Cost of Studying and Living in Austria for International Students

Embarking on an academic journey in Austria offers a combination of high-quality education and life in a culturally rich European destination. Getting into a good Austrian university is the first step toward achieving your educational goals. However, students should budget for both academic expenses and living costs. Austria’s official Study in Austria portal estimates that an average student spends approximately €1,300 per month, although the amount varies by city, accommodation, and lifestyle.

To help you plan your budget, this guide discusses the main costs associated with pursuing higher education in Austria.

Costs of Studying in Austria

Academic Costs / Tuition Fees

Tuition rules in Austria depend mainly on the type of institution, the student’s citizenship or residence status, and the length of study. At public universities, Austrian, EU/EEA, Swiss, and certain equivalent-status degree students generally pay no tuition during the standard duration of their program plus two additional tolerance semesters. After that period, the standard tuition is €363.36 per semester.

Most other third-country degree students at public universities pay €726.72 per semester from their first semester, although exemptions are available for certain students and nationalities. All students must also pay the Austrian Students’ Union, or ÖH, fee. These standard tuition rules generally apply to bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs; doctoral study is not automatically cheaper or tuition-free.

Universities of applied sciences may establish different tuition policies. For example, the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria charges EU/EEA and Swiss students €363.36 per semester and most third-country students €726.72 per semester. The language of instruction does not determine whether tuition is charged, so studying in German does not by itself make a program tuition-free.

The public-university figures above represent the standard tuition charged to most third-country degree students. At the listed public universities, EU/EEA, Swiss, and certain equivalent-status students generally pay no tuition during the standard program duration plus two tolerance semesters. The figures exclude the ÖH fee of €26.20 per semester for the 2026/27 academic year. Continuing-education programs and other specially priced programs may charge substantially higher fees.

Other Student Fees

In addition to tuition, students must pay the mandatory ÖH fee. This contribution is €26.20 per semester and includes student accident and liability insurance. The amount is adjusted periodically, so students should check the current fee before enrolling.

Application fees are not standardized across Austrian institutions. Many regular applications do not carry a general application fee, while certain programs with entrance examinations or selection procedures charge an administration or participation fee. For example, some admission procedures at the University of Vienna and TU Wien charge €50. Applicants should check the official page for their specific program instead of assuming that a general fee of €50 to €150 applies.

Students must also have health insurance that is valid in Austria. EU/EEA students who remain insured in their home country may be able to use a valid European Health Insurance Card. Other international students generally need qualifying Austrian or private health insurance. Eligible students can apply for student self-insurance through the Austrian Health Insurance Fund, or ÖGK, which costs €78.84 per month.

Costs of Living in Austria

The official Study in Austria portal estimates average student living expenses at approximately €1,300 per month. Accommodation is normally the largest expense, and costs tend to be higher in Vienna, Salzburg, and other popular university cities. Rent, utilities, food, transportation, insurance, study materials, and personal spending should all be included in the budget.

1. Vienna

• Recommended schools: University of Vienna | University of Applied Arts Vienna

Vienna generally has higher accommodation costs than smaller Austrian cities. TU Wien estimates that rooms in student residences can cost approximately €250 to €700 per month, although some properties and private apartments cost more. Students should also check whether electricity, heating, internet, cleaning, and other operating costs are included in the advertised rent.

Students and other residents under the age of 26 can purchase the Annual Pass VIENNA Youth for €294 with a one-time payment or €309 in total when paid by monthly direct debit. Students who do not qualify for the youth pass must use the regular ticket options.

2. Graz

• Recommended schools: University of Graz | Graz University of Technology

Graz can be more affordable than Vienna, particularly for student accommodation. The University of Graz states that a room or small apartment in a student residence may be available from approximately €300 per month. However, actual rent depends on the residence, room category, contract length, and included services. The university recommends having approximately €1,000 to €1,300 per month available for total living expenses.

Eligible students under the age of 26 whose place of study is in Styria can purchase the Top-Ticket for Students. The ticket costs €199.50 and provides six months of travel on participating trains, buses, and trams throughout Styria, including during the semester break.

3. Salzburg

• Recommended schools: Mozarteum University Salzburg | University of Salzburg

Salzburg is another relatively expensive Austrian university city. Paris Lodron University of Salzburg estimates that student accommodation generally costs €350 to €600 per month. Its published student budget also estimates €200 to €300 per month for food and drinks and €100 to €200 for study-related and personal expenses. Insurance, transportation, and other costs should be added separately.

The KlimaTicket Salzburg SEMESTER costs €170 and is valid for six months throughout the state of Salzburg. It is available to eligible regular students under the age of 26 whose place of study or residence is in Salzburg. Students who do not meet the eligibility requirements should check regular or annual ticket options.

Ways to Minimize Academic and Living Costs in Austria

Students can reduce their expenses by applying early for student residences, using discounted transportation, preparing meals at home, comparing insurance options, and checking whether they qualify for a tuition exemption or remission. Scholarship availability, application periods, eligible nationalities, and award amounts can change each academic year, so applicants should always review the latest official call.

Scholarships for International Students

International students studying in Austria may be eligible for university scholarships, government grants, or program-specific funding. The opportunities below have important limitations, and their availability should be confirmed before applying:

In summary, Austria can offer comparatively affordable public-university tuition, but the amount a student pays depends on citizenship or residence status, the type of institution, and the length of study. Most third-country students at public universities pay tuition, while EU/EEA, Swiss, and certain equivalent-status students may qualify for a tuition-free period. Living expenses remain significant, with an estimated national average of approximately €1,300 per month. Careful budgeting, student housing, transportation discounts, tuition exemptions, and scholarships can help reduce the overall cost.

We hope this article has provided the information you are looking for. Learn more about Austria by checking our Austria Study Guide and Available Programs for International Students!