University admission in Europe

There is no central admission system – you apply directly to the university of your choice, usually through its online form.

Deadlines at public universities: 5 September for the winter semester and 5 February for the summer semester. OeAD advises not to wait until the last minute, because checking foreign documents takes time. Programmes with entrance exams, arts universities, FHs and private universities set their own, usually much earlier deadlines – registration for entrance exams can close as much as six months before the semester starts. If you come from outside the EU, apply early anyway: you will need the admission letter to apply for your residence permit (see: Residence and formalities).

For a bachelor's programme you will usually need:

• a copy of your passport or ID card,
• a secondary school leaving certificate that gives access to higher education in the country where it was issued,
• proof of German language skills (see: Language).

Documents issued outside Austria must be submitted as originals and legalised; if they are not in German or English, you must add a certified translation. Some certificates are only recognised together with additional exams. The university's admissions office will tell you exactly what it accepts.

For a master's programme you need a bachelor's degree in a related field of at least 180 ECTS.