We’ll tell you:
• how the admissions procedure works at Austrian universities of applied sciences
• how you can improve your chances of being accepted
• what’s the best way to prepare for your application interview
How the admissions procedure works
Universities of applied sciences only offer a limited number of study places – that’s why you need to apply for a place on an FH degree programme. The admissions procedure varies from one university and degree programme to the next. But usually there are two stages to the process when you apply for a bachelor programme:
1. The online application where you submit your letter of motivation and CV. FHs use these to rank applicants.
2. The interview – either in person at the university of applied sciences, or online.
Depending on the degree programme, you might also be asked to take an aptitude test, write an essay or submit a portfolio with samples of your work.
Step 1: online application
If you want to apply for a place at any university of applied sciences in Austria, the first step is to submit an online application.
• Go to the website of the FH you would like to study at and find the link for online applications.
• Register and fill in the application form.
• Upload all of the required documents.
• Upload your letter of motivation.
What should I put in my letter of motivation?
What? Why? You will find an explanation of what exactly you need to include in your letter of motivation in the online application system of your chosen university of applied sciences. Here are some questions to think about in the meantime. Tip: ask some people you know – they might be able to give you some ideas or help you to pinpoint your strengths.
• Why do you want to apply for this particular degree programme?
• What do you want to do when you’ve finished university – and how could you use your degree in your job?
• What subjects on the degree do you find particularly interesting? Tip: take a look at the curriculum before you apply.
• How can you build on your strengths during your degree?
• How could the degree programme help you to improve any weaknesses?
Next step: application interview
If your application is successful and you meet all of the admission requirements, you’ll be invited to an interview. Usually, you will have the interview with the director of the degree programme that you are applying for. The aim is for both sides to get to know each other. You will talk about the reasons why you want to do a degree. You might also be asked to talk about your letter of motivation or a text that you submitted with your application. Check the university’s online application system for more information.
Tips for the interview
Here are what we think are some of the most important points to bear in mind for the interview. Most important of all: try not to be nervous, just be yourself! The interview is meant to be a conversation, not an exam.
Tip 1: Be yourself
The interview is all about getting to know each other. The degree programme director wants to know whether you’re a good fit for the programme. So act naturally – the way you always do. Don’t pretend to be someone else. It’s all about YOU and whether the degree is the right choice for you. Think about what makes you the person you are. What do you particularly like? What are you good at? What do you dislike? What do you expect to get from the degree programme?
Tip 2: Look at the curriculum for your chosen degree
You can find details of the programme you’re interested in on the university’s website. This includes the curriculum – a list of the subjects that make up the degree. Take a look at it and think about what you find particularly interesting. A little bit of research on some of the concepts and subjects won’t hurt either.
Tip 3: Check the news
It’s definitely worth looking into what’s happening in the field that your chosen degree deals with. If you’re interested in studying tourism, for example, do some research online: what are the hot topics that are being discussed at the minute? What are the latest trends? Maybe you can get hold of some trade magazines. Or perhaps you know someone who works in the industry – you can talk to them about what’s going on right now.
If you turn up to the interview well prepared, this sends a signal that the study place is really important to you. And that always leaves a good impression.
Are you interested in applying for one of IMC Krems’s degree programmes? If the answer is yes, register today on our Onboarding platform, where you can find details of all the necessary steps. We look forward to receiving your application.
