, you have to present the necessary original documents to the Admission Office within the admission period. In order to complete your admission, you have to pay the tuition fee/Students’ Union (ÖH) fee.
The admission period consists of the application period (=general admission period) and the admission period (= period for the continuation of studies).
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The admission procedure is the entire process of admission to bachelor/diploma and master programmes within the admission period.
An admission is necessary for
- initial admission to a degree programme
- change of a degree programme
- an additional degree programme
- resumption of a degree programme
Please note that the admission period differs from the application period.
Please already obtain information about the necessary prerequisites and the degree programme’s contents before you apply for a degree programme. The particular steps and the applicable deadlines in the admission procedure depend on your citizenship, the country where the secondary-school leaving certificate/university degree was obtained, your German language proficiency and the desired type of degree programme.
In order to complete the admission procedure, you have to pay the prescribed tuition fee/Students’ Union (ÖH) fee in due time.
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- Official notice of rejection ('Abweisungsbescheid')
- Application for admission to a degree programme
- Application period
- German language courses
- Initial admission
- Master Access Guide
- Persons obtaining the secondary-school leaving certificate subsequently ('Nachmaturant*innen')
- Amendment request ('Verbesserungsauftrag')
- Resumption of studies
- Official notice of admission (admission letter, 'Zulassungsbescheid')
- Admission period
- Official notice of refusal ('Zurückweisungsbescheid')
- Admission Office
- Matriculation
You can apply for an advancement scholarship for the writing of a scientific thesis (master's, diploma or doctoral thesis). If certain requirements are met, students can apply for this scholarship once per semester. The decision on the approval is made by the office of the Studienpräses.
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- Information on the advancement scholarship (in German)
For courses with continuous assessment, only a limited number of places are available to students. Therefore, you have to register for these courses in u:space in due time. After the end of the registration period, the places are allocated. Registrations are organised according to the specifications of the curricula (e.g. points system, preference system or recommended path of study). Places will be allocated accordingly.
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After the registration deadline, you can see whether or not you have been allocated to a place on a course/exam in u:space in the section > Studies > Registration Overview.
Each 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. The allocation of places will take place either according to the point allocation system, the preference system or the study achievement system.
The status of your registration in u:space informs you 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.
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In most bachelor's/diploma programmes, it is possible to complete alternative extensions comprising 15 ECTS credits instead of an extension curriculum (EC). Contrary to an EC, which is predefined, alternative extensions allow you to choose freely which courses or exams you want to complete as part of your degree programme.
Example: Within his degree programme, Max has to complete extension curricula comprising 30 ECTS credits. He would like to take only one extension curriculum comprising 15 ECTS credits and alternative extensions comprising another 15 ECTS credits. He chooses one interesting course from his degree programme (5 ECTS credits), one course from another bachelor’s programme (5 ECTS credits) and two language courses at the Language Center of the University of Vienna (5 ECTS credits).
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If you cannot take exams in the required form due to an impairment, a disability, illness or because it might be a disadvantage to you, you can use an alternative mode of assessment. The Team Barrierefrei (Accessible Studying Team) provides relevant general information and counselling. In some cases, it sets out the conditions together with the directorate of studies (in German: Studienprogrammleitung, SPL) and teaching staff/examiners, who are in charge of the actual implementation.
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The Alumni Association of the University of Vienna is a network which provides exchange and networking opportunities to graduates, e.g. at alumni reunions. Several different programmes such as alma (a mentoring programme students in the final phase on their way to a professional career) or u:start (education programme for self-employed and start-ups) are offered to young professionals.
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- Alumni Association (in German)
If you applied for admission within the application period and documents or proof of authenticity are missing, you will receive an amendment request ('Verbesserungsauftrag') and a reasonable period within which you can submit the missing documents via u:space. Your application in u:space will receive the status "amend" until then.
An apostille is a type of legalisation for documents that can be done in the member states of the Hague Convention of Legalisation. It confirms a document’s issuing institution. The competent authority that can issue an apostille varies from state to state.
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In order to be able to study at the University of Vienna, prospective students must apply for admission to a degree programme. The application is possible in u:space within specific application preiods. For the application for admission, certain documents are required, depending on the degree programme of their choice.
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To be able to study at the University of Vienna, prospective students must apply for admission to a degree programme in due time. The application period depends on your citizenship. The application can only be submitted within the application period online via u:space. Please note that the admission period differs from the application period.
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- Deadlines for bachelor/diploma and master programmes without an entrance exam procedure
- Deadlines for bachelor/diploma programmes with entrance exam procedure
- Application for admission to a degree programme
- Entrance exam procedures and aptitude tests
- Initial admission
- Persons obtaining the secondary-school leaving certificate subsequently ('Nachmaturant*innen')
- Amendment request ('Verbesserungsauftrag')
- Official notice of admission (admission letter, 'Zulassungsbescheid')
- Admission procedure
- Admission Office
Students have four attempts to successfully pass an exam. The fourth, and therefore last, attempt takes place before an examination committee. If the last attempt is negative, the student will be permanently excluded from all degree programmes in which this exam is compulsory according to the curriculum.
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"Audimax" is the short form of "Auditorium maximum" and refers to the largest lecture hall of the University of Vienna. It is located in the main building and offers room for 750 people, which is why it is also used as an event location.
The Austrian National Union of Students is the official political advocacy group of students and provides information and advice on most aspects of everyday university life. By paying the Students’ Union fee each semester, students contribute to the work of their representatives. The Austrian National Union of Students is directly elected by students every two years.
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The bachelor's programmes offered at the University of Vienna comprise 180 ECTS and are designed for a standard duration of three years (exception: Teacher Education Programme of 240 ECTS with a standard duration of four years). The language of instruction of all bachelor's programmes is German, which is why German knowledge is required for the admission. Graduates of a bachelor's programme can apply for admission to a master's programme. It is recommended to select a subject-related master's programme.
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If you have not passed an exam three times, this exam must be taken orally before an examination committee for the fourth and last time. The registration is done at the StudiesServiceCenter (SSC) or the StudiesServiceUnit (SSS).
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If you find the indication "cum tempore" (c.t.) next to a course in the course directory, the course starts 15 minutes later than scheduled. These fifteen minutes are referred to as "academic quarter of an hour" or "academic quarter" (in German: „akademische Viertelstunde“ or „akademisches Viertel“).
Example:
Laura would like to attend the lecture „Höhere Analysis“. According to u:find, it starts at 10:00 c.t. In order to be punctual, Laura must arrive at the lecture hall no later than 10:15.
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In 1988, the University of Vienna took over the grounds of the old Vienna General Hospital (AKH). Besides numerous institutions, a centre of lecture halls, shops and restaurants are located on the Campus.
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CEEPUS is a Central European mobility programme and the abbreviation of Central European Exchange Programme for University Studies. The CEEPUS network enables students from certain European countries to study at the University of Vienna.
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The Center for Doctoral Studies advises and supports people interested in studying a doctoral/PhD programme. It is also in charge of the admission procedure. The Center for Doctoral Studies also offers a wide range of workshops and trainings to doctoral candidates and postdocs.
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You can view all grades that you receive during your studies in u:space.
Your transcript of records includes all positive and negative grades. It serves as an official proof of your academic progress for external authorities.
Your record of examinations includes all exams passed and their allocation to the respective curriculum item of your degree programme. You can change their allocation yourself in u:space. Each exam can only be used for one curriculum item. The record of examinations serves as the basis for submitting your completed degree or stage of the degree programme.
After completing your degree programme or stage of the degree programme, you will receive your degree certificate/diploma. After graduation, you will additionally be awarded the academic degree.
You also receive your diploma supplement. The aim of the bilingual diploma supplement (in German/English) is to enhance the transparency and recognition of higher education degrees. Your diploma supplement contains information about the type and level of your degree, the degree programme you completed (requirements, course of studies, grading scale) as well as as standardised information about the higher education system.
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The change of a degree programme means to change from one degree programme at the University of Vienna to another degree programme at the University of Vienna. You can apply for admission to another degree programme via u:space. Please close the previous degree programme by sending a messasge via contact form to the Admission Office.
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The closure of a degree programme is not subject to any deadlines at the University of Vienna. Therefore, you can request the closure of a degree programme throughout the year. If you request to close all your degree programmes, this is referred to as “withdrawal from the university”.
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A colloquium can be a presentation with follow-up discussion or a conversation or oral examination between a teacher and a student of a higher education institution.
The University of Vienna offers two types of complementary degree programmes. With the third teaching subject (‘drittes Unterrichtsfach’) complementary degree programme, students can choose a third teaching subject in addition to the bachelor's programme in Teacher Education that they are currently pursuing or have already completed.
The complementary degree programme for graduates from a university college for teacher education (PH) is a postgraduate degree programme for persons who have completed a three-year bachelor's programme and obtained a teaching degree for secondary schools at a university college for teacher education (‘Pädagogische Hochschule’) in Austria. After completing the complementary degree programme, it is possible to pursue a master’s programme in Teacher Education at the University of Vienna.
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- Complementary degree programme in Teacher Education (only in German)
- Master Programme in Teacher Education (only in German)
As soon as you have successfully passed all courses specified in your curriculum, you have completed your degree programme. The StudiesServiceCenter or your StudiesServiceUnit of your degree programme informs you about the administrative steps necessary for your graduation. After having completed your degree programme, you receive an academic degree.
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In courses with continuous assessment attendance is compulsory, which means that regular attendance and active participation in the course are required for a positive assessment.
The confirmation of courses passed is an overview of all your positive examination results. You can print the document via u:space by clicking Personal matters > My documents.
The confirmation of enrolment is a semester-specific document that serves as a confirmation of continuing each of your degree programmes in the current semester. You can print your confirmation of enrolment via u:space by clicking Personal matters > My documents.
The confirmation of study periods contains information on the study periods at the University of Vienna. Students can find them in u:space in the section Personal Matters > My Documents. Former students whose u:account has become inactive can request their confirmation of study periods via contact form.
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The confirmation of withdrawal is used as a confirmation of your requested withdrawal from a degree programme (for successfully completed degree programmes you obtain your final documents from your StudiesServiceCenter). You can print your confirmation of withdrawal via u:space by clicking Personal matters > My documents.
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To take exams, you have to attend courses ("Lehrveranstaltung", LV). There are courses with continuous assessment and courses with non-continuous assessment. In the first case, you have to deliver results already during the semester. Courses with non-continuous assessment end with an examination at the end of the semester resp. in the following semester. Examples of course types: lectures ("Vorlesungen", VO), seminars ("Seminare", SE) or exercises ("Übungen", UE).
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A course exam is an exam on the contents of a specific course. Grading is based exclusively on the results of the exam. The attendance or active participation in the course will not be assessed. Course exams are offered mostly in lectures and can be in oral, written or combined form. Four exam dates are offered for each course.
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Courses with continuous assessment require a registration.
In courses with continuous assessment (e.g. seminars, exercises), you have to complete oral and/or written partial achievements. Your final grade is calculated on the basis of these partial achievements. Information about the partial achievements that will be assessed is provided on u:find and during the respective course.
Each 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. The allocation of places will take place either according to the point allocation system, the preference system or the recommended path of study.
The status of your registration in u:space informs you whether you are “Registered” (Angemeldet), "On waiting list" (Auf Warteliste) or if there is an "Alternative place available" (Alternativplatz verfügbar). If an Alternative place is available, you can accept or reject it within a defined deadline.
If you are registered for a course with continuous assessment and are absent from the first unit without having a good reason, you will be deregistered. Students on the waiting list will be accepted if course places become available. In case you are on the waiting list, please attend the first unit of the course, as there may be free places.
Examples: Marion attends a seminar (SE) in History. Her presentation, seminar paper and contributions to the discussion of her colleagues’ presentations will be assessed.
Max attends an exercise (UE) in Biology. During the exercise, he has to carry out various tasks and laboratory experiments and present his results in short abstracts.
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- Compulsory attendance
- Field trip (course type)
- Discussion Course (KO)
- Course with non-continuous assessment (npi LV)
- Preference system
- Types of exams
- Point allocation system
- Allocation of places in courses and exams
- Allocation of available places
- Introductory seminar (course type)
- Practical course (course type)
- Seminar (course type)
- Exercise (course type)
- Recommended path of study
Courses with non-continuous assessment are, for example, lectures (in German: Vorlesung, VO). You can register for courses with non-continuous assessment via u:find.
After registering, you can find the course in the registration system in u:space. In addition, you are automatically registered for the respective Moodle course.
Registration for courses with non-continuous assessment is not subject to any conditions, such as attendance or participation.
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A curriculum informs you about the content and structure of a degree programme. A degree programme is completed if all study achievements indicated in the corresponding curriculum have been completed successfully. Your degree programme's curriculum is available on the website of your “StudiesServiceCenter”.
Your record of examinations in u:space outlines the structure of your curriculum as well as the prerequisites and the status of your completed study achievements.
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Usually, degree programmes are divided into modules and further into curriculum items. One or several courses may be offered for one curriculum item. Some courses might also be assigned to several curriculum items.
In your record of examinations in u:space you can find the structure of your degree programme and the corresponding curriculum items. When registering for a course/exam, you have to specify the curriculum item for which you would like to use it.
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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.
All studies at the University of Vienna are degree programmes. Degree programme students have to follow the relevant curriculum and obtain an academic degree upon completion of their degree programme. If you do not (yet) meet the admission requirements for a degree programme, or if you are interested in attending individual courses, you can also be admitted to a non-degree programme.
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Every degree programme has a 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.
As a consequence of the Bologna process, the higher education sructure in Austria has changed. 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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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At the University of Vienna several degree programmes have entrance exam procedures and/or aptitude tests. The number of places is limited in degree programmes with an entrance exam procedure. Generally, master’s programmes and PhD programmes do not have an entrance exam. However, applicants must meet qualitative prerequisites.
Note: The degree programmes have different application and registration deadlines that you must meet.
The Online Self-Assessment (OSA) is usually the first stage in the entrance exam procedure and is used for self-assessment regarding your selected degree programme in terms of your personal and subject-specific aptitude for the respective degree programme. After completing the OSA, you must submit an application for admission to the degree programme in due time using the OSA code and register for the written entrance exam, if applicable. After having passed the entrance exam, you can complete the further steps in the admission procedure.
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Persons who are nationals of non-EU/EEA countries can, under certain conditions, be treated as EU/EEA citizens regarding the payment of the tuition fee. Then the same tuition fee regulation applies to them as for EU/EEA citizens. Therefore, you have to submit a request for establishing equality.
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The admission to a master's programme is only possible if you have previously completed a subject-related or equivalent degree programme. After having applied for admission to the degree programme, the Admission Office will evaluate the equivalence of your previous degree. If it is found to be equivalent, but some exams (of max. 30 ECTS) are missing, stipulations are prescribed in your admission letter. The Master Access Guide illustrates which degree programmes enable you to continue with a certain master programme.
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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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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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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 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.
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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- Social services department of the ÖH (in German)
- Austrian Study Grant Authority
- Family allowance (in German)
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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The University of Vienna does not accept any Free Mover Programme students.
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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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You can only be admitted to a degree programme if you provide proof of the general university entrance qualification.
Eligible proofs: Secondary-school leaving certificate, completion of a degree programme with a duration of at least three years at a recognised post-secondary educational institution (e.g. a university).
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The German courses at the University of Vienna are open to anyone interested who is at least 16 years old. In order to attend a language course at the Language Centre (Sprachenzentrum), you do not have to meet formal prerequisites (such as a secondary-school leaving certificate or university degree).
In order to be admitted to a German-language bachelor’s/diploma or master’s programme at the University of Vienna, you must provide evidence of your knowledge of German. To apply, you already need an evidence of German language proficiency at level A2. In order to achieve the C1 level required for admission to all bachelor’s/diploma and most master’s programme, you can attend a German course as part of the university preparation programme ('Vorstudienlehrgang', VWU). The Language Centre of the University of Vienna is one of the cooperation partners.
To register for the courses as part of the university preparation programme, you need an official notice of admission (‘Zulassungsbescheid’) from the University of Vienna (or from one of the academic universities in Vienna). You cannot attend a course if you do not have an official official notice of admission. You have to take the supplementary exams in German and other subjects before the actual admission to a degree programme.
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If you did not pay your fee in due time and did not re-enrol on your degree programme, you can make use of the goodwill rule once in your entire period of study. In this case, contact the Admission Office via the Servicedesk of the University of Vienna.
The successful completion of your bachelor, diploma, master or doctoral studies can be celebrated worthily during a ceremony in the Main Ceremonial Chamber of the University of Vienna. A registration is possible via u:space.
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The University of Vienna offers students with EU/EEA/CH citizenship and students with equal status different grants and scholarships. These range from merit scholarships for excellent study achievements to research scholarships for the implementation of a not yet completed academic thesis (diploma thesis, magister thesis, doctoral thesis).
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For the admission to certain master's programmes, the so-called GRE revised general test is required. Applicants need at least 150 points in their overall result.
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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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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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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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Initial admission is the admission procedure for persons who have never studied at the University of Vienna before. You have to submit an application for admission to a degree programme within the application period and accomplish the further steps in the admission procedure, including the presentation of all necessary documents to the Admission Office.
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obsolete - see Admission
Official notices of admission issued by the University of Vienna are provided with instructions on the right to appeal. The instructions on the right to appeal include information on the form and time period in which an appeal against the official notice may be submitted by the applicant.
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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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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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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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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The Sprachenzentrum (Language Center of the University of Vienna) belongs to a subsidiary of the University of Vienna and offers a wide range of language courses on different levels.
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In some bachelor programmes, you have to present proof of certain exams, such as Latin, during admission. In these degree programmes, you can only be admitted if you have already taken these exams. In other bachelor or diploma programmes, you can take these exams also during your studies. The University of Vienna offers the relevant courses preparing you to take these additional exams.
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You can apply for a leave of absence if one of the officially recognised reasons for a leave of absence apply. 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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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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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.
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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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For admission to a master’s programme, you need to have completed a bachelor’s or diploma programme in the same or a related discipline. The curriculum for the respective master’s programme specifies the degree programmes with which you are certainly admitted to the master’s programme. For some degree programmes, there is information about preliminary 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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The University of Vienna offers master's programmes in various different thematic fields with a standard duration of four semesters. The completion of a subject-related degree of at least three years at an accredited university within Austria or abroad is an admission requirement.
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obsolete - see Admission
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.
Related Links:
- Mensa (in German)
You have to obtain at least 16 ECTS credits in every bachelor’s and diploma programme within four semesters. This applies to all programmes to which you are admitted in the winter semester of 2022/2023 or later. Otherwise, the admission to the degree programme expires. If you would like to apply for re-admission to the same degree programme, you can only do so after two academic years (= four semesters).This also applies, if you change a degree programme, are admitted to an additional degree programme or resume your studies.
Students with psychological/physical impairments are exempt and don't have to obtain the minimum number of credits.
Related Links:
- Minimum number of credits
- Change of degree programme
- Resumption of studies
- Additional degree 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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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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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 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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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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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 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.
Related Links:
- ENIC NARIC AUSTRIA – Recognition of university degrees
- Closing of a degree programme/withdrawal from the University of Vienna
- Office of the Studienpräses (in German)
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The officer of the Studienpräses is in charge of decisions related to study law and and their correct implementation as well as for the awarding of scholarships and the nostrification of non-Austrian university degrees. Often, he/she is supported by the directorates of study (Studienprogrammleitung).
Related Links:
- Office of the Studienpräses (in German)
Once you applied for admission to a degree programme via u:space, your application will be processed by the Admission Office. After different university units have examined your documents, you will receive an official notice of admission (‘Zulassungsbescheid’) sent to your e-mail address specified on u:space if certain requirements are met. The official notice of admission informs you about any additional stipulations regarding your admission or if you can be admitted to the degree programme without any additional stipulations.
Please note: Persons who are nationals of and obtained a secondary-school leaving certificate from EU/EEA/CH, who submit an application for a bachelor’s/diploma or a consecutive master’s programme, do not receive any official notice of admission.
After you have submitted an application for admission to a degree programme, an official notice is issued if certain prerequisites are met (e.g. issuing country of the documents, type of degree programme, etc.). An official notice of refusal (‘Zurückweisungsbescheid’) is issued if an application is assessed negatively due to formal deficiencies (e.g. a document is missing, diplomatic legalisation is missing on a document, etc.).
Please note: Persons who are nationals of and obtained a secondary-school leaving certificate from EU/EEA/CH, who submit an application for a bachelor’s/diploma or a consecutive master’s programme, do not receive any official notice.
After you have submitted an application for admission to a degree programme, an official notice is issued if certain prerequisites are met (e.g. issuing country of the documents, type of degree programme, etc.) An official notice of rejection (‘Abweisungsbescheid’) is issued if an application is assessed negatively due to deficiencies in the content (e.g. the previous education is insufficient, etc.).
Please note: Persons who are nationals of and obtained a secondary-school leaving certificate from EU/EEA/CH, who submit an application for a bachelor’s/diploma or a consecutive master’s programme, do not receive any official notice.
An Online Self-Assessment (OSA) is a guidance when choosing a degree programme. It can help you to better assess the requirements of a degree programme by matching your interests and expectations or by checking the necessary prior knowledge. The OSA is the first step in the admission procedure for bachelor's and diploma programmes with an entrance exam procedures and aptitude test. It is not graded. It is intended to give you an insight into the subject of your degree programme. You need the OSA code to apply for admission to a degree programme via u:space.
Related Links:
- Online Self-Assessments of the University of Vienna (only in German)
- Degree programmes with entrance exam procedure
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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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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 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.
Related Links:
- Information on the performance scholarship (in German)
A person who obtains the secondary-school leaving certificate subsequently is anyone who wants to start studying but obtains the secondary-school leaving certificate or secondary-school vocational certificate only after the application period. As a person obtaining the secondary-school leaving certificate subsequently, you must consider special steps to be admitted to a degree programme.
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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.
Related Links:
- Office of the Studienpräses - plagiarism (in German)
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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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.
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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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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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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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".
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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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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If you would like 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, otherwise your degree programme will be automatically discontinued with this date. Always pay the fee for the university that specifies a higher amount.
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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.
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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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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- Compulsory attendance
- Field trip (course type)
- Discussion Course (KO)
- Course with non-continuous assessment (npi LV)
- Preference system
- Preference system
- Types of exams
- Point allocation system
- Waiting list and allocation of remaining places (courses)
- Allocation of places in courses and exams
- Allocation of available places
- Practical course (course type)
- Introductory seminar (course type)
- Seminar (course type)
- Exercise (course type)
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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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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Each application for admission is assigned a reference number ("Geschäftszahl", GZ), which makes it clearly identifiable. The reference number consists of several digits and letters and is indicated in the top left of your amendment request, official notice of admission, official notice of rejection or refusal. When contacting the Admission Office, please provide your reference number.
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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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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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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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.
Already paid tuition fees can be reimbursed under certain conditions. This is, for example, possible if you submitted an application for remission of the tuition fee or for a leave of absence which was approved, or if you completed your degree programme by the end of the admission period.
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The tuition fee can be remitted for degree programme students with EU/EEA/CH citizenship or non-EU/EEA citizens with an equal status under certain prerequisites. They must apply for the remission of the tuition fee within the respective application period. If they already paid the tuition fee, they can submit an application for reimbursement. Please note the respective deadlines.
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A residence permit allows people with a citizenship of a country outside the EU/EEA/CH to live in Austria. There are different types of residence permits. Furthermore, the residence permit can influence the amount of tuition fee that has to be paid.
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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, or a different degree programme.
If you have completed a degree programme at the University of Vienna and would like to start a master's or doctoral programme, you have to apply for admission to a degree programme in the regular way.
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Students who do not have an Austrian social insurance number receive a substitute code by the University of Vienna. The substitute code is indicated on the student record sheet and on u:space unter Studies > Personal data.
Related Links:
- Personal data on u:space (Login necessary)
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The German term "Sponsion" refers to the conferment of an academic degree to graduates of a diploma, bachelor's or master's programme. The conferment may be celebrated in an academic graduation ceremony.
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The academic time indication „sine tempore“ (s.t.) specifies that the respective course starts on time. If you do not find any indication referring to the "academic quarter" in the course directory, the course begins on the mentioned time (unlike „cum tempore“, c.t.).
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Schule trifft Uni (school meets university) offers prospective students and first-year students useful information about the selection of a degree programme and starting their studies. You get in touch with contact points for study-related matters and get an insight into everyday university life.
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A "Doppelstudium" is a colloquial expression that refers to an admission to two degree programmes at the same universities or different universities. Students have to pay the tuition fee/Students' Union fee only once per semester, even if they are admitted to multiple degree programmes in Austria. You are not allowed to be admitted to the same degree programme at two Austrian universities at the same time.
In addition to their selected degree programme at the University of Vienna, students may opt for a second degree programme at a different Austrian university. Students can decide for themselves how much effort and time they spend on each of their degree programmes.
The secondary-school leaving certificate is a proof of general university entrance qualification and therefore a relevant requirement for admission to bachelor's or diploma programmes at the University of Vienna.
As a degree student you can pass one or more semesters abroad at a different university (Outgoing Mobility). The University of Vienna cooperates with numerous partner universities abroad. There are also several mobility programmes offered for incoming students.
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Every semester, the University of Vienna poses a key question of social relevance in cooperation with the Austrian daily newspaper Der Standard. The semester question in summer semester of 2021 was: How do we humans affect the Earth? The semester question is concluded with a final event at the end of the semester.
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The Senate consists of 18 members. Together with the Rectorate and the University Board, it forms the governing body of the University of Vienna. Every three years, the Senate is elected by the academic and non-academic university staff.
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The special libraries belong to the University Library, however, they are located in the different institutes. There you can find literature related to the thematic areas of the respective institute. The University of Vienna has 38 special libraries.
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Before admission to the bachelor programmes in Sport Science and in Teacher Education with the teaching subject of Sports and Physical Education, you must pass the sporting aptitude admission test.
Related Links:
- Sporting aptitude admission test (in German)
Diploma programmes are divided into two or three stages which build on one another and must be completed successively.
Each stage consists of modules comprising individual courses. Detailed information regarding the structure of a degree programme is outlined in its curriculum.
After having passed all exams of one stage of your degree programme, they must be "handed in" at the StudiesServiceCenter (SSC)/StudiesServiceunit (SSS) responsible for your degree programme. Information on the administrative steps is provided by the SSC/SSS in charge. For the completion of your degree programme, all stages must be passed successfully.
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The standard 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 standard duration of bachelor programmes is usually six semesters, the one of master programmes is four semesters. During the standard duration and 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.
You are obliged to identify yourself by providing a photo ID card (e.g. your student ID card) before the start of an exam or in the first unit of a course.
Together with the Universities Act 2002, the statutes represent the legal texts applying to the University of Vienna. They contain internal university regulations (guidelines for the conferment of honorary degrees and awards, appointment of professors, action plan for the advancement of women, etc.). The Statutes are adopted by the Senate upon proposal by the Rectorate.
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The admission to a master's programme can be granted in connection with certain stipulations. If your post-secondary degree of at least three years is not equivalent or subject-related, sipulations of up to 30 ECTS are specified in your admission letter. These stipulations may include several courses, which must be additionally taken, at best in the beginning of your master's programme.
Example:
Laura has sucessfully completed the bachelor's programme Economics and would like to study the master's programme Statistics. She has received a letter of admission in which the following stipulations are prescribed:
VO and UE „Höhere Analysis“ of 10 ECTS
She can be admitted to the master's programme, but she must additionally complete the course and exercise "Höhere Analysis" during (at best in the beginning) of her studies.
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When being admitted to an Austrian university for the first time, students receive a student ID number. This allows for a unique identification throughout Austria. The student ID number consists of eight digits. It shows at which educational institution and in which year a student was admitted and additionally consists of consecutive numbers. If students transfer to another Austrian university, university college of teacher education, university of applied sciences or private university, the student ID number remains the same.
The student record sheet is a semester-specific document that serves as a confirmation of the current status of all your degree programmes at the University of Vienna. You can print your student record sheet via u:space by clicking Personal matters > My documents.
Students’ representatives are groups of students at the University of Vienna who are addressing the interests and concerns of students. They are also central contact points of address for prospective students and provide answers and advice in case of questions.
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The ÖH insurance includes accident insurance and civil liability insurance at the University of Vienna. The insurance is partially covered by the Students’ Union (ÖH) fee and becomes effective from the date of its payment. The Students’ Union (ÖH) insurance is no health insurance.
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The Austrian National Union of Students (ÖH) is the official advocacy group of students in political matters that advises prospective students and students and answers their questions about everyday student life. Students are paying the Students' Union (ÖH) fee for these services every semester.
As long as you study at the University of Vienna you have to pay the Student's Union fee every semester in due time by the end of the admission period, even if you are exempt from paying the tuition fee.
The Student's Union (ÖH) fee does not remain at the university but is transferred to the Austrian National Union of Students.
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The Studienberechtigungsprüfung gives you the opportunity of admission to a degree programme if you do not have a secondary-school leaving certificate. However, it is no general university entrance qualification. It is only valid for a certain group of degree programmes.
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The StudiesServiceCenter (in German: StudienServiceCenter, SSC) and the StudiesServiceUnit (in German: StudienServiceStelle, SSS) are central points of contact for questions about your degree programme. Each degree programme has a StudiesServiceCenter; the majority of degree programmes also have a StudiesServiceUnit, which informs you about your degree programme and the administration of your studies.
On the websites of your SSC/SSS, you can find important information about your degree programme, relevant news and often forms to download.
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Every directorate of studies (SPL) determines how places for courses with a limited number of participants and exams are allocated in its degree programmes.
The study achievement system has since been replaced by the recommended path of study.
For more information about the registration procedure of your SPL, contact the StudiesServiceUnit (SSS)/StudiesServiceCenter (SSC) of your degree programme.
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The study documents include the documents issued during the course of your studies.
As soon as your prescribed tuition fee/Students’ Union (ÖH) fee appears in u:space as “received”, you can print your student record sheet and your confirmation of enrolment via u:space by clicking Personal matters > My documents. With this printout service, you can also print other study documents that you need to present to institutions/public authorities.
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You have rights and obligations that govern your studies from admission until graduation. If you have any questions, you can contact the following offices:
- The Directorate of Studies (SPL) is responsible for your degree programme and should be your first point of contact if you have any questions regarding legal issues and administrative enquiries during your studies.
- Lecturers and examiners are the primary contact persons for the implementation of alternative modes of assessment for students with impairments. The SPL takes the fundamental decisions about this. The Accessible Studying team (‘Team Barrierefrei’) offers (also anonymous) advice.
- The Office of the Studienpräses provides support if you encounter problems during your studies that neither your lecturer nor the SPL can solve.
- If you have questions about admission and the tuition fee, please contact the Admission Office.
- In individual cases, the ombuds office for students ('Ombudsstelle für Studierende') of the Federal Ministry can help you to find a solution together with the bodies and members of the educational institution.
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- My rights and obligations
- Directorate of studies ('Studienprogrammleitung')
- Accessible Studying Team ('Team Barrierefrei')
- Office of Studienpräses (in German)
- Admission office
- Ombuds office for students ('Ombudsstelle für Studierende')
- Curriculum – the legal basis for degree programmes (in German)
- Statutes of the University of Vienna – study law
- University law (2002 Universities Act, Part II: Study Law) (in German)
former term for curriculum
You can study at several Austrian universities at the same time. It is also possible to study at a university and a university of applied sciences or a university college of teacher education at the same time. However, you are not allowed to study the same degree programme at two different universities.
Example: Maria studies on the bachelor's programme in History at the University of Salzburg. Therefore, she cannot be admitted to the bachelor's programme History at the University of Vienna. However, she can be admitted, for example, to the bachelor's programme in Classical Archaeology.
Admissions at non-Austrian universities or universities of applied sciences do not affect your admission at the University of Vienna, even if you are admitted to the same degree programme.
A co-registration enables you to attend selected courses in your degree programme at another Austrian university.
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The Admission Office stipulates supplementary examinations to achieve equivalence of secondary-school leaving certificates issued in non-EU/EEA countries with the Austrian Matura secondary-school leaving certificate. If you do not have a proof of your German language proficiency, it also stipulates the supplementary examination in German. You can take the required supplementary examinations before the admission to a degree programme as part of the University Preparation Programme of the Vienna Universities (Vorstudienlehrgang der Wiener Universitäten, VWU). While you attend courses at the VWU, admission to a non-degree programme at the University of Vienna is possible.
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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 for General Secondary Education in Vienna and Lowe Austria
- 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 overall minimum duration is 12 semesters (Bachelor: 8 semesters, Master: 4 semesters).
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There are following options to finish a degree programme:
- successful graduation → graduation documents
- discontinuing your degree programme → confirmation of withdrawal from university
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In some cases, tolerance semesters are taken into account when calculating the semesters degree programme students are exempt from paying the tuition fee. The amount of the tuition fee depends on your nationality and the duration of your studies.
As an EU/EEA/CH citizen you are exempt from paying the tuition fees for the standard duration of your degree programme plus two tolerance semesters, during which you only have to pay the Students’ Union (ÖH) fee. After that, you must pay the tuition fee in addition to the Students’ Union fee.
Note: You always have to pay the Students’ Union (ÖH) fee.
Degree programme students who are nationals of a non-EU/EEA country pay a higher tuition fee per semester in addition to the Students’ Union fee, unless they qualify for exemption.
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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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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 can also 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 is necessary for documents that were not issued in German or English. Certified, court-sworn translators must provide these translations. You need these translations of documents for the application on the one hand, andas well as for the actual admission to a degree programme on the other.
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As long as you study at the University of Vienna you have to pay the Student's Union (ÖH) fee every semester in due time and also the tuition fee, if applicable.
The amount of the tuition fee depends on your nationality. For EU/EEA/CH citizens, also the duration of their studies plays also a role.
The University of Vienna has to receive the prescribed fee by the end of the admission period every semester. Bear in mind that the bank transfer can take up to seven days. You should therefore pay the fee a few days before the deadline.
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, otherwise your degree programme will be automatically discontinued with this date.
Your fee will be calculated automatically. You can see the amount of the fee on u:space by clicking Financial matters > Tuition fee/Students’ Union fee. You can see how many semesters you are still exempt from paying the tuition fee by clicking Studies > Study overview.
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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.
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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- Curricula (in German)
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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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The u:card is the student ID card of the University of Vienna. You can order your u:card via u:space under > Personal matters > My u:card as soon as the University has received your tuition fee/Student’s UnionStudents’ Union (ÖH) fee. You have to validate your u:card every semester to guarantee its validity.
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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 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 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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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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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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- unileben (available in German)
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, 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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- Uniport (available in German)
As the central body of legislation, the Universities Act 2002 regulates the Austrian law on higher education.
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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The Vienna Board of Education is responsible for all schools in Vienna and is a point of contact for all school students, parents and teachers.
For some bachelor's and diploma programmes, you have to provide proof of additional qualifications in addition to meeting the general admission requirements prior to admission (e.g. Latin, Greek, descriptive geometry).
If the proof of the additional examination has to be provided before the admission and school certificates do not suffice as proof, you will have to take external examinations. Additional examinations can be taken at the Vienna Board of Education or at another Board of Education in Austria.
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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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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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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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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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- Registration overview in u:space (Login necessary)
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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The semester ticket of Vienna's public transport operator (Wiener Linien) offers degree students the possibility to use public transport in Vienna for a moderate price. Degree students under 26 can make use of this service.
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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).
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