Admission & Examination Requirements

Entry to the ABF, main subject in the LMSW

Successfully passing the ABF qualifying examination in February enables entry to the ABF with at least 50 minutes of main subject teaching in a Upper Austrian State Music School (LMSW) and an application for a place in the music grammar school. It is possible to enter the ABF at any time between the ages of 12 and 17.

The ABF qualifying examination is divided into two sections:

1. Examination of basic musical skills in front of a jury. The requirements are based on the parameters of singing/re-singing a melody and independently continuing a melody or independently continuing a rhythm. The candidate should sing a song of their choice by heart and bring two copies of sheet music. Questions on music theory are based on the requirements for the second transfer examination.
2. Artistic presentation in the chosen main artistic subject in front of a jury. The requirements and the list of main artistic subjects can be found in the PDF download area below. The assessment is based on the performance in relation to the age of the applicant. It is expected that the applicant independently organises an accompanist.

Registration (1 November–15 December 2024) for the ABF qualifying examination is done online.

Online registration

Adalbert Stifter Grammar School

The school type of the music grammar school (secondary school for students of music) is designed in such a way that it is best suited to cope with intensive music studies in terms of time. It is therefore highly recommended for applicants. The ORG for students of music holds entrance exams specially designed for this school type.

Further information

Passing the ABF qualifying exam (entry to the ABF) allows you to take the ABF entrance exam for at least 50 minutes of major subject teaching at the Anton Bruckner Private University Upper Austria. The ABF qualifying exam does not entitle you to major subject teaching at the ABPU!

The ABF entrance examination consists of an artistic performance on the instrument or singing. This takes place together with the entrance examinations of the respective institute. There is no theory test. It is expected that the applicant independently organises an accompanist or registers the need for accompaniment with the ABPU at the latest one month before the examination date, submitting the sheet music.

Registration (01.02.-20.03.2025) for the ABF entrance examination takes place online.

Online registration

• Frequently asked questions about the Academy for the Support of Gifted Children are answered in the FAQ document at the top of the page.
• You can find the detailed study and examination regulations here.

1) Age

1a) Transition from section I to section II

The ABF interim examination must be taken in the year in which the 14th birthday is celebrated. (Example: Birthday 10.01.2011. The exam is to be taken in February 2025)

1b) Transition from section II to section III

The ABF interim examination must be taken in the year in which the student turns 17. (Example: those born on 13.10.2008 must take the exam in February 2025)

2) Registration for the interim examination

2a) Main subject teaching in the state music school system (Landesmusikschulwerk, LMSW)

The interim examination takes place in February (as part of the qualifying examination). It is expected that the student independently organises an accompanist. Registration (1.11.2024 - 15.12.2024) for the interim examination is done online.

Online registration

2b) Major subject teaching at the Anton Bruckner Private University (ABPU)

The interim examination takes place in May/June (as part of the final examinations of the respective institutes). The Bruckner University provides an accompanist. Registration (1.02.2025 - 20.03.2025) for the interim examination takes place online.

Online registration

3) Examination requirements

3a) Examination programme

Candidates should prepare at least 3 pieces of music (playing time approx. 20 minutes). The minimum requirements are based on the competition requirements for prima la musica in solo category II (transfer from section I to section II) and solo category III ^PLUS (transfer from section II to section III).

3b) Prima la musica (solo category)

If you have achieved at least silver in solo category II at the prima la musica competition, you can be credited for the transfer exam from section I to section II. If you have achieved at least silver in solo category III ^PLUS (except for students with a major in singing, Styrian harmonica and jazz. In this case, solo category III applies), credit can be given for the transfer exam from section II to section III. The certificate will be sent to the ABF head via email.

ABF Qualifying Examination