We’ve collected the most common questions we get from prospective students here. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, or if something’s still unclear, feel free to get in touch via our contact page. We’re happy to help!
General
You will study across three countries:
- Semester 1: St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences (Austria)
- Semester 2: Saxion University of Applied Sciences (Netherlands)
- Semester 3: Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences (Latvia)
- Semester 4: You may choose your preferred campus for your thesis project.
The programme is taught entirely in English. All courses, materials, assignments, and communication with staff and mentors are conducted in English.
GRACE is a fully on-site programme. Physical mobility is an essential and mandatory part of the curriculum. You will study and live in at least three different countries during the programme.
The programme takes two academic years to complete, divided over four semesters (120 ECTS credits in total).
A maximum of 25 students are admitted each year to maintain a high-quality, personalised learning environment with close interaction between students, lecturers, and industry partners.
Admission & Eligibility
The final deadline for applications is 30 June 2025. This deadline is only suitable for applicants who can realistically obtain a visa before the programme start in September, such as EU/EEA citizens and possibly US nationals. For most non-EU applicants, it is recommended to apply well before 1 February 2025.
Yes, you may apply if you are in the final phase of your bachelor’s studies. However, you must provide proof of graduation in late October 2025.
You must hold a Bachelor of Science (BSc) or Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) in one of the following fields or closely related disciplines:
- 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)
- Human-Computer Interaction
- AR/VR/XR Development & Design
Your portfolio should demonstrate your technical and creative abilities through past work, projects, or prototypes related to XR, gamification, or interactive media. Include links, screenshots, or files with clear explanations of your role and the tools used. See the detailed portfolio section for format guidelines.
You must submit two recommendation letters:
One from an academic reference (professor, thesis advisor, etc.)
One from an academic or professional contact (e.g. internship supervisor, team leader)
They should be signed, on letterhead (if possible), and provide concrete, personalised insight into your skills and motivation for joining GRACE. See the detailed recommendation section for format guidelines.
Your letter (500–700 words) should explain:
What draws you to the GRACE programme
How your academic or professional journey prepared you
Your ambitions in XR/gamification
Your vision for applying the skills gained in your career
Avoid generalities and focus on specific experiences that highlight your strengths. See the detailed motivation letter section for format guidelines.
Non-native English speakers must submit one of the following:
IELTS: minimum overall 6.5 (no band below 6.0)
TOEFL iBT: minimum 90
Cambridge CAE/CPE: minimum 180
You may be exempt if you completed your studies in English or are from a country where English is an official language. In all cases, proof is required. See the detailed English Proficiency section for format guidelines.
Yes, if your degree is closely related and your portfolio and motivation letter clearly show that you have the necessary skills, motivation, and affinity with XR/gamification.
Tuition Fees & Scholarships
Tuition fees depend on your nationality:
- EU/EEA Students: €363.36 per semester (plus a small student union fee)
- Non-EU/EEA Students: €1,500 per semester (plus a small student union fee)
These fees apply for each of the four semesters of the programme. Additional living costs will depend on the country and city you are based in during each semester.
No. There is a difference in tuition fees based on nationality:
EU/EEA students pay €363.36 per semester
Non-EU/EEA students pay €1,500 per semester
This difference reflects national tuition policies and funding structures. However, non-EU/EEA students may be eligible for merit-based refunds or external scholarships to help cover the higher fee.
The tuition fee covers participation in all GRACE courses, access to university facilities, supervision, and academic support across all partner institutions. It does not cover accommodation, travel, insurance, or daily expenses.
Yes, all students must pay a small student union fee each semester, as required by national regulations.
Additionally, students are responsible for their own living expenses, including accommodation, travel between countries, insurance, and daily costs — these are not covered by the tuition fee.
Yes. There are multiple options to support students with tuition or living costs:
🎓 1. Merit-Based Tuition Refunds
At the end of each semester, the top 25% of students (based on academic performance) will receive a refund of the increased tuition fee paid by non-EU/EEA students. If multiple students share the same grade average, the refund is divided equally.
🌍 2. National and External Scholarships
Students are encouraged to explore funding options through their own governments or international scholarship portals. The most important resource is the Austrian national grant database, where students can search for relevant funding based on their country of origin.
🟢 3. Erhard Busek Grant (Developing Countries)
This competitive grant is aimed at students from developing countries and supports full-time master’s study in Austria.
Yes, tuition fees can be paid on your behalf by another individual or institution, such as an employer, scholarship provider, or sponsor. Please indicate this during the registration process if applicable.
If you receive a tuition-related scholarship after payment, any refundable amounts will be processed according to the GRACE financial procedures. In case of merit-based refunds, these are automatically calculated and processed after each semester.
Visas & Mobility
Yes, if you are a non-EU/EEA citizen, you will need a valid visa and/or residence permit to study in each country where you will be based during the programme: Austria, the Netherlands, and Latvia. Visa requirements and processing times vary by country and nationality, so early preparation is essential.
Yes. Once you are accepted into the programme, the local admission teams at each university will provide you with the necessary documents and guidance to apply for a visa or residence permit. However, the responsibility for obtaining the visa remains with the student.
You will live and study in at least three different countries, one per semester:
Semester 1 – Austria (St. Pölten UAS)
Semester 2 – Netherlands (Saxion UAS)
Semester 3 – Latvia (Vidzeme UAS)
Semester 4 – You choose your preferred location for your final thesis semester
Yes. In Semester 4, you may choose to complete your thesis project at one of the three GRACE partner institutions, depending on your topic, preferred location, and supervision availability.
Yes. Each partner institution guarantees access to student housing, provided that you request it in time. While accommodation is not arranged automatically, you will receive information and instructions after admission on how to secure a room through the university’s housing services. It is the student’s responsibility to request housing early, as availability depends on timely registration.