FAQs

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• I have heard Python mentioned as programming language, but not R. What programming language is most commonly needed?

  R is taught and used in some of our courses, but we teach programming principles with Python.
• Do I need German language skills for the programme?

  No, our Master programme Data Science is taught in English entirely. Please find all information about the recognised proofs of English proficiency at https://studieren.univie.ac.at/en/admission/english-language-proficiency/ You need at least level B2.
• Is there a minimum grade point average (GPA) to entering the programme?

  No, there is no minimum GPA.
• Which are the aspects most taken in consideration for the application ranking?

  Besides of the required documents for the application, the core will be the motivational letter (also: statement of purpose). There are templates for this letter on our website that you are expected to use. With your application we try to rank two areas: first, your motivation to study this specific programme at our university and second, your eligibility – we check if you have the appropriate background that you can be successful with a high probability. Ideally, you are highly motivated and you are suitable for our programme.
• How many applications have you received in the last years?

  The University of Vienna does not want to give out this information but we can assure that we received many more applications than there are available seats. Please do not underestimate the competition.
• Is there any plan to accept more than 40 students per programme for these Masters? What if you choose some students for admission and they chose not to study at Uni Vienna, will other students who did not get admission have the chance to be considered?

  No, there will be no further consideration. The 40 students mentioned already include an approximate average of students who will choose to decline our offer. The actual cohort sizes we aim for are smaller.
• If I already completed another Master’s degree, will it be considered in the application? Since in my case it is more relevant to Computer Science than my Bachelor’s in Business.

  It is fine to do another Master’s. At any rate you might want to explain your motivation (whatever your previous education is).
• What are the typical thesis written by the Data Science masters? Is it possible to work with companies and solve some sort of a business problem for them as our thesis (for example tuning a model for customer segmentation)?

  Sure! However, you will need to find a primary supervisor within the University of Vienna for many different reasons. One of them is to ensure quality and to finish the thesis within the programme. Many of the supervisors are very open to collaborations. Some of them already work with companies or offer application-driven thesis topics.
• Will my professional experience alter my chances of getting accepted?

  Practical or professional experience is always seen positively and usually helps with your application. However, your Bachelor degree remains of great importance. Extra curricula activities will help as well. Please keep in mind that the application process is competitive.
• I have graduated in International Business and have done course(s) in Data Science. Am I eligible to apply?

  You should make your case in your statement of purpose (motivational letter) because we consider that very carefully. If you apply for both Masters you should be serious about both and we would appreciate if you state a preference.
• There are other universities offering Master programmes in Data Science. Is the Masters programme at the University of Vienna more research oriented or more applied?

  We are definitely research oriented but with many options to explore applied fields.
• I am a mathematics student and did also do a lot of programming. How will I be able to prove further knowledge in addition to my Bachelor degree?

  With your mathematics background, you are eligible to apply for our Master programme. With your application, you are encouraged to also mention additional expertise you gained, e.g. in programming.
• In the first semester, I could not find a module that teaches programming. Is it assumed that students already have programming skills? And how advanced should these skills be?

  Yes, we expect you to know programming. We are aware that people come from diverse backgrounds. If you just started programming then you might need to invest more time to catch up but you might invest less time in another area. We see it as an opportunity to build study groups among your peers.
• Can I catch up with the necessary background?

  Each of the programmes has specific requirements with respect to your background. The purpose is that students can effectively deal with the demanding Master topics. Hence, you will need to bring the required background with you from your previous experience and programmes.
• Can I start in the summer semester instead of the fall semester?

  In short: yes. However, it is recommended that you start in the fall, since not all classes are offered in each semester and some classes build up specific expertise sequentially.
• Can I hold a job in parallel to progressing through the programme?

  While we understand the need to earn a living while studying, the Masters Business Analytics, Data Science and Digital Humanities are designed for full-time students and classes are offered throughout the day. We believe that you benefit the most, if you are carrying through your programme together with the cohort of students that you started with in order to enter the job market with your new qualifications as soon as possible.
• I do not have a computational background but would like to apply for the Data Science Master with my business background. Is it possible to do the necessary background in the first semester?

  The Data Science master's programme adresses students with background in either computer science, mathematics or statistics. Starting from a business background without profound knowledge in the fields mentioned before is very difficult and not recommended. You therefore also might not be chosen in the selection procedure.
• I am a non-Austrian citizen and I did not study in Austria. Do my documents need legalisation?

  Depending on the country of issuance, your documents may need legalisation. Please check on our website: https://studieren.univie.ac.at/en/admission/legalisation/
• Do you begin to evaluate applications before the application deadline?

  Yes, but your ranking is not influenced by the time of your submission as long as your application is received before the application deadline. We will rank all applications with the same chances.
• Are there workshops available through the university where admitted students can hone their abilities prior to the beginning of the programme?

  Currently no, but we are working towards it.
• Is there a possibility to receive the admission letter before the graduation from the previous university?

  No.
• What are the chances to get an internship after graduation or during the study? Do you have figures about graduated students’ career path after graduation?

  Since the programme is new, we do not have any statistics on career paths, yet. Furthermore, there is no systematic place for an internship in the programme, but there are chances to cooperate with companies during formats such as the Data Science Project.
• I am interested in PhD opportunities after Master’s. Will I be able to pursue research in depth on my specialisation areas upon the topics taught during the Master’s programme?

  Yes. However, there is no automatic admission into the PhD programme. Still, the hurdle is mostly bureaucratic if you find a champion/supervisor among the faculty members. The advantage of the new programmes is that they are tied to the Research Network Data Science. Please see more about the ongoing research on our website (About us > Our Scientific Staff) https://datascience.univie.ac.at/about-us/our-scientifc-staff/
• How much is the application fee?

  The application is free of charge. Please find all information about the tuition fee at https://studieren.univie.ac.at/en/tuition-fee/
• I have a Bachelor’s degree in Physics. Is it a good foundation?

  We will take your whole resume when we evaluate your ranking. You need to have good foundation in Mathematics, Statistics and/or Computer Science. If your education provides that we can rank you accordingly.
• How is Master’s programme Data Science different from the Master’s programme in Computer Science with specialisation in Data Science?

  The Master Data Science goes much deeper in mathematical and statistical concepts and provides the interdisciplinary component with Business Analytics and Digital Humanities. The Computer Science master (with a specialisation in Data Science) goes much deeper into computer science aspects such as software engineering, parallel programming and algorithms.
• Are there any exams or certificates that can improve the chance of being accepted such as high GMAT score?

  We will take your whole resume when we evaluate your ranking. Any experience will be incorporated accordingly. There are no specific certificates. However, the more exams/grades/certificates you have that prove your interest and ability to succeed, the better.
• Can I apply for Business Analytics and Data Science at the same time and if so does it increase my chances to be accepted?

  Yes, you can apply for both programmes. However, we should be clearly stating why you would want to study either degree and motive each application accordingly. Alternatively, we ask you to highlight what programme would be your priority.
• How is the selection procedure carried out?

  After a formal check by the Admission Office, all applications are reviewed and evaluated by a committee of faculty members. Then, the committee will create a rank-ordered list based on the qualifications and backgrounds of the applicants.
• How many students will be accepted for the programme?

  Each academic year, there are 40 places available.
• I would like to know if R, Tensorflow and Snowflake are touched on as tools?

  It highly depends on the instructor. However, Python is currently primarily used.
• Is it necessary to have CS-related Bachelor’s degree or can a person with work experience in programming also apply?

  We will evaluate your whole resume. However, the Master’s is geared toward students with a background in Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science.