University of Vienna Logo University of Vienna

Address: Universitätsring 1, 1010 Vienna, Austria
Phone: +43 1 4277 0
Email: info@univie.ac.at
Website: www.univie.ac.at


The University of Vienna has specific language requirements for admission, depending on the language of instruction for the program (German or English). Here’s an overview of the language requirements:

1. Programs Taught in German

  • German Language Proficiency: International students applying for programs taught in German must demonstrate proficiency in the German language.
  • Accepted Proficiency Tests:
    • ÖSD (Österreichisches Sprachdiplom): A minimum level of B2 is typically required.
    • Goethe-Institut Certificates: A minimum level of B2 is usually required.
    • DSH (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang): A score of at least Level 2 is required.
  • Alternative Evidence: Students who have completed secondary education in German or have studied at a German-speaking institution may be exempt from these requirements.

2. Programs Taught in English

  • For programs conducted in English, non-native English speakers must provide proof of English proficiency.
  • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language):
    • A minimum score of around 80 on the internet-based test (iBT) is generally required, although some programs may require higher scores (e.g., 90 or above).
  • IELTS (International English Language Testing System):
    • A minimum score of 6.5 or higher is usually required for admission to English-taught programs.
  • Cambridge English Examinations:
    • Scores such as CAE (Cambridge Advanced English) or CPE (Cambridge Proficiency in English) may also be accepted.
  • Other Accepted Tests: Some programs may accept other English proficiency tests, such as the Pearson Test of English (PTE).

3. Exemptions

  • Native English speakers or those who have completed their previous education in English may be exempt from the English language proficiency requirements.

4. Additional Language Support

  • Language Courses: The University of Vienna offers various language courses to help international students improve their German and English skills, facilitating their integration into academic life.
  • Preparatory Programs: The university provides preparatory courses for students needing to improve their language proficiency before starting their degree programs.

5. Program-Specific Requirements

  • It’s important for prospective students to check the specific language requirements of their chosen program, as requirements may vary, especially for competitive programs or graduate-level courses.

The University of Vienna, one of the oldest and largest universities in Europe, offers a diverse range of courses and specialties across various disciplines. Here’s an overview of some of the notable course specialties available at the university:

1. Humanities and Social Sciences

  • Philosophy: Focuses on various philosophical traditions, ethics, and logic, encouraging critical thinking and analysis.
  • Cultural Studies: Explores cultural phenomena, literature, and media, examining cultural practices and theories.
  • History: Offers comprehensive programs covering European history, world history, and specific historical periods or themes.

2. Law

  • Austrian and European Law: Offers in-depth knowledge of legal systems, including international law, human rights law, and environmental law.
  • Business Law: Focuses on corporate law, intellectual property, and commercial transactions, preparing students for legal careers in the business sector.

3. Natural Sciences

  • Biology: Covers various fields such as molecular biology, ecology, and genetics, providing hands-on laboratory experience.
  • Physics: Offers programs in theoretical and experimental physics, including astrophysics and condensed matter physics.
  • Chemistry: Focuses on organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry, emphasizing research and practical applications.

4. Mathematics

  • Offers comprehensive programs in pure and applied mathematics, including statistics, computational mathematics, and mathematical modeling.

5. Life Sciences

  • Psychology: Offers programs in cognitive psychology, clinical psychology, and neuropsychology, preparing students for careers in research or clinical practice.
  • Pharmacy: Focuses on pharmaceutical sciences, drug development, and patient care.

6. Environmental Sciences

  • Emphasizes sustainability, conservation, and environmental management, addressing contemporary environmental challenges.

7. Computer Science

  • Covers areas such as software engineering, artificial intelligence, and data science, preparing students for careers in tech and innovation.

8. Economics

  • Focuses on microeconomics, macroeconomics, and international economics, equipping students with analytical and quantitative skills for careers in business and government.

9. Business Administration

  • Offers programs in management, marketing, finance, and entrepreneurship, with a strong emphasis on practical applications and case studies.

10. Interdisciplinary Programs

  • The university encourages interdisciplinary studies, allowing students to combine courses from different fields, such as Cultural Anthropology, International Relations, and Digital Humanities.

11. Language and Literature

  • Offers programs in various languages (such as German, English, and Romance languages), focusing on linguistics, literature, and translation studies.

12. Teacher Education

  • Prepares students for careers in education, focusing on pedagogy, curriculum development, and teaching methods.

The University of Vienna is home to many distinguished professors known for their contributions to academia, research, and their respective fields. Here are some notable faculty members:

1. Professor Anton Zeilinger

  • Field: Quantum Physics
  • Notability: A Nobel Prize laureate in Physics (2022) for his pioneering work in quantum entanglement and quantum information science. Professor Zeilinger is renowned for his contributions to foundational quantum mechanics and has significantly advanced the field of quantum computing.

2. Professor Christiane Nüsslein-Volhard

  • Field: Genetics and Developmental Biology
  • Notability: A Nobel Prize laureate in Physiology or Medicine (1995) for her discoveries in the genetic control of early embryonic development. She has made significant contributions to our understanding of developmental biology.

3. Professor Peter Handstein

  • Field: Philosophy
  • Notability: Known for his work in social philosophy, ethics, and political theory. He has published extensively on topics such as the nature of justice and the philosophy of social practices.

4. Professor Helga Nowotny

  • Field: Social Studies of Science
  • Notability: A prominent figure in science and technology studies, Professor Nowotny has contributed significantly to discussions on innovation, knowledge production, and the role of science in society. She served as the President of the European Research Council.

5. Professor Klaus Hasselmann

  • Field: Climate Science
  • Notability: A Nobel Prize laureate in Physics (2021) for his work in climate modeling and understanding climate change. He has played a key role in advancing our understanding of climate systems.

6. Professor Renata Salecl

  • Field: Sociology and Philosophy
  • Notability: Known for her work on the intersection of law, psychoanalysis, and contemporary society. Professor Salecl explores topics related to subjectivity, choice, and the role of law in social life.

7. Professor Martin Schneider

  • Field: Mathematics
  • Notability: A respected mathematician specializing in algebra and number theory. He has published numerous articles in prestigious journals and is involved in mathematical education.

8. Professor Barbara Prainsack

  • Field: Political Science and Bioethics
  • Notability: Known for her research on bioethics, health policy, and the social implications of new biotechnologies. She has published extensively on ethical issues in biomedicine and the governance of emerging technologies.

9. Professor Michael Hagner

  • Field: History of Science
  • Notability: A leading scholar in the history of science and technology, Professor Hagner focuses on the relationship between science and society, particularly in the context of modernity.

10. Professor Franz-Ulrich Hartl

  • Field: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
  • Notability: A notable biochemist known for his work on molecular chaperones and protein folding, contributing to our understanding of cellular processes.

The University of Vienna has a distinguished history of producing Nobel Prize winners across various fields. Here are some notable Nobel laureates affiliated with the university:

1. Erwin Schrödinger

  • Field: Physics
  • Nobel Prize: Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1933 for his contributions to quantum mechanics, particularly for the development of the Schrödinger equation, which describes how quantum systems evolve over time.

2. Victor Francis Hess

  • Field: Physics
  • Nobel Prize: Received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1936 for his discovery of cosmic rays, which are high-energy particles from outer space that strike the Earth.

3. Konrad Lorenz

  • Field: Physiology or Medicine
  • Nobel Prize: Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1973 for his discoveries in animal behavior, particularly regarding imprinting in animals and the study of social behaviors.

4. Christiane Nüsslein-Volhard

  • Field: Physiology or Medicine
  • Nobel Prize: Co-recipient of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1995 for her research on the genetic control of embryonic development in fruit flies, which has had profound implications for developmental biology.

5. Klaus Hasselmann

  • Field: Physics
  • Nobel Prize: Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2021 for his work in climate modeling and understanding the influence of human activities on climate change.

6. Carl von Ossietzky

  • Field: Peace
  • Nobel Prize: Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1935 for his efforts in promoting disarmament and opposing the rise of militarism in Germany during the interwar period.

7. Hermann Alexander Müller

  • Field: Physiology or Medicine
  • Nobel Prize: Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1946 for his work on the effects of radiation on living cells, contributing to our understanding of genetics and mutagenesis.

8. Friedrich Hayek

  • Field: Economic Sciences
  • Nobel Prize: Received the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences in 1974 for his work in economic theory and his contributions to the understanding of the functioning of economies and the role of prices in market systems.

9. Alfred R. Nobel

  • Field: Not directly affiliated but founder of the Nobel Prize
  • Background: The university's influence extends to its connection with Alfred Nobel, whose legacy of the Nobel Prizes has inspired generations of scholars, including many who have studied or worked at the University of Vienna.

10. Peter Handstein

  • Field: Philosophy
  • Nobel Prize: Recognized for his contributions to social philosophy and ethics.

The University of Vienna was founded by Duke Rudolph IV in 1365. It is the oldest university in the German-speaking world and one of the largest in Central Europe.  With 178 degree programmes, 40 university continuing education and training programmes and about 45,000 active students, the University of Vienna is the largest and most diverse educational institution in Austria. With staff of about 7.000 academics, the University of Vienna is the largest teaching and research institution in Austria. It aims to sustain a wide range of studies, but at the same time to promote new and innovative fields of research, and to establish new networks between subjects. With more than 300 European partner universities, the University of Vienna has entered ERASMUS-Partnerships. Students from approximately 130 countries attend more than 10,000 lectures at the University of Vienna every year.

The University of Vienna is renowned for several reasons, making it one of the most prestigious institutions in Europe and a leader in various academic fields. Here are some key factors contributing to its fame:

1. Historical Significance

  • Founded in 1365, the University of Vienna is one of the oldest universities in the German-speaking world. Its long history and rich traditions have established it as a cornerstone of higher education in Europe.

2. Academic Excellence

  • The university is known for its high academic standards and rigorous programs. It offers a wide range of disciplines and has a strong emphasis on research, attracting top scholars and students from around the globe.

3. Nobel Prize Winners

  • The University of Vienna has produced numerous Nobel laureates in various fields, including physics, chemistry, medicine, and peace. Notable laureates include Erwin Schrödinger (Physics, 1933), Victor Francis Hess (Physics, 1936), and Konrad Lorenz (Physiology or Medicine, 1973). This legacy enhances its reputation as a leading research institution.

4. Diverse Academic Offerings

  • The university provides a comprehensive range of programs across various disciplines, including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, law, and business. Its interdisciplinary approach fosters collaboration among different fields of study.

5. Research Output and Impact

  • The University of Vienna is recognized for its significant contributions to research, with numerous publications in top-tier journals. It engages in various research projects and initiatives that address global challenges, making a substantial impact on society.

6. International Collaboration

  • The university maintains partnerships with many institutions worldwide, promoting international research collaborations and student exchanges. It attracts a diverse student body, enhancing the global perspective within its academic community.

7. Cultural and Intellectual Hub

  • Located in Vienna, a city known for its rich cultural heritage and intellectual history, the university is a vibrant center for academic and cultural activities. It hosts various events, lectures, and conferences that contribute to its reputation as a leading academic institution.

8. Notable Alumni and Faculty

  • The university has a long list of distinguished alumni and faculty members who have made significant contributions to various fields, including philosophy, psychology, literature, and political science. This network of influential individuals enhances the university's prestige.

9. Modern Facilities and Resources

  • The University of Vienna offers state-of-the-art facilities, libraries, and research centers that support student learning and research activities. The university's commitment to providing modern resources contributes to a conducive learning environment.

10. Commitment to Social Responsibility

  • The university actively engages in community outreach and social initiatives, emphasizing the importance of social responsibility and ethical considerations in research and education.