Do you want to gain real practical experience while pursuing your education in Austria? With over 70 top-class universities, 25% of the student body in Austria includes international students. If you’re looking for theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience, universities of applied sciences are just what you need!
About 21 institutes in Austria are dedicated to applied sciences, offering nearly 80 programs in English, including business, social sciences, IT, media and design, engineering, and cultural sciences. This article walks you through the leading universities of applied sciences in Austria, providing a detailed overview of the programs offered, admissions, and more. So, let’s get started.
Top Universities of Applied Sciences in Austria
If you’re on the outlook for top universities in Austria, head over to the sections below as we discuss the best universities for applied sciences in Austria.
| INSTITUTION NAME |
TOP-RATED PROGRAMS |
| University of Applied Sciences for Management & Communication |
Corporate Communication and Urban Tourism & Visitor Economy Management |
| UAS Technikum Wien (Vienna) |
Biomedical Engineering and Smart Homes & Assistive Technologies |
| University of Applied Sciences Wiener Neustadt |
Engineering, Security, Aerospace, and MedTech |
| University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria |
Informatics, Medical Engineering & Applied Social Sciences, and Business & Management |
| University of Applied Sciences Burgenland |
Business Studies, Energy & Environment, and Information Technology |
| Salzburg University of Applied Sciences |
Green Engineering, Health Sciences, and Tourism |
| FH Joanneum – University of Applied Sciences |
Sound Design, E-Health, and Engineering |
1. University of Applied Sciences for Management & Communication
- Admissions | Tuition Fees
- Top-Rated Programs: Corporate Communication and Urban Tourism & Visitor Economy Management
Established in 1994, the University of Applied Sciences for Management and Communication is affiliated with the Vienna Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Thus, the university boasts robust business and communication programs, known for its practical and innovative academic programs.
Students can pick from various programs ranging from a Bachelor’s degree in Corporate Communication to a Master’s in Urban Tourism & Visitor Economy Management. The programs are offered in English and German language, providing theoretical and practical knowledge through guest lectures, study trips, and case studies from different studies.
2. UAS Technikum Wien (Vienna)
UAS Technikum Wien is popular among tech and digitization enthusiasts. It is the largest technical university and is recognized as Austria’s first university of Applied Sciences. Students can choose from 28 bachelor’s and master’s programs, such as Biomedical Engineering and Smart Homes and Assistive Technologies.
The institute’s modern facilities and international connections in key industries such as computer science and health attract international students. With international teaching and research participation, the university ensures that students get international exposure through exchange programs, summer schools, internships, and projects. The university is also renowned for providing career opportunities and services such as career fairs, workshops, and coaching, which enhance job prospects.
3. University of Applied Sciences Wiener Neustadt
The University of Applied Sciences Wiener Neustadt (FHWN) was founded in 1994, ranking among the top internationally networked universities in the country. It offers programs such as business, engineering, health, security, aerospace, and medtech across its four campuses. It’s ideal for international students seeking scientific knowledge and hands-on experience merged into a single degree program.
Programs are mostly taught in English at the Bachelor’s and Master’s levels, ensuring inclusivity for international students. Notable alums such as Christine Aschbacher are evidence of the institute’s excellent education program. Christine Aschbacher is a politician representing the Austrian People’s Party. She came to the spotlight during the Second Kurz government.
4. University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria
The University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria is a prominent university of applied science in Austria, established in 1994. The institute is recognized as Austria’s most research-intensive university of applied sciences. The institute is spread across four schools: Informatics, Communications and Media, Medical Engineering and Applied Social Sciences, Business and Management, Energy & Environment, and Engineering Management.
The program combines practical orientation, modern infrastructure, and excellent education quality, making it a preferred choice among international students. The university also offers a supportive environment and career-building opportunities such as workshops and coaching.
5. University of Applied Sciences Burgenland
If you are looking for the perfect combination of theory and practical training, the University of Applied Sciences Burgenland is the perfect fit. You can choose from several bachelor’s and master’s programs in five areas ranging from Business Studies, Energy and Environment, and Health to Information Technology and Social Work.
The university partners with several international institutes and companies, such as Fulbright, to provide faculty and students with a supportive and intercultural environment. Besides rigorous educational programs, the university offers practical training and career services, including internships, training, and company contacts.
6. Salzburg University of Applied Sciences
- Admissions
- Top-Rated Programs: Green Engineering, Health Sciences, and Tourism
Apart from bachelor’s and master’s programs, the Salzburg University of Applied Sciences also offers postgraduate and diploma supplements that enhance international transparency. Some popular programs include bachelor’s degrees in green engineering, health sciences, and business and tourism.
The institute is renowned for high research competence, focusing on applied research in several subjects. Its state-of-the-art teaching tools, like the robotic laboratory and the Marketing Research & eTourism Lab, make it stand out from other institutes. Collaborating with institutes in Europe, America, Asia, and Australia allows students to gain international exposure through student exchange and international exposure.
7. FH Joanneum – University of Applied Sciences
- Admissions
- Top-Rated Programs: Sound Design, E-Health, and Engineering
With about 60 degree programs, the FH Joanneum – University of Applied Sciences is a good option for international students because it offers internationally recognized, practice-focused education in disciplines such as business, engineering, health, media and design, and social work.
The university stands out because of the unique programs it offers, including Sound Design, a master’s program that covers sound production, audiovisual media, and sound engineering. Students can also study e-health, which merges health sciences, information technology, and management, another distinctive bachelor’s program. The institute caters to students seeking education mixed with applied research, necessary to excel in one’s career.
FAQs: Studying in Austria’s ‘University of Applied Sciences’
What is the Difference Between a ‘University’ and a ‘University of Applied Sciences’?
Universities of Applied Sciences offer hands-on experience by adopting a profession-oriented approach. Unlike universities, these institutes focus on providing practical experience over theoretical and research-centered education. This means that they offer vocational programs instead of academic programs offered at a university.
At a university, you would study a rigorous curriculum that prepares students for additional research and development. In contrast, a university of applied sciences prepares students to meet job requirements and market demands, featuring a flexible and more applied curriculum instead. It is also easier to get into a university of applied sciences, thanks to its inclusive admission process.
Austria is a great destination for students who wish to study at universities of applied sciences because of its top-quality education and multicultural environment. The country also partners with several international institutes, allowing its students to apply their theoretical knowledge in diverse work environments.
We hope this article on the top universities of applied sciences in Austria was informative. You can also check out the Austria Page and Available Programs for International Students to explore your study options.
