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 7 January, 13:00 – 21 January 2027, 13:00 (CET)

2. Invitation to the Entrance Exam 2027
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 on three days between 22 February to 5 March 2027, exact dates to be announced soon.

3. Entrance Exam: Online or In-person
Conducted on three days between 22 February to 5 March 2027, exact dates to be announced soon, via zoom or on location, it’s up to you! Over the course of the three exam days 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. Important note: You have to attend all three days!

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 26,20 – EUR 792,92 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,  Katharina Day.

We can’t wait to meet you!