The program

Structure

The Center of Excellence is not a conventional course. The cooperation between students, non-profit organizations, sponsoring partners and the academic staff allows the building of unique networks.

Every group has to define its own perception for “excellence” – in close cooperation with the sponsor you organize events and create your individual program.

As a member of a CoE-group you have the chance to get in touch with outstanding personalities, to develop your social skills and to bear responsibility for you and your group.

Building the groups

A group is built every winter semester. Our goal is to find the best students of all master programs of the WU and motivate them to active take part in the Center of Excellence. To ensure the quality of the academic support, there will not be more than approximately 40 students in a group.

We invite the master students to apply with a CV, bachelor (and if possible master) grades, certificates, references, etc.. The students are carefully selected by the academic supervisors and the CoE-coordinators.

When will the next application round begin?

Applications are now open for students starting a Master's degree in the winter semester of 2026/27 (or the summer semester of 2026 for WiRe), closing on 13 November. An application call will be sent to your WU email address in weeks 43/44.

Your application documents should include:
- a detailed CV;
- all relevant transcripts, certificates of additional qualifications, and supporting documents (summarised in one document).

Please fill out our application form and upload your application portfolio.
If you face any technical issues or questions about the application process, please email us at coe@wu.ac.at.