Studying at the University of Vienna

University Preparation Programme of the Vienna Universities (VWU)

The University Preparation Programme of the Vienna Universities (VWU) is a pre-study institution. There, you will prepare for and complete supplementary examinations. The VWU is not part of the University of Vienna. You therefore do not apply directly to the VWU, but for a degree programme.

Your admission letter will state whether any supplementary examinations are required and, if so, exactly which ones. The prescribed examinations depend on the country where your documents were issued and on your chosen degree programme.

Ian Ehm

  • What are supplementary examinations?

    You must complete supplementary examinations before being admitted to a degree programme. They are compulsory in the following cases:

    • Are you applying for a German-language or multilingual degree programme and have not uploaded proof of German language proficiency at C1 level? 
      → The supplementary examination in German is prescribed.
    • Are you applying for a bachelor’s or diploma programme and is your secondary-school leaving certificate from a non-EU/EEA country? 
      → Supplementary examinations in Mathematics, English and/or History/Geography are required if there are significant differences between your secondary-school leaving certificate and the Austrian equivalent. 

  • Important information regarding attending the VWU

    Once you have been admitted to “University Programme Preparation Programme” only the VWU’s supplementary German examination (EPD) will be accepted  as proof of your German language proficiency without any exceptions. In doing so, we are complying with a ruling by the Supreme Administrative Court.

    This means: Once you have been admitted to the VWU, you must also complete the EPD there. It is not possible to withdraw from the VWU and sit a German exam at another institution. Failure to comply may have serious consequences on your residence permit.

    People who have withdrawn from the VWU and have since completed another language exam may retake the supplementary examination. Please check the requirements for your examination directly at the VWU.