FAQs

Since the bachelor/master system was introduced, the universities and universities of applied sciences (UAS) have been becoming increasingly similar. Nevertheless, there are clear distinctions between these two models of higher education.

While universities essentially specialise in theory and research, UAS have set themselves the goal of primarily conveying practical relevance. Whereas the curricula of universities usually cover the entire theoretical field, those of UAS are not as exhaustive in nature but have stronger ties to the professional realm. For example, the teaching staff of universities of applied sciences include numerous experts with practical experience who hold lectures in addition to their other professional activities, while universities frequently have better researchers and theorists.

Everyday student life differs strongly between universities and UAS. Course places at universities are often limited and students are anxious to get them. At universities of applied sciences, on the other hand, students have a fixed course schedule that applies to the entire class, which enables them to complete their studies in the minimum study period. The fact that study places at UAS are limited gives these institutions are much more personal atmosphere: lecturers know their students by name, and students stay within the same group for the entire duration of their study programme. This is hardly conceivable for universities due to the enormous number of students.

Prospective students should consider their career plans before applying for a study programme at a UAS. Young researchers looking for a job are often more successful with a university degree, while a UAS is certainly the preferable path for those seeking a career in the private sector.

An advantage of the international two-stage bachelor/master system is the individual and flexible course of studies. Furthermore, the degree is internationally recognised, which increases the mobility of the students and graduates.

Bachelor degree programmes

… cover a study period of six to seven semesters, include a compulsory professional internship, and are geared towards the requirements of a professional field. The students acquire basic knowledge in a certain field of study and on scientific methods and work practices. Upon graduation, they receive the academic degree “bachelor of” (depending on the discipline).

This allows the graduates to directly start a professional career. Alternatively, they are entitled to continue with a master degree programme at a university or UAS either in Austria or abroad.

Master degree programmes

... are in-depth specialist study programmes that usually take four semesters and earn graduates the degree “Master of” (depending on the discipline) or “Dipl.-Ing.”. A master degree programme builds on a related bachelor degree programme. Graduates are entitled to participate in a doctoral study programme at a university in Austria or abroad.

In principle, all our study programmes are on-site programmes, which means that attendance at the UAS is required.

You are expected to earn 30 ECTS credits per semester. One ECTS credit amounts to approx. 25 hours of work, which means a total of approx. 750 hours/semester.

The winter semester begins with the enrolment week when all introductory courses take place. Regular teaching starts on 1 September, although variations are possible for individual study programmes. You will receive an exact schedule for the first week of the semester in due time.

There are many ways to learn more about the study programmes of the St. Pölten UAS and about student life in the city. You can obtain information online or in person: talk to our student counselling service, visit one of our information events, or check out our website. This will help you choose the right study programme and prepare your application.

Personal advice

Information events of the St. Pölten UAS

Would you like detailed information about a specific degree programme at St. Pölten UAS? Or general study counselling?
We offer a variety of opportunities where you can obtain information without obligation. At our campus, at fairs and online. We look forward to hearing from you!
Go to date overview

Learn more online

Website with our entire range of study and further education programmes

Current information on our range of study programmes is also available on our website. Click your way through it to learn everything you want to know about study contents, projects, career prospects, application deadlines, study semesters and internships abroad, and much more.
Go to our range of study and further education programmes

Newsletter

Our newsletter reminds you of info.events and application deadlines. We are happy to keep you updated on important information on your chosen study programme by e-mail.

Subscribe now (in German)

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook

You are looking to establish networks, ask our students questions and read the latest news on your prospective study programme? Join our Facebook groups. The links to the groups can be found on the subpages of the respective study programmes on our website.

• Instagram
• Facebook

Receive information by phone or e-mail

You would like to know more? We are happy to be of assistance. Call us at +43 (0) 2742 313 228–333 or send us an e-mail at csc@fhstp.ac.at.

Yes, you can apply for more than one study programme at the St. Pölten UAS. However, we recommend that you familiarise yourself with the study contents of the individual study programmes beforehand in order to understand the differences between them. When you apply for more than one study programmes at the UAS, you have to complete the respective admission procedure for each of them.

Three things are important:

1. Pay close attention to the information provided by the St. Pölten UAS.

2. It makes sense to clearly define your wishes and goals.

3. It helps to get in touch with students who have already successfully completed the admission procedure. You can meet students at fairs, info.events, at the info.day, the open.day, or online in one of our Facebook groups.

Certain documents, e.g. the school-leaving certificate, can be handed in at a later date. For example, it is possible to apply for a study programme before having completed your high school diploma (equivalent to the Austrian “Matura”).

To allow for accessible studying for students with special needs, lecturers and staff members of the UAS are informed and involved and necessary modifications are made, e.g. measures to counterbalance disadvantages during admission procedures and exams. Please make sure to contact us in good time to enable us to take your individual needs into account.

No. The different study programmes do, however, contain certain courses held in English. In addition, we offer three study programmes taught entirely in English. These are:

• Creative Computing (bachelor),
• Digital Innovation and Research (master), and
• Cyber Security and Resilience (master).

No. Some study programmes such as Marketing & Communications (bachelor) do, however, offer foreign language training courses.

In the part-time study programmes, some courses are held in distance mode (e.g. in the evening), although there are certain dates with compulsory attendance for these as well.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have currently opted for a hybrid mode consisting of attendance and online elements.

In general, students of all German-taught study programmes need a B2 German language proficiency certificate as part of the admission requirements. International degree-seeking students and incoming students may register for German language courses on three different levels. In addition, international degree-seeking students and incoming students may register for the course “Scouting Austrian Culture”. More information can be found here. 

We have numerous partner universities in Europe and worldwide.

Get an overview of our partner universities

Yes, you can. However, if you are planning to complete a study semester or an internship in your home country, this is assigned the lowest priority when it comes to the allocation of study places and Erasmus grants.

Incoming students seeking to complete an exchange semester/year at the St. Pölten UAS can find information about grants here. International degree-seeking students are advised to consult the Austrian Database for Scholarships & Research Grants.

Third-country nationals studying the St. Pölten UAS degree programmes Creative Computing, Cyber Security and Resilience, or Digital Innovation and Research may apply for the additional merit-based scholarship for international degree-seeking students with higher tuition fees. Detailed information about this type of merit-based scholarship and general information about costs, federal aid for students, and grants can be found here.

Usually yes – in certain individual cases, this may be subject to arrangements with the Academic Director.

Go to International Degree Seeking Students