Master in Digital Innovation and Research

Master in Digital Innovation and Research is one of 8 English-taught Computer Science & IT programmes at master’s level in the register, offered by 7 institutions. 8 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 727 a year. 5 are at a public university, where EU, EEA and Swiss students pay no tuition within the standard duration plus two semesters.

This is a master's programme at USTP University of Applied Sciences St. Pölten, taught in English and awarded as a Master of Science in Engineering (MSc). It takes four semesters, full-time or in a dual format, and carries 120 ECTS. The programme prepares STEM graduates for careers in academic and industrial research, with a strong focus on data, AI and innovation.

What you study

The programme builds the skills to design and conduct research, apply advanced technologies, and turn ideas into solutions for real-world problems. The page describes the focus as data, AI and innovation, and frames the work around applied research: research aimed at solving practical problems rather than expanding theory for its own sake. Examples given include creating new digital technologies, processes or strategies that offer immediate value to businesses or society.

Research in computer science and digitalisation at USTP is described as having a strong national and international reputation, particularly in Cyber Security and IT Security and in Data Analytics and Visual Computing. The institution also hosts a Josef Ressel Center dedicated to blockchain technologies and security management. International lecturers teach on the programme.

How the programme is organised

You can study full-time or in the dual format. In the dual format, students split their time between courses at the university and work in a company or research institution related to their field. The page states that this lets you apply your learning to real-world scenarios and balance coursework with practical work, potentially with a company or research institute. It also confirms you can work at one of the university's research institutes during the programme, which the dual format makes possible.

The programme runs over four semesters and starts in the winter semester. There are 12 study places per year.

Who it suits

It is aimed at STEM graduates who want a career in development, digital innovation and research, whether in companies, research institutions, technical colleges or universities. The dual format suits people who want practical experience alongside their studies and who are ready to bridge theory and real-world application. The page notes that graduates develop strong problem-solving and research skills and are prepared for higher-level roles with leadership potential. It also points to sectors such as tech, healthcare and finance.

Admission, language and next steps

Teaching is in English. Applications go directly to USTP, not through a central portal, and the programme page gives the application period. For the intake described there, applications run from 1 October 2026 to 31 May 2027, with an earlier deadline of 1 February 2027 for third-country nationals (Ukrainian nationals with a residence permit are excepted).

As a university of applied sciences, USTP sets its own tuition. The page lists a fee per semester plus the student union fee, with a higher rate for students from third countries and performance-based tuition fee waivers available. Check the programme page for the current amounts. The institution also runs info sessions, a Master Day, an Open Day and a Meet a Student event, which are useful if you want to ask about the dual format before applying.

For those passionate about leading the change in digital transformation and skilled at crafting and implementing groundbreaking strategies, this programme offers an exceptional education that bridges applied research, innovation, and digitalization. Students dive deep into pioneering fields such as artificial intelligence, governance, and information security, and get prepared to shape the future of technology.

option of dual learning (employment at partner companies parallel to university studies)

There is no central application portal in Austria: you apply to the institution, here USTP University of Applied Sciences St. Pölten. Universities of applied sciences set their own application periods and admission procedures, so read them on the programme page. Entrance examination, as the register states it: Admission procedure. 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.