General Rights
- Freedom of study within the legal framework
- Enrollment in multiple degree programs at one’s own university and at other universities
- Selection of courses in accordance with the curriculum and course offerings
- Access to courses outside one’s own program, provided the necessary requirements are met
- Use of teaching, research, and library facilities
- Proposal or selection of a topic and advisor for diploma theses, master’s theses, and dissertations
- Writing academic papers in a foreign language with the advisor’s consent
- Participation in University continuing education and training programme and taking the required exams (non-degree students)
- Attendance at courses and taking exams for non-degree students who meet the relevant requirements
- Right to an alternative examination method in the case of a documented disability (see examination rights)
- Right to submit requests regarding the selection of examiners (mandatory consideration required for certain retakes)
- Right of working students and students with childcare or comparable caregiving responsibilities to report special needs regarding class and exam times (including at the time of admission)
Organisation of Studies and Rights to Information
Since the introduction of the minimum academic performance requirement students must earn at least 16 ECTS credits within four semesters, otherwise their admission will be revoked.
Students have the right to information and support; the University offers central advisory services for this purpose:
Directorates of Studies (SPL)
Responsible for the content and organisation of the programme (recognition of examinations, supervision of assignments, decisions regarding academic regulations).
Studies Services Centre (SSC) / Studies Service Unit
Administrative contact point for students (enrolment, transcripts, information, support for the SPL).
Office of the Studienpräses
Ensures compliance with academic regulations (complaints, examination regulations, conflict mediation).
Participation and Representation
All students automatically become members of the Austrian National Union of Students (ÖH) upon payment of the ÖH membership fee. The ÖH represents your interests at various levels:
Federal Representation (BV)
Nationwide representation of all students. Communicates primarily with the Federal Ministry for Women, Science, and Research.
University Representation (UV) / Higher Education Institution Representation (HV)
Represents all students at the University of Vienna (or other higher education institutions) and organizes counseling and support services. Communicates primarily with the Rector’s Office.
Faculty and Center Representations (FV/ZV)
Represent students at the faculty or center level and coordinate the student program representatives. Communicates primarily with the Dean’s Office of the respective faculty.
Student Representatives (StVen)
The first point of contact for questions regarding studies, courses, exams, and everyday student life. Communicates primarily with the program director of the degree program.
Equality and Protection Against Discrimination
The University of Vienna is committed to fostering a respectful and non-discriminatory environment. There are contact points for reporting discrimination, sexual harassment, or bullying.
Students can apply for equal status with EU/EEA nationals in order to receive the same rights regarding tuition and fees.
Tuition Fees
All students must pay the ÖH fee every semester.
Tuition fees are only due once the minimum duration of study +2 grace semesters has been exceeded.
Exemptions or refunds may be granted for specific reasons (financial hardship, childcare, disability, study abroad). (More information here)
Students from non-EU countries are generally required to pay tuition fees starting from the first semester, but may apply for equal treatment if, for example,
- they hold a residence permit for humanitarian reasons,
- they live in a family unit with an Austrian or EU/EEA citizen,
- or they are covered by certain international agreements.