Studies-Relevant Legal News
Amendment to the Austrian Universities Act, 2021 – Significant Changes Regarding Matters Dealt with by the Director of Studies
(takes effect beginning with the winter semester of 2022/23)
1. Credit Recognition (repealed with effect from 1 May 2024):
The recognition of examinations, other work relevant to one’s programme of study, professional activities, and similar completed prior to beginning one’s studies must, without exception, be requested from the Director of Studies by the end of the 2nd semester of one’s programme of study at the latest! This rule shall apply to all students independent of when they commenced their present programmes of study. This means that for students who began their programme of study during the winter semester of 21/22 (or earlier!), recognition of pre-studies work as described above is possible only until 30 September 2022!
For this reason, we request that you submit your credit recognition application (Anerkennungsantrag) to the Office of the Director of Studies (studiendirektorin@mdw.ac.at) in a timely manner.
2. Approval of Student Leave:
Starting on 1 October 2022, there will be a new legally recognised reason for leave—namely, temporary impairment due to incapacitation (e.g., episodes or operations associated with existing health problems and/or disabilities).
Also NEW: In cases where legal grounds for leave arise unexpectedly and unavoidably, it will be possible to apply for leave during the entire semester. Studies-related work done up to the point in time at which one’s period of leave began will be recognised!
The most important questions and answers for students pertaining to the 2021 amendment to the Austrian Universities Act can be found at the website of the Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research:
University Statutes
On 1 April 2019, an all-new version of the “Legal Aspects of Studies” section of the mdw’s University Statutes took effect. The updated version can be found at the web presence of the mdw Senate.
University Bulletin
The University Bulletin is where all mdw rules and procedures stemming from studies-relevant laws, all curricula, and changes thereto are published. The individual issues of the University Bulletin can be found at https://www.mdw.ac.at/mitteilungsblatt.
Conditions under Which Examinations Are Administered at the mdw
Legal information and frequently asked questions related thereto are summarised in a brochure (PDF) they can be accessed at the web presence of the Vice Rector for Academic Affairs and Young Artists’ Promotion.