This will help you score points when applying for your dream degree programme

A degree programme at FH Burgenland opens up countless opportunities in your professional life.

The only question that remains is how best to gain admission to your chosen degree programme. We can't guarantee you an acceptance letter with this blog post, but we can give you a few tips for your application. That's why we've picked out three degree programmes, namely the Bachelor of Midwifery, Bachelor of Social Work and the Master of Digital Media and Communication, and asked the questions that might be buzzing around in your head: How can I make my application stand out? What do I need to bring with me to increase my chances of getting a place on the programme? What is particularly important when selecting applicants? And what is the best way to prepare for the admissions process? Our programme directors will provide you with the answers in person.

"In the interview, you should be able to explain why you want to do this particular degree programme. Why do you think you are particularly well suited to being a midwife?"

Beate Kayer, Head of the Bachelor of Midwifery programme

What general tips should applicants follow?

Letter of motivation: You should be able to succinctly explain why you want to become a midwife or what is of personal interest in your field of work. A few sentences about your own personality, characteristics and talents and how these match the requirements profile of the midwifery profession are also relevant in the letter of motivation. Personal key experiences or experiences in the professional field can also be mentioned.

Admission interview: Applicants should be able to demonstrate that they have familiarised themselves with the midwifery profession. For example, they should be familiar with their area of work and responsibilities. Where do midwives work and what are their specific tasks? You should be able to answer these questions.

What additional experience and qualifications increase the chances of getting a place?

An interview with a midwife or a taster internship can be a plus point in the application process. However, the latter is not a prerequisite, as they are very difficult to obtain. An interest in women's health issues and the healthcare system in Austria is also an advantage. It also doesn't hurt to take a look at the curriculum.

What is the focus when selecting applicants? 

Personality and interests, verbal expression and communication skills, as well as the ability to deal with stressful situations and personal demeanour all play a role in the selection process.

What is the best way to prepare for the admission procedure, i.e. the test and the interview?

The test includes questions from the fields of biology (upper secondary school knowledge), psychology, general questions on healthcare, English, linguistic aptitude and spatial awareness. You can prepare well with conventional test training in book form or online.

For the interview, as already mentioned, I recommend that you familiarise yourself intensively with the job description and explain why you want to study this particular profession or why you think you are well suited to it.
 

"The most important thing is not the best grades or top employers, but the personal story."

Michael Roither, Head of the Digital Media and Communication Master's programme

What general tips should applicants keep in mind? 

Be authentic: The admission procedure is about clarifying the ‘fit’ between potential students and the degree programme - for both sides. This is only possible if both sides are open and honest about their requirements, expectations and wishes. Prospective students should present themselves as they are: In the letter of motivation, in the portfolio, in the interview. No more, no less.

Be relaxed: You are always at your best in ‘play mode’. This applies to the degree programme as well as the admission procedure. This is not an ‘exam’, but a dialogue that is about gaining the best possible understanding of the other side. Based on this, a decision is made as to whether you will continue together for four semesters. Please note: Being relaxed does not mean that you should not be serious, focussed and committed!

Be realistic: Studying and working in a relevant field is important on a part-time degree programme. But 120 ECTS in four semesters is not something you can do ‘on the side’. If you think you can work more than 25-30 hours alongside your studies, you need a very good explanation. Realistically, and speaking from experience, full-time is not an option. Despite working, you need to be committed to your studies and the many things you can ‘pick up’ here.

What additional experience and qualifications increase the chances of getting a place on the programme?

The ideal combination consists of one to three years of relevant professional experience and a relevant previous degree in the broad field of communication-media-marketing. Without relevant professional experience, it will be difficult, although applicants who are top in all areas and who ‘only’ have good internships and/or smaller jobs, for example, also have a chance of being accepted. Conversely, extensive relevant professional experience can also ‘compensate’ for a non-relevant previous degree programme.

Any commitment in the subject area is good - even private or voluntary work. So: Even small things are worth mentioning in this regard and enrich the image of the interested person.

What is the focus when selecting applicants?

The most important thing is not the best grades or top employers, but the personal story. How does the degree programme fit into my ‘plan’, what ideas do I have and where do I possibly want to go with it? Nevertheless, the same applies here: The idea can still be vague. The important thing is that it is consistent and reflective - and that the ambition and will to develop further is tangible.

What is the best way to prepare for the interview?

By being aware of the things already mentioned and preparing your application in an authentic, relaxed, realistic, but also committed and reflective way. ‘Be yourself’ instead of “Fake it till you make it”: The latter may be “in” for some start-ups in Silicon Valley, but it doesn't lead to success when it comes to the Master's programme - and even in Silicon Valley it's more likely to lead to prison sentences instead of fame and fortune. *smiles* 
 

Of course, our range of degree programmes covers much more - a total of 25 degree programmes - so it's worth taking a look at our five departments:

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

ECONOMY

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT

HEALTH

In the degree programme of your choice, you will not only find an explanation of the respective admission procedure, but also further application tips that will guide you to your studies at FH Burgenland.

Do you have questions about the application process?

You can find all the relevant information via the links below! Simply register online for the admission procedure for the 2022/2023 academic year! Applications for individual degree programmes are still possible after the official application deadline. You can also contact us by email at beratung@hochschule-burgenland.at or on +43 5 7705-3500. Here you can find all information about our

• available places on our Bachelor's and Master's degree programmes.

You can apply for Bachelor's and Master's degree programmes or our PhD programmes right here:

Online application