ECTS, STEOP and Bologna: How Austria’s University System Works

If you are planning to study at a university in Austria, you will quickly encounter three terms: Bologna, ECTS and STEOP. They describe the structure of degree programmes, how academic performance is measured and what is expected during the first semester.

What is the Bologna Process?

The Bologna Process (Bologna-Prozess) is a reform of European higher education. The declaration on which it is based was signed in 1999 by 29 European states. Its aim was to create a European Higher Education Area (Europäischer Hochschulraum, EHR), where students, teachers and researchers can move more easily and degree programmes are transparent and comparable.

The European Higher Education Area was proclaimed in 2010 at the anniversary conference in Budapest and Vienna. Today, 49 European countries and the European Commission participate in it. The representation of Russia and Belarus was suspended in April 2022. Participation is voluntary: countries commit to adapting their own systems in line with the shared objectives.

The main elements are:

• easy-to-understand and comparable qualifications,
• a three-cycle degree structure: Bachelor, Master and Doktor/PhD,
• the ECTS credit system,
• support for mobility and lifelong learning,
• shared European quality assurance.

What does ECTS mean?

ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) is the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System. At Austrian universities, subjects and stages of study are measured in ECTS credits (ECTS-Anrechnungspunkte).

Within the European Union, ECTS makes it easier to recognise study and examination achievements mutually. This is particularly useful if you change your degree programme or institution, or spend a semester abroad.

Recognition: how much previous learning can count?

If you have already covered the content of a subject, you can apply for recognition of learning achievements (Anerkennung von Lernleistungen). Once recognised, you do not have to take the relevant examination again. Recognition is not automatic and must be requested.

• Previous study at a recognised domestic or foreign higher education institution: no specified limit.
• General education or vocational secondary school, such as HAK or HTL: up to 60 ECTS.
• Validation of vocational or other qualifications, if permitted by the institution’s statutes: up to 60 ECTS.
• The two latter categories together: a total of up to 90 ECTS.

At universities and Pädagogische Hochschulen, the body responsible for academic administration decides on study-related matters. At Fachhochschule institutions, the programme management decides. Before an Erasmus stay, you can ask for the possible recognition of foreign subjects to be determined in advance. In joint programmes, this is already part of the programme.

What is STEOP and when must you complete it?

STEOP (Studieneingangs- und Orientierungsphase) is the introductory and orientation phase of a degree programme. It is intended for every new student and provides an overview of the essential content of the programme.

STEOP is part of every Bachelor and Diplomstudium, except at art universities. It also applies to the remaining Diplomstudien, including law and Catholic theology. In medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine and psychology, STEOP may be omitted by regulation.

• Timing: first semester.
• Scope: at least 8 and no more than 20 ECTS.
• Number of examinations: at least two.
• Examination dates: at least two per semester, with one allowed outside the teaching period.
• Retakes: three as a general rule.
• Subjects that may be taken in advance: up to 22 ECTS according to the curriculum.

As a general rule, you can only complete further subjects and examinations after passing all STEOP examinations. The curriculum (Curriculum) may provide an exception and allow up to 22 ECTS of subsequent subjects to be taken before STEOP is completed. Examination dates must be arranged so that students who pass STEOP can continue in the following semester.

Important: If you fail one of the required STEOP examinations at the final permitted attempt, your admission (Zulassung) to that degree programme ends.

Who can begin university studies in Austria?

The usual basis for university study is the school-leaving examination (Reifeprüfung, Matura). The qualification from a general academic secondary school (AHS) permits study at a university, Fachhochschule or Pädagogische Hochschule. The school-leaving and diploma examination from a vocational secondary school (BHS) also provides this entitlement.

Some degree programmes require an additional examination (Zusatzprüfung) in Latin, Greek, descriptive geometry or biology if you did not study the subject for the required number of lessons at school. For Latin, for example, this is not required if you successfully completed at least 10 weekly lessons.

There is also a route without a school-leaving examination: the university entrance qualification examination (Studienberechtigungsprüfung). The requirements include being 20 years old, being an EU or EEA citizen or belonging to a specified group of people, and having suitable previous education. It consists of five partial examinations and only provides access to the selected group of degree programmes.

Frequently asked questions

How many ECTS credits is STEOP worth?

Depending on the degree programme, at least 8 and no more than 20 ECTS credits.

How many times can I retake a STEOP examination?

As a general rule, three times, just like other examinations.

Can learning from HTL or HAK be recognised?

Yes, on application, up to 60 ECTS. Together with other qualifications, a total of up to 90 ECTS can be recognised.

Does every degree programme have STEOP?

No. It does not apply at art universities, and it may be omitted by regulation in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine and psychology.

Practical steps before starting your studies

1. Check whether your school-leaving qualification provides access to the chosen type of institution and degree programme.
2. Read the programme’s Curriculum to confirm the STEOP scope, examination dates and any subjects that may be taken in advance.
3. Ask the responsible academic administration or Fachhochschule programme management about recognition of previous study or qualifications.
4. Submit recognition applications before registering for examinations that may no longer be necessary.
5. If you plan an Erasmus stay, request advance confirmation of which foreign subjects can be recognised.
6. Plan carefully for the STEOP examinations, since failing the final permitted attempt ends your Zulassung to the degree programme.