Study in Austria: Admissions

Eligibility for Austrian Universities

Each university decides who it admits. Here are the rules for students with Indian or Pakistani qualifications at two popular universities, the University of Vienna and TU Wien (Vienna University of Technology).

Example eligibility check

Example: Master's applicant from India

Bachelor's degree

Meets the rule

Example: 3 years, 180 ECTS credits

Marks

Meets the rule

Example: at least 60% of the top marks at a Section 1 or 2 university (sections are explained below)

English

Not done yet

Example: IELTS Academic 6.5

Competence check

Must do

Example: booked at VFS Education Services

Example check

Depends on your programme

Example only. Your own result depends on your programme.

Key Rules

Some rules differ for India and Pakistan. Read the line for your country.

A recognised earlier degree or school certificate

Master's: a relevant bachelor's of at least 6 semesters (180 ECTS credits, European study credit points). Bachelor's: a school certificate that lets you enter university at home.

Minimum marks

The University of Vienna sets minimum marks for Indian and Pakistani papers. They depend on the section of your university, explained below.

Language proof

English at level B2 for most English-taught master's. German for German-taught programmes.

Official papers

Papers need a stamp that shows they are real. Indian papers need an apostille (a stamp from India's Ministry of External Affairs). Pakistani papers need legalisation (an official check that a paper is real).

Competence check

The University of Vienna's own test (competence check and onSET) for applicants with earlier education from India or Pakistan. You take it in person at VFS Education Services.

Meeting the rules is not a guarantee

Each application is reviewed one by one. The competence check does not replace the university's own review.

Rules by Study Level

Each application is still checked one by one.

University of Vienna, for Indian and Pakistani papers

1Bachelor's

India: Class 12 (12 years of school) with at least 70% of the maximum marks.
Pakistan: Class 12 with a result of 990 to 1,100 points or higher, or 2 years of university study with a CGPA of 3.2 (out of 4.0).

2Master's

India: a bachelor's of at least 3 years, with 60% (Section 1 or 2) or 80% (state university in Section 3) of the maximum marks.
Pakistan: a bachelor's of at least 4 years with a CGPA of 3.5 (out of 4.0) or higher.

3PhD

A master's degree in the same subject as your research plan, or a similar subject.

Tests You May Need

Standardized Testing Requirements

Undergraduate Tests

1Competence check and onSET (bachelor's and master's)

Tests English, maths and sciences, and German for German-taught programmes.

About EUR 160 (euro), paid to VFS Education Services.

Note: The University of Vienna asks applicants with Indian or Pakistani papers to take its own test, the competence check and onSET, in person at VFS Education Services. Some programmes also have their own entrance exam.

English Requirements

English Proficiency Requirements

For master's programmes taught in English, you need English level B2 (upper intermediate on the European language scale).

Test	Graduate	Notes
IELTS Academic	6.5	University of Vienna and TU Wien
TOEFL iBT	87 to 94	University of Vienna 94; TU Wien 87

Important Considerations

Score Validity

Check the test provider’s score validity rules and your university’s requirements.

Possible Exemptions

You may be exempt from English proficiency requirements in certain cases:

You may not need an English test if your earlier degree was taught in English in the EU, the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, the UK, the USA, Canada, Australia or New Zealand.

Programmes With Extra Steps

Different academic disciplines often have specific requirements beyond the general eligibility criteria. These specialized requirements ensure you have the necessary background and aptitude for success in your chosen field in Austria.

Programmes with a limit on places

Some programmes, such as Architecture, Biology, Business, Computer Science, Medicine, Dentistry and Psychology, may limit the number of students. You may need an entrance exam, or the university picks the best applicants.

TU Wien master's in Architecture

You must send a portfolio (a folder of your own design work) of up to 15 pages.

Looking for Other Fields?

This is not an exhaustive list. Many other academic disciplines have specific requirements. Always check with your target universities in Austria for the most accurate and up-to-date requirements for your specific program of interest.

Extra Rules for International Applicants

International students face several additional requirements beyond those for domestic applicants. These ensure that you can successfully transition to studying in Austria and comply with immigration regulations.

Subject match (TU Wien)

TU Wien checks if your bachelor's covers the same subjects as its own master's.

If you miss a few subjects, you take extra courses during your master's.
If the missing subjects are worth more than 30 ECTS credits, you cannot be admitted.

Your university's section (University of Vienna)

The University of Vienna puts Indian and Pakistani universities into Section 1, 2 or 3, using the evaluation of ENIC NARIC Austria (the Austrian office that checks foreign degrees). The section sets the marks you need.

India: Section 1 or 2 needs 60% of the maximum marks; a state university in Section 3 needs 80%.
Pakistan: Section 1, or a public university in Section 2, with a CGPA of 3.5 (out of 4.0).