Portal
Studying without a secondary school leaving certificate (Matura)
Studying without a secondary school leaving certificate
The world of work has changed significantly over the past few decades. Choosing a career is no longer a one-way path, and there are now many opportunities for those seeking a new direction. More and more people are benefiting from this shift as they explore new career options. To support you on your journey, UAS BFI Vienna offers the opportunity to pursue a bachelor’s degree programme even without a secondary school leaving certificate. We would now like to explain how you can begin your studies without one.
Studying without a secondary school leaving certificate
Studying at UAS BFI Vienna without a school leaving certificate? This is how it’s done: If you want to apply for one of our bachelor programmes, you only need to provide proof of your programme-relevant professional qualification, and depending on the degree programme, pass supplementary exams in mathematics, English, or German.
Proof of your programme-relevant professional qualification
- School leaving certificate of an at least three-year school for intermediate vocational education (e.g. an Austrian Handelsschule)
- Completion of an at least three-year apprenticeship which is oriented towards the career options of the degree programme envisaged
- German entrance qualification for universities of applied sciences with a focus on business and economics (i.e. Deutsche Fachhochschulreife)
- Swiss national vocational qualification with a commercial focus (NVQ)
Supplementary exams
If you pass supplementary exams at UAS BFI Vienna, you obtain the admission requirement for a specific degree programme at our university. Whether this is recognized by another university must be clarified directly with the respective institution. As a part of your application, we will inform you by e-mail which additional examinations you need to take and when they will be held.
The exams are held online, and consist of both written and oral parts. You pass them in addition to the entrance test and they must be passed before you start your studies.
Preparation courses
Preparatory courses for mathematics, English and German can be completed at our cooperation partner fit4fh. In this case, you take the additional examinations directly at fit4fh and send us the corresponding certificate.
Exam dates
The UAS of BFI Vienna offers annual examination dates in June, when the additional examinations can be taken. For detailed Information on participation and fees please see the General Terms and Conditions Supplementary Exams.
Three steps to studying at UAS BFI Vienna
- Apply online for your desired degree programme.
- You will be informed by e-mail whether you fulfil the admission requirements (proof of your relevant professional qualification) and which additional examinations you need to take.
- Complete the entrance test and the additional examinations for your desired degree programme. You will then be informed by email about a confirmed place or a place on the waiting list.
Details on the admission procedure can be found here.
The Berufsreifeprüfung and the Studienberechtigungsprüfung are alternative ways to qualify for a Bachelor's degree programme at our UAS. Both examinations can be taken at external education providers and not at the UAS of the BFI Vienna.
We are looking forward to receiving your application, and would like to wish best of luck for all your exams!