Choosing a field of study can feel overwhelming. A decision matrix helps you create clarity, connect facts with your gut feeling, and make a choice that fits your goals.
Start with a brief self-check: Which subjects and activities excite you? Where are your strengths: analytical, linguistic, social, technical, or creative? Which values matter to you? Security, international experiences, social impact, income, or entrepreneurial freedom?
Consider practical factors such as location, cost of living, housing situation, part-time job opportunities, and language skills. If you include MCI | The Entrepreneurial School®, this approach works especially well, because MCI’s hands-on teaching, international orientation, structured curricula, and close corporate partnerships can be used directly as criteria in your matrix.
Innsbruck offers a high quality of life, proximity to nature and sports, and an active student scene. At the same time, housing is limited, which you should factor into your budget and timing.
Next, create a concise list of three to six realistic study options, including specific MCI programs (e.g., Business Administration, Life Sciences, Social Work, or Digitalization) and alternatives at universities or other universities of applied sciences. Check admission requirements early: secondary school diploma (Matura), subject prerequisites, language level, and application deadlines. At MCI, the admissions process includes an online application with resume and motivation letter, plus an online admissions interview. You can apply to multiple programs at the same time, as long as you can clearly explain your reasons for each in your motivation letters. The planning reliability is an advantage but requires timely preparation.
Now define and weight your decision criteria. Typical factors include interest, strengths, career prospects, learning and teaching format, practical components (projects, internships, labs), costs, admissions procedures, flexibility in the study schedule, international opportunities (exchanges, double degrees, language), as well as study culture and workload. In the MCI context, it’s worth looking at corporate partnerships, career services, cohort size, and level of support.
Before making a final decision, do a reality check: Are the admission requirements realistically achievable? Do application and interview dates fit your timeline? Does your budget cover rent, living expenses, and any tuition or fees in Innsbruck, or will you need scholarships and part-time work? Does MCI’s typical structure with fixed schedules fit your working style, or do you prefer more self-direction? Keep a Plan B on hand, an alternative MCI program or an option at another institution.
Finally, set a tight two- to three-week timeline for research, conversations, and evaluation. Test your assumptions in practice through sample classes or conversations with people working in your target field. This way, you’ll make a well-founded, transparent decision with MCI as a strong, practice-oriented option in your comparison.
By the way, MCI has a Study Funnel that can help you with your decision-making!
Give it a try now!
Good luck!
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