There is no central system for international applications to study abroad
in Austria. In most cases you should find a suitable programme and apply
directly to the university responsible – all of the
Austrian Masters degrees listed on FindAMasters include application information.
The deadline for application to study a Masters in Austria
is normally the September prior to the beginning of your course (normally
in October).
This may seem quite relaxed, with the application window remaining open
until almost the beginning of the academic year. Remember though that you
will need to complete a separate
visa application
as an international student and may also need to supply accredited
transcripts and translations of documents relating to your academic record.
For this reason you should begin your application well ahead of the
deadline – ideally during the summer prior to your Masters or even during
the final year of your undergraduate programme (Austrian universities will
usually accept a projected degree result in lieu of a completed Bachelors
degree).
Admissions requirements
As is normal for higher education systems operating within the
European Higher Education Area, Austrian universities will expect postgraduate applicants to hold an
undergraduate degree (or be in the process of completing one).
Your qualification should be a Bachelors degree or its equivalent, worth at
least 180
ECTS
credits (all three-year European undergraduate degrees should satisfy this
requirement). This qualification should be in a subject related to your
Masters. In some cases, an Austrian university may also wish to confirm
that a certain number of your undergraduate credits (or their equivalent)
were earned for work associated with your chosen postgraduate subject and /
or specialism.
Particularly selective (and competitive) programmes may set additional
entry exams - or ask for scores from common postgraduate admissions tests
such as the
GMAT or
GRE.
Application process
You should begin your application by contacting the university responsible
for your Masters program. Austrians take administrative procedures very
seriously so be sure to supply all required documentation and follow
instructions to the letter.
In most cases you will require the following documents:
-
A degree certificate (for applicants who have
completed their degree). If you are currently studying and will
complete after the application deadline but before the start of the
Master's program, you can still apply.
-
Official transcripts of all courses and units of study
completed as part of your first degree program, including grades,
weekly hours and / or
ECTS credits. If your degree was earned in a country working within the
Bologna Process, a Diploma Supplement may be provided to assist with this.
- Evidence of any required German or English language proficiency.
- A copy of your passport (this may be required to confirm
your nationality and determine your fee status).
Some courses may also request
graduate entry test scores, a CV, personal statement, academic references or an artistic
portfolio, as relevant.
Note that all diplomas and certificates submitted as part of your
application must be official documents with the official stamp (or 'apostille') of the institution that awarded them.
Documents not originally published in German may also need to be translated
(and the translation certified by an accredited professional, such as a
lawyer). Universities may have a preferred service for this process.
Language requirements
The language of Austria is German and this is the medium
for most of the country's degree programmes. However, as international
study in Austria becomes more popular, universities are offering more
programmes in English – particularly at postgraduate
level.
Exact language requirements for an Austrian Masters degree will depend on
your situation and the requirements set for your course:
- If you are opting to study for a Masters degree delivered partly or
completely in German, you will be required to provide
evidence of German proficiency, generally a minimum of a
DSH II level.
- If you are opting for a Masters programme delivered in English and you are not a native speaker, you will have to
provide evidence of English proficiency, through a
TOEFL or IELTS
certificate, for example.