Institute of Design

Institute of Design
University of Applied Arts
Vienna

+431 71133 2442
institut.design@uni-ak.ac.at

Institute of Design

Institute of Design
University of Applied Arts
Vienna

How to apply

The Institute of Design offers six artistic diploma programmes. Each department works as a vertical studio: students from all semesters work together on projects in small groups, in close contact with their teachers. Graduates receive the degree Magister/Magistra artium (Mag.art.).

Open House10 November 2026Meet the departments →

Our programmes

Each department has its own profile and its own requirements for the entrance exam. Please read the department page carefully before you prepare your portfolio.

The entrance exam

Admission to all programmes is based on an entrance exam, held once a year in two parts:

  1. Online portfolio submission

    Register and upload your application files at application.uni-ak.ac.at. The exam commission reviews your portfolio.

  2. Entrance exam

    If your portfolio is assessed positively, you are invited to the second part: practical tasks and an interview. Most departments hold it in Vienna; Industrial Design runs it on Zoom, Design Investigations lets you choose.

Dates for the academic year 2027/28

  1. 7–21 Jan 2027Online portfolio submissionuntil 1 pm (CET)
  2. early FebruaryInvitations to the exame.g. by 4 Feb for Fashion and Industrial Design
  3. 22 Feb – 5 Mar 2027Entrance examsexact days depend on the department
  4. by mid-March 2027Final results12 or 13 March, depending on the department

Studies begin in October 2027. If you pass, you can also start one year later, in October 2028.

Before you apply

  • Open HouseMeet the departments, see student work and ask questions – 10 November 2026.
  • Portfolio consultationsMost departments look at portfolios in advance – at the Open House or by appointment. Details are on the department pages.
  • International applicantsCheck the requirements for language skills, documents and visa early – these can take time. See Application and Admission.

Questions?