Admission to Universities of Applied Sciences in Austria: Requirements - Concise and Accurate

Date 2026-07-27

Bachelor’s Degree Program: Admission Requirements

To be admitted to a bachelor’s degree program at a university of applied sciences (FH), you must have a general university entrance qualification. This includes the Austrian Matura (AHS/BHS), the Berufsreifeprüfung, the Studienberechtigungsprüfung, or a foreign certificate recognized as equivalent, such as the German Abitur.

Admission without the Matura is possible if you have completed a relevant apprenticeship or a vocational secondary school program and pass the required supplementary exams. These typically cover German, English, and mathematics, sometimes supplemented by subject-specific content. The exams can be taken directly at the university of applied sciences or at recognized educational institutions.

For German-language programs, you must generally demonstrate sufficient German language proficiency (usually B2, in some cases C1). For English-language programs, corresponding English language certificates are required. The university determines which tests are accepted.

At MCI, you can find all the necessary information about applications and admission HERE.

Master’s Programs: Admission Requirements

To enroll in a master’s program, you need a relevant bachelor’s degree or an equivalent university degree, typically with at least 180 ECTS credits. Some master’s programs require 210 ECTS credits or specify minimum course loads in certain areas of expertise (e.g., methodology, programming, economics).

If your prior studies only partially meet the requirements, a lateral entry is often possible. Any gaps in prior knowledge can be addressed through prerequisite courses, supplementary exams, or bridge courses. These are time-limited and must be completed before or at the start of the program.

The same rule applies here: For German- or English-language programs, you must submit the appropriate language proficiency certificates. In addition, the university of applied sciences verifies the equivalence of international degrees.

Application and Admissions Process

Meeting the formal requirements alone does not guarantee a spot in the program, as enrollment at universities of applied sciences is limited. Therefore, an internal admissions process is mandatory.

The application process typically begins online. You’ll upload your transcripts, a resume, a statement of purpose, and, if necessary, a portfolio or examples of your work. In some programs, prior experience is viewed favorably.

At MCI, there are only two steps:

Step 1 - Online application: CV & motivation

A complete online application consists of a CV, a letter of motivation, information on educational background, qualifications, professional career, social achievements and academic as well as professional goals. We would like to know why you are applying to study at MCI.

You may apply for more than one degree program at the same time, provided you can conclusively explain your respective motivations in your letter of motivation.

Step 2 – Online admission interview

In the second step, all applicants will be invited to an online admission interview.

In this interview, we want to get to know you. We are particularly interested in your motivation to study at MCI as well as your professional and personal goals you want to achieve with the help of your studies.

Selection is often based on a point system that takes various criteria into account. If you are successfully admitted, you must complete your enrollment by the deadline and pay the tuition or semester fee as well as the ÖH fee.

Deadlines, Organization, and Important Information

Many universities of applied sciences use early application rounds or rolling admission. Applying early increases your chances, as spots are filled on an ongoing basis and test dates are limited. At MCI, there are four application deadlines. The earlier you apply, the better your chances of securing a spot.

Specific requirements may vary depending on the program. Therefore, be sure to carefully review the information on the respective university’s website, particularly regarding deadlines, required documents, test content, and fee amounts.

Quick Checklist
  • Choose a degree program and check the admission requirements.
  • Gather your documents (transcripts, resume, statement of purpose, proof of language proficiency, and portfolio, if applicable).
  • Apply online and meet the deadlines.
  • Complete the admissions process and prepare for any additional exams.
  • Wait for your admission notice, complete enrollment, and pay tuition and fees.
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