06 - Austria - Admission requirements

Colleges and other training institutions for health occupations

Paramedical colleges

In order to be admitted to a paramedical college, candidates must prove that they are mentally and physically fit to fulfil the duties of their profession, they have never been convicted of criminal offences, they have passed a Reifeprüfung (matriculation examination) or are in possession of a nursing diploma or a paramedical service diploma or the " Studienberechtigungsprüfung " as an entrance qualification for medical studies.

An admission board decides on the admission of candidates.

Midwifery colleges

In order to be admitted to a midwifery college, candidates must prove:they have completed 18 years of age, that they are mentally and physically fit to fulfil the duties of their profession, that they have never been convicted of criminal offences, that they have passed the Reifeprüfung (matriculation examination) or any equivalent school-leaving examination or are in possession of a nursing diploma or the Studienberechtigungsprüfung' as an entrance qualification for medical studies.

An admission board decides on the admission of candidates.

Training for cardiology technicians

In order to be admitted to a training programme for cardiology technicians, candidates must prove that they are mentally and physically fit to fulfil the duties of their profession and that they are trustworthy; they either have to be certified radiographers/medical laboratory technicians or hold professional qualifications in higher health and nursing occupations; must have previously received special training in intensive or anaesthetic care or must have worked in intensive or anaesthetic care for at least two years.

Admissions are decided on by the individual providers of training programmes. Before candidates are admitted they are interviewed or have to take a test.

 

Universities

A Reifeprüfung (matriculation examination – also called 'Matura') obtained from a higher-level secondary school is required for admission to all degree programmes at universities and for most "Universitätslehrgänge" (non-degree programmes). This matriculation examination entitles its holders to enrol in university studies of their choice without any further limitation of access. For some courses, additional examinations have to be taken in subjects which are relevant for the study course in question. For some studies, applicants must demonstrate their artistic talents, practical skills, or physical aptitude in addition to the Reifeprüfung.

Since 2005, a new rule has been in force regarding admissions. Admissions procedures were introduced for eight study programmes which are affected by the German numerus clausus restrictions and a Safeguard Clause was introduced for degree programmes in medicine. This new procedure applies until 2007 and allows universities to control the influx of students.

Persons wanting to enrol in studies at an Austrian university but are not in possession of the matriculation examination may sit for a Studienberechtigungsprüfung (university entrance examination) or a Berufsreifeprüfung (special type of matriculation examination) for which the following requirements apply:

• decision for a specific study programme;
• proof of professional or other background for the intended study programme (candidates lacking a specific professional background may generally sit for additional examinations)
• minimum age of 22 years (20 years of age: completed vocational training and subsequent studies, minimum requirement of four years training in total)
• Candidates may sit for the Studienberechtigungsprüfung for all study programmes offered at Austrian universities and Fachhochschulen. It grants a limited right to enrol in studies, i.e. allows candidates to enrol in the particular study course (or a restricted number of associated studies) for which it was passed

The Berufsreifeprüfung (special type of matriculation examination allowing unlimited access to university) was introduced in 1997. It is a new form of access to all types of studies for persons having successfully completed vocational training. This type of enrolment affects three to four per cent of the entire student population. In the winter semester 2006, 4,007 students with a Studienberechtigungsprüfung and 3,099 students with a Berufsreifeprüfung were enrolled on bachelor’s degree and diploma programmes.

 

Arts and music education at universities

To be admitted as a regular student at an arts university, applicants must pass an aptitude test to demonstrate their artistic talent. For some studies, students must hold the Reifeprüfung. The minimum age to become a regular student is 17 years, and 15 years in exceptional cases for instrumental music studies.

Fachhochschulen

The requirements of admission to a Fachhochschule are the 'allgemeine Universitätsreife' ( allgemeine Hochschulreife, general qualifications to enrol in university studies) or any professional qualification in the particular field. Depending on the objectives of a course of study, entrants with special professional qualifications may have to pass a number of additional examinations. The possible forms of Studienberechtigungsprüfung are laid down for each programme.

Subject to the availability of study places, Fachhochschule programmes are open to all persons who fulfil the general admission requirements. The number of available places is determined in the "accreditation decree" of the Fachhochschule Council. Students are selected through entrance examinations.

 

Special provisions for disabled students

The organisational and financing mechanisms of the Fachhochschule system form a specific framework within which the providers of Fachhochschule programmes have to act and which has to be taken into account when assessing special facilities for disabled students (especially with regard to infrastructure) at individual institutions. The Development and Financing Plan for the Fachhochschule sector III stipulates that the providers of Fachhochschule programmes are to receive federal funding for a specified number of study places (given that certain criteria have been fulfilled). Building and investment schemes, however, are not federally subsidised.

A 2002 survey of different providers of Fachhochschule programmes revealed that most institutions have infrastructures which (at least in part) cater to the needs of disabled students. Where personal attendance is not compulsory, disabled students are given the possibility to participate by means of telelearning. As a consequence, most institutions offering Fachhochschule programmes are also attended by disabled students (physically disabled, visually or hearing impaired). There are four Fachhochschule programmes which have already produced successful disabled graduates.

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