FAQs
Here you will find answers to the most important questions about starting your specialization, the admission process, MyMatch, specialization places, and the academic progress quota (SFK). If you are unsure about anything, check here first as many topics are already covered in the FAQs.
Requirements & Registration for New Students
Where can I register to start the specialization?
Please register exclusively via myWU.
If you use software other than WU’s, we cannot guarantee that your registration will be successful.
Will the settings I choose on the MyWU website remain saved even after refreshing the page?
Yes, the settings you selected on the MyWU website will remain even after refreshing the page, so your selections will not be lost.
My grade, which is a prerequisite for registration, is currently only provisional. Can I still register for the access to the specialization?
Yes, a provisional grade is sufficient.
I would like to retake an exam that is a prerequisite for the specialization. Can I still apply?
No. Once you are approved to retake an exam, you no longer meet the prerequisite, and you cannot register to begin the specialization.
I have already completed the specializations required by the curriculum. Can I still apply for additional specializations?
No. Once you have completed the specializations required by the curriculum, you cannot apply for any further specializations—neither as an elective nor out of interest.
I have already taken courses from a specialization abroad. Do I still need to apply?
Yes. Even if you have already taken courses abroad, you must apply to enter the specialization and successfully complete the admission process (“successfully participated”). Due to changes in the UG 2022, course recognition will be conducted prior to admission to the specialization (regardless of sequencing).
Do I need to register particularly quickly?
Early registration is only required for specializations with a “first come, first served” process.
You can take your time to set your preferences until the deadline.
Do I have to apply for all available options?
No. You can decide for yourself how many specializations you want to apply for. However, having more suitable options increases your chances of being assigned a spot.
Should I apply for multiple specializations?
Yes, but only for those you would actually accept. Having more options increases your chances of being assigned a spot.
I can’t register to start the specialization, what could be the reason?
1) You do not meet the prerequisites according to the curriculum.
2) You have already completed the specializations required by the curriculum.
See Registration Options & Requirements
Why isn’t the list of specializations showing up for me?
Since you still need to complete several specializations according to the curriculum, you must first select the number of specializations you wish to begin.
If I apply for multiple specializations, do they affect each other?
Your chances of being accepted into one specialization won’t be reduced if you also apply to others.
I want to start with multiple specializations—what should I keep in mind?
Check the course schedules for your desired specializations to avoid scheduling conflicts.
Can I apply for specializations as a non-degree student or visiting student?
You cannot participate in the regular admissions process. Please contact the relevant department directly for more information.
Select Preferences & Quantity
Do I need to apply right away?
You only need to apply quickly for specializations that use the “first come, first served” process.
You can take your time to set your order of preference later, up until the deadline.
Can specialization coordinators see my preferences?
No. They only see your application, not your ranking.
Do I need to be strategic when choosing my preferences?
No. Honest preferences lead to the best outcome. Strategic behavior can actually worsen the outcome.
What happens if I don’t set any preferences?
If you don’t set any preferences, your ranking will be determined automatically based on the order of your application. An assignment via MyMatch is possible in any case.
Can I change my preferences after registering?
Yes, you can adjust your preferences and the desired number of specializations at any time until the deadline.
Can I still change my preferences and the number of specializations I want to start after the deadline?
No, changes are only possible up until the deadline.
Why isn’t the “Select Number” field showing up for me?
According to your study plan, you only need one more specialization.
Why aren’t the specializations showing up for me?
Since you still need several specializations according to your study plan, you must first select the number of specializations you want to start with.
How long do I have to change the number of specializations I want to start with?
You can adjust the number of specializations you want to start with until the specified deadline.
Admissions Process & Evaluation
Do I have to go through the admissions process for every specialization?
Yes. For each specialization you have applied for, you must complete the respective admission process or submit the required documents by the deadline.
Where can I find information about the admission process?
You can find information about admission procedures, tests, and required documents on the websites for the respective specializations.
Are my provisional grades taken into account for the “GPA” admission criterion?
No. Only the grades that appear on your transcript are considered for the GPA.
Where can I view my evaluation?
You can find your evaluation in LPIS under “Grades.”
When will I find out if I’ve been admitted?
All students receive the results at the same time. You can find the exact dates under Dates and Deadlines.
What does “no assessment” mean?
“No assessment” means that you did not receive a spot through MyMatch. In this case, you may be considered for the academic progress quota (SFK).
What does “did not apply” or “applied unsuccessfully” mean for me?
This means that you did not meet the required admission criteria for the respective specialization. For this reason, you are excluded from the SFK allocation for this specialization.
Academic Progress Quota
Do I need to register separately for the SFK?
No. If you meet the requirements and have received a "no evaluation," you will be automatically considered.
I have been assigned a spot for a specialization. Can I also get another spot through the Study Progress Quota (SFK)?
No. Places in the Study Progress Quota are only awarded to students who have not yet received a place.
How many ECTS credits do I need to be eligible for the Study Progress Quota?
All students who were not evaluated in the admissions process are generally eligible. There is no fixed ECTS threshold, as the distribution varies by semester; however, the higher the ECTS, the better your chances of securing a spot.
Can my preferences be taken into account for the SFK?
No. Your preferences cannot be taken into account during SFK allocation.
By when must my ECTS credits be entered/recognized in order to be considered for the SFK?
All credits that appear on your transcript of records no later than one day before SFK allocation will be taken into account. (Provisional credits cannot be taken into account)
I received a spot through the SFK. Can I decline it?
You cannot actively decline your spot. If you do not wish to use it, simply do not register for the courses. After the registration deadline, the spot will be passed on to the next student.
Please note, however:
You received the spot through the SFK, so you will be excluded from the SFK for the remainder of your studies.
You will not receive another specialization spot this semester.
The Vice-Rectorate for Teaching and Students reserves the right to take further measures in the future if students fail to use the spots allocated to them.
Specialization Track & Course Registration
I have been assigned a spot. Can I decline it?
You cannot actively decline your spot. If you do not wish to use it, simply do not register for the courses. After the registration deadline, the spot will be given to the next student on the waiting list.
Please note, however:
You will not receive another specialization spot this semester—neither in this nor in any other specialization.
If you received the spot through the SFK, you will be excluded from the SFK for the remainder of your studies.
The Vice-Rectorate for Teaching and Students reserves the right to take further action in the future if students fail to use the spots allocated to them.
I forgot to register for a course by the deadline; have I lost my specialization spot as a result?
Yes. If you did not actively register for at least one course within the specified deadline (a waitlist entry does not count), your eligibility will be revoked and your spot will be assigned to other students. You will not receive another specialization spot this semester.
Can I still drop courses after the drop deadline?
No. Withdrawal is no longer possible. If you have completed partial coursework, you may receive a failing grade.
Can I drop a specialization I have started if I haven’t completed any coursework?
If you do not complete any coursework, no grade will be issued, and your eligibility for the specialization will be automatically revoked at the end of the semester.
For SFK spots, you will be excluded from SFK allocations for the remainder of your studies.
I did not achieve a passing grade in the first semester; what happens?
If you do not achieve a passing grade in the first semester, you will automatically lose your eligibility for the specialization at the end of the semester.
For specializations offered once a year, eligibility is valid for one year.
How can I withdraw from a specialization if I have already received at least one passing grade?
If you are no longer actively enrolled, send us an email from your WU account explaining your reason for withdrawing to spezialisierung@wu.ac.at. Your request will be carefully reviewed, and you will receive a response.
Important: If the withdrawal from the specialization is approved, your eligibility for that specialization will be revoked, and participation in that specialization will no longer be possible under any circumstances.
Bachelor's Student Guide: German-Taught Programs
- Getting Started
- Courses, Exams & Written Papers
- Minimum Academic Performance Requirement
- Study Acceleration Program (Summer University & Winter University)
- Support, Volunteering and Honors Programs
- Grants and Scholarships
- Credit Transfer
- Access to the Specializations
- Internship Abroad
- Bachelor's Thesis
- Social Skills Certificate