Admission

Yes, EcoS is designed as a full-time master's programme. Each semester typically includes an average of 30 ECTS credits. Therefore, we highly recommend that students commit to full-time study for this programme. Please also mind the heavier workload during those semesters in which you expect to take language courses.

EcoS is a multidisciplinary programme, attracting students from various academic backgrounds. Eligible majors include (but are not limited to) bachelor's degrees in East Asian studies (including Chinese, Japanese, and Korean Studies), Business Administration, International Business Administration, Economics, and Political Science. This is just a small selection of possible majors; many others are also eligible. We have previously welcomed students with backgrounds in engineering, law, agriculture, and more, provided they have a strong interest in the East Asian region. Generally, your previous studies should have a strong theoretical or methodological focus relevant to the EcoS programme.

The EcoS MA programme is designed to be completed in four semesters, according to the curriculum and ideal ECTS distribution. There is a buffer of two additional semesters, for a total of six semesters of regular study. 

By the EcoS curriculum, all three languages (Chinese, Japanese, and Korean) are taught at a beginner's level. If any of these languages were part of your previous study programme, you are required to take a different one.

The majority of EcoS courses are held via continuous sessions throughout the semester. This requires periodical attendance in person (i.e., weekly basis). Some courses might offer selected units online. Make sure to read the course instructions on u:find closely. 

You must have completed your degree to be admitted to our study programme. If you are near completion, an individual assessment of your study progress will determine whether you may participate in the selection procedure. For this purpose, please merge your transcript of records into one PDF file. Only a maximum of 30 ECTS may be left until completion by the time you apply.

To assess if your documents are eligible as a proof of your English language proficiency, please carefully read the respective guide of the Teaching Affairs and Study Services.

The letter of motivation provides an opportunity for you to detail your specific skills, motivations, and academic goals for joining the EcoS programme. Instead of a traditional essay, we require you to complete a standardised questionnaire. This questionnaire is designed to address all criteria essential for the application approval process. Consequently, the specific answers you provide to each question represent the most critical component of your application.

Admission and rejection notifications are typically dispatched within 6 to 12 weeks following the application deadline. Please note, however, that this time frame may vary.

Participants in the EcoS programme are indeed encouraged to pursue internships or study abroad opportunities to enrich their academic experience. For detailed information about study abroad options, please click HERE.

Interships offer valuable practical experience. But please keep in mind that such activities cannot be credited towards your ECTS study progress.

Depending on your pre-existing qualifications and the skills you acquire during the programme, as an EcoS graduate, you may find a wide range of potential employment opportunities in fields that require a strong social-scientific and methodological knowledge of East Asia as a region. We are very proud that our graduates work in many different fields, ranging from politics and diplomacy to journalism, the non-profit sector and, of course, business (from SMEs to large multinationals in Europe and Asia). Many graduates have made professional careers in academia, consulting, organisations focusing on security or development, policy or banks, and other financial institutions.

As Vienna is a United Nations' host city (UNIDO, IAEA, UNDOC ...), there are also many other international organisations located here, with many non-Austrian citizens finding opportunities to work in an international environment during or after their studies in Vienna.

Learn more from current and former students' experience on the website for Teaching Affairs and Student Services, under the section: Focus on East Asian Economy and Society (EcoS).