The Master of Arts in Social Sciences focuses on advanced competencies in social work and counseling. The program fosters interdisciplinary skills, encouraging students to analyze social issues and develop effective strategies to address them. Graduates are equipped for various roles within social services, community organizations, and research settings.
The curriculum covers a range of topics including social work theories, methods of social intervention, and the impact of digitalization on social practices. Students also study quantitative and qualitative research methodologies.
The program is structured over four semesters, culminating in a Master's thesis. It incorporates various modules focusing on both theoretical knowledge and practical application, including a research project.
Graduates will have developed significant analytical and methodological skills relevant to social work, along with leadership capabilities and a strong foundation in interdisciplinary approaches. They will be prepared for both practical and research-oriented roles in social services.
Periods can differ for EU/EEA and non-EU applicants. Always confirm on the official site before applying.
Winter 2026/27
€363 / semester
EU/EEA students, within the standard study period (plus the ~€25 ÖH student union fee per semester).
€727 / semester
Non-EU / third-country rate. Always confirm on the official site.
Third-country (non-EU/EEA) applicants generally need to have their prior qualifications legalised and translated for the admission application. Exact rules depend on the country that issued each document — always confirm with the university's admissions office.
Program-specific items — a CV, letter of motivation, an entrance exam (e.g. GMAT, GRE, SAT) or a portfolio — vary by degree. Check this program's requirements above and its official page.
The level of legalisation your certificates need depends on your country of origin:
Apostille
If your country is part of the Hague Apostille Convention, an Apostille from the competent authority of the issuing country is sufficient.
No legalisation
A small number of countries have a bilateral agreement with Austria and need no further legalisation.
Full diplomatic legalisation
For all other countries: the full chain — pre-certification by the issuing country's authorities (e.g. Ministry of Education and Ministry of Foreign Affairs), then legalisation by the competent Austrian representation (embassy/consulate).
Translations are usually done after legalisation. Check the required order with the issuing authorities and the Austrian representation.
After admission: proof of sufficient funds, health insurance and the student residence permit are part of the visa process — not university admission. We cover those in the guides.
FH Vorarlberg in Dornbirn is western Austria's applied-sciences hub for engineering, design, business, and social work, embedded in the Rhine Valley's industrial cluster.
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