How to apply for Austrian art university: Maria Pylypenko’s experience
Office Ukraine is launching a series of experience reports from students on enrolment in Austrian art universities. Many Ukrainians who visit our office are interested in how they can continue their education in Austria and what benefits this will bring. Art universities differ from other educational institutions in that they do not offer a classical liberal arts education, but provide an opportunity to develop creative skills and become part of the art world. However, getting in requires a lot of effort, as competition for places is quite high. We decided to ask Ukrainians who are already studying in Austria how they managed to do it and what advice they can give to those who are just thinking about applying.
Tell us briefly which department you’re studying in and how the educational process is structured. What are the main differences compared to the Ukrainian system?
My name is Maria Pylypenko, and I am an artist and a student at the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna, Institute for Fine Arts, Drawing class.
Looking back at the not-so-distant past, a time when uncertainty and disorientation settled close, and the question of shaping a fragile future arose, the Academy became, and continues to be, that steel support – the backbone of my life. It offered a community, a shared space – both physical and intellectual – a certain philosophy of life, and opened the door into its own small universe at Schillerplatz 3. At the centre of this intimate world, which I was fortunate to enter, stands the Drawing Class of Professor Veronika Dirnhofer, and her assistant – Steffi Alte. In expressing my deep gratitude to Veronika – whose kindness, support, inner strength, and empathy continue to inspire and give me faith – I want to emphasize the profound role a professor plays in a student’s life.
Having gone through the Ukrainian system of art education – earning a Bachelor’s degree in Easel Painting and another in Art Theory and History at the National Academy of Fine Arts and Architecture in Kyiv – I can outline some of the key differences in approach at the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna:
- The Fine Arts program is divided into 2 parts of 4 semesters each (a total of 8 semesters – 4 years). However, most students choose to study longer than the standard duration.
- Upon graduation, students are awarded the academic degree Magister artium (Master of Arts).
- The Institute for Fine Arts is divided into 4 departments, each of which comprises several classes (Studios) whose focus and methodology are shaped by the professor in charge: Art and Image (Drawing, Abstract Painting, Figurative Painting, Graphics, Expanded Pictorial Space, Contextual Painting), Art and Time (Film, Photography, Media Art, Performance, Video), Art and Space (Installation, Object, Spatial Strategies), Art and Intervention (Research, Concept, Public Space, Environment).
- Each class includes between 20 and 50 students at different stages of their studies (from first-year students to diploma candidates). Depending on the class and department, students share a studio space where they independently work on their own projects, without assigned tasks or constant evaluation or quality control from the professor.
- Once a week, a class meeting is held – a session where the professor and students gather to discuss current topics, present their work, or plan upcoming activities (group projects, exhibition visits, cultural events, etc.).
- Beyond studio work, students are free to register for lectures or courses from any department via the online platform and attend them throughout the semester.
- For attending courses and working in the studio, students receive ECTS credits – essentially “academic currency” (usually 17 credits for work in the studio, about 2 for theoretical and 4 for practical courses). Upon collecting 240 ECTS credits, students are eligible to graduate and receive their diploma.
- Grades do not play a significant role in the academic process and are known only to the student and the professor – serving as a personal indicator of progress.
- Critical thinking, proactivity, openness, and self-organization are valued more highly than technical perfection.
How do the entrance exams work? How many stages are there? Was it easy for you to get in, and how long did you prepare?
The entrance exam for the Fine Arts program usually takes place between February and May and consists of two stages: the first is an online registration and portfolio submission; the second includes a practical assignment and an interview. Language certificates, a school diploma, or any other educational documents are not required for admission.
Stage one: During registration, applicants choose one of three fields they work in – Painting and Photography, Sculpture, or Media Art. It is not possible to apply directly to a specific class – the professors of each class (Drawing, Abstract Painting, Installation, etc.) decide independently whether they want to admit a particular student.
After completing the online registration, all applicants receive a confirmation email containing a registration number and a link where the digital portfolio should be uploaded.
Stage two: In early May, applicants selected based on their portfolio receive an email with the date of their personal interview and the instruction to create one artistic work of any kind in advance. The interview may include a discussion of that work, the submitted portfolio, and the applicant’s artistic practice. For Painting and Photography, interviews are held in person at the Academy; for Sculpture and Media Art, they take place online. The interview lasts about 20–30 minutes and is conducted in either German or English.
Admission results are announced at the end of May. All applicants are notified by email, and the list of admitted students is published on the Academy’s bulletin board.
However, the admission requirements may change, so I recommend checking the most up-to-date information on the Academy’s website:
https://www.akbild.ac.at/en/studies/admission-examinations/fine-arts
Entering the Academy is always a complex process, and preparation mainly means developing your portfolio – which, in my case, was far from perfect. Still, I’m deeply grateful to everyone who supported me along the way – it meant the world to me.
Are there any selection criteria you think applicants should keep in mind?
Based on my own experience and observations, I’d say that the conceptual strength of the work plays a key role. Technical skill is seen more as a complement than a primary criterion. What matters, in my opinion, is that the portfolio reflects a sense of individuality – the ability to think independently, to question, and to engage with context. The work doesn’t need to appear academically “perfect” – in fact, what’s valued is a sense of process, exploration, doubt, and personal thinking.
The interview is also an important moment – it’s a chance to talk about yourself, explain your work, and share your approaches and ideas. It’s not about having the “right” answers, but about being open to conversation, able to articulate your thoughts and reflect on your practice. It helps the committee better understand your perspective and motivation.
How should one prepare for admission? Does age or prior experience matter? How much emphasis is placed on the portfolio?
Age is not a determining factor in the admissions process. Still, from what I’ve seen, only a small number of applicants are admitted straight after finishing school, around the age of 18. Most students begin their studies after gaining some life or professional experience – either within the arts or beyond.
Previous art education or professional experience in the field isn’t required, but a sense of personal maturity, independence in decision-making, and clarity of intention can be a real advantage, no matter your age.
The portfolio is at the heart of the admissions process. Preparing it is the most important part of applying. It’s not just about gathering works, but also about reflecting on them – choosing pieces that genuinely express your way of thinking and working. The portfolio is a space for self-presentation, a way for professors to get a sense of your potential.
I’d recommend exploring the Academy’s online platform KIOSK, which was created specifically for applicants. In particular, the video “7 Portfolio Tips” by students André Rachadel and Luiza Furtado:
What advice would you give to those preparing to apply?
First of all – don’t be afraid. The process can seem overwhelming at first, but everything becomes much clearer once you take the time to explore it step by step. I recommend carefully reading the up-to-date admissions information on the Academy’s website and checking out the materials available on the KIOSK platform.
When preparing your portfolio, it’s important to be honest with yourself: choose the works that truly feel meaningful to you – not the ones you think are supposed to impress, but the ones that carry something real, something personal and alive.
