FAQ: General Questions
General Questions
How long does the degree programme last?
The Bachelor programme lasts six semesters, the following Master’s two to four semesters. The Diploma study programme lasts eight semesters.
General Questions
Can I get my Doctorate after earning a degree at a UAS?
Yes, graduates from UAS Master’s and Diploma study programmes can complete a Doctorate programme at a traditional university.
General Questions
What are the entrance requirements for studying at a UAS?
The pre-requisite for a Bachelor’s or Diploma study programme is a general qualification for university entrance (e.g. school-leaving certificate), a certificate from a secondary school providing a vocational education or a relevant vocational training. For a Master’s study programme, the pre-requisite is a completed Bachelor’s or Diploma study programme.
General Questions
Can I study without the “Matura” (Austrian secondary school-leaving certificate)?
In principle, yes. As this is dealt with on a very individual basis, it is advisable to contact the respective University of Applied Sciences.
General Questions
I don’t have my certificate of graduation or a transcript from my school-leaving certificate yet. Can I still apply?
Yes. At most Universities of Applied Sciences it is possible to submit the transcript from your school-leaving certificate at a later time.
General Questions
Why is there an entrance procedure?
As there is a limited number of study places – and the number of applicants usually exceeds the places offered – various entrance procedures are conducted (ranking, interview, portfolio, group discussions, etc.). The deadlines for sending the required documents by mail or e-mail vary depending on the study programme.
General Questions
What is a Letter of Motivation?
The personal reasons and motives of the applicants for choosing the particular study programme are explained here.
General Questions
How do I find out if I have been accepted?
Accepted applicants receive a written confirmation of acceptance.
General Questions
When is the registration or application deadline?
This varies depending on the University of Applied Sciences. Information is available from the respective student advisory service.
General Questions
For which previous knowledge can credit be given?
Depending on your previous education, credit can be given for some courses. In addition, there is the possibility for an exemption based on tests of knowledge or on a request for exemption submitted directly to the course instructor.
General Questions
Do I need special previous knowledge for technical degree programmes?
No, no previous knowledge is required.
General Questions
Do I have to attend the courses?
For most of the lectures, there is mandatory attendance.
General Questions
Can the work placement be completed at home or abroad – and how long does it last?
The work placement can be completed at home as well as abroad. The duration is usually 15 weeks.
General Questions
Where to I receive more information?
Besides the comprehensive information on the websites of the Universities of Applied Sciences, the UASs offer information days or evenings, open houses, and personal, individual study guidance.
General Questions
Compulsory military or community service. What do I need to be aware of?
Compulsory military service must be completed before beginning one’s studies. If conscription occurs during one’s studies, no postponement can be granted. In the case of community service, the placement must not yet have taken place. If this occurs during one’s studies, there is the possibility to temporarily interrupt one’s studies for the duration of the community service.
General Questions
What do studies at a University of Applies Sciences cost?
Generally, the tuition fees amount to 363.36 euros per semester. There are, however, course-providing bodies which do not require tuition.
General Questions
Which grants and aid exist?
In addition to student grants, there are a number of other types of aid such as a study allowance, a travel allowance, insurance payment, aid for study abroad, a travel expenses allowance and scholarships. Information can be found at: www.stipendium.at
General Questions
What’s special about a UAS study programme – compared to a traditional university?
Studies are to be completed in the prescribed time. They are related to particular career fields and include a mandatory work placement, at many Universities of Applied Sciences a period of stay abroad. In addition to professional, practice-related content, importance is placed on the transmission of social competences and the acquisition of foreign languages. Studies are characterised by individual mentoring and work in small groups.
General Questions
Are there differences between a degree from a traditional university and one from a UAS?
Graduates from a UAS and graduates from a traditional university are equal.
General Questions
Can I register for the same study programme at different Universities of Applied Sciences?
Yes, principally it is possible to register at two Universities of Applied Sciences. Due to the oftentimes long waiting lists at the institutions, it is naturally in the interest of the other applicants to withdraw your registration as soon as you know where you would like to complete the study programme.
General Questions
Is it possible for Germans with a German qualification for university entrance to apply at an Austrian UAS?
The entrance requirement for a Bachelor’s or Diploma study programme at an Austrian University of Applied Sciences is the general qualification for university entrance or a subject-relevant professional qualification.The university qualification can be verified through a foreign certificate that is equivalent to an Austrian secondary school leaving certificate based on an agreement according to international law, a nostrification or on the decision of the head of the domestic UAS study programme, made on an individual basis.
If a German certificate entitles one to study at a German university, it should by all means also suffice for an Austrian UAS. For more detailed information, please contact the nostrification office of the Austrian Department of Trade and Industry
ENIC NARIC AUSTRIA: Tel: (0043/1) 53120/5921
www.bmwf.gv.at/wissenschaft/international/enic_naric_austria/
General Questions
What is the exact difference between full-time and part-time study programmes?
Part-time study programmes for working students are organised in such a way that you can pursue full-time employment while studying. The courses and seminars generally take place evenings or blocked on Saturdays. These study programmes are characterised above all by the fact that students are assisted by the university so that employment while studying is possible. There are otherwise no differences to the full-time study programmes.
General Questions
Do I receive the informational material by mail or by e-mail? What exactly does the informational material include?
Generally, the informational material of the individual UASs as well as in the “FH Guide” from the Association of Universities of Applied Sciences contains a short presentation of the content of the study programmes, including aspects such as study length, academic degree, career fields, etc. Should you prefer an overview of all the Austrian UAS study programmes, we recommend the “UAS Guide”. You can download this brochure free of charge at www.fachhochschulen.ac.at. Furthermore, you can request information about the individual study programmes on this homepage.
General Questions
Is there mandatory attendance in all study programmes at the Universities of Applied Sciences?
At Universities of Applied Sciences there is a general attendance requirement. For employed people, there are part-time study programmes in which the lectures take place in the evening and in weekend blocks. E-learning elements are also used in part. In addition, there are the “Ferdinand Porsche Fern Fachhochschulstudiengänge” (an institution for distance learning with very few attendance phases at the UAS Wiener Neustadt), at which correspondence courses of study can be completed.
General Questions
How can I prepare for the entrance exam?
Contact the respective UAS and inquire there directly. The staff of the UASs will gladly deal with the questions of those interested.
Ask a question
If you did not find your answer in our FAQ, you have the possibility to submit a question here. You will receive a detailed answer by E-mail.