Studying without the Matura or Abitur
Curiosity meets opportunity: A vocational qualification can make it possible to enter a bachelor’s program even without a general higher education entrance qualification such as the Austrian Matura or the German Abitur – what matters is your qualification and the supporting documentation.
What does studying without the Matura mean at FH Kufstein Tirol?
At FH Kufstein Tirol, you can enter a bachelor’s program even without the Matura or Abitur – depending on the degree program, your qualifications, and your documentation. What matters is your professional background and which program you want to study.
- “Without the Matura” doesn’t mean “without requirements” – but there are alternative admission routes.
- Depending on your situation, an additional exam may be required.
- Your degree is a regular bachelor’s degree – recognized and internationally transferable.
- The legal basis (Section 4(7) of the Austrian Universities of Applied Sciences Act, FHG): Applicants without a Reifeprüfung may be admitted if they can demonstrate relevant vocational qualifications. This includes an apprenticeship, training at a vocational secondary school, or comparable qualifications.
Which path is right for me?
HOW TO START YOUR STUDIES
-
Choose a degree program – filter by your interests in the Study Finder..
-
Clarify your admission route – submit the required documents for admission and, if applicable, take additional exams.
-
Apply online – we’ll guide you through the next steps.
Admission Pathways at a Glance:
Apprenticeship, master craftsperson qualification Or Vocational Secondary School (BMS)
In brief
- Often a great option when your training and the degree program are closely related.
- Additional examinations in German, English and mathmatics are required for all degree programs.
Who is this for?
For applicants with a completed apprenticeship, a vocational secondary qualification (BMS), or a master craftsperson qualification who want to enter a bachelor’s program in a related field.
Typical documentation
- Apprenticeship certificate/master craftsperson certificate, or equivalent proof of completion
- CV
- Proof of professional experience (employment references, description of responsibilities), if available
How it works
- Choose a degree program: use the Study Finder
- Apply online and upload your documents
- We review your eligibility and let you know whether any additional steps (e.g., an additional exam) are required.
Germany: studying in Austria without the Abitur
In brief
- Even without the Abitur, there are routes into a bachelor’s program – depending on your qualifications and documentation.
- We recommend a brief pre-check so you can quickly choose the right documentation pathway.
Who is this for?
For prospective students from Germany without the Abitur who have a vocational qualification or certain entitlements and want to study in Austria e.g., graduates of the FOS/BOS – advanced technical college (German only).
documentation
- Proof of vocational training (e.g., IHK/HWK credentials, vocational qualification)
- Proof of professional experience
- CV
- Optional: documentation of entitlements/continuing education
How it works
- Choose a degree program: use the Study Finder
- Apply online and upload your documents
- As part of the admissions process, we’ll clarify which documentation pathway applies to you (including any additional steps, if needed).
Note: Because qualifications and regulations can vary by German federal state and by qualification pathway, the binding assessment is based on your documents.
Studienberechtigungsprüfung or Berufsreifeprüfung
In brief
- If you already hold a higher-education entrance qualification, admission is straightforward.
- Depending on the degree program, additional documentation/steps may be required.
Who is this for?
For people who have completed a working student's entrance examination (Studienberechtigungsprüfung or Berufsreifeprüfung) or are close to completing it.
Typical documentation
- Certificate/confirmation of your higher-education entrance qualification
- CV
- If applicable: additional program-specific documentation (e.g., professional experience, language proficiency)
How it works
- Choose a degree program: use the Study Finder
- Apply online and upload your documentation
- We’ll review whether you meet the requirements or whether any additional steps are needed.
What to have ready for the clarification and your application
-
CV
-
Proof of qualifications (e.g., apprenticeship certificate, master craftsperson exam, transcripts/certificates)
-
Proof of professional experience (employment references, descriptions of responsibilities)
-
If applicable: documents for additional exams/language proficiency (if required)
Formal requirements
The specific admission requirements depend on the degree program and your educational background. Our admissions guide provides guidance on this.
Final confirmation will be provided as part of your online application.
Is a master’s degree possible without the Matura?
For a master’s program, you generally need a completed bachelor’s degree (or an equivalent post-secondary qualification).
If you’re unsure which route is available to you, we’ll be happy to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I start a bachelor’s degree without a Matura or Abitur at FH Kufstein Tirol?
Yes. If you have relevant professional qualifications, you can enter a bachelor’s program without a Matura (Austria) or Abitur (Germany), depending on the program, your background, and any required additional examinations. We assess your eligibility individually and provide a clear roadmap.
Does admission without a Matura or Abitur apply to all bachelor's degree programs?
Each program page explains which Austrian/German qualifications are recognized and whether additional examinations are required. Requirements differ by program.
What counts as a “relevant vocational qualification”?
“Relevant” means your vocational training/qualification aligns with the degree program you’ve chosen (e.g., a commercial apprenticeship → Business/Marketing).
What matters are the formal documents that prove your qualification (e.g., apprenticeship exam certificate and transcripts, and, if applicable, a master craftsperson/professional license).
Work experience and job descriptions are not decisive for this assessment.
What additional examinations might be required for a degree program if you don't have Matura or Abitur?
Depending on your background, subjects like mathematics, English, or business may be needed. You’ll receive clear information on content, dates, and preparation. You can take all preparation courses and additional examinations directly at the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol while studying for your degree. See our Course Finder for details.
What is the Studienberechtigungsprüfung?
The Studienberechtigungsprüfung (SBP) is an entrance qualification that allows you to enroll in a specific degree program (at a university or university of applied sciences), a specific postsecondary program (Kolleg), or a teacher-training university in Austria. It is program-specific and not a general higher-education entrance certificate.
Typical requirements include:
- a minimum age of 20
- citizenship of an EEA member state
- proof of relevant professional or non-professional prior experience/education related to the intended program of study
The SBP consists of five exams. The subjects and exam content are set by the respective institution. At FH Kufstein Tirol, this typically includes German, mathematics, English, and two elective subjects (chosen to match the intended program).
What is the Berufsreifeprüfung?
The Berufsreifeprüfung (BRP) is a qualification that provides full, unrestricted access to universities, universities of applied sciences (UAS), academies, and postsecondary programs (Kollegs) in Austria—meaning you can switch degree programs at any time.
To be eligible, you must have completed an initial vocational qualification, such as an apprenticeship, a vocational middle school, or nursing/healthcare training (or a comparable program). Before you can take the exams, you must submit an application for admission at a public upper secondary school (öffentliche höhere Schule).
The BRP consists of four partial exams: German, mathematics, a living foreign language, and a subject-area exam. The subject-area exam is always tied to your vocational background (often summarized as “German, math, English, and one subject-area/elective exam”).
Do my German apprenticeship, Meister/Fachwirt, or my Austrian apprenticeship qualify me?
Often, yes. Advanced vocational qualifications can enable admission. We review your documents individually and outline next steps after you submit your online application.
Can I apply if I’m missing some documents?
In many cases, yes. Submit what you have and provide missing items later. Use the application process and advising to clarify details.
Which documents do I need to apply without a Matura or Abitur?
Please have the following documents ready: To overview
Are there additional costs for exams or preparation?
Depending on the exam format, fees may apply. We provide transparent information about courses, tests, dates, costs and recommended preparation options.
Are part‑time or online options available, including for cross‑border commuters?
Yes. Many programs are offered part‑time and/or include online components. FH Kufstein Tirol is conveniently located near the German border.
What’s the fastest next step?
Open the Study Finder, choose your program, start the online application – the final confirmation will then be provided by our Admission & study counseling team.