WU Vienna WiSo Mathematics: Topics, Syllabus & Practice

WU’s WiSo FAQ lists Mathematik as one of three content areas alongside wirtschaftliche Grundkenntnisse and deutsches Sprachverständnis. Unlike economics, WU does not publish an official math Lernunterlage equivalent to Wirtschaft verstehen. That means your syllabus has to be built from secondary-school business math depth (the same framing BBE applicants use), with language adapted to German.

The most recent WiSo Aufnahmeprüfung had 32 questions over 2 hours: 10 Economics, 9 German reading comprehension, and 13 Mathematics. WU confirms a 2-hour, in-person, entirely multiple-choice exam at VIECON; the university may adjust the selection procedure in future years. Mathematics carried 13 of the 32 questions.

Source: WU WiSo selection procedure

• Algebra & equationsRearranging formulas, linear and quadratic equations, inequalities, and fluent algebraic manipulation in German word problems.
• Statistics & probabilityDescriptive statistics, elementary probability, and interpreting data statements under exam time pressure.
• Calculus (Kalkül)Functions, differentiation ideas, and single-variable optimisation at secondary-school business depth.
• Logical reasoningEvaluating claims carefully, spotting when a statement does not follow from the stem, and avoiding informal traps.
• Formula fluency under time pressureRecognising which method applies quickly, without translating every stem into English first.

Conceptually, much of the calculation toolkit overlaps with BBE mathematics. The differences that matter in prep are language and exam-track isolation: train on German stems so exam day is not your first time parsing “mindestens”, “höchstens”, or conditional clauses under the clock. Do not use BBE English math packs as your only WiSo practice.

Because each stem can hide several independent judgments, a single calculation error can cascade across options, and an incorrect tick can erase correct credit via max/f penalties. Learn the scoring rules before you grind volume.

1. Rebuild weak fundamentals (algebra first) with short daily drills.
2. Add German word-problem vocabulary deliberately, not only symbols.
3. Move to multi-option stems and mark/unmark strategically.
4. Time mixed sets that include easier and harder options under one stem.
5. Review every miss: was it calculation, language, or scoring behaviour?

Timed mixed sets beat endless untimed drills. Aim for the same 2-hour pressure you will face at VIECON on June 30, 2026, 10:00–12:00 CEST.

• Translating every stem into English mid-exam instead of training German math vocabulary early.
• Practicing only familiar textbook drills and skipping statement-style multi-option stems.
• Spending too long on one hard option and starving easier credit elsewhere.
• Guessing on close calls without checking whether the penalty is worth it.
• Memorising formulas without knowing when they apply.
• Never timing mixed sets, because untimed accuracy does not transfer to a 2-hour paper.
• Ignoring review: repeating the same algebra slip across multiple practice sessions.