Scenography for the study year 2026/2027
Admission Examination
Online registration and upload at: www.akbild.ac.at/admission (Link tba) from January 26 until February 22, 2026
The admission examination aims to ascertain whether somebody is sufficiently talented for the central artistic subject.
The examination consists of two parts.
Part 1 of the admission exam (online)
NON PLACES
French anthropologist Marc Augé coined the term ‘non-places’. He uses this term to define spaces that were designed for a specific purpose, usually in the areas of transport, leisure or commerce. These are places that have little cultural or historical identity of their own, are temporary and can be reproduced. In capitalist society, they are increasingly moving into city centres. Places such as shopping malls, amusement and leisure parks, waiting rooms, railway stations, bus and underground stations that all look the same.
Augé explained that the connection between the individual and their environment of many ‘non-places’ is mainly established through words and texts. Quote: "The imagination of those who have not yet been to Tahiti or Marrakesh can run wild as soon as they read or hear these names. Some television quiz shows owe their popularity to the fact that they offer high prizes, including trips (a week for two people in a three-star hotel in Morocco / 14 days all-inclusive in Florida) whose mere mention delights viewers (...) Some places exist only through the words that describe them and are, in this sense, “non-places” or rather imaginary places, banal utopias, clichés. These places exist all over the world.
1. Explore the concept of “non-places” and find places that interest you. What experiences did you have with these places?What do you associate with the term and how can you translate it into drawings, photographs and a model?
2. Write a short text explaining the content of your implementation
3. Letter of motivation: Send us a CV and a short text stating your main reasons for wanting to study stage design.
4. Send us a digital portfolio with a selection of your work.
Registration and upload of documents: Monday, January 26 to Sunday, February 22, 2026, online
Announcement of the results of part 1: March 3, 2026, 6:00 p.m. by email
Part 2 of the admission exam
- Only for admitted candidates
- In person, from Monday, May 18, 2026, to Thursday, May 21, 2026, at the Department of Scenography, Lehárgasse 8, 3rd floor, A-1060 Vienna
Announcement of the results of the admission exam: Thursday, May 21, 2026, 7:00 p.m. by email.
The entrance examination is only passed if both parts have been successfully completed.
Announcement of candidates who have passed the entrance examination: Thursday, May 21, 2025, from 7 p.m. by email.
The Academy of Fine Arts Vienna actively supports applications from people with disabilities and strives to make the admission process as accessible as possible. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Christina Fasching at the Student Welcome Center. Please send an email to studentwelcome@akbild.ac.at.
Language Competency
Language requirements for the admission exam: The admission exam can be done either in German or English. Applicants who do not speak English or German can bring a translator to the oral exam (interview with the professors), detailed information will be submitted within the admission procedure.
Language requirements for students:After passing the admission exam and enrolling as a regular student/degree student, our students have two semesters time to achieve German on level German B1 or German A2 and additionally SE Foreign Languages for Artists
Before enrolling for the third semester (after one year of studies), our students have to prove German knowledge by presenting an official certificate for German B1 or German A2 and additionally SE Foreign Languages for Artists
For further information see: www.akbild.ac.at/en/studies/general-study-information/language-competency
As a major part of our courses/lectures are held in German or German/English, it is essential to speak and understand German.