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University Enrollment
Eligibility Examination.

If you do not hold university entrance qualifications but would like to pursue a particular Bachelor’s or Diploma degree program at the JKU, or at another university/University of Applied Science, you can earn university entrance qualifications now by passing the University Enrollment Eligibility Examination!

The advantages of the University Enrollment Eligibility Examination are listed here at a glance:

 

  • This is the ideal way to prepare for a specific academic degree program or subject area of study (= subject area group). If you already know exactly you would like to study (subject area or subject area of study i.e. law, social studies, economics, engineering, computer sciences or natural sciences) you can directly prepare for your studies by choosing the corresponding subjects in the University Enrollment Eligibility Examination, e.g. by taking physics for degree programs in engineering. 
  • Intensive individual preparation: the University Enrollment Eligibility Examination includes five subjects to prepare students individually for a specific subject area group.
  • Short period of study and state aid: The University Enrollment Eligibility Examination is a one-year program and students may be eligible for financial aid during this period (the same conditions apply in this regard as for a normal degree program, e.g. for a self-supporting scholarship). 
  • Low costs: As the program duration is short, the cost is currently € 2,100.00 + the Austrian Student Union fee (last update: 2021)

 

The content at a glance:

Contact

Address

Johannes Kepler University Linz
Altenberger Straße 69
4040 Linz

Location

Bank Building, ground floor, opens a file

E-Mail

studienberechtigung(at)jku.at

Data Privacy Policy

Mandatory Information GDPR, opens a file (PDF)

Admissions Office
Campus Map - Bank Building

  • The JKU's University Enrollment Eligibility Examination can put you on the path toward earning an academic degree.

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The University Enrollment Eligibility Examination at the JKU

The JKU offers the University Enrollment Eligibility Examinations for degree programs in the following subject areas (= subject area groups):

The University Enrollment Eligibility Examinations at the JKU do not apply to degree programs in medicine, teacher education studies (general education) or cultural studies. These can, however, be taken at another University /University of Education, such as at the PH OÖ, opens an external URL in a new window (the University of Education in Upper-Austria), the Medical University of Graz, opens an external URL in a new window or the University of Art & Design Linz, opens an external URL in a new window. They are then valid to enroll in an academic degree program at the JKU. 
The Center for Distance Learning Bregenz also offers a University Enrollment Eligibility Examination, either with classroom instruction or as a distance learning course.

Please note:

  • The exams required are different depending on the degree area group, meaning you need to individually register for each specific study group.
     
  • The University Enrollment Eligibility Examination is not equivalent to the school leaving examination; it only allows you to study one specific subject area group. If you decide on one University Enrollment Eligibility Examination, you should be sure in advance about the degree program you will choose to enroll in. You will not be able to change to another subject area group later on. To change, you would have to take another University Enrollment Eligibility Examination and take the missing subjects. You do not need to take exams for subjects you have already passed, meaning the required subject “written essay on a general topic in German” as it qualifies for all of the study subject groups.

Scope of the University Enrollment Eligibility Examination

The University Enrollment Eligibility Examination is comprised of five individual examination sections:

  • A written paper about a general theme written in German (mandatory subject)
    This paper will demonstrate your ability to express yourself on a given topic and use your language skills to express your thoughts clearly and coherently.
  • When it comes to prior knowledge and skills (mandatory subjects), three examinations are required to select the subject area group.
  • An examination of your choice from the subject area you intend to study (elective subject):
    The elective subject is a course that will be part of your degree program, namely a course from the Studies Introduction and Orientation Phase, opens in new window requirements (or courses that can be completed in addition to the Studies Introduction and Orientation Phase), and one for which you will earn academic credit for. You will then get academic credit when you enroll in the program.

The University Enrollment Eligibility Examinations are based on the curriculum for the 12th or 13th school year (upper level school) and are outlined in the Rector's Ordinance, opens a file in a new window. Your elective subject should be focused on your intended subject area group and must be selected when being admitted to the University Enrollment Eligibility Examination.

See below for information about corresponding subject area groups and the subjects to be completed.

Law

  • Essay on a general topic (written)
    • Click  here, opens a file for a summary of examination topics. The work time is equal to approximately four hours for each topic
  • English (written and oral)
    • Language skills - listening comprehension, reading, speaking, and writing (according to the European Framework of Reference). – Level B2. Confidence in oral and written expression while applying the basic grammar correctly; ability to understand the language spoken at a normal speed and to take part in a conversation about a generally known subject in a manner intelligible to the evaluator; ability to translate simple texts into German; ability to read short texts fluently and summarize these texts; ability to comment on general topics, primarily in a narrative and descriptive manner, in the form of an essay.
  • Mathematics 1 (written and oral)
    • Number quantities, equations, systems of linear equations, vectors in R2, matrices and determinants, linear and quadratic functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, measures of change, trigonometry in right-angled triangles, basic concepts of differential and integral calculus, introduction to probability calculations and statistics.
  • History
    • The fundamentals of general history, important historical facts and developments in European history with a focus on Austria and in consideration of cultural, economic and social history aspects.

The elective subject must be completed in the form of a course examination or an additional examination required for the intended degree program (Latin).

The course you attend must be worth a minimum of 2 ECTS credits.

The course attended must be selected from the Studies Introduction and Orientation Phase (StEOP), or a continuing course which can be taken before concluding the Studies Introduction and Orientation Phase (StEOP).

The requirements are available in the course description provided in  KUSSS, opens an external URL in a new window.

Social Sciences, Economics & Business

  • Essay on a general topic (written)
    • The exam topics are summarized in more detail here, opens a file. For each topic, the working time equals four hours.
  • English (written and oral)
    • Competences - listening, reading, speaking and writing - according to the European Framework of Reference. – Competence level B2. Confidence in oral and written expression while applying the basic grammar correctly; ability to understand the language spoken at a normal speed and to take part in a conversation about a generally known subject in a manner intelligible for the interlocutor; ability to translate simple texts into German; ability to read short texts fluently and to summarize these; ability to comment on general topics, primarily in a narrative and descriptive manner, in the form of an essay
  • Mathematics 1 (written and oral)
    • Number quantities, equations, systems of linear equations, vectors in R2, matrices and determinants, linear and quadratic functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, measures of change, trigonometry in right-angled triangles, basic concepts of differential and integral calculus, introduction to probability calculations and statistics.
  • History (oral)
    • The basics of general history, the most important historical facts and developments in European history with a focus on Austria and consideration of aspects of cultural, economic and social history.

The elective subject must be completed in the form of a course examination.

The course attended must be worth at least 2 ECTS credits.

The course attended must be from the Studies Introduction and Orientation Phase (StEOP) or a continuing course, which can be taken before concluding the Studies Introduction and Orientation Phase (StEOP).

The requirements are available in the course description provided in KUSSS, opens an external URL in a new window.

Engineering

  • Essay on a general topic (written)
    • The exam topics are summarized in more detail here, opens a file. For each topic, the working time equals four hours.
  • Mathematics 2 (oral and written)
    • Mathematics 1 and more: complex numbers, vectors in R3, trigonometry in general triangles, trigonometric functions, root and absolute value functions, sequences and series, expansion of differential/integral calculus, probability calculations and statistics.
    • Material from Mathematics 1:
      number quantities, equations, systems of linear equations, vectors in R2, matrices and determinants, linear and quadratic functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, measures of change, trigonometry in right-angled triangles, basic concepts of differential and integral calculus, introduction to probability calculations and statistics.
  • English (oral and written)
    • Competences - listening, reading, speaking and writing - according to the European Framework of Reference. – Competence level B2. Confidence in oral and written expression while applying the basic grammar correctly; ability to understand the language spoken at a normal speed and to take part in a conversation about a generally known subject in a manner intelligible for the interlocutor; ability to translate simple texts into German; ability to read short texts fluently and to summarize these; ability to comment on general topics, primarily in a narrative and descriptive manner, in the form of an essay.
  • Physics (oral and written)
    • Physical units: basic units and derived units
    • Mechanics: motion, force, momentum; work, potential and kinetic energy, energy conservation; torque and angular momentum; spring, pendulum, oscillations.
    • Electricity: Electricity: electric charge, field and potential; current, resistance and capacity; magnetic fields, induction, alternating current.
    • Thermodynamics: temperature, heat, heat capacity; Ideal gas, equations of state, states of aggregation; the main laws of thermodynamics.
    • Oscillations: harmonic oscillation, linear force law, pendulum.
    • Optics: light, lenses and geometrical optics; electromagnetic waves, interference and diffraction.
    • Modern physics: atomic physics, the basic elements of quantum mechanics, the basic elements of the relativity theory.

The elective subject must be completed in the form of a course examination or an additional examination required for the intended courses of study (descriptive geometry).

The course attended must be worth at least 2 ECTS credits.

The course attended must be from the Studies Introduction and Orientation Phase (StEOP) or a continuing course, which can be taken before concluding the Studies Introduction and Orientation Phases (StEOP).

The requirements can be found in the course description provided in KUSSS, opens an external URL in a new window.

Natural Sciences

  • Essay on a general topic (written)
    • The exam topics are summarized in more detail here, opens a file. For each topic, the working time equals four hours.
  • Mathematics 2 (oral and written)
    • Mathematics 1 and more: complex numbers, vectors in R3, trigonometry in general triangles, trigonometric functions, root and absolute value functions, sequences and series, expansion of differential/integral calculus, probability calculations and statistics.
    • Material from Mathematics 1:
      number quantities, equations, systems of linear equations, vectors in R2, matrices and determinants, linear and quadratic functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, measures of change, trigonometry in right-angled triangles, basic concepts of differential and integral calculus, introduction to probability calculations and statistics.
  • English (oral and written)
    • Competences - listening, reading, speaking and writing - according to the European Framework of Reference. – Competence level B2. Confidence in oral and written expression while applying the basic grammar correctly; ability to understand the language spoken at a normal speed and to take part in a conversation about a generally known subject in a manner intelligible for the interlocutor; ability to translate simple texts into German; ability to read short texts fluently and to summarize these; ability to comment on general topics, primarily in a narrative and descriptive manner, in the form of an essay.
  • Chemistry (oral and written)
    • General chemistry: Building blocks of matter (the structure of atoms and molecules, types of chemical bonding, radioactivity); the significance of the periodic table; the three classical states of matter; Avogadro's theorem; molar volume; Avogadro (Loschmidt) constant; general gas equation; chemical reactions (equations, stoichiometry, law of mass action, the principle of Le Chatelier-Braun); reaction rate and catalysis; solutions; dissociation and association; acids, bases and salts; pH value; hydrolysis; electrolysis, energy conversion in chemical reactions. Dimensional analysis, ion reactions, corrosion.
    • Inorganic chemistry: hydrogen; oxygen; halogens; other important non-metallic elements and metals; the compounds of these elements, inert gases, sulphur, phosphor, silicon, metals and their compounds.
    • Organic chemistry: the special significance of carbon; chain and ring-shaped compounds; isomerism; hydrocarbons and their derivates (functional groups); aromatic compounds; petroleum; plastics (polymerization, polycondensation, polyaddition), nomenclature, heterocycles, optical activity, detergents, reaction types.
    • Introduction to biochemistry: Carbohydrates; fats; amino acids; proteins (colloids).

The elective subject must be completed in the form of a course examination.

The course attended must be worth at least 2 ECTS credits.

The course attended must be from the Studies Introduction and Orientation Phase (StEOP) or a continuing course, which can be taken before concluding the Studies Introduction and Orientation Phase (StEOP).

The requirements are available in the course description provided in KUSSS, opens an external URL in a new window.

Admission Requirements

There are many different forms of prior educational qualifications and in this regard, there is no single, particular general answer to this question. If you are unsure, contact us beforehand by sending an e-mail to: studienberechtigung(at)jku.at, opens in new window and ask about your individual situation.

 

In general, your previous educational qualifications should consist of one-year of training in the same field as the intended field of study (i.e. engineering). The following lists a few positive examples of previous educational qualifications:

  • An apprenticeship as an office administrator: Admission to the University Enrollment Eligibility Examination (SBP) for law, social sciences, economics & business
  • Graduation from a higher specalizing school in short form (HLW, Handelsschule etc.): Admission to the University Enrollment Eligibility Examination in the corresponding subject area
  • An apprenticeship as an electrical engineering technician: Admission to the University Enrollment Eligibility Examination (SBP) for engineering

Register for the University Enrollment Eligibility Examination

  1. Submit an application for admission

  2. Register as a non-degree seeking student

  3. Register for the preparation courses

OR

Register to take the examinations only

Contact

E-Mail

studienberechtigung(at)jku.at

Admissions Office

1. Submit an application for admission

When you register for an account, opens an external URL in a new window, you are registering at the JKU for the first time and as an applicant, you will have a guest account allowing you to complete the application process.

 

Please note:

  • For the time being, you only need this account as a student applicant to apply for admission to the university entrance qualification examination.
  • As an applicant, you will not be able log in to the JKU's IT services (i.e. KUSSS) using this account. You may only log into JKU's IT services once you are admitted as a non-degree seeking student.

If you already have an account as a student applicant, proceed directly to the next step.

Once you have an applicant account, log into JKU MyAdmission, opens an external URL in a new window and complete in the form.

 

During this step, you will also be required to provide the following documents: 

  • A valid passport, ID card, or a valid driver's license together with proof of nationality
  • A current CV
  • Proof of prior professional or non-professional education (certificate or confirmation)

Please note:

  • You will be asked to take part in a statistical survey in accordance with § 18 para. 6 of the Education Documentation Act.

If your application is successful, you will receive an admission letter to take the University Enrollment Eligibility Examination via JKU MyAdmission.

 

Please make sure that all of the documents are complete, submitted as a PDF file, and legible.

  • A valid passport, ID card, or even driver's license, together with your proof of nationality
  • A current CV
  • Proof of prior professional or non-professional education (certificate or confirmation)
  • Confirmation of any change in name, providing all of the documents do not have the same name (i.e.. certificate of marriage).

  • In general, you can submit your application for admission at any time
  • It can take up to 4 weeks to process your application and send the Letter of Admission
  • You can apply to enroll as a non-degree seeking student and also take preparation courses (please note course registration period in KUSSS)
     

We recommend applying before the summer holidays and by the end of August/beginning of September at the very latest.

 

2. Enrolling as a Non-Degree Seeking Student

If you wish to attend preparatory courses, you will be required to enroll as a non-degree seeking student. You can apply for a non-degree seeking program before you have received the Letter of Admission. Please clarify first, whether or not you fulfill the requirements for admission: studienberechtigung(at)jku.at, opens in new window 

Please note: Applicants applying as a non-degree seeking student will be subject to tuition fees, opens in new window.

Register as a Non-Degree Seeking Student

Registering for Examinations Only

If you do not wish to take preparatory courses and study the examination content yourself, you may opt to register directly for exams.

You can register for the University Enrollment Eligibility Examination either in person or by sending an e-mail to: pruefung-sowi(at)jku.at, opens in new window) at the Office of Examinations and Recognition Services, opens in new window.

Registration forms (PDF):

Please note: If you are applying for admission to the University Enrollment Eligibility Examination at the JKU, you must take at least one examinaton at the JKU.

The University Enrollment Eligibility Examination examinations are individual examinations normally scheduled during January, March, June, and September.


There are so-called 'framework dates' announced and published each year and the examinations take place during this time. Information about the framework dates and the registration deadlines are available at Framework Dates for 2024 Examinations, opens a file in a new window.


The exact examination dates (day, place, and time) is available approximately two weeks before the framework date. See: Announcements, opens in new window.

Academic Credit Transfer (Examinations)

If you have been admitted to the university enrollment eligibility examination at the JKU Linz, you can apply for academic credit transfer for examinations taken at external educational institutions (providing they are considered equivalent and comparable in terms of content and scope).

 

For example:

  • An Austrian "Matura" diploma (=Reifeprüfung)
  • Vocational examination (=Berufsreifeprüfung)
  • The "Externistenreifeprüfung"
  • The Civil Service Promotion Examination (=Beamtenaufstiegsprüfung)
  • University postgraduate programs (=Universitätslehrgänge)
  • University-level courses (=Universitätslehrveranstaltungen)
  • Other examinations taken at recognized educational institutions in Austria or abroad

If you have successfully passed a master craftsman's examination or a qualifying examination in accordance with the Trade Regulation Act (BGBl.No. 194/1994), or the Agricultural and Forestry Vocational Training Act (BGBl.No. 298/1990), you may apply to be exempt from taking a university enrollment eligibility examination in an elective subject area.

You can get academic credit for up to four examinations. You must take at least one examination at the JKU Linz.


Submit an Application

Once you have been admitted to take the university enrollment eligibility examination, you can apply for academic credit transfer via JKU MyAdmission.

Sign up using your student applicant account at JKU MyAdmission, opens an external URL in a new window and select "Studienberechtigungsprüfung".

At this stage, we will require the following documents:

  • Valid passport, ID card, or driver's license along with your proof of citizenship
  • Confirmation of any name change, providing not all of the documents contain the same name (i.e. marriage certificate)
  • Proof/verification of the examination taken at an external location

If you have not yet been admitted to take the university enrollment eligibility examination, you can apply for credit transfer at the same time that you apply for admission.

Frequently Asked Questions

The admission itself and the examinations are free of charge.

If you are attending preparatory courses, you must enroll as a non-degree seeking student and each semester, you will be subject to paying tuition fees as well as the mandatory Austrian Student Union fee, opens in new window.

The preparatory courses are subject to a fee. It is not mandatory to attend one or several preparatory courses.

 

Please note:

  • When attending preparatory courses subject to a fee, the tuition fee can be retroactively refunded, providing you attended courses for the University Enrollment Eligibility Examination only.
  • If the elective subject taken as part of a regular academic degree program, the tuition fee cannot be refunded.

Yes, you may be eligible for financial aid for the University Enrollment Eligibility Examination providing you were awarded financial aid to pursue a regular academic degree program (age and income limits). Before submitting the application for admission, contact the Study Grant Authority, opens an external URL in a new window or the Austrian Student Union Office for Social Affairs, opens an external URL in a new window.

You may also be eligible to financial aid from the Bildungskonto OÖ, opens an external URL in a new window (educational program for adults in Upper Austria to support the pursuit of higher education and professional qualifications).

 

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Johannes Kepler University Linz

Altenberger Straße 69

4040 Linz, Austria

Telephone +43 732 2468 0
Fax +43 732 2468 4929
Contact