# Study briefly explained

**Source**: https://www.tuwien.at/en/studies/studies/bachelor-programmes/study-briefly-explained
**Parent**: https://www.tuwien.at/en/studies/studies/bachelor-programmes

The TU Wien offers a wide range of programs in engineering and the natural sciences and places strong emphasis on providing a solid academic education. At the same time, it considers itself a campus-based university for full-time students. Even though some courses may occasionally be offered in online or distance-learning formats, students are generally expected to be able to attend the university in person.

## The Difference Compared to School

University studies differ significantly from the type of teaching typically offered in schools. There is no [fixed class schedule](https://www.tuwien.at/en/studies/studies/bachelor-programmes/study-briefly-explained/collection-of-keywords) with a single group of classmates. Instead, your academic progress depends on individually attending courses in order to meet the requirements of the [curriculum](https://www.tuwien.at/en/studies/studies/bachelor-programmes/study-briefly-explained/collection-of-keywords). You are responsible for deciding which courses you take each [semester](https://www.tuwien.at/en/studies/studies/bachelor-programmes/study-briefly-explained/collection-of-keywords). Your schedule is therefore more of a personal time framework rather than a timetable set by the university. As a result, you will quickly notice that the people you begin your studies with will not necessarily remain a fixed group throughout the program. Instead, students often take different paths as the program progresses. For this reason, we strongly recommend forming study groups and working together with others to complete individual courses or groups of courses whenever possible. Experience shows that this significantly increases the chances of successfully completing a degree.

## What Do You Need to Do to Start Studying?

To begin a degree program, you must meet the general admission requirements. For example, this includes an Austrian secondary school leaving certificate (*Matura*). In other cases, you may need to submit an [application for admission](https://www.tuwien.at/en/studies/studies/bachelor-programmes/study-briefly-explained/collection-of-keywords). In addition to these general requirements, some degree programs have a limited number of study places. For these programs, a [selection procedure](https://www.tuwien.at/en/studies/studies/bachelor-programmes/study-briefly-explained/collection-of-keywords) is conducted. For all bachelor’s programs without a selection procedure, a [Study Preparation and Reflection Phase](https://www.tuwien.at/en/studies/studies/bachelor-programmes/study-briefly-explained/collection-of-keywords) (Programme-PRe-Phase) must be completed before admission. All of these procedures involve specific deadlines that must be strictly observed. Before starting your studies, you must complete the official enrollment process, which also takes place within a designated enrollment period. During enrollment, you will receive your [student identification number](https://www.tuwien.at/en/studies/studies/bachelor-programmes/study-briefly-explained/collection-of-keywords) (*Matrikelnummer*). With this number, you have officially begun your studies.

## How Does the Study Program Work?

Once you have your student ID number, you can register for courses within the designated registration periods and thus begin your studies. At the start of all bachelor’s programs there is a phase called [STEOP](https://www.tuwien.at/en/studies/studies/bachelor-programmes/study-briefly-explained/collection-of-keywords) (introductory and orientation phase). This must be completed before you are allowed to attend more advanced courses. Each course results in an individual examination certificate confirming successful completion. These certificates include your name, student ID number, the number of [ECTS credits](https://www.tuwien.at/en/studies/studies/bachelor-programmes/study-briefly-explained/collection-of-keywords), and the grade received. To use a certificate as proof of academic achievement — for example for graduation or for funding purposes — the grade must be positive. If you do not pass a course, you have the opportunity to attempt it again. Depending on the situation, this may require repeating the entire course or simply retaking the exam. The number of attempts allowed varies depending on your stage in the program. Please note, however, that too many failed attempts may lead to exclusion from the program. Since the winter semester 2022, there has also been a legally required minimum number of credits within two years. Failure to meet this requirement may also result in [exclusion from the programme](https://www.tuwien.at/en/studies/studying-at-tu-wien/closing-a-study-programme).

## Do You Still Have Questions?

TU Wien aims to make the start of your studies easier and to support a smooth transition from school to university. For this reason, the university offers several additional [orientation and support programmes](https://www.tuwien.at/en/studies/student-support) for new students. We strongly encourage you to take advantage of these opportunities to build a strong foundation for successful studies. You can find all degree programmes offered by the university under [Studies](https://www.tuwien.at/en/studies/studies).

## More information

- [TUW Accessibility](https://www.tuwien.at/en/tu-wien/a-university-for-all/tuw-barrier-free)
- [Admission to bachelor's programmes](https://www.tuwien.at/en/studies/admission)
- [TISS pre-registration](https://tiss.tuwien.ac.at/aufnahme/aufnahmeverfahren)
- [Pre-registration support](https://www.tuwien.at/en/studies/studies/contact-form)

## More information

- [TUW Accessibility](https://www.tuwien.at/en/tu-wien/a-university-for-all/tuw-barrier-free)
- [Admission to bachelor's programmes](https://www.tuwien.at/en/studies/admission)
- [TISS pre-registration](https://tiss.tuwien.ac.at/aufnahme/aufnahmeverfahren)
- [Pre-registration support](https://www.tuwien.at/en/studies/studies/contact-form)