General Questions about the SIMC Program

Q: When does the SIMC program start?

A: Our SIMC master’s program starts once a year every winter semester (October 1^st) with a kick-off. It is not possible to start in spring.

Q: What are the tuition fees for the SIMC program? Can I get a waiver of tuition fees?

A: The WU Admissions Office sets the tuition fees. Please refer to this link for the most current information. For personal inquiries, please contact the WU Admissions Office directly via master.application@wu.ac.at.

Q: Is it possible to study SIMC part-time/ can I take classes remotely?

A: Our program is intended to be full-time and attendance during all lectures is obligatory. All courses are taught here in Vienna at the WU campus.

Q: What are my chances of being accepted to the program?

A: SIMC has a very competitive admissions process. We usually receive up to 600 applications per year from all over the world for 60 spots.

Q: Are there any scholarships available for the program?

A: There are no scholarships given by the university. Further information is available here.

Q: Is it possible to work besides SIMC? If yes, how many hours would you recommend?

A: Our SIMC master’s program is a full-time program. Courses take place in the morning as well as in the afternoon and you are required to write exams, work on individual projects, group projects, write assignments etc. Hence, we absolutely do not recommend working besides SIMC, as our program is very time consuming and we expect you to give 100%.

Q: I don’t speak German, can I still apply for the SIMC program?

A: Yes of course! Our program is taught entirely in English and we welcome internationals from all around the world every year.

Q: Are there more information for international students (e.g., visa, housing, living expenses,..)?

A: Yes. Please refer to this link for more information.

Q: What is SIMConnect?

A: SIMConnect is our wonderful student association. SIMC students have the possibility to join the SIMConnect Community by engaging in one of the several departments. They organize workshops with corporate partners, events hosted together with other master’s programs, Christmas parties, cooking competitions and much more. If you want to learn more about SIMConnect, feel free to visit their website: www.simc.at

Questions about the SIMC Application Process

Q: I am interested in applying for the SIMC master. Where do I apply?

A: Applications are only accepted through the online application tool during the application period.

Q: How does the SIMC Application process works?

A: Our application process is very competitive and consists of 5 steps:

1. Proof of Admissions Office if you meet the required criteria for our SIMC program based on the documents and certificates you uploaded through the online application tool.

2. Screening of your application documents by Program Management and ranking of those candidates we want to invite to the next round, the essay.

3. Review of your essay by Program Management and ranking of those candidates we want to invite to the next round, the non-live interview.

4. The non-live interviews will take place online via Kira Talent. In this step, you usually have around 3-4 days to complete the interview within your own time. After reviewing the interviews, Program Management will rank those candidates we want to invite to the next round, the Group Discussion Call.

5. For the Group Discussion Call, you will be assigned to the call via zoom with our senior faculty members. The group discussion call is on a set date either at 10 am or 4 pm. Please note that Program Management will assign you to the call and you cannot choose your preferred time.

The Group Discussion Call is the last step. After this, the Admissions Office will notify you about the outcome of your application within the next two weeks.

Q: Can I re-apply in the next application rounds if I am not accepted in the first or second application round?

A: Yes. Please note, that there is only a waiting list for the last deadline. There is no waiting list for the first two deadlines.

Application: Bachelor's Degree Prerequisite

Q: What prerequisites do I need from my bachelor’s program?

A: The program must comprise at least 180 ECTS credits (corresponding to three academic years) and 45 ECTS credits have to be earned by passing exams in the field of business administration.

Q: I have studied my bachelor in a different field/ I am not sure if I have sufficient ECTS in business administration, is it possible to send you my certificates to check, if I meet the requirements for application?

A: No, unfortunately not. We receive hundreds of applications and it is therefore not possible for us to check your certificates. Please apply through the online application tool during the application period by uploading all your documents. The Admissions Office will then check your application, once the deadline has ended and will notify you about the outcome.

Application: English Prerequisite

Q: What language certificates are accepted for the application?

A: As proof of sufficiency in English we accept the following:

• English as first language

• A full English-taught bachelor’s program (at least 3 years). A confirmation from the university is required to prove that the completed program was taught in English. Please note that only an exchange semester or year in an English speaking country or with courses taught in English is not sufficient. To be considered official the document has to be stamped and signed by your university.

• A full English-taught master’s program (at least 2 years). A confirmation from the university is required to prove that the completed program was taught in English. Please note that only an exchange semester or year in an English speaking country or with courses taught in English is not sufficient. To be considered official the document has to be stamped and signed by your university.

• One of the following valid certificates (official or unofficial test report):

  • TOEFL iBT 100 or higher, TOEFL IBT Home Edition 100 or higher, IELTS 7.0 or higher (academic, general or online indicator version), Cambridge English: CAE (Certificate of Advanced English), CPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English) or BEC Higher (Business English Certificate Higher), UNIcert III

  • A certificate from a university language department confirming the applicant has achieved level C1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. The certificate has to prove that you took one or more tests to assess your reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. These skills should correspond to level C1 or higher according to the CEFR. Course transcripts or confirmations about your overall language skills or certain language courses will NOT be accepted as proof of your language skills. If you are not sure whether your language certificate fulfils these criteria, please submit one of the standardized tests mentioned above.

Application: Proof of Aptitude

Q: What certificates are accepted to proof my aptitude for the SIMC master’s program?

A: For a proof of achievement potential we ask for a valid GMAT Exam/valid GMAT Online Exam result of at least 600 points (GMAT Focus edition: 565 points). Please allow enough time for test registration and evaluation. The official confirmation of your result, which you must upload, takes up to twenty days. Students who studied their bachelor’s at WU can also apply with their GPA. However, the GMAT is also highly recommended for WU graduates! 

Q: I have several years of experience in business, is it possible to apply without GMAT and rely on my professional experience?

A: No, this is unfortunately not possible.

Q: Can I also apply with a GRE score instead of GMAT?

A: No, unfortunately not. We only accept GMAT scores. 

Q: My GMAT score is below 600 points (or 565 points GMAT Focus Edition). Is there any way to consider my application?

A: No, this is unfortunately not possible, as the Admissions Office will reject your application.

Application: Motivation Letter, CV

Q: Do I need a Motivational Letter for my Application?

A: Yes. Please upload your Motivational Letter through the online application tool together with the rest of your documents and certificates.

Q: What should I write in the Motivational Letter? Is there a specific requirement?

A: In your Motivational Letter, we want to understand why you are applying for SIMC. Who are you, what are you striving for and how does SIMC align with your personal goals and/or career goals. After reading your letter, we want to understand why you would be a great fit for SIMC but also, why SIMC would be a great fit for you.

Q: Are there any specific requirements for the CV?

A: We recommend a length of max. 2 pages listing your educational and professional experience, languages, extracurricular activities and more. When you highlight your professional experience, make clear if this is full-time or part-time.

Q: Do I need to upload a recommendation letter?

A: No, please do not upload recommendation letters as they are not necessary and we will not consider them in the application process.

Application: Admissions Decisions & Enrollment

Q: The final step of the application process is over. When can I expect an answer?

A: After our last application step (the group discussion call) we will make the final decision and inform the Admissions Office. After this, it usually takes up to two weeks until you receive an answer.

Q: I have applied for more than one master’s program at WU. Will I receive several admission offers?

A: No. If you are applying to several master’s programs and you receive an offer from your first priority, then you will not receive any other offers. Hence, choose your priorities wisely.

Q: I have received an offer. What are my next steps?

A: Great! After reception of the admission offer applicants have 10 days time for acceptance of the offer and payment of the admission deposit.  

Q: Can I accept the offer but start my studies one year later?

A: No, this is unfortunately not possible. If you cannot start your studies, you need to apply again.