Vereinigung Österreichischer Bibliothekarinnen und Bibliothekare

Deadlines and intakes

Dates are set by each university. At the University of Vienna, the admission periods for third-country nationals were 22 June to 3 August 2026 for winter semester 2026/27, and 16 November 2026 to 7 January 2027 for summer semester 2027. Programmes with entrance procedures, such as psychology, medicine and many arts programmes, have much earlier registration dates, often in spring.

Do not work to the university deadline alone. The permit needs about six months, and the authority has up to 90 days. For an October start, the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna warns that if you do not submit your permit application in July you may not arrive in time. Apply to your university as early as the window opens, and file the permit application the day you have your admission letter.

Language you need

Most bachelor's programmes at public universities are taught in German, and you must prove German at the level your university sets before full admission. English-taught programmes are mostly at master's and doctoral level. English requirements are set by each programme.

German matters outside the lecture hall too: residence authorities, landlords and most part-time employers work in German. If you want to stay after graduating, reach a professional level of German before your final year.