General information about the WU Ball
When and where will the WU Ball take place?
The WU Ball will take place on January 9, 2027, at the Vienna Hofburg. Admission begins at 8:00 p.m. directly at the “Hofburg Event Location,” and the grand opening will take place at 9:00 p.m. in the ballroom. You can find a detailed program here.
What is the WU Ball's target audience?
The WU Ball is an opportunity for students, alumni, professors and entrepreneurs to meet and network in a festive but relaxed atmosphere.
The WU Ball is the largest student ball in the Vienna Hofburg with about 3,600 guests, more than half these being students.
What is the best way to arrive at the WU Ball?
By public transport, the Hofburg can be reached by underground line U3 either to the station Herrengasse (exit Minoritenplatz) or to the station Volkstheater (exit Volksgarten). Tram lines 1, 2, 71, D or U2Z stop at the station Burgring. Bus lines 1A or 2A stop at the station Michaelerplatz. More information can be found here.
You can take a taxi directly to the Hofburg event location.
Travelling by car is possible. Limited parking is available at Heldenplatz, and there are also car parks just a few minutes’ walk from the Hofburg. More information can be found here.
Who organises the WU Ball?
The WU Ball is organised by the Students’ Union of the Vienna University of Economics and Business (ÖH WU).
How are the profits from the WU Ball used?
The net profits will be donated to the social fund of the ÖH WU and thus support socially disadvantaged students.
Is the WU Ball barrier-free?
The entire WU Ball is barrier-free. Staff on site will be happy to show you the way to the lifts.
Ticketsale starts at 28.10.2026 14:00 O'Clock
When does official ticket sales start?
Official ticket sales begin on October 28, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. The link to the ticketing page will be posted on the homepage and in the Instagram bio.
How does the ticketsale work?
First, there will be a general ticket sale on October 28, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. All ticket categories will be available for purchase during this sale, but only in combination with a seat. WU and EA alumni codes, as well as employee codes, can also be used. You can purchase up to 4 tickets per order. Only 1 discount code can be applied per order.
Regular admission tickets (without a seat) will be available for purchase starting at 2:00 p.m. on November 4, 2026.
What can be purchased?
All ticket categories, as well as seats and tables, are available for purchase.
- Grand Ticket
- Tickets for Students
- WU Alumni & EA Alumni tickets
- WU employee tickets
- seats in different rooms
Please note: During the regular sale of admission tickets on November 4, 2026, admission tickets will not be sold in conjunction with a seat reservation. Seat reservations alone do not include an admission ticket. This must be purchased separately.
What is the procedure for purchasing a grand ball ticket or a student ticket?
For the bundle sale on October 28, 2026, first select the section where you would like your seats. Then you have two options:
- Option 1 – Best-Match Search (Bestplatzsuche):
- Select the “Grand Ball Ticket” or “Student Ticket” category
- Select the number of tickets you want
- Es werden automatisch die besten verfügbaren Plätze (abhängig von der Verfügbarkeit) in den Warenkorb hinzugefügt und du kannst den Bezahlvorgang starten.
- Option 2 – Seat map (Saalplan):
- Click on Seat map (Saalplan)
- Select the seats you want to purchase so that they are added to your shopping cart.
- Next, select the appropriate category for the seats you’ve chosen in your shopping cart. You can then begin the checkout process.
Please note that during the bundle sale on October 28, 2026, a maximum of 4 tickets may be purchased per order.
What is the procedure for purchasing an alumni or staff card?
The procedure for tickets that can be purchased with a discount code is described in a separate section below.
How many student cards can be purchased with one order?
During the bundle presale on October 28, 2026, a maximum of 4 student tickets may be purchased per order. During the general ticket sale on November 4, 2026, a maximum of 2 student tickets may be purchased per order.
Redeem Discount Codes
How do I purchase an alumni or employee ticket with a discount code?
To purchase an alumni or employee ticket with a discount code, enter the promotional code and click the “Redeem Code” button. The discounted ticket category will then appear, and you can add the desired number of tickets (up to 2) to your cart.
After you’ve entered and confirmed the promo code, you have two options:
- Option 1: Best Seat Search: Select the desired number of tickets and proceed directly to checkout
Option 2: Seating Chart: Click on “Seating Chart,” select the seats you want, then choose the appropriate category in your shopping cart and complete the payment process.
Can I purchase multiple alumni and employee tickets using the same discount code in a single order?
No, only one discount code can be redeemed per order. You can use a discount code to purchase up to 2 tickets in this category. If you want to redeem a second code, you’ll need to start a new order.
Can I add multiple alumni and employee tickets to my cart at the same time?
After entering the discount code, you can purchase up to 2 tickets in the discounted category during this checkout process. If you want to redeem a second code, you’ll need to start a new checkout process.
Does this regulation also apply to Bank Austria tickets?
For all tickets purchased through Bank Austria, see the instructions below. The discount codes for Bank Austria tickets can be redeemed starting November 5.
Can I also add other tickets or tables to the purchase process?
Yes, in addition to alumni, staff or Bank Austria tickets, you can also add regular tickets or tables to your shopping basket. Please note, however, that during the bundle sale on October 28, 2026, a maximum of 4 tickets may be purchased per order.
Bank Austria account campaign
What is included in the campaign with Bank Austria?
If you’re a new customer opening a student account with Bank Austria for the first time, you’ll receive two free student tickets to the WU Ball 2027 as a gift.
Who can take part in the campaign?
The promotion applies to all new customers who open a student account with Bank Austria.
How do I get the free student tickets?
After opening your student account, you will receive two codes from Bank Austria that you can use to purchase two free student tickets starting November 5, 2026. These codes are valid exclusively for student tickets—other ticket categories are excluded from this promotion.
When will the ticket sales start?
Redemption of Bank Austria codes begins on November 5, 2026. As soon as redemption begins, you can redeem your codes for student tickets.
Is there a deadline by which I can redeem the tickets?
Yes, you can redeem the student tickets using the codes only until November 30, 2026. After that, the codes will expire.
How can I redeem the codes?
You can use the codes in the ticket shop on our website to get your two free student tickets. Only one code can be redeemed per order. If you received two codes from Bank Austria, you’ll need to place two separate orders.
Enter the code in the ‘Promotion code’ field, click on ‘Redeem code’ and the category will appear. Add the ticket to your basket and complete the checkout process. Repeat the process for the second code.
What happens if I don't redeem the codes in time?
Tickets Reservations
Where and how can I buy tickets and seats?
Tickets and seats can be purchased online via our pre-sale system from the start of the pre-sale and will be provided as Print@Home tickets.
How much are tickets and seats?
Does a ticket also include a seat or catering on site?
No, an entry ticket only entitles you to entry and does not include any other services.
Of course, this does not apply to tickets purchased through the Bundle-Ticketsale. These, of course, include a seat.
Does a seat automatically include a ticket?
No, a seat reservation does NOT replace the entry ticket. An entry ticket must be purchased separately.
I am doing community service, basic military service or a voluntary social year. Which ticket category can I purchase?
In this case, student tickets can be purchased. It is important to show a valid ID when entering the WU Ball.
I am an alumni of WU Vienna or the WU Executive Academy, but I have not received an alumni code. What can I do?
Alumni cards are valid only for alumni of WU Vienna and the WU Executive Academy. The required discount codes are provided directly by WU Alumni Services or the WU Executive Academy.
If you have any questions, please contact WU Alumni Services at alumni@wu.ac.at or the WU Executive Academy at wuexecutiveclub@wu.ac.at.
How do I get a discount code for WU employees?
You can request the required discount code at office@wuball.at.
Can I return the ticket and request a refund?
Tickets and seat reservations cannot be returned and will not be refunded without exception.
You may find someone in your circle of friends who would like to use the ticket. If you pass on the ticket, the new ticket holder must fulfil any requirements (e.g. active studies for a student card). You can find more information about the tickets and prices in the Tickets and Tables section.
I bought a large ball ticket from someone, but I'm a student myself. Can I request a downgrade?
A downgrade is unfortunately not possible. We ask for your understanding.
Are the tickets transferable?
Tickets can be passed on to other people at your own risk. The QR code is only valid once and is cancelled the first time it is scanned at the entrance. Copied or repeatedly printed tickets therefore do not allow access.
What happens if the WU Ball is sold out?
Unfortunately, due to capacity constraints, only a limited number of tickets are available. Seats can still be purchased up until one day before the WU Ball, although a valid ticket is required to reserve a seat.
Dresscode for the WU Ball
What is the Dresscode at the WU Ball?
The following dresscode must be strictly adhered to at the WU Ball:
- Floor-length evening dress (hemline covers the floor all around even with higher shoes, slit to max. knee height)
- Black tailcoat with white bow tie, black tuxedo with bow tie (colour doesn’t matter), black suit with white dress shirt and bow tie (colour doesn’t matter) – no tie!, or class A uniform (EU); USDOD: formal wear, black suit shoes
What happens if ball guests do not dress according to the dresscode at the WU Ball?
The security staff at the Hofburg have the right to deny access to the Hofburg to guests who are inappropriately or inadequately dressed. Tickets will not be taken back and the purchase price will not be refunded.
Is the dresscode for men and women strictly adhered to?
The dresscode is gender-neutral and must be observed by all ball guests.
Can I wear a dress with a slit up to the knee?
No, the dress must be floor-length and the slit must not reach above the knee.
Can I wear a dark blue or a dark grey suit?
No, the suit must be black. Even a black suit with pinstripes does not comply with the dress code.
Is it allowed to wear a tie?
No, ties are not part of the dress code. There is a ‘no-tie zone’ at the entire WU Ball. Instead of a tie, a bow tie is worn, regardless of the colour. In ‘emergencies’, a black bow tie can be purchased on site for a fee of € 20.
Questions regarding the Inaugural Committee
How can I register for the Inaugural Committee?
Registrations for the opening committee will be possible from October via the contact form on the homepage.
Which dance school does the choreography for the WU Ball?
The choreography is performed by the Elmayer Dance School.
What requirements do I have to fulfil to be part of the opening committee?
What is the dresscode for the Inaugural Committee?
Ladies: floor-length, white ball gown, white shoes, white gloves
Men: tailcoat (white tailcoat shirt, white tailcoat jacket, white mesh) or Tuxedo (white tuxedo shirt, black mesh), black (patent leather) shoes, black stockings, white gloves
I would like to open the WU Ball, but I don't have a partner. What can I do?
Registration for the Inaugural Committee is only possible in pairs.
Do I have to attend all rehearsal dates?
Yes, participation in all rehearsal dates is a prerequisite for being part of the Inaugural Committee.
Do I have to prove that I know how to waltz?
Yes, a good knowledge of waltzing and a sense of rhythm are required. If you need to refresh your waltz skills, the Elmayer dance school offers weekly waltz training sessions. You can find more information here.
The ball evening
What can I expect on the evening of the ball?
Is there a charge for the cloakroom?
No, the cloakroom on site is free of charge. The cloakroom is provided by the Hofburg. The organiser accepts no liability.
How can I pay at the Hofburg?
Payment on site is possible in cash or by card.
Is there an ATM in the Hofburg?
There is no ATM available in the Hofburg.
Is smoking allowed at the WU Ball?
Smoking is strictly prohibited in the Hofburg. The general smoking ban applicable to public places under Section 13 of the Tobacco Act applies to the entire premises of the Vienna Hofburg. Smoking is therefore ABSOLUTELY PROHIBITED in all rooms (except for the demarcated outdoor area to the right in front of the main entrance) – e-cigarettes and the like are also not permitted.
A smoking area can be found in the outdoor area next to the main entrance.
Are pictures taken at the WU Ball?
Film and sound recordings as well as photos will be made at the ball, with the subsequent use of which the ball guests agree by attending the event.
Is there a catering service at the ball?
Catering services, including pricing, are provided by Motto Catering GmbH, which also receives the resulting income. The organiser has no influence whatsoever on the pricing.
Can I bring my own food and drinks?
It is not allowed to bring your own food and drinks.
What are the house rules at the WU Ball?
Guests attending the WU Ball are subject to the house rules.
Is it possible to get medical treatment on site?
Yes, emergency services are available on site. The staff and securities will be happy to show you the way.
Is it possible to leave the Hofburg during the ball and come back later?
No, the tickets are valid as ‘one-way tickets’. When leaving the event, the ticket loses its validity and therefore does not authorise repeated entry.
Raffle
Will there be a raffle (tombola) at the WU Ball?
Yes, there will be a raffle again this year with more than 450 attractive prizes.
How can I buy raffle tickets?
Tickets for the raffle can be purchased from 9.30pm from the mobile ticket sales teams.
What happens to the profits from the raffle?
The net profit from the raffle will be donated to the ÖH WU Social Fund, which supports financially disadvantaged students.
How does the raffle at the WU Ball work?
There are five different colours. During the draw in the ballroom at 11:50 pm, five numbers will first be drawn from all the colours to determine the winners of the five main prizes. The winning colour for all other prizes is then drawn from the five colours. Each ticket in this drawn colour wins a raffle prize! The prize can be picked up from 00:00 in the Passage Room.