General information about the WU Ball
When and where will the WU Ball take place?
The WU Ball will take place on January 11, 2025 in the Vienna Hofburg. Admission is directly at the ‘Hofburg Event Location’ and starts at 8pm, the ceremonial opening takes place starting at 9pm in the Festsaal. 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.
Redeem discount/voucher codes
How do I buy an alumni, employee or Bank Austria ticket with a discount code?
To buy an alumni, employee or Bank Austria ticket with a discount code, go to the ticket shop, click on the ‘Redeem discount code’ (Rabattcode einlösen) button and enter the discount code. The ticket is automatically added to the shopping basket. Finalise the purchase so that the discount is applied to this one ticket.
Can I buy several alumni, employee or Bank Austria tickets with the same discount code in one purchase?
No, the discount code can only be applied to one ticket per purchase. If you would like to purchase a second ticket in the same category (alumni, staff or Bank Austria) with a discount, you must start a new purchase process and enter the discount code again.
Can I add several alumni, employee or Bank Austria tickets to my shopping basket at the same time?
No, this is not possible as the ticket is automatically added to the shopping basket once the discount code has been entered. You must repeat the purchase process for each additional ticket in order to apply the discount to another ticket.
Does this regulation also apply to Bank Austria tickets?
Yes, the same procedure applies to all tickets purchased via Bank Austria. The discount code can only be applied to a single ticket per purchase transaction, so a new purchase transaction is required for each additional ticket.
Can I also add other tickets or tables to the purchase process?
Yes, you can also add regular tickets or tables to your shopping basket in addition to the alumni, employee or Bank Austria ticket. Please note, however, that the discount only applies to one alumni, employee or Bank Austria ticket per purchase.
What do I have to do if I want to apply the discount code to several tickets?
To apply the discount code to another ticket in the same category (alumni, employee or Bank Austria), you must start a new purchase process for each ticket and enter the code again.
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.
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 tickets are only valid for alumni of the WU Vienna and the WU Executive Academy. The required voucher codes will be sent 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?
The required voucher code can be requested 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?
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.
Bank Austria account campaign
What is included in the campaign with Bank Austria?
If you open a student account with Bank Austria as a new customer, you will receive two free student tickets for the WU Ball 2025 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, which you can use to purchase two free student tickets after the start of advance ticket sales. These are student tickets only – other ticket categories are excluded from the promotion.
When will the ticket sales start?
Advance ticket sales will start at the beginning of November. You can redeem your codes for student tickets as soon as they go on sale.
Is there a deadline by which I can redeem the tickets?
Yes, you can only redeem the student tickets with the codes until 8 November 2024. After that, the codes 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.
What happens if I don't redeem the codes in time?
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:
- Ladies: floor-length evening dress (hemline covers the floor all around even with higher shoes, slit to max. knee height)
- Men: 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?
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.
How does the raffle at the WU Ball work?
The net profit from the raffle will be donated to the ÖH WU Social Fund, which supports financially disadvantaged students.
