Austria, the land of breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, is a popular tourist destination and a hub for higher education. Among the various options, public universities in Austria stand out as an excellent choice for international students. Universities in Austria are renowned for their high-quality education and rigorous academic standards. They are generally more affordable compared to private universities. This makes education in Austria more accessible and affordable, enabling students to pursue their academic dreams without the burden of excessive financial strain.

To help with the decision-making process, let us walk you through the list of the best public universities in Austria. So, let’s get started.

Top Public Universities in Austria

Below is a list of top public universities in Austria that welcome international students. By choosing to study at one of the top public universities in Austria, international students can expect to receive a high-quality education in a vibrant and diverse academic community.

INSTITUTION NAME TOP-RATED PROGRAMS
Vienna University of Technology Natural Sciences and Engineering
Graz University of Technology Computer Science, Engineering & Technology, and Material Science
University of Vienna Engineering and Computer Science
University of Innsbruck Business, Economics, and Physical Sciences
University of Salzburg Humanities and Natural Sciences
Johannes Kepler University Linz Business, Law, Sociology, and Social Economy
University Klagenfurt Humanities, Economics, and Sustainability & Environmental Science

1. Vienna University of Technology

Vienna University of Technology was founded in 1815 and is one of Austria’s oldest and largest technical universities. TU Wien is known for its excellence in technical education and research, and it offers a wide range of programs in engineering, natural sciences, architecture, and computer science. One of the unique features of TU Wien is its strong emphasis on practical and hands-on learning.

Another notable aspect of TU Wien is its strong international reputation and connections in relevant industries like construction, maintenance and aerospace, and defense. TU Wien is a popular choice among international students as 4,000 scientists are researching ‘technology for people’ here and for its merit-based scholarships. The university offers many English-taught programs, making it accessible to students worldwide.

2. Graz University of Technology

Graz University of Technology is an internationally acclaimed technical university known for its innovative research, high-quality education, and practical approach to engineering and technology. The university actively promotes internationalization and offers various support services for international students, including language courses and integration programs.

The university has a strong reputation in engineering and technology, with its graduates being highly sought after by employers in Austria and internationally. The university’s strong industry connections and practical approach to education make it an attractive option for international students seeking hands-on experience and excellent career opportunities in the engineering and technology sectors.

3. University of Vienna

The University of Vienna has an impressive list of notable graduates and alumni, including some of the most influential figures in Austrian and international politics, science, and art. For example, Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen and Nobel laureate Elfriede Jelinek.

This university offers a wide range of study programs, including humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Moreover, it consistently ranks high in international rankings, highlighting its academic standing and research output. The university also provides support services to assist international students with their transition to studying in Austria, including language courses such as English, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Latin, and many more.

4. University of Innsbruck

The University of Innsbruck was founded in 1669 and is one of the oldest universities in the German-speaking world. The university’s Institute for Interdisciplinary Mountain Research offers an interdisciplinary degree program in Alpine Studies, which combines natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of mountain regions and their challenges.

Regarding admissions, international students are welcomed since it provides support and resources to help them settle into their studies and life in Austria. It offers a unique combination of academic excellence and stunning natural surroundings, making it an excellent choice for international students seeking a transformative academic experience.

5. University of Salzburg

The University of Salzburg is a popular choice among international students. The opportunity to study in a culturally rich and historic city like Salzburg is a major draw for international students. The university also offers career counseling services and organizes job fairs to connect students with potential employers. It has strong ties to the local business community, providing students with internship and job placement opportunities.

The university collaborates with renowned institutions and research centers worldwide, providing students with exchange programs, internships, and networking opportunities.

6. Johannes Kepler University Linz

  • Admissions
  • Top-Rated Programs: Business, Law, Sociology, and Social Economy

The most popular study program at Johannes Kepler University Linz is the master’s program in Management in Digital Transformation. Students learn about digital business models, innovation management, digital marketing, and more. Another notable study program is the bachelor’s program in Robotics, which is offered in collaboration with the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria.

It collaborates with international universities and research organizations on various projects and has exchange programs, allowing students to study abroad and gain global perspectives.

7. University Klagenfurt

This university was founded in 1970 and has since become known for its interdisciplinary approach to research and teaching. Alpen-Adria University Klagenfurt is highly regarded for its research in sustainability and environmental sciences. Notable graduates and alumni from Alpen-Adria University Klagenfurt include Dr. Harald Zahrer, a renowned expert in sustainable regional development, and Dr. Martina Fromhold-Eisebith, an expert in sustainable tourism development.

The university offers various scholarships and grants to support international students financially. Admissions at Alpen-Adria University Klagenfurt are competitive, but international students are encouraged to apply.

FAQs: Studying in Austria’s Public Universities

Can International Students Enroll in Public Universities in Austria?

Yes, international students can enroll in public universities in Austria. These universities offer a wide range of programs and courses in English, making them accessible to international students who may not be fluent in German. One of the top public universities in Austria that accepts international students is the University of Graz. The university is highly regarded for its research and innovation, and international students can benefit from the expertise of its faculty and access to state-of-the-art facilities. It also has a strong international community and provides support services for international students, including language courses and orientation programs.

 

Simply put, Austria offers a range of high-quality public universities that provide excellent education and research opportunities. Whether students are interested in humanities, sciences, or technical fields, Austria’s public universities offer a strong foundation for academic and career success.

 

We hope this article expounded on the important details you need to know about some of the top public universities in Austria. To learn more about studying abroad, you can start by checking out our Study in Austria Page! If you are interested in exploring the available program opportunities in Austria for international students, check out these open courses!

About the Author: Hyun Lee

Hi! I am Hyun, and I am the founder at Global Scholarships. I've received a full-tuition scholarship at Birmingham-Southern College and a $1,000 Burger King Scholarship for my undergraduate degree and was offered a fully funded scholarship consisting of tuition, living stipend, and health insurance for computer science Ph.D. program at North Carolina State University. You can read more about my scholarship journey here. If you are interested, you can follow me on Linkedin where I regularly write about scholarships. I also provide consulting services as well, and you can check the consulting services page for more information.

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