Austria is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe. It is also famous for its rich history and culture. Vienna, for example, has a strong connection to Mozart, who lived and composed music in the city.
Austria attracts international students with its broad range of degree programs and cultural experiences. At Austrian public universities, Austrian and EU/EEA students generally do not pay tuition during the minimum duration of their degree program plus two additional semesters. After that period, they generally pay €363.36 per semester. Students from most non-EU/EEA countries who hold a Residence Permit–Student generally pay €751.92 per semester. A compulsory Austrian Students’ Union and accident insurance fee also applies. Exemptions may be available in certain cases, while fees at universities of applied sciences and private universities vary by institution.
Admission is not based on language proficiency alone. International applicants must also meet the academic, documentation, and program-specific requirements established by their chosen university. If you are considering beginning your engineering education in Austria, the following universities offer a variety of relevant programs.
Top Schools Offering Engineering Programs in Austria
1. University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna
BOKU University, officially the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, is located in Vienna. Following an organizational restructuring that took effect on January 1, 2025, BOKU has six departments rather than 15.
Its engineering-related study options include the bachelor’s programs in Environmental Sciences and Civil Engineering and Wood and Fibre Technology, as well as master’s programs such as Green Building Engineering and Water Management and Environmental Engineering. BOKU also offers doctoral study opportunities across its research fields.
BOKU’s teaching and research emphasize life sciences, natural resources, and sustainability. Outside the classroom, students can enroll in a range of language courses, although fees apply to many of them. The university’s cultural activities also include the BOKU Ball, which is held at the Vienna Hofburg near the beginning of the year.
2. University of Innsbruck
The University of Innsbruck, founded in 1669, provides engineering education through its Faculty of Engineering Sciences. In the QS World University Rankings 2027, the university is ranked 333rd worldwide.
The faculty’s principal engineering fields are civil engineering, environmental engineering, mechatronics, and electrical engineering. Students can continue into relevant master’s programs, while the university also offers a doctoral program in Engineering Sciences.
The University of Innsbruck has an Alpine-urban campus surrounded by mountains. Its location provides students with convenient access to outdoor recreation and winter sports in and around Innsbruck.
3. Vienna University of Technology
Located in Austria’s capital and largest city, Vienna University of Technology, commonly known as TU Wien, offers a wide variety of engineering and technology programs. TU Wien is ranked 191st in the QS World University Rankings 2027, placing it among the world’s top 200 universities in that edition.
At the bachelor’s level, its offerings include civil engineering, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering. The university also offers numerous specialized master’s programs. Its master’s programs generally require four semesters and 120 ECTS credits, while its doctoral programs normally require six semesters and 180 ECTS credits.
TU Wien is well situated within Vienna, a city known for its museums, music, architecture, and performing arts. Students can explore institutions such as the Leopold Museum and attend performances at the Vienna State Opera while studying in the city.
4. Graz University of Technology
The next university is Graz University of Technology, commonly known as TU Graz. Located in Graz, Austria’s second-largest city, TU Graz offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral education in engineering, technology, and the natural sciences.
TU Graz offers a broad range of engineering programs. At the bachelor’s level, current options include Biomedical Engineering, Digital Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, and Software Engineering and Management. Relevant master’s programs include Biomedical Engineering, Digital Engineering, Geotechnical and Hydraulic Engineering, Green Process Engineering, and Software Engineering and Management. Applicants should check the language of instruction for each program because several bachelor’s programs are primarily taught in German.
TU Graz also supports numerous student initiatives, competition teams, clubs, associations, and networking groups. These activities allow students to develop practical and organizational skills, work on technical projects, and build connections with other students, researchers, and employers.
5. Johannes Kepler University Linz
The final university is Johannes Kepler University Linz, commonly known as JKU. The university is named after the astronomer Johannes Kepler and offers a range of engineering, technology, computer science, and natural science programs.
Engineering-related programs at JKU include Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering, Medical Engineering, Sustainable Polymer Engineering and Circular Economy, and Electronics and Information Technology. The university also offers related programs in areas such as Technical Mathematics and Computer Science. Students can continue into relevant master’s and doctoral programs, subject to the admission requirements of each program.
JKU’s Career Center offers career advising and application support, including guidance on CVs and job applications. The university also provides entrepreneurship resources, networking opportunities, and support services for students and researchers interested in developing business or start-up ideas.
With all this in mind, Austria offers many opportunities for students interested in engineering. The universities above provide programs in fields ranging from civil and environmental engineering to software, biomedical, electrical, mechanical, and polymer engineering.
We hope this article on the best engineering schools in Austria was helpful. For more information about studying abroad, visit the Study in Austria and Available Programs for International Students!
