How to get into Vienna University of Economics and Business (WU)

Why choose WU Vienna?

The Vienna University of Economics and Business, often referred to as WU Vienna, is a triple-crown accredited public institution, with a modern campus set over 25 acres, which opened in Vienna in 2013. WU offers state of the art resources, spacious work stations, excellent  libraries and is a leading internationally-renowned university. Only one per cent of business schools are accredited by EQUIS,AMBA and AACSB, and become Triple Crown accredited, which shows the high quality of the courses and teaching on offer. WU has expanded significantly since its inception in 1898 and now has around 22,000 students and 66 specialist institutes. Admission is very competitive.

Choosing a course at VU Vienna

If you are interested in comparing the programs open to you when studying in Austria, click on the following link https://studienwahl.at/studies/ which provides a useful database.

Bachelor’s taught in English

As is so often the case, there are more courses taught in English at Master’s than undergraduate level. If you wish to do a bachelor’s degree in English at WU Vienna, then  your only option is to apply for the Bachelor in Business and Economics. However, bear in mind that, in 2024, there were 14 candidates for each of the 240 places on the course, and this figure is likely to rise. Bachelor’s degrees run for three years.

Master’s taught in English

WU Vienna has nine Master’s courses entirely taught in English at the time of writing – although this may well increase from one academic year to the next. You can choose between:

• Economics
• Marketing
• Socio-ecological economics and policy
• Strategy innovation and management control
• International management
• Supply chain management
• Qualitative finance
• Digital economy
• Business communication

Master’s degrees typically take two years to complete, and if you opt to do a double degree, then you will spend a year  at WU Vienna and the second year at a partner university in Europe, North America, Asia or Australia.

How to get into WU Vienna?

The application process

General information can be found at WU Application and Admission.

Applying for a bachelor’s degree

If you wish to apply for the undergraduate program taught in English in Business and Economics, you will have to take part in a selection process which opens in the spring, usually in early March.

The first step is to do the OSA (Online Self-Assessment) test by 2 June. This online test checks your knowledge and your suitability for the program, and can be accessed at osa.wu.ac.at.

The test is made up of three sections:

• English comprehension, vocabulary and grammar (15 minutes)
• Mathematics (20 minutes)
• Business and economics (15 minutes)

Your score will play a part in the selection process.

Next, you will be asked to sit a written online exam, generally in the middle of June. Before doing so, check out the Selection Procedure Overview, which lists the required reading, suggested materials, and areas covered in the exam.

Once you are ready to sit the exam, you will need to log in to Wiseflow, the digital exam platform, at europe.wiseflow.net.

Click “start the flow”, launch the lockdown browser and take a picture of yourself and your ID. Speak your name out loud and start the two and a half hour exam. You will be asked questions on three areas:

• Mathematics
• Business and economics
• English

All the questions are multiple-choice with five options. Each section has 10 to 13 questions.

Prepare for the exam in good time. In 2024, 10,000 applicants sat the entrance exam across all the WU courses. If this trend continues, the university may have to offer the exam on several separate dates, so check the website closer to the time.

Applying for a Master’s degree

To apply for a Master’s degree at WU Vienna, you will need to fill in an online application and upload a series of certified and translated documents in PDF format, including but not limited to:

• GMAT score (WU does not accept GRE) of 500+
• Your bachelor’s degree and the university’s description of the program you followed
• Two letters of recommendation
• Copy of your passport
• Any additional proof of aptitude (certificates of achievement, etc.)
• A CV
• 400–500 word letter of motivation written in English
• Proof of English language proficiency
• Evidence of a strong academic performance

These general requirements differ from department to department and program to program. If you are applying for more than one course, list your choices in order of preference.

Once your application has been received, you may be invited to an interview – do not be surprised if you are asked to complete a quiz or analyze a case study. Afterward, all the information and your transcripts will be evaluated by a panel of experts, who will rate applications and produce rankings. If you do well, you will receive an offer , which you must accept within 10 days, and pay 200 euros to hold your place.

What is the acceptance rate at WU Vienna?

WU Vienna is an excellent university and this is reflected in the competitive acceptance rate. Only seven per cent of undergraduate applications are successful on the English Business and Economics program. The overall acceptance rate for the university is 34 per cent, but this drops sharply when it comes to popular subjects such as  Master’s programs in Supply Chain Management and Quantitative Finance, taught  in English, where approximately 9 per cent of applicants are offered a place. Work experience is a key factor when assessing your application for Master’s degrees.

What are the application deadlines at WU Vienna?

Admissions for postgraduate degrees are processed according to three priority rolling deadlines. It is wise to put your application in as early as possible at the beginning of September. Check this year’s dates on the WU Vienna website.

Undergraduate applications need to be in by the end of January.

What is the University looking for?

WU Vienna states that it is looking for individuals who have a developed sense of social responsibility, openness, integrity and a future-oriented perspective. Try to demonstrate how your experience, extracurricular activities and interests align with this mission statement when you are writing your letter of motivation.

How much does it cost to study at WU Vienna?

EU students do not pay tuition fees, but they do pay a small administrative charge and approximately 35 euros a term to the students’ union. If you exceed the allocated time to finish your degree – plus two semesters – then you will be charged 363 euros for an additional semester.

Current students report that their living costs, including accommodation, average out at 950-1200 euros per month, a figure which also includes entertainment, food, eating out, leisure, travel and utilities.

To check for current grants and scholarships click on the following link: https://www.grants.at/en/

Accomodation at WU Vienna

Housing costs in Vienna depend on whether you choose to share an apartment, house, or room, as well as the district you plan to live in. The estimated monthly budget should range between €400 and €1,200.

Housing options are generally divided into two main categories:

• Private rentals
• Student dormitories and residences

WU Vienna recommends checking the following online platforms if you are interested in shared apartments:

• Housing Anywhere
• Friends in Flats

If you prefer typical student accommodation, you might consider options such as:

• OeAD Student Housing
• CoLivi
• Milestone
• STUWO
• ÖJAB

Before signing a rental agreement, make sure the accommodation is not too far from the campus and is located in a safe neighborhood with good access to shops, services, and public transportation.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about WU Vienna

How do I get admitted to WU Vienna?

To be admitted to WU Vienna, applicants must go through a competitive admissions process. This includes completing the OSA (Online Self-Assessment) test, taking an online entrance exam (for bachelor’s programs), and submitting all required documents. For master’s programs, applicants also need to provide a GMAT score (minimum 500 points), a motivation letter, and strong academic records.

Is studying at WU Vienna free of charge?

Studying at WU Vienna is free of charge for EU citizens. Students only need to pay a small administrative fee and student union contribution, which is around €35 per semester.

How much does it cost to live in Vienna as a student?

Living in Vienna as a student costs on average between €950 and €1,200 per month, depending on your lifestyle and type of accommodation. The main expenses include rent, food, public transportation, health insurance, and personal costs.

Does WU Vienna offer programs in English?

Yes, WU Vienna offers English-taught programs at both the bachelor’s and master’s levels. The bachelor’s program offered in English is Business and Economics. There are also nine master’s programs in English, including International Management, Quantitative Finance, and Digital Economy. These programs are highly competitive and in high demand.

Is studying in Austria worth it?

Studying in Austria – especially at a prestigious institution like Vienna University of Economics and Business (WU Vienna)—is a solid investment in your future. The country offers high-quality education, moderate living costs, access to the job market, and a strong academic infrastructure. Additional advantages include no tuition fees for EU citizens and a multicultural student environment.

Study at WU Vienna with Elab

WU Vienna – Vienna University of Economics and Business is one of the most prestigious universities in Europe, highly regarded for its academic excellence, strong ties to the job market, and international accreditations.

If you’re considering studying in Austria, WU Vienna is an outstanding choice—whether you’re just starting your academic journey or looking to advance your qualifications at the master’s level.

Not sure where to start?

The Elab Education team has been supporting students for years in applying to top universities across Europe. We’ll help you choose the right program, prepare your documents, navigate entrance exams, and boost your chances of admission.

Get in touch with us if you:

• need support with your WU Vienna application
• want to learn more about studying in Austria
• are interested in personalized educational consulting
• are looking for a strategic and effective application plan

Take the first step today – contact Elab and start your journey to WU Vienna!