Are you a degree-seeking student planning to enroll at the University of Vienna? This public research university is located in the heart of Vienna and has a rich history that dates back to 1365. As one of Europe’s most prominent universities, the institute is well-known for its diverse academic programs and influence.
Apart from education standards, one of the main areas of concern for international students is the cost of pursuing education in a foreign country. This includes budgeting for tuition fees, accommodation costs, and living expenses. This article provides an in-depth guide about the cost of studying at the University of Vienna.
Study Costs at the University of Vienna
Did you know that the University of Vienna boasts affiliations with 16 Nobel prize winners, among many other achievements? This makes it an excellent choice for students seeking an enriching academic experience. However, to pursue your dreams, it is critical to account for the costs, which have been broken down in the sections below.
Application Costs
The admission process begins with submitting your application, usually with an associated application fee. Luckily, the University of Vienna does not charge an admission fee. Instead, it requires students to pay a Students’ Union fee every semester before a deadline. As a prospective student, you must pay €24.70, whether you are an EU/EEA national or not.
Tuition Costs
Pursuing higher education at international universities such as the University of Vienna requires a clear understanding of the tuition fees. Before you apply, you must know the difference between undergraduate and graduate degree fees, which vary for EU/EAA and international students.
Bachelor’s Tuition
Regarding the tuition costs for taking a bachelor’s at the University of Vienna, the tuition is based on the duration of your education and citizenship. EU/EEA/CH citizens and groups falling under the Decree on Groups of Persons enjoy lower tuition costs. They are exempted from paying for the standard program duration plus two additional semesters. For students who are unable to complete the standard duration of your degree program plus two semesters, they will have to pay €363.36 along with the Students’ Union fee.
However, a fee of €726.72 per semester is compulsory for non-EU/EAA citizens, regardless of the program duration they are enrolled in. This applies to all non-EU citizens except those with equal status as EU nationals, Ukrainian citizens, and students from the UK. However, such students must provide proof of their citizenship at the time of admission. These students must only pay the Students’ Union fee every semester. The fee structure applies to various programs, including business administration, computer science, history, and psychology.
Master’s Tuition
The tuition fees for master’s programs are similar to those of bachelor’s programs. In the case of EU/EEA/CH citizens, you must study for four semesters and two tolerance semesters. The tuition fee applies after your 7th semester, a student will then have to pay €363.36 per semester. As for non-EU/EEA/CH citizens, they pay a total fee of €749.42 per semester.
Ph.D. Tuition Costs
A similar fee structure applies to doctorate programs, with EU/EEA/CH students paying €363.36 per semester and non-EU/EEA/CH students paying €726.72 per semester. The three-year program focuses on research and training, providing in-depth field knowledge. The fees of doctoral programs vary based on the language they are offered in, the curriculum, and the collaboration with other institutes.
As a prospective doctoral student, you can alleviate your financial burden by applying for grants and scholarships such as the Bank Austria Research Award, and the Marietta Blau-Grant.
Other Academic Costs at the University of Vienna
Although tuition fees form a significant part of the total expense of studying in Vienna, international students must also prepare to bear other costs, such as accommodation, transportation, books, and living expenses. These are explained below:
Books and Miscellaneous Expenses
Besides tuition fees and living expenses, prospective students at the University of Vienna must factor in the costs of books and study materials necessary for their education. Study materials, books, and other personal expenses are estimated to be nearly €400. This can vary depending on the program requirements and availability of online resources.
Students can alleviate these costs by borrowing books from university libraries or other public libraries in Vienna, sharing resources with fellow students, or using online resources to access study material.
Accommodation and Transportation
Accommodation and transportation are two major expenses that students must consider while studying at the University of Vienna. However, these costs depend on the housing type and the accommodation location. The accommodation expenses, including heating and electricity, can cost around €450. This depends on whether you opt for a room in a residence hall or a shared flat.
Similarly, transportation expenses are a critical factor in your study abroad experience. However, Vienna boasts an excellent public transport system, which includes bus services, trains, and underground lines. You can ease your transportation expenses by purchasing Wiener Linien zone cards.
Living Expenses
You need to cover more than your tuition fees and accommodation expenses to survive in a foreign country as an international student. Other costs, such as food, entertainment, healthcare, and groceries, are essential. The estimated living expenses for an international student in Vienna are nearly €1,200 to €1,230.
Overall, the University of Vienna offers academically enriching degree programs and a supportive environment. Studying in Vienna requires careful financial planning to ensure a seamless academic and living experience in a foreign country.
Hopefully, this article has the information you need as you plan your studies at the University of Vienna. If you want to explore more study options, visit our Austria Study Guide and Available Programs for international students!
