Guidance for unsuccessful applicants
You did not receive a place in your chosen degree programme at the University of Vienna. This may be disappointing, surprising or difficult to understand. We would like to explain how your result should be interpreted and what factors may have contributed to an insufficient test result.
As you read through the information, consider which of these factors may apply to your own situation. In some cases, one single reason may have been decisive; in others, several factors may have interacted. Reflecting on your experience in the admission procedure can help you make well-informed decisions about your next steps.
Admission tests can be highly competitive. When a large number of people apply for a degree programme with restricted admission, even applicants with good test results may not receive a study place because other applicants achieved even better results. Your individual test result therefore says little about your general aptitude for studying. It must always be considered in relation to the number and performance of the other applicants. Being rejected therefore does not mean that you are unsuitable for the degree programme you applied for.
Common reasons for an insufficient test result
The complexity of the material often becomes clear only during the test. The ability to learn and recall material precisely is important not only for the entrance exam but also for your studies.
Here you will find various learning strategies and time management tips.
You put a lot of effort into preparing — and still didn’t get admitted? Consider how you might improve your preparation if you plan to take the test again.
You may find helpful resources among our learning strategies, time management tips, or detailed exam preparation advice.
Entrance exams in a non-native language can be challenging. It's advisable to become familiar with the task formats and instructions in advance so you don’t lose time during the test. Sample tasks and instructions for each test can be found on the website for bachelor/diploma programmes with entrance exam procedures.
Reading academic articles can help you become familiar with subject-specific vocabulary. For subjects that exist both at school and university level, texts at Matura (Austrian high school diploma) level are useful preparation.
Please inform yourself in advance about the required German proficiency for university admission.
Entrance exams often use academic texts from the relevant field. These texts use specialized language that reflects the discipline’s methods and ways of thinking. Reading academic articles in advance can help you understand these texts better and give you a deeper insight into the subject area.
Feeling a bit nervous before or during a test is entirely normal and in some cases, it can even boost performance. However, if test anxiety becomes overwhelming, it can lead to mental blocks or total blackouts.
Knowing what to expect from the exam and how to deal with test anxiety can help you avoid these situations.
Candidates with verified physical or psychological impairments are entitled to individual accommodations. You can find all information on how to submit a request for special testing accommodations online.
Given the limited amount of time available during the test, the following tips may be helpful:
- If unsure about a task, skip it at first and focus on easier ones, then return to the harder ones later.
- Familiarize yourself with the task formats in advance to save time during the test. Sample tasks are available on the website for bachelor/diploma programmes with entrance exam procedures.
- Training with self-created practice tests — individually or in a study group — can help you work more efficiently under time pressure.
Maybe you have been affected by personal or family obligations, work or school demands, or health issues.
Some of these factors are likely to be exceptional and will hopefully not occur again in the future. In cases where time constraints are permanent, it may be helpful to approach your preparation differently. Studying requires a considerable time investment, and you will also be responsible for structuring your own learning.
The following tips on efficient study planning and time management may support you in this process.
The study material represents topics you’ll encounter regularly during your studies. If you find them uninteresting, you may want to reflect on your motivation and interest in the field. The following resources can support your decision-making:
Studying at University of Vienna: degree programmes
Digital tools for study orientation: Many degree programmes at the University of Vienna offer Online Self-Assessments (OSAs) to help guide your study choice.
Studying in Austria: studienwahl.at
Career and Study Checkers: 18plus.at
Counseling and Orientation: The Psychological Counseling Services for Students offer detailed decision-making guides and free personal consultations.
Information about the admission procedure and the study material was sent to you by email and can also be found online. Being proactive in seeking out information will be a key part of your university studies.
Updated information is published annually on the website for admission and entrance exam procedures.