Admission to Design Investigations
University of Applied Arts Vienna

At Design Investigations, we are interested in what makes you, You. Your personality, your thinking, your imagination, your aesthetics, your inspirations, your determination. Our admission process has been designed for you to showcase your potential.

If you’d like to join our department, then it is easy to apply. Below we explain the step-by-step process you will need to follow.

Application Process

1. Register Online
The first step will be to register online via the central registration tool of the University of Applied Arts Vienna.

Portfolio Submission: When you register online, you will be asked to submit a digital portfolio. Rather than a conventional portfolio, at Design Investigations, we ask you to submit between 1 to 3 images that speaks to the way you think and work, and represent your skills, interests and experience. The chosen image/s can be of your own work or something that encapsulates your creative interests. We can’t wait to see your ideas!

Important note: The Registration period is 8 January, 13:00 – 22 January 2026, 13:00 (CET)

2. Invitation to the Entrance Exam in February 2026
After you register online and submit your selection of image/s, we will send out an email, inviting you to the entrance exam, which will be held between 23 February and 6 March 2026. Exact dates to be announced!

3. Entrance Exam: Online or In-person
Conducted via zoom or on location, it’s up to you! Over the course of the exam day you will work on a number of fun and engaging design-related tasks and projects and get feedback from us. You will then be invited to join us for an interview where we will talk about your journey so far and your hopes for your future.

4. Selection of Successful Candidates
Following the entrance exam and interview process, we will then announce the selection of our future students. Some of our students are very young when they join us, others are more experienced. We love this mix!

Fees
Between EUR 22,70 – EUR 749,42 per semester. The fee structure varies depending on your nationality. More information on your specific fee obligating can be found on the Financial Issues website.

Enquiries
If you have any further questions about our admission process or fees, please contact our Studio Coordinator,  Mallos Zahradník.

We can’t wait to meet you!