Welcome to Your Future at GRACE!
The GRACE Joint Master Programme is designed for ambitious individuals ready to lead in XR and gamification. Follow this step-by-step guide to complete your application.
1. Key Dates to Remember
- New application date: June 30, 2025
- 27 August 2025: On-site registration
- September 2025: Programme start
2. Do You Meet the Requirements?
Applicants must hold one of the following degrees (or an equivalent university diploma):
🎓 Bachelor of Science (BSc)
🎓 Bachelor of Engineering (BEng)
In one of the following fields:
- Game Development
- Game Design
- Creative Computing
- Creative Media and Game Technologies
- Digital Games
- Information Technology
- Multimedia Technology
- Computer Science in Real-Time Interactive Simulation
- Extended Reality (XR)
- Expanded Reality
- AR/VR/XR Development & Design
- XR Design
- Proof of English language proficiency for non-native speakers:
- IELTS (minimum 6.5 overall, no band below 6.0).
- TOEFL iBT (minimum 90).
- Cambridge CAE/CPE (minimum score of 180).
- Â Proof of Exemption:
Applicants may be exempt from providing a test score if they meet one of the following criteria:- Completed a full bachelor’s or master’s degree taught entirely in English (must provide an official certificate or transcript stating the language of instruction).
- Hold citizenship from a country where English is the primary official language (e.g., USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland).
- Completed secondary education (high school) in an English-medium institution in an English-speaking country.
- Other official proof from a university confirming the applicant’s studies were fully conducted in English.
- Upload your test results or an official document confirming your exemption.
Your portfolio is an essential part of your application. It allows us to assess your technical skills, creativity, and problem-solving approach in XR/Gamification-related projects. We are not just interested in final results—we want to understand your role in the development process and how you approach challenges.
What should your portfolio include?
Your portfolio should showcase your most relevant work, providing insight into both your technical abilities and creative problem-solving skills. Each project should include:
Project Description & Context
- What was the goal of the project? What problem were you trying to solve?
- Was this an individual project or part of a team?
Your Role & Contributions<
- What specific responsibilities did you have?
- Which aspects did you personally work on (e.g., programming, design, research, testing)?
- What tools, software, or technologies did you use?
Challenges & Learning Outcomes
- What difficulties did you encounter, and how did you overcome them?
- What did you learn from this project that will help you in GRACE?
Technical Complexity & Creativity
- How technically advanced or innovative is the project?
- If applicable, how does it relate to XR, Gamification, AI, or Interactive Media?
- How is your approach unique or industry-relevant?
Format & Submission Guidelines
- You may submit your portfolio as a PDF document with links to online projects, videos, or repositories (e.g., GitHub, personal website, ArtStation, Behance).
- If your portfolio is a website, ensure that it is clearly structured and accessible.
- Keep the explanation concise but informative—avoid overly technical jargon, but ensure we understand your contributions.
What to Avoid?
- Portfolio items without clear attribution (e.g., just final images without an explanation of your role).
- Overloaded portfolios—focus on quality over quantity; include 3-5 strong, well-documented pieces instead of many without explanation.
- Unclear or inaccessible links—if hosting online, ensure your projects are public or provide access.
Your motivation letter is an opportunity to show us who you are beyond your academic records and explain why you are a great fit for the GRACE Joint Master’s Programme.
What should your letter cover?We encourage you to structure your motivation letter around the following key areas:
Your academic & professional background- What previous experiences have led you to apply for GRACE?
- How have your studies, work, or personal projects prepared you for this programme?
- What excites you about this programme, and how does it align with your goals?
- Are there specific topics in XR/Gamification that particularly interest you?
- How do you see yourself using the knowledge and skills from GRACE in your career?
- Do you already have a field, industry, or type of project in mind for your master’s thesis?
- Ensure your letter is well-organised, clear, and logically structured.
- Keep it concise and personal, avoiding generic statements.
You must submit at least two letters of recommendation as part of your application. These letters should provide insight into your academic abilities, professional skills, and potential for success in the GRACE Joint Master’s Programme.
What makes a strong letter of recommendation?We encourage you to select referees who know you well and can provide a detailed, personalised assessment of your qualifications. Ideally, your letters should cover:
Credibility & Strength of the Reference- The referee should clearly state their relationship to you (e.g., professor, supervisor, mentor).
- A strong letter provides specific examples of your skills, work ethic, and achievements, rather than generic statements.
- At least one letter should highlight your connection to technology, innovation, or digital creativity.
- If you do not have direct experience in XR/Gamification, your referee should explain how your background and skills make you a strong candidate for the programme.
- One letter can be from an academic referee (e.g., professor, thesis supervisor) discussing your research ability, technical skills, or academic potential.
- The second letter may come from an industry professional (e.g., employer, mentor, project supervisor) speaking about your professional skills, teamwork, or problem-solving abilities.
- The letter should be formal, signed, and on official letterhead if possible.
- It should be at least one page in length and provide specific details about your qualifications.
- Letters that are vague or overly general (e.g., “The student is hardworking and motivated.”)
- Letters from personal contacts or family members—recommendations should come from academic or professional sources.
- Copy-pasted templates—your referees should take the time to write a personalised letter that reflects your strengths.
Your personal video is an opportunity to introduce yourself beyond your written application. It should highlight your motivation, background, and personal qualities that make you a great fit for the GRACE Joint Master’s Programme.
What should your video include?
Your Background & Journey- Who are you, and what led you to apply for GRACE?
- What relevant academic or professional experiences have shaped your interest in XR/Gamification?
- What excites you about this programme?
- How do you see yourself contributing to the GRACE community?
- Have you worked in collaborative, multidisciplinary, or international environments before?
- What role do you typically take in projects or teams? (e.g., leader, problem-solver, designer, researcher, developer)
- Can you share an example of a challenge you faced in a project and how you approached it?
- How do you handle learning something completely new?
- Length: Keep your video between 2–3 minutes.
- Style: No need for a highly produced video—clarity and authenticity matter more than editing skills.
- Presentation: Speak clearly and naturally—this is about communication, not perfection.
- Language: The video must be in English to ensure your communication skills align with the programme.
- Overly scripted videos—we want to see your personality and communication skills.
- Generic statements—focus on specific experiences that highlight your strengths.
- A video that just repeats your motivation letter—this is your chance to add something new and personal.
3. How to Apply
- Prepare Your Documents:
- Academic transcripts and degree certificate.
- Proof of English proficiency.
- Portfolio, motivation letter, and recommendation letters.
- Personal video (uploaded as a link or file).
- Submit Your Online Application:
- Access the application portal via St. Pölten UAS.
- Application Review:
- Your application will be reviewed by the GRACE Admissions Committee.
- Interview Stage (if applicable):
- Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an online interview to discuss their application and aspirations.
- Final Decision:
- Admission results will be communicated via email in July 2025.
4. Tuition Fees
- EU Students: €363.36 per semester + ÖH fee.
- Non-EU Students: €1,500 per semester + ÖH fee.
- Additional living costs apply based on the country of study.
- Additional Merit-Based Scholarships for International Degree-Seeking Students with Higher Tuition Fees (Third-Country Nationals)
- Tuition fee waiver for the best 20% of students of each semester receive a refund of the increased tuition fee. In case several students have the same grade average, the amount is distributed between them.
Ready to Apply?
Don’t wait—start your application today and join a community of innovators shaping the future of XR and gamification.