How do I apply?
We only accept online applications. Along with the completed application form please include the following documents in your e-mail to urban.strategies@uni-ak.ac.at; portfolio of works, CV, letter of intent, copy of passport, passport-sized photograph, copy of diploma and certified translation (English), TOEFL or ILTS test with results of 83/6,5.
What should be included in the portfolio?
The portfolio should include a meaningful selection of your works in any relevant media that exhibit your skills and motivation in the cultural/design field. (1) Critical insight and intelligence about design in general. (2) Facility and expertise in any media including architectural design, graphic design, photography, industrial design, printmaking, drawing, painting, sculpture etc. (3) Abilities for original and creative expression and the present development of your own cultural work. Apart from the letter of intent, it is the most important document for the judgment of your abilities and therefore the basis of acceptance.
We expect well structured portfolios in the format of PDF documents with a minimum of 10 pages and three projects and a maximum of 30 pages ~10 projects; please make sure the document does not exceed 20 MB.
Is there an entry exam?
Decisions on the applications are made on the basis of your portfolio, CV and letter of intent. We may contact applicants via E-mail or phone in order to clarify open questions. Apart from that there is no further entry exam.
What is the language of instruction?
The program is taught in English. Except applicants with an English speaking origin all applicants have to provide a TOEFL or ILTS test with results of 83/6, 5.
Can I apply with a degree from a discipline that is not directly related to Architecture, Landscape Architecture and Urban Design or -Planning?
Urban Strategies builds on internationality and an interdisciplinary dialogue. If you hold a degree that is not obviously related to the urban and architectural disciplines, it does not mean that you are generally excluded from acceptance. We already had students and applicants of theoretical physics, media art, geography and other disciplines. Urban Strategies welcomes application from different related backgrounds, as in principal judgment strongly depends on the applicant’s personal motivation and aim. Please contact us for requesting application advices for these particular cases.
Part time study? Is it possible to join a course on a part time basis?
Urban Strategies counts on engagement of the students and all three courses are full time studies. Successful completion of the program requires completing three semesters consecutively. However, we support students that have to make a living in Vienna if this does not heavily interfere with our schedule.
Can I apply after the application deadlines that are announced on the website? When will I be informed about the result of my application?
Exact application deadlines are announced on the homepage. Generally application is open 4 months prior to course start/entry and closes 1 month before course start/entry. The results will be communicated accordingly. Late entries and special visa cases are considered on an individual basis.
All applicants that require a study visa for Austria from outside of Schengen Area are strongly recommended to hand in their applications as early as possible, for VISA procedures may take up to 4 months or more.
What are the tuition fees?
The fee is € 15.000,- (€ 5.000,- per semester). The fee is not subjected to the Austrian sales tax. The € 5.000,- are to be paid before the semester starts. If the tuition is paid in full at the start of the program, a discount of 5% on the total of 15.000,- € will be granted (€ 14.250,-).
Moreover there can be additional costs for special educational materials. Above that you have to count costs for traveling, lodging and subsistence. (Note that living costs in Vienna are low within international rankings.)
Work Spaces and infrastructure? Does Urban Strategies provide work spaces for participants? Do I have to bring my own computer?
Apart from workshop and CNC facilities (see section Studying at die Angewandte) Urban Strategies provides studio space for all participants. We provide lab computers for specific courses, software and particular needs. For daily work the participants are asked to bring own desktop computers or laptops.
VISA? What do I have to do to get a Visa for Austria?
Urban Strategies does not provide visas but offers additional support for visa applications. Due to reasons which are not influenceable by the University each case is distinct, particularly depending on place of origin and residence. We suggest early handling timeframes, however keeping these internal deadlines may not guarantee for passing the procedures in time. Please contact Urban Strategies administration for information on your particular case.
How do I find a room or apartment in Vienna? Are there dormitories at the Campus? How much are the living costs in Vienna?
As living in Vienna is generally based on a rental housing market (like in the whole of Austria), most students live in flat sharing apartments or private dormitories. The University of Applied Arts Vienna is an Urban Campus and student dormitories are not part of it. However, if possible Urban Strategies offers support in establishing contacts with dormitories for easing your start and may distribute room requests among the student body at the University.