General university entrance qualification - Bachelor's programme
In accordance with § 64 (2) of the Universities Act, foreign qualifications are recognised as equivalent to the general university entrance qualification in Austria if there is no significant difference between them and the Austrian school-leaving examination (Matura).
Indications of this are:
- the qualification grants access to all sectors of higher education in the country of issue
- the duration of schooling is at least twelve years
- the curriculum is predominantly general education, as demonstrated by the completion of six general education subjects (two languages, mathematics, one science subject, one humanities subject and one further general education subject) at upper secondary level
- in each individual subject, a mark of more than 50% was achieved*
*Note: in countries where the school system differs significantly from that in Austria, the threshold may be higher than 50%. Please note the specific requirements set out below.
What does that mean...?
The term ‘higher education sectors’ refers to universities and universities of applied sciences.
In some countries, different requirements apply to:
- universities and universities of applied sciences
- state and private universities
These include, for example:
- minimum points or minimum grades on the school leaving certificate
- a specific grade point average
- a state entrance examination
Important:
Study opportunities in Austria depend on those in the country of origin:
- Anyone who is permitted to study at a university of applied sciences but not at a university in their country of origin cannot study at a university in Austria.
- Anyone who is not permitted to study at a state university in their country of origin cannot study at a university in Austria.
If access to all higher education sectors is not available, admission is not possible. The difference from the Austrian school-leaving examination is too great and cannot be compensated for by supplementary examinations.
The term ‘durationof schooling’ refers to the entire period of school education – that is, primary school and secondary school.
The duration of schooling in Austria required to obtain a university entrance qualification is at least 12 school years.
If the foreign qualification covers 11 years:
- The missing school year can be made up by passing 4 supplementary examinations.
- These examinations can be taken before the start of studies via the preparatory course (in cooperation with the University of Graz).
- Alternatively, it is also possible to take the exams as part of an external school-leaving certificate at an Austrian school. There are no cooperations with the University of Graz in this regard.
Note: Studies that have been started but not completed cannot be considered to waive supplementary examinations.
If the duration of schooling lasted 10 (or less) years, admission is not possible. The difference from the Austrian school-leaving examination is too great and cannot be compensated for by supplementary examinations.
The law stipulates that the following subjects must have been passed:
- Mathematics
- Foreign Language 1
- Foreign language 2
- Science subject
- Humanities subject
- General subject
If individual subjects are missing from the foreign qualification:
- Individual subjects can be made up through supplementary examinations before the start of the degree programme.
- A maximum of 4 supplementary examinations may be set by the university.
- These examinations can be taken as part of the preparatory course (in cooperation with the University of Graz).
- Alternatively, it is also possible to take the exams as part of an external school-leaving certificate at an Austrian school. There are no cooperations with the University of Graz in this regard.
Note: Studies that have been started but not completed cannot be considered to waive supplementary examinations.
If the foreign qualification does not include a sufficient number of general education subjects, admission is not possible. The difference from the Austrian school-leaving examination is too great and cannot be compensated for by supplementary examinations.
In Austria, the following applies:
- A subject is passed if a mark of at least 50% is achieved (in some cases, even 60%).
For admission with a foreign qualification, this means:
- All subjects on the school leaving certificate must have been passed.
A minimum of 50% must have been achieved in each individual subject.*
*Note: in countries where the school system differs significantly from that in Austria, the threshold may be higher than 50%. Please note the specific requirements set out below.
If not all subjects are passed, admission is not possible. Failed subjects cannot be compensated for by supplementary examinations in Austria. The difference from the Austrian school-leaving examination is too great.
The university can only verify eligibility for university admission on the basis of a complete application. It is not possible to provide a preliminary assessment.
The information provided here sets out the minimum requirements and is intended to guide you.
Meeting these minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Special requirements
Here you will find further information on admission with school-leaving certificates from...
Admission is not possible on the basis of a Grade 12 certificate. This does not qualify as a general university entrance qualification.
Admission is possible on the basis of a Bachelor’s degree programme of at least four years’ duration. At least 80% of the maximum achievable marks must have been achieved.
Admission is not possible with a school leaving certificate from an Al-Azhar school. This does not qualify as a general university entrance qualification.
Admission is not possible with a vocational school qualification. This does not qualify as a general university entrance qualification.
Compulsory participation in the state university entrance examination.
Admission is possible on the basis of a minimum four year Bachelor’s degree from a Section 1, 2 or 3 university. At least 80% of the maximum achievable marks (CGPA 3.75 out of 4) must have been achieved.
In addition, the VFS Global Competence Check is required.
Admission is not possible on the basis of a Higher Secondary Certificate Examination. This does not qualify as a general university entrance qualification.
Compulsory participation in the Exame Nacional do Ensino Médio (ENEM) university entrance examination.
Compulsory participation in the university entrance examination (Gaokao).
A minimum of 70% of the maximum marks must be achieved in the university entrance examination.
Admission with a subject-specific university entrance qualification is only permitted for the courses specified in the certificate.
Admission is not permitted with a university of applied sciences entrance qualification. This does not qualify as a general university entrance qualification.
Compulsory participation in the Unified National Examinations (UNE).
In the West African Senior School Certificate (WASSCE), a minimum grade of C6 must have been achieved in each subject.
Grades lower than C6 will not be accepted. This does not qualify as a general university entrance qualification.
Admission is possible with a three-year Higher National Diploma (HND). At least 50% of the total marks must have been achieved.
Compulsory participation in the university entrance examination (Panhellenic Examination).
The overall mark must be at least 70%. A mark of at least 50% must be achieved in each individual subject.
In addition, the VFS Global Competence Check is required.
Depending on when you finished school, the following is required:
Pre-University Course / Konkur / state university entrance examination