Information for asylum seekers
Which degree programmes can I study, and how does the admission procedure work?
The University of Vienna offers over 180 bachelor’s, diplom, master’s and PhD programmes. Here you will find an overview of our range of degree programmes. Have you found the programme you’re looking for? If so, find out about the admission requirements and apply during the application period.
What do I need to keep in mind regarding my documents?
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Original documents
You need to provide the required documents in their original or legalised form. If you no longer possess your secondary-school leaving certificate or your higher education degree certificate, you may request a substitute confirmation at the Federal Ministry Women, Science and Research Republic of Austria. Admission is not possible without a secondary-school leaving certificate or higher education degree certificate.
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Translation
For documents issued in a language other than German or English you also need a translation. Your documents do not require full diplomatic certification. However, you need to prove your status as a recognised refugee/asylum seeker (e.g. by means of a convention travel document).
How much does the degree programme cost, and is financial support available?
You can find an overview of the costs and financial support at Financial matters. Please also note the following reductions:
- Students who reside in Austria as asylum seekers, recognised refugees (persons entitled to asylum, not displaced persons), or people granted subsidiary protection may take a discounted German language course in the University Preparation Programme of the Vienna Universities (VWU) if they fulfil all admission requirements.
- Asylum seekers, convention refugees, and people granted subsidiary protection may file for equal status with EU/EEA citizens and, if granted, are then exempt from paying the tuition fee for the standard duration of your study programme + two tolerance semesters for a bachelor's/diploma or master's programme. During this time, you are only required to pay the Students’ Union fee.
Additional services
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Allowance ("Grundversorgung") for asylum seekers
website only available in German
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Needs-based minimum benefit for recognised refugees
website only available in German
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Study grant for recognised refugees by the Austrian Study Grant Authority
website only available in German
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Austrian Database for Scholarships and Research Grants
How can I get my academic diplomas/degrees recognised?
In order to apply for admission to another degree programme, you do not have to have your higher education degree recognised through nostrification.
Through the process of nostrification, a foreign university degree can get recognised as equivalent to an Austrian university degree programme. The official Austrian information centre for international nostrifications in the university field is ENIC NARIC AUSTRIA.
You may file for nostrification at the office of the Studienpräses.
How does university work?
Discover offers, tips and services for students. We’ll show you how to settle in at the University of Vienna, find your way around your degree programme and get to know other students.
