Studying at the University of Vienna

Closing a degree programme

There are two ways in which you can end your studies:

  1. You successfully complete your degree programme.
  2. You discontinue your studies (= closing a degree programme).

Here, we explain everything you need to know about closing a degree programme, from the confirmation of withdrawal to the resumption of studies.

Ian Ehm

How can I close my degree programme?

You can close your degree programme at any time. These are the steps you need to take:

  1. Deregister from all courses with continous assessment and examinations. This is possible via u:space during the deregistration period. Afterwards, please contact the lecturers directly. Closing your studies does not qualify as an important reason for the cancellation of an examination.
  2. Please return any borrowed books to the University Library or institute libraries. We can only close your degree programme if you have no books on loan.
  3. If you wish to close a bachelor’s/diploma or master’s programme, message us via the Servicedesk. Please state which degree programme you wish to close. For a PhD programme, contact the Center for Doctoral Studies.
  4. A few days later, we will inform you that the process has been completed. Please check the updated status of your degree programme in u:space at Studies → Study Overview. You can download a confirmation of withdrawal at Personal matters → My Documents.

When will my degree programme be closed automatically?

Your degree programme is closed if:

  • You have successfully completed your degree programme. The admission ends with the date of the last examination.
  • You do not pay the tuition fee/Students' Union fee. You can also not pay on purpose and thereby discontinue your studies and withdraw from the university.
  • you have paid at another Austrian university/college of teacher education ("Pädagogische Hochschule") and do not re-enroll your studies at the University of Vienna.
  • You fail the introductory and orientation period (STEOP) or fail an examination even on the fourth attempt.
  • If you do not achieve the minimum number of credits. This applies for admissions starting from winter semester 2022/23.

You can see that your degree programme has been closed in u:space at Studies → Study overview.

Why do I need a confirmation of withdrawal?

Your confirmation of withdrawal serves as proof that you are no longer admitted to the relevant degree programme at the University of Vienna. Why do you need it?

  • Different authorities in Austria and abroad may demand a confirmation of withdrawal. 
  • If you want to be admitted to the same degree programme at another Austrian university you have to present your confirmation of withdrawal there.

A confirmation of withdrawal is also available if you close only one of multiple degree programmes.

A confirmation of withdrawal will not be issued if you successfully complete your degree programme or complete the University Preparation Programme of the Vienna Universities (VWU).

Can I resume my degree programme later?

Yes, it is possible to resume your degree programmes within the relevant application and admission period and subject to the requirements applicable at the time of resumption. By resuming your studies, you will be subject to the currently valid curriculum. It is therefore possible that not all examinations you have already taken will be recognised.

Find out everything you need to know about the resumption here