How to Apply to Austrian Universities 2026

Austrian public universities use a direct application system. You apply to each university individually — there is no centralized platform like UCAS (UK) or Common App (US). Most programs have open admission (no entrance exam) for EU/EEA students. Non-EU students need a Studienplatznachweis (proof of university eligibility in their home country). Some subjects require an Ergänzungsprüfung (supplementary exam). German-taught programs need ÖSD or Goethe B2 certification. This guide covers every step from choosing your program to enrollment day.

The Austrian Admissions System

Austrian public universities follow a principle called freier Hochschulzugang (open university access) for most programs. This means: if you meet the entry requirements, you get a place. No competitive selection, no ranked applications. This applies to most bachelor programs in humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and law.

Exceptions: Restricted-Admission Programs

Some high-demand programs have limited places and require an entrance exam or selection procedure. These are called Aufnahmeverfahren (admission procedures).

Subject Area	Selection Method	Deadline
Medicine & Dentistry	MedAT entrance exam (July)	March 1–31
Psychology	Written admission test	March 1–15
Business/Economics	Online self-assessment + capacity limit	March–May
Computer Science	Online self-assessment or test	March–May
Architecture	Portfolio + aptitude test	Varies by university
Communication Science	Written test	March–April
Law	Written test (Uni Wien, Uni Graz)	March–May

Registration for Aufnahmeverfahren opens in March each year. The MedAT (medicine entrance exam) is the most competitive: roughly 17,000 applicants compete for 1,850 places across Vienna, Graz, Innsbruck, and Linz. Register at medizinstudieren.at.

Entry Requirements by Student Category

Austrian Students (Matura)

Austrian Matura (secondary school diploma) holders apply directly. The Matura grants general university access (allgemeine Universitätsreife). No additional qualifications needed for open-admission programs. For restricted programs, register for the Aufnahmeverfahren separately.

EU/EEA Students

Your secondary school diploma must be recognized as equivalent to the Austrian Matura. Most EU diplomas (German Abitur, French Baccalauréat, Italian Maturità, etc.) are automatically recognized. You may need to pass an Ergänzungsprüfung in specific subjects if your school diploma does not cover subjects required by your chosen program.

Example: If your home country diploma did not include biology, and you apply for a biology degree, you must pass the Ergänzungsprüfung in biology before enrolling. You can take these exams through the Vorstudienlehrgang (preparatory course) at the university.

Non-EU Students: Studienplatznachweis

Non-EU applicants must provide a Studienplatznachweis — proof that you would qualify for the same or a similar program at a university in your home country. This can be:

• An admission letter from a university in your home country for the same or similar field
• Proof of current enrollment in higher education in your home country
• A completed bachelor's degree (for master's applications)

The Studienplatznachweis ensures that you meet the academic standards of your home country before entering the Austrian system. Without it, your application is rejected regardless of your grades.

Ergänzungsprüfung: Supplementary Exams

If your school diploma or home-country qualifications do not cover subjects required for your Austrian program, you must pass Ergänzungsprüfungen (supplementary exams). Common subjects: German, mathematics, biology, physics, chemistry, Latin, or a second language.

You take these exams through the Vorstudienlehrgang der Wiener Universitäten (VWU) in Vienna or equivalent courses at other universities. The VWU offers 1–2 semester preparation courses. Costs: approximately €600–800 per semester. You can enroll at the university conditionally while completing the Ergänzungsprüfung — but you must pass within 2 years.

Language Requirements

German-Taught Programs

Most bachelor programs and many master programs are taught in German. The standard requirement is B2 level (CEFR). Accepted certificates:

Certificate	Level	Accepted At	Cost
ÖSD Zertifikat B2	B2	All Austrian universities	~€170
Goethe-Zertifikat B2	B2	All Austrian universities	~€250
TestDaF TDN 4	B2/C1	All Austrian universities	~€195
DSH-2	C1	Most universities (check individually)	~€100
telc Deutsch B2	B2	Some universities (check individually)	~€150

The ÖSD (Österreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch) is Austria's own language certificate and is universally accepted. If you plan to study in Austria, the ÖSD is the safest choice. You can take ÖSD exams at test centers worldwide or at the Vorstudienlehrgang in Vienna.

English-Taught Programs

English-taught programs (mostly at master level) require IELTS 6.0–6.5 or TOEFL 80–100. Some universities accept Cambridge C1 Advanced. WU Wien's English-taught master programs require IELTS 7.0 or GMAT 600+. Check each program's specific language requirements.

No German? Start with the Vorstudienlehrgang

If you do not yet have B2 German, you can enroll in the Vorstudienlehrgang (preparatory course for university studies). This is a 1–4 semester intensive German course offered at most Austrian university cities. You receive a conditional admission from the university, take the German courses, pass the exam, and then start your degree program. The Vorstudienlehrgang counts toward your visa — you can stay in Austria while learning the language.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Choose Your Program

Search programs on studienwahl.at (Austria's official program database) or individual university websites. Filter by language of instruction, degree level, and city. Austria offers over 1,600 degree programs at public universities and Fachhochschulen.

Step 2: Check Admission Deadlines

Austrian universities have two main deadlines:

Semester	Start Date	Application Deadline (EU)	Application Deadline (Non-EU)
Winter semester	October 1	September 5	September 5 (some: July 15)
Summer semester	March 1	February 5	February 5 (some: December 15)

Non-EU students should aim for the earlier deadline. Processing your Studienplatznachweis and Ergänzungsprüfung requirements takes time. Restricted-admission programs (Aufnahmeverfahren) have their own deadlines, often in March–May.

Step 3: Prepare Your Documents

• Secondary school diploma (or bachelor degree for master) — apostilled, translated into German
• Academic transcripts — all semesters, apostilled, translated
• Studienplatznachweis (non-EU only) — admission proof from home country
• Language certificate — ÖSD B2, Goethe B2, or IELTS (as applicable)
• Passport copy
• Passport photo
• Motivation letter (for some master programs)
• CV (for master programs)

Step 4: Submit Your Application

Most universities accept applications through their online portal. The University of Vienna uses u:space. TU Wien uses TISS. WU Wien has its own application portal. Upload your documents digitally and mail certified copies by post. Pay the application processing fee if applicable (usually €0–50).

Step 5: Receive Your Admission

Open-admission programs issue a Zulassungsbescheid (admission notice) within 2–4 weeks if your documents are complete. Restricted programs notify you after the Aufnahmeverfahren results. Conditional admissions (pending language certificate or Ergänzungsprüfung) specify what you must complete and by when.

Step 6: Enroll (Inskription)

After receiving your admission, complete your Inskription (enrollment) online or in person. Pay the tuition fee (€363.36 or €726.72) and ÖH fee (€22.70). Receive your Studierendenausweis (student ID). You are now officially enrolled.

Fachhochschulen: A Different Application Process

Fachhochschulen (FH — universities of applied sciences) have limited places for every program. Every FH program uses a selection procedure, even in subjects that are open-admission at public universities. The process typically involves an online application, a written test, and an interview. FH application deadlines are earlier — often January–March for the October start.

FH programs are more structured than university programs, with fixed schedules and mandatory attendance. The advantage: higher completion rates and strong industry connections. FH Campus Wien, FH Technikum Wien, and FH Joanneum (Graz) are among the largest FH institutions.

Master's Degree Applications

Master's applications have additional requirements beyond the bachelor degree:

• Relevant bachelor degree — in the same or a closely related field
• Minimum credits in core subjects — some programs require specific ECTS in prerequisite subjects. Missing credits can be completed as Auflagen (conditional requirements) during the first 2 semesters.
• Language certificate — B2 German or IELTS 6.5 English depending on program language
• Motivation letter and CV — required for most competitive master programs
• Letters of recommendation — 1–2, from academic referees (not always required)

Master programs at Austrian public universities are typically 4 semesters (120 ECTS). Some technical programs are 3 semesters. Tuition fees are identical to bachelor programs.

Common Application Mistakes

1. Missing the Studienplatznachweis — non-EU applicants forget this document. Without it, your application is automatically rejected. Obtain it from a university in your home country before applying to Austria.
2. Late translations — certified translations take 2–4 weeks. Start the translation process the moment you decide to apply.
3. Wrong German certificate level — B1 is not enough. You need B2 (some programs require C1). Check the exact requirement for your specific program.
4. Ignoring Aufnahmeverfahren deadlines — for restricted programs, the admission test registration closes in March or April — months before the general admission deadline.
5. Applying to the wrong semester — most bachelor programs only start in the winter semester (October). Master programs may start in both semesters. Verify before applying.

For visa information after admission, read our Austria student visa guide 2026. For costs, check the cost guide for Austria. Explore the full admissions and application guide or browse programs and universities in Austria.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Austrian universities accept international diplomas?

Yes. EU diplomas (Abitur, Baccalauréat, Maturità, etc.) are automatically recognized. Non-EU diplomas are assessed individually. You may need an Ergänzungsprüfung in missing subjects. The university's admissions office (Studienabteilung) evaluates your documents during the application process.

What is the Studienplatznachweis?

A Studienplatznachweis proves that you would qualify for a similar program at a university in your home country. For non-EU applicants, this is mandatory. It can be an admission letter, enrollment confirmation, or completed degree from a recognized home-country institution. Without it, Austrian universities reject your application.

Is there an entrance exam for Austrian universities?

Most programs have open admission — no entrance exam. Restricted programs (medicine, psychology, business, CS, law at some universities) require an Aufnahmeverfahren. The MedAT (medicine) is the most competitive. Registration for admission tests opens in March each year.

When should I apply for the winter semester?

The general deadline is September 5, but non-EU students should target July 15 or earlier. Restricted-admission programs close registration in March–May. Start preparing documents in January for an October start.

Can I apply without a German certificate?

For German-taught programs, you need B2 German by enrollment. Some universities grant conditional admission and let you complete the language requirement through the Vorstudienlehrgang (1–4 semesters of German prep). English-taught programs do not require German — IELTS or TOEFL is sufficient.

How do I apply to a Fachhochschule?

Apply directly through the FH's website. All FH programs have limited places and a selection process (application, test, interview). Deadlines are earlier — often January–March. FH programs are more structured than university programs with higher completion rates.

What is the Ergänzungsprüfung?

A supplementary exam you take if your school diploma does not cover subjects required by your Austrian program. Common subjects: German, math, biology, Latin. Take the exam through the Vorstudienlehrgang. You have 2 years to pass. You can enroll conditionally at the university while preparing.

Can I apply to multiple Austrian universities at once?

Yes. There is no limit. Each university has its own application portal and process. Apply to as many as you like. The only restriction: you can only register for one Aufnahmeverfahren per restricted subject (e.g., one MedAT registration covers all four medical universities).