Master in Quantum Information Science and Technology

Master in Quantum Information Science and Technology is one of 24 English-taught Engineering programmes at master’s level in the register, offered by 13 institutions. 24 of them list an annual fee for students from outside the EU, EEA and Switzerland, from EUR 727 to EUR 1,453; this programme lists EUR 1,453 a year. 16 are at a public university, where EU, EEA and Swiss students pay no tuition within the standard duration plus two semesters.

The Master's in Quantum Information Science and Technology is an interfaculty programme at TU Wien, taught in English over four semesters and worth 120 ECTS. It brings quantum physics and computer science together, and three faculties take part: Physics, Informatics, and Electrical Engineering and Information Technology. You finish with a Master of Science (MSc).

What you study

The first semester builds the foundations, split into three modules. In Quantum Physics: Basic Concepts and Foundations you work through superposition, entanglement and interference. Quantum Technology Devices: Techniques and Platforms introduces the physical platforms behind quantum technologies, such as single photons, integrated photonics and matter waves. Quantum Computing, Complexity Theory and Algorithms covers the basics of quantum computing, complexity theory and algorithmics, including what you need to program quantum computers.

In the second and third semesters you take advanced versions of these foundational modules, going deeper into concepts, methods and experimental techniques. You pick from specialised courses and seminars and shape the curriculum around your own interests. The module Research Methods looks at current research questions and builds the experimental and theoretical-mathematical skills for your thesis. A set of electives and soft skills lets you go beyond the core subject.

How the programme is organised

Four semesters, 120 ECTS. The fourth semester is given over to developing and writing your master's thesis. Full structure and content sit in the curriculum, which is available in German only, and in the course list in TISS. TU Wien is part of DigiQ, a European quantum education network, which opens up internships and exchange programmes with students and researchers across Europe.

Who it suits

You need a Bachelor's that gave you linear algebra, analysis, statistics and programming. Eligible backgrounds include Technical Physics, Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, Informatics, Computer Engineering and Technical Mathematics. If your previous degree differs from what TU Wien expects, supplementary examinations of up to 30 ECTS may be required. The programme suits people who want research and development work in quantum technologies, in industry or in academia.

Admission, language and next steps

Admission follows completion of an eligible Bachelor's at an accredited national or international post-secondary institution. There is no central application portal: you apply directly to the institution, and its own page gives the application period. Teaching is in English. As a public university, TU Wien charges no tuition to EU/EEA and Swiss students within the standard duration plus two semesters; other students pay a fee per semester. After the master's you can move on to a doctoral programme in Engineering, Natural Sciences, or Social and Economic Sciences at TU Wien.

In the master's programme in Quantum Information Science and Technology the students will acquire the necessary basic knowledge in quantum physics, quantum information science and the relevant technology platforms in the modules “Quantum Physics”, “Quantum Technology and Devices” and “Quantum Information and Computing”. They then have the opportunity to choose a specialization from a cross-faculty specialization catalogue. This allows both a harmonization of the educational level as well as a flexible adaptation to individual interests and strengths.

There is no central application portal in Austria: you apply to the institution, here University of Vienna. A public university sets the admission requirements and dates for this level, so read them on the programme page. Entry requirements and language tests are set by the institution, so start from the official programme page. Our guides cover tuition fees, the student residence permit and housing.