Application and admission periods
On this site you will find an overview of the application and admission periods for bachelor/diploma and master programmes at the University of Vienna.
- You have to submit your application for admission to a degree programme within the application period (= general admission period).
- You can complete the admission procedure within the admission period (= registration period for the continuation of studies).
The winter semester always starts on 1 October, the summer semester on 1 March.
Schedule of the academic year
Please note:
- The application for degree programmes with entrance exam or selection procedure is only possible once per academic year!
- Separate application and admission periods apply for admission to non-degree programmes.
- If you want to attend the Preparation Programme of the Vienna Universities (VWU) you also have to keep the registration periods of the VWU in mind.
Application period
Your first step before starting your studies is applying for admission to a degree programme. You can submit your application for first-time admission, change of degree programme, admission to an additional degree programme and resumption of studies within the application period.
The application period depends on your citizenship and the degree programme of your choice. You are unsure which period applies to you? Choose the degree programme you are interested in at "Admission". In the step-by-step instruction of the admission period you find detailed info on the application procedure.
Our tip: Submit your application for admission to the degree programme at the beginning of the application period! Thereby you can complete the admission procedure at the beginning of the admission period and have an easy start of your studies.
General application period for bachelor, diploma and master programmes
EU/EEA, Switzerland, PersGV
Application periods for EU/EEA/CH citizens and groups of persons according to the Decree on Groups of Persons (PersGV)
- Winter semester 2025/26:
from 23 June to 5 September 2025 - Summer semester 2026:
from 13 November 2025 to 5 February 2026
Third-country nationals
Application periods for citizens of non-EU/EEA countries
- Winter semester 2025/26:
from 23 June to 1 August 2025 - Summer semester 2026:
from 13 November 2025 to 7 January 2026
Bachelor/diploma programmes with special application periods
Bachelor/diploma programmes with entrance exam procedure
Irrespective of the applicant's citizenship, there is only one application period per academic year
- Academic year 2025/26:
from 3 March to 3 June 2025
Bachelor programme in Sport Science
Application period irrespective of applicant's citizenship
- Winter semester 2025/26:
from 3 March to 3 June 2025 - Summer semester 2026:
from 13 November 2025 to 7 January 2026
Master programmes with special application periods
Master programmes with selection procedure
Irrespective of the applicant's citizenship, there is only one application period per academic year
- Academic year 2025/26:
from 3 March to 7 April 2025
Eligible master programmes without selection procedure for graduates of the University of Vienna
Application period for graduates of an eligible bachelor programme at the University of Vienna according to the curriculum, if no qualitative admission requirements or language skills are stipulated in it (in this case the normal application deadline applies).
- Winter semester 2025/26:
from 23 June to 31 October 2025 - Summer semester 2026:
from 13 November 2025 to 31 March 2026
Special case: Same day admission to consecutive master programmes in the same discipline (only available in German)
Admission period for bachelor/diploma and master programmes
Your second step before starting your studies is the completion of the admission procedure within the admission period.
The admission is only possible if you have applied for admission within the application period and fulfil all admission requirements.
Our tip: Complete the admission procedure as soon as possible. You can only register for courses and exams after you have been admitted to the degree programme of your choice.
Winter semester 2025/26
- from 14 July to 31 October 2025
- semester start: 1. October
Summer semester 2026
- from 7 January to 31 March 2026
- semester start: 1. March
FAQ
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What is the difference between the application and admission period?
- You have to submit your application for admission to a degree programme within the application period (= general admission period according to Universities Act 2002).
- You can complete the admission procedure within the admission period (=registration period for the continuation of studies according to Universities Act 2002). This is only possible, if you applied for admission within the application period and fulfil all admission requirements.
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What is the Decree on Groups of Persons?
Persons belonging to a group of persons according to the Decree on Groups of Persons (“PersGV”) may apply for admission to degree programmes within the application period for EU/EEA/CH citizens. They can be treated as equal to EU/EEA citizens regarding the tuition fee regulations.
Groups of persons and the required proofs
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Is there a grace period, in case I miss the application period?
No, there is no grace period. You have to submit your application for admission within the application period that applies to you in any case.
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The admission period is still ongoing, however the application period is already over. Can I be admitted to the degree programme?
You can only be admitted to a degree programme, if you have applied for admission to the degree programme within the application period. If you have missed this deadline, you have to wait for the application period of the next semester.
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Why is the admission period still open, even though the semester has already started?
This is a legal regulation that offers prospective students the opportunity to start their studies even after the semester has started. Reasons for this are, for example, obtaining the secondary-school leaving certificate or bachelor degree certificate late or the duration of the processing of applications.
If you apply for and are admitted to your degree programme late, you have to expect that the choice of courses will be limited. Registration for courses with compulsory attendance takes place before/at the beginning of the semester. If you have any questions in this regarding this, please contact the responsible StudiesServiceCenter/StudiesServiceUnit.