You want to study without Matura in Austria? You are not alone. Thousands of working professionals start a degree each year without ever having completed the traditional school-leaving certificate. Austria offers three established paths to university access, each with different requirements, costs, and time commitments. Here is what you need to know.
Path 1: Studienberechtigungsprüfung (SBP)
The Studienberechtigungsprüfung is the most targeted route to study without Matura in Austria. It grants access to one specific field of study at universities and Fachhochschulen.
How it works:
- You choose your desired study field first. The SBP is then specific to that field.
- You take 4-5 exams: one essay (German), plus subject-specific exams depending on your chosen programme.
- Preparation courses are offered by universities, adult education centres (VHS), and private providers.
Requirements:
- Minimum age 20 (or 22 without professional experience)
- Proof of Austrian residency
- No prior educational qualification needed
Duration and costs:
- Preparation typically takes 6 to 12 months
- Costs: 500 to 2,000 euros for preparation courses, exams are usually free at universities
Advantage: It is the fastest route if you already know what you want to study. You do not need to cover broad general education topics outside your field.
Limitation: The SBP only opens the door to one specific study group. If you change your mind about your field, you may need additional exams.
Path 2: Berufsreifeprüfung (BRP)
The Berufsreifeprüfung (also called Berufsmatura) is the broadest option. It gives you full general university access, equivalent to the Matura. You can study any subject at any Austrian university or Fachhochschule.
How it works:
- You take 4 exams: German, Mathematics, a living foreign language (usually English), and one vocational subject from your professional field.
- Courses are offered by WIFI, BFI, VHS, and private institutions. Many offer evening and weekend formats for working professionals.
Requirements:
- Completed vocational training (apprenticeship, BMS, or equivalent)
- At least one exam must be taken at a recognised school or university
Duration and costs:
- 1.5 to 2 years part-time
- Costs: 3,000 to 5,000 euros total, depending on provider
- In many Austrian states, funding covers a significant portion (Bildungskonto, AK-Bildungsgutschein)
Advantage: Full university access with no restrictions on study field. The BRP is widely recognised and respected.
Limitation: Takes longer than the SBP and covers subjects you may not need for your specific study goal.
Good to know
You can start the Berufsreifeprüfung during your apprenticeship. The "Lehre mit Matura" programme allows apprentices to take BRP courses in parallel and complete the final exams after their apprenticeship. All costs are covered by the state.
Path 3: Professional Qualification (Berufliche Qualifikation)
Many Fachhochschulen and some universities accept students based on relevant professional experience alone. This path is especially common for applied programmes.
How it works:
- You apply directly to the programme with your professional CV and qualifications.
- The institution evaluates your experience. Some require additional entrance exams or preparatory courses.
- Meister (master craftsman) certificates, Werkmeister qualifications, and certain advanced vocational diplomas often grant direct access.
Requirements:
- Relevant professional experience, usually several years
- Varies by institution and programme
Duration and costs:
- No separate preparation needed if your qualifications are accepted
- Some programmes charge for entrance exams or bridging modules (a few hundred euros)
Advantage: No additional exams if your professional background matches the programme. Direct entry is possible.
Limitation: Only available at selected institutions and for selected programmes. Less standardised than the SBP or BRP.
Comparison: Which Path Suits You?
| Criterion | SBP | BRP | Professional Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|
| University access | One study group | Full access | Programme-specific |
| Duration | 6-12 months | 1.5-2 years | No extra time (if accepted) |
| Cost | 500-2,000 euros | 3,000-5,000 euros | Minimal |
| Best for | Career changers with a clear goal | Maximum flexibility | Experienced professionals |
German Distance Universities: Another Option
Here is something many Austrians overlook: many German distance learning universities accept students without Matura or Abitur based on professional qualification. If you have several years of work experience plus a vocational qualification, you may be eligible for direct admission, without any additional exams.
This applies to both public institutions like FernUni Hagen and private providers. The degrees are fully recognised in Austria. For many working professionals, this is the fastest path to a bachelor's degree.
Conclusion
Studying without Matura in Austria is not just possible, it is a well-established path. Whether you choose the SBP for speed, the BRP for full flexibility, or direct admission through professional qualification depends on your goals and your timeline. The important thing is that you do not let a missing Matura stop you from advancing your career. If you want to find out which route and programme fit your situation, book a free initial consultation. Together, we will map out your fastest path to a degree.