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FAQ on recognition of prior learning
How and when can I submit an application for recognition of prior learning?
- Applications for recognition of prior learning are submitted exclusively via the FH-CIS in all degree programmes, in university courses in a manner defined by the respective university course. You can submit applications for recognition at the beginning of each semester within 14 days of the start of the semester.
Who is responsible for deciding on recognition of prior learning?
- The respective head of degree programme/head of the higher education programme after recommendation by the head of department. In the case of applications for recognition based on non-formal or informal knowledge, the application is submitted via the Recognition Office; responsibility remains with the head of the degree programme.
How long does it take to process a recognition of prior learning?
- Normally approx. 2 weeks after the submission deadline. Until then, the courses should be attended so that nothing has been missed in the event of rejection.
How do I find out about an approval or rejection?
- You will be informed by email about the recognition or rejection of your application. Recognised courses are shown as "recognised" in the FH-CIS under the current grades.
When do I need to contact the Recognition Office?
- If you wish to apply for recognition of non-formal or informal competences (see question 7), please contact the Recognition Office at recognition@fh-vie.ac.at before submitting your application.
What support do I get from the Recognition Office?
- The Recognition Office will provide you with advice and give you access to a Moodle course in which you will be familiarised with the description of your competences that you would like to have recognised.
Which certificates, skills and knowledge can be recognised?
- In principle, formal competences (e.g. certificates from other universities or secondary schools), non-formal competences (e.g. certificates from further education courses or completed courses) or informal competences (e.g. resulting from professional experience) can be recognised.
Can I have credits from another recognised university recognised?
- Yes, provided it is a recognised higher education institution and any formal requirements for foreign institutions are met (e.g. required legalisation). In principle, recognition is possible if the knowledge acquired matches the requirements profile in terms of scope and content (in relation to the module or course).
Can courses from the Bachelor's programme be recognised to the Master's programme?
- In principle, no. There are individual exceptions in justified cases, which may be granted by the degree programme.
Is it possible to have a Bachelor's or Master's thesis recognised? Is it possible to have the Bachelor's or Master's examination recognised?
- It is not possible to recognise Bachelor's theses and Bachelor's examinations or Master's theses and Master's examinations.
Can I have non-academic formal achievements recognised? (e.g. HTL, HAK etc.)
- In principle, such recognition of prior learning is possible. Specific recognition information can only be provided at degree programme level, as this is handled differently depending on the requirements of the course. Please contact the relevant head of degree programme.
Can personal development courses be recognised via similar completed seminars?
- In any case, it must be a training or further education programme with equivalent content and scope. There are special forms that you can use to demonstrate equivalence. Our Recognition Office will help you to prepare the application (see question 6). Equivalence is determined by the respective head of department in consultation with the head of the degree programme. Relevant for recognition of prior learning are, for example, confirmations from the employer or certificates for corresponding further training in a professional context, which cover the relevant course content in full. The competences can be validated through specialist discussions.
Can I have a language recognised as a native speaker?
- Native speakers can only have English language courses (no other languages) recognised, especially in the first year of study. Recognition of prior learning is granted for individual courses. An additional specialised interview may be required for specific business vocabulary. Courses in higher semesters can also be recognised for native speakers, depending on the content, in connection with relevant professional activity or on the basis of corresponding academic (additional) training (only if equivalent in content and scope).
Can English also be recognised in German-language degree programmes?
- This is decided by the respective head of degree programme in consultation with the head of department based on the content and ECTS scope of the course in question.
Do you get a grade for a subject that you have already had recognised?
- In principle no. Recognised courses are shown as "cr." for credited on the transcript of records. An exception is the joint programme of the Master's degree course in European Economic Policy, where the grade is shown as recognised with an asterisk in the footnote.
Can I take part in lessons if I have had a subject recognised?
- No, that is not possible. Recognition of prior learning requires that the knowledge is already available.
How and where can I obtain a confirmation of recognition of prior learning?
- The Transcript of Records serves as confirmation of recognition of prior learning and can be printed out in the FH-CIS and at the self-service terminals.
How does the recognition of prior learning of ECTS work during the semester abroad?
- Information on this can be found on the website of the UAS of the BFI Vienna or the International Office (IO) will be happy to provide information.
