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• I underestimated the amount of study material and didn’t prepare thoroughly enough.

  The complexity of the material often becomes clear only during the test. The ability to learn and recall material precisely is important not only for the entrance exam but also for your studies. Our blog articles offer various learning strategies and time management tips to support you.
• I studied a lot, but still wasn’t admitted.

  You put a lot of effort into preparing — and still didn’t get admitted? Consider how you might improve your preparation if you plan to take the test again.

  You may find helpful resources among our learning strategies, time management tips, or detailed exam preparation advice.
• German is not my first language / I struggled with the German-language tasks.

  Entrance exams in a non-native language can be challenging. It's advisable to become familiar with the task formats and instructions in advance so you don’t lose time during the test. Sample tasks and instructions for each test can be found on the website for bachelor/diploma programmes with entrance exam procedures.

  Reading academic articles can help you become familiar with subject-specific vocabulary. For subjects that exist both at school and university level, texts at Matura (Austrian high school diploma) level are useful preparation.

  Please inform yourself in advance about the required German proficiency for university admission.
• I had difficulties with the technical vocabulary in the reading comprehension tasks.

  Entrance exams often use academic texts from the relevant field. These texts use specialized language that reflects the discipline’s methods and ways of thinking. Reading academic articles in advance can help you understand these texts better and give you a deeper insight into the subject area.
• I was very nervous before or during the test and couldn’t concentrate.

  Feeling a bit nervous before or during a test is entirely normal and in some cases, it can even boost performance. However, if test anxiety becomes overwhelming, it can lead to mental blocks or total blackouts. Knowing what to expect from the exam and how to deal with test anxiety can help you avoid these situations.
• I had difficulties due to a physical or psychological impairment

  Candidates with verified physical or psychological impairments are entitled to individual accommodations. You can find all information on how to submit a request for special testing accommodations online.
• I didn’t have enough time during the test to complete all the tasks.

  Given the limited amount of time available during the test, the following tips may be helpful:

  • If unsure about a task, skip it at first and focus on easier ones, then return to the harder ones later.
  • Familiarize yourself with the task formats in advance to save time during the test. Sample tasks are available on the website for bachelor/diploma programmes with entrance exam procedures.
  • Training with self-created practice tests — individually or in a study group — can help you work more efficiently under time pressure.
• Due to personal circumstances, I had too little time to prepare properly.

  Maybe you have been affected by personal or family obligations, work or school demands, or health issues.

  Some of these factors are likely to be exceptional and will hopefully not occur again in the future. In cases where time constraints are permanent, it may be helpful to approach your preparation differently. Studying requires a considerable time investment, and you will also be responsible for structuring your own learning.

  The following tips on efficient study planning and time management may support you in this process.
• I didn’t find the study material interesting, so I barely prepared.

  The study material represents topics you’ll encounter regularly during your studies. If you find them uninteresting, you may want to reflect on your motivation and interest in the field. The following resources can support your decision-making:

  Studying at University of Vienna: degree programmes

  Digital tools for study orientation: Many degree programmes at the University of Vienna offer Online Self-Assessments (OSAs) to help guide your study choice.

  Studying in Austria: studienwahl.at

  Career and Study Checkers: 18plus.at

  Counseling and Orientation: The Psychological Counseling Services for Students offer detailed decision-making guides and free personal consultations.
• I didn’t know there was any study material or where to find it.

  Information about the admission procedure and the study material was sent to you by email and can also be found online. Being proactive in seeking out information will be a key part of your university studies. 

  Updated information is published annually on the website for admission and entrance exam procedures.