Permitted Calculators for the WU BBE Entrance Exam 2026
February 8, 2026 - Szilárd
BBE Entrance Exam: Calculator Rules (From 2026/27 Onwards)
Starting with the 2026/27 academic year, the BBE entrance exam takes place in person at VIECON in Vienna, and you must bring your own calculator. If your calculator does not comply with WU’s rules, you will be excluded from the exam and from the entire selection procedure. WU will not provide a replacement device.
Getting your calculator choice right is therefore absolutely essential.
Official Rule (WU Vienna)
According to WU’s official selection procedure:
In principle, all calculators are permitted. However, they must not have any additional functions that allow: solving linear equation systems, multiplying matrices, or differentiating or integrating functions. Calculators with text memory are also prohibited.
A quick visual check: if your calculator has a key labelled d/dx, XNOR, ∫dx (or similar), it is not permitted.
Officially Permitted Calculator Models
WU explicitly lists the following models as permitted in their official calculator policy:
- Texas Instruments TI-30XS MultiView
- Texas Instruments TI-30X Plus MultiView
- Texas Instruments TI-30X Plus MathPrint
- Texas Instruments TI-30X IIS
These are standard scientific calculators. They cover everything you need for the math section:
- Logarithms and exponents
- Roots and powers
- Fractions
- Basic statistics (mean, standard deviation, etc.)
They do not include the banned features (no calculus, no matrix operations, no equation solvers, no text memory).
Important: The Texas Instruments TI-30X Pro MathPrint is explicitly NOT permitted.
Other basic scientific calculators (for example, Casio fx-82 series, Sharp EL-531 series) are likely acceptable as long as they do not have the prohibited functions. However, they are not explicitly named in WU’s document. For maximum safety, choose one of the four TI models above.
What Is Not Allowed
Avoid any calculator that falls into one or more of these categories:
- Calculators with calculus functions. Any model that can perform differentiation (d/dx) or integration (∫, ∫dx).
- Calculators with matrix or equation-solving functions. Models that can solve linear equation systems or multiply matrices.
- CAS calculators (Computer Algebra System). Examples: TI-Nspire CAS, Casio ClassPad, or similar devices that can symbolically manipulate algebra.
- Graphing calculators. Examples: TI-84 series, Casio fx-9860 series, and similar. These typically include advanced features (graphing, equation solving, sometimes CAS).
- Calculators with text memory. Any device that lets you store, type, or display notes, formulas, or text beyond simple numerical values.
- Smartphone calculator apps or other electronic devices. Phones and similar devices are completely banned from the exam room.
Consequences of Using a Non-Compliant Calculator
WU’s rules are strict:
- Calculators will be checked during the exam.
- If your calculator has unauthorized functions, you will be excluded from the exam and thus from the entire selection procedure.
- WU will not provide a replacement device.
This means you would lose your chance to be admitted for that academic year. There is no second attempt for that selection round.
Practical Tips for Exam Day
- Buy your calculator early. Do not wait until the last week before the exam. Popular permitted models can sell out close to exam dates.
- Practise with your exact model. Use the same calculator during all your preparation. You want the key layout and key combinations to be automatic.
- Know your calculator’s modes and know how to type in complex equations.
Being fully comfortable with your calculator can save you valuable seconds on each question, which adds up significantly over the entire exam.
For full, official details on the BBE selection procedure, always refer to WU’s website:
- WU selection procedure page: WU BBE Selection Procedure
- WU official calculator policy: Calculator Policy 2026 (PDF)
Prepare With Confidence
If you want structured support for the BBE entrance exam:
The BBE Insider Exam Course covers all three exam topics. It is fully self-guided, so you can work through it at your own pace. There is a 15-day money-back guarantee. Historically, fewer than 1% of students request a refund. You can download a free sample paper to see whether the course matches your needs and level. If you prefer more individual support, you can book a mentoring demo call to discuss tailored guidance for your preparation.
Choosing a compliant calculator early and practising with it consistently will remove one major source of stress on exam day, so you can fully focus on the content of the BBE exam.
