Overview
The Berufsreifeprüfung (BRP) is an Austrian qualification equivalent to a full school-leaving Matura, but designed for adults and people in vocational training rather than school pupils. It is delivered through the Volkshochschulen (public adult education centres) network and coordinated by the Verband Österreichischer Volkshochschulen (Association of Austrian Adult Education Centres). Passing it gives, in principle, unrestricted access to study at Austrian universities, teacher education colleges (Pädagogische Hochschulen), universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen), academies and colleges.
Who can take it
Candidates need a completed vocational qualification (Berufsausbildung) and must reach the minimum age of 19 by the time of their last exam. People still completing their vocational training can apply for conditional admission. Apprentices can use the subsidised "Lehre mit Matura" model, which varies by federal state (Bundesland).
Structure
| Exam | Subject |
|---|---|
| 1 | German (Zentralmatura standard) |
| 2 | Mathematics (Zentralmatura standard) |
| 3 | A living foreign language (e.g. English) |
| 4 | Fachbereich — a subject area drawn from the candidate's vocational training |
The four exams are sat as separate "Teilprüfungen" (partial exams) at Matura level, each requiring its own admission decision ("Zulassungsentscheid") issued by an authorised "Externistenprüfungsschule" (an AHS or BHS school). Some language diplomas can substitute for the foreign-language exam, and certain vocational qualifications can substitute for the Fachbereich exam.
What it covers
Content follows the standard Austrian Matura syllabus for German and Mathematics; the foreign-language exam follows standard living-language Matura requirements; the Fachbereich exam is tied to the subject area of the candidate's own vocational training.
Recognition
The BRP is recognised on the Austrian labour market as the formal "Matura" qualification, with access rights equivalent to a school-based Reifeprüfung (AHS or BHS Matura), including access to universities, Pädagogische Hochschulen, Fachhochschulen, academies and colleges.
Fees and funding
Course and exam costs are treated as vocational further-education expenses and can be subsidised through several channels: state (Bundesland) education grants, education vouchers from the regional Chamber of Labour (Arbeiterkammer), some trade unions, the Arbeitsmarktservice (Weiterbildungsgeld or Bildungsteilzeitgeld), and family allowance (Familienbeihilfe) for participants up to age 24 under general rules. Course fees are also tax-deductible as education costs. Funding options vary by federal state.
How to register
Candidates apply for a Zulassungsentscheid (admission decision) for the BRP at an Externistenprüfungsschule, then take courses and sit exams through their chosen Volkshochschule location.
Preparation tips
An alternative path — the Studienberechtigungsprüfung (SBP) — is available for candidates who already know exactly which specific degree they want to study and meet its vocational prerequisites; Volkshochschule locations advise on which route fits.
How many exams make up the Berufsreifeprüfung?
Four: German, Mathematics, a living foreign language, and a Fachbereich exam tied to the candidate's vocational training.
What is the minimum age to complete the BRP?
19 years old, reached by the time of the last of the four exams.
Does the BRP give the same access as a school Matura?
Yes. It carries the same access rights as an AHS or BHS Reifeprüfung, including access to Austrian universities, Fachhochschulen, Pädagogische Hochschulen, academies and colleges.
Is there an alternative if I already know which degree I want?
Yes, the Studienberechtigungsprüfung (SBP), aimed at candidates who meet the vocational prerequisites for one specific programme.