Austria is one of the most beautiful European countries with a fusion of historical, cultural, and geographical heritages. It has also one of the strongest economies in Europe, which makes living in Austria attractive for many foreigners to reach higher standards of living.
Likewise, studying in Austria has tremendous advantages for international students in that it offers higher education at the world’s oldest and most famous universities and colleges, provides easy access to other European countries, and gives chances to live in its oldest towns with great historical significance and spectacular nature.
Studying in Austria is compelling in many ways for international students; world-class universities offer and seek academic excellence for all study degrees. It is also possible for international students to find a job in Austria after graduation due to the high employability rate in various sectors.
If you are an international student considering Austria for your undergraduate or postgraduate studies, read more for everything you need to know about higher education in Austria, from visas and tuition fees to universities and finding work.
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How to Plan for Your Studies in Austria
Finding the best school and program for your academic interests and future goals is greatly significant, especially if you are planning to study abroad. Below is an overall guide to planning your studies in Austrian universities and colleges.
Education System in Austria
Austria is a small country with a population of 8.7 million, yet it is also home to many prestigious and well-established universities and colleges worldwide. Subsequently, studying in Austria requires hard work and unique talents, as many Austrian universities are top-ranked globally, making them all selective with low acceptance rates.
The Austrian education system in higher education is pretty similar to many European countries; there are diverse study program options available for students from all nationalities in any degree and level of study. International students can choose their program in humanities, engineering, art, medicine, social sciences, legal studies, business, finance, and many more.
The total number of higher education institutes in Austria is as follows:
- Number of public universities: 22
- Number of public universities of applied sciences: 21
- Number of private universities: 17
Additionally, the international student body encompasses about 30% of the 230,000 total students in Austria. This translates to more than 60,000 students making many Austrian universities culturally and socially diverse communities, welcoming students from all over the world.
Choosing a University in Austria
International students in Austria have a wide variety of study options at different universities and degree programs, yet choosing the right Austrian university plays a big role in the academic and career goals of the student.
Popular study destinations for international students are Vienna, Graz, Innsbruck, Linz, and Salzburg, as many of the top universities and colleges are located in these cities. However, there are a lot more options for international students wishing to study in rural cities of Austria.
There are plenty of prestigious universities respected worldwide, including the University of Vienna, the oldest university in German-speaking countries, with more than 200 programs available, mostly in English and German. The University of Vienna is also home to 15 Nobel Prize winners and respected academicians in the world.
In addition to the University of Vienna, below are the top universities in Austria with higher acceptance rates of international students:
Choosing a Study Program in Austria
Austrian universities offer a wide range of programs at all degree levels, most of which belong to the best faculties worldwide. However, it is of great importance for international students to find the right study program for their academic interests, set of skills, and future opportunities.
Some of the most popular study programs for international students at Austrian universities are humanities, science and technology, law and legal studies, language studies, and medicine. Moreover, although the medium of instruction is generally German, many English-medium programs are available at most Austrian universities for international students with insufficient German skills.
Academic programs in Austria have a very similar structure to the American and most European universities. Below is an average duration and common requirements of each degree program at Austrian universities.
- Bachelor’s degrees: usually take 3 to 4 years to complete except medicine programs which can take 6 years or more to complete
- Master’s degrees: can take 2 to 3 years to complete and usually require a master’s thesis for completion
- Ph.D.: can take 3 to 4 years to complete and requires a doctoral thesis to obtain a doctorate
How to Finance Your Education in Austria
Below is a guide for international students on how to finance their budget while studying in Austria for a degree program.
Tuition fees in Austria
It is of great importance for international students to know about the cost of studying and living in Austria before deciding on studying there; this way, it will be easier to predict how much money will be spent on different expenses and, therefore, necessary savings and preparations can be made earlier.
One of the merits of studying in Austria is the low tuition fees at the universities. Public universities are usually free for EU students, yet the tuition fee is not more than €1,500 per academic year for international students coming from non-EU countries.
The most affordable universities for international students in Austria are public universities, as they are mostly free for international students coming from European countries, Switzerland, or developing countries, which is explained in detail on each university’s page. Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS) and private universities are free to set their own tuition fees, which can go up to €35,000 per year, depending on the university or program.
The University of Vienna; for instance, is not only the top university in the country but also one of the cheapest with international students paying an average of €749.42 per semester. On the other hand, some private universities, such as MCI Management Center Innsbruck, can have tuition fees as high as €7,500 per semester for international students.
Below is a summary of the overall tuition fees in Austrian universities:
- Public universities: free for EU/EEA students, €1,500/year for non-EU/EEA students
- Universities of Applied Sciences: around €700/year for EU/EEA students, €15,000/year. For non-EU/EEA students
- Private Universities: €3,000 – €35,000/year for all students
Cost of Living in Austria
Austria has a strong economy and pledges high standards of living for its residents. This may cause people to think that student life in Austria is costly; on the contrary, international students pay around €1,200 per month for basic expenses, which is not so high compared to other rich European countries like the Netherlands or Sweden.
Common expenses international students should consider for living in Austria are accommodation, health insurance fees, utilities, transportation, food, traveling, and other personal expenses. Below is an estimated monthly cost of living in Austria for students with different expenses:
- Accommodation: €200 to €400/month for student residence (single room), €500-€800/month for an apartment
- Transportation: €50/month for a monthly pass, €2.50 for a one-way ticket
- Food and grocery: €200-€250 per month for groceries, €10-€15 per meal at a local restaurant
- Books and school supplies: €50-€70/month
- Miscellaneous expenses: €12 per ticket for the cinema, €35/month for the fitness club, €50 for a pair of jeans
Is health insurance required for international students? The answer is yes. Health insurance for international students in Austria is mandatory for any study program in the country. EU/EEA students can benefit from free healthcare services during their stay in Austria, yet for non-EU/EEA students, paying for a private health insurance plan is mandatory. The health insurance fee is usually €65, yet for details, please visit the governmental page.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Studying in Austria is advantageous in many ways; the main advantage is the low tuition fees at public universities. Depending on where they are coming from, international students can even have the chance to be exempt from paying the tuition fees with no scholarships. However, scholarship is still vital for students admitted to private Austrian universities or who need financial support to make their living in Austria.
There are plenty of scholarship options for international students, each covering the various needs of students. In fact, many of the bursaries in Austria provide partly or fully funded scholarship opportunities for international students enrolled in various degree studies. All it takes for international students is to research well about which scholarship options they are eligible for and make sure they apply before the deadlines of each application.
Below are some of the most common financial support and scholarship options for international students in Austria.
1. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters
- Scholarship amount: fully funded scholarship and financial aid for travel, visa, and a monthly allowance
- Eligibility: master’s programs
2. Scholarship of the Scholarship Foundation of the Republic of Austria
- Scholarship amount: accommodation, health insurance, travel cost, and a monthly allowance of €1,050
- Eligibility: master’s programs in the field of International Relations
3. MCI Partner University Scholarship
- Scholarship amount: 50% of the tuition fee for students from non-EU-EEA countries
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s and Master’s
How to Apply to Austrian Universities
Below is a guide for international students to apply to the best Austrian universities.
Admission Requirements
There are several important things international students must know before applying to Austrian universities to make sure they are eligible to apply for the university they desire. This is because international applications can be fairly different compared to domestic applications in that they require additional documents that can take longer time to obtain, have different application periods for each university, and it can be complex to obtain a student visa for some situations.
Due to the possible situations mentioned above, it is necessary for international students to research well about the application process of each university they consider applying to. Each admission requirement is mandatory for a successful application to any Austrian university; therefore, international students must make sure they match all requirements.
Below is an overall list of the admission requirements for international students to apply for higher education in Austria:
- Successful completion of the previous degree program
- Valid passport for visa eligibility
- List of academic records
- Proof of English or German language proficiency
Required Documents
In order to prove their eligibility to the desired study programs at Austrian universities, international students must submit certain documents along with their application. Such documents are to be sent directly by the applicant within the application period.
Each Austrian university or program has its own regulations when admitting international students; this is why we strictly advise you to check the program requirements carefully before starting your application. Still, below, you can find the general documents required at all Austrian universities for international applications:
- Application form for admission
- Receipt of the application fee
- Diploma of the latest completed degree (High school, bachelor’s, master’s)
- Copy of passport and valid photo
- Certificate of English or German proficiency
- Academic transcript of the previously completed program(s)
- Letter of intent
- Academic reference letters
- Portfolios, projects (optional)
Application Deadlines
There are two application periods for higher education in Austria: summer and winter. Most Austrian universities have common or similar application deadlines, which are demonstrated as the following:
- Winter applications: April 15 (Registration period); September 5 (Application deadline)
- Summer applications: April 15 (Registration period); February 5 (Application deadline)
Please note that the deadlines can differ each year for each university or program; for details, kindly contact the respected university.
The best time to start your application as an international student should be as early as possible due to the possible delay in obtaining some required documents and the visa process.
General Admission Steps
It is of great importance to follow the admission steps in an organized manner when applying to Austrian universities from overseas, as university admission is a step-by-step process with a detailed examination of the applicant profile. Therefore, missing any deadline is out of option for international students for a successful application to Austrian universities.
Below are the general admission steps for international students to follow when applying to Austrian universities:
- Choose your university and course
- Check the admission requirements carefully to make sure you are eligible
- Provide the required documents
- Fill out the application form and pay the application fee
- Submit your application before the deadline
- Apply for a scholarship once admitted
How to Obtain a Student Visa in Austria
According to the Austrian government, students ought to obtain a residence permit to complete their studies at accredited Austrian universities. This permit allows international students to use their residence rights and responsibilities during their stay.
International students need to obtain Temporary Residence Permit in the form of a student visa; this permit is applied to individuals seeking time-limited residence in Austria, including students and researchers.
A Temporary Residence Permit is given to students under certain requirements, which are to be documented by all international students during visa application. Below are the visa requirements for studying in Austria:
- Valid passport and photo of the applicant
- Evidence of a health insurance policy
- Admission letter from an accredited Austrian university
- Payment of the visa application fee of €80
Once international students obtain a letter of acceptance from an Austrian university, they should apply to the closest Austrian representatives to get an in-person appointment. The embassies can be found on the governmental page for all international students. The application steps are as follows:
- Receive the proof of enrollment/admission letter from an Austrian university
- Gather all of the required documents
- Visit the Austrian Ministry of European and International Affairs to find the closest Austrian embassy for arranging an appointment
- Visit the Austrian embassy at the appointment date and time
- Submit your documents
- Wait for their contact for approval
How to Prepare for Your Arrival in Austria
Studying in another country is completely different from studying in your home country; this means international students need to consider additional preparations before their arrival to make sure they don’t miss out on anything important.
Student life in Austria is enjoyable in many ways; Austria is a small country that is easier for international students to discover, there are plenty of international students in many of its cities, and the local community is usually respectful and neat. However, it is still of great importance for international students to make the necessary preparations before their arrival to avoid any unpleasant surprises when they arrive.
Below are some of the most important preparations international students should make to study in Austria:
Arrange your accommodation
Finding an apartment or dormitory can be challenging, especially when arranging from a different country. Arranging the accommodation should never be waited till the last minute for international students as there can be certain procedures that may last longer than planned. Luckily, many Austrian universities or real estates are helpful for foreigners to find suitable accommodation before their arrival.
Bring your essentials
It can be difficult sometimes to find everything you can in your home country, partly because Austria is a small country, and some needs can only find in their local market. Thus, we advise you to pack all your essentials in case you have problems finding them in Austria.
Familiarize yourself with your school and neighborhood
The first weeks can be tough for international students as they are not familiar with the local community and neighborhoods, resulting in often getting lost on random streets with no one to ask for help. Therefore, our suggestion is to contact fellow students in the same program if possible and search for public transportation to learn how to find your accommodation.
How to Study and Live in Austria
No matter how motivated international students can be about studying abroad, it is very normal to face some challenges when moving into a different country and getting used to this major change in one’s life.
Although there are certain challenges every international student can experience during their stay, the key is to know how to deal with them and get used to the cultural and social atmosphere of Austria. Below we have stated some of the most common challenges of studying in Austria for international students and how to deal with each of them.
Challenge 1: Deal with the language barrier
German is the official language in Austria, and even many locals can understand English in big cities like Vienna or Salzburg; German is the only way to communicate in smaller Austrian cities or towns. Moreover, Austrian German sounds slightly different from the usual German, so we suggest international students improve their German proficiency as much as they can and watch videos or movies in Austrian German to get familiar with the local accents before their arrival.
Challenge 2: Get ready for the cold winters
Austrian winter is cold, grey, and long, which can be difficult for some international students coming from warmer climates. Yet, if you enjoy winter sports and activities, Austria is a perfect location for winter tourism. Our suggestion for international students is to bring their winter clothes with coats, boots, and sweaters and enjoy the beautiful winter view of the rural parts of Austria during the holidays.
Challenge 3: Prepare yourself for the high cost of living
Although most universities have low or no tuition fees for international students, the fact that Austria is the 21st most expensive country in the world remains. The average cost of living can be more than your home country, which is why our suggestion is to research well about the average expenses and start your savings as soon as you can before your arrival.
Challenge 4: Follow the rules carefully
Austrian people are strict about social norms and rules; similarly, they expect foreigners to show the same level of respect and pay extra attention to their boundaries. The best way to learn about the social rules of living in Austria is to contact a local student or faculty staff to get to know more about the Austrian way of living.
Challenge 5: Get in touch with your family
Culture shock is a fact, and it can be experienced by any international student, no matter where they come from. Thankfully, it is a process that can be overcome easily by keeping in touch with your family and friends in your hometown to avoid feeling homesick.
Can You Work in Austria After Graduation
One of the merits of studying in Austria is that there are great opportunities waiting for international students even after graduation. Privileged Austrian universities value international students who have the potential to contribute to their profession and assist them in getting great opportunities for employment.
There are several employment opportunities for international students in various sectors, yet the most popular professions are in the fields of technology, business, and tourism. The best ways to get a job in Austria for international students are to contact their faculty for references and start job hunting by the time of their graduation. Additionally, attending job fairs organized by the university or taking part in conferences for networking are great ways to increase the likelihood of getting a job in Austria.
Austrian work permit for students from overseas is given under different categories, such as skilled or very highly qualified workers, yet there is also a specific privilege given to international graduates of Austrian universities and universities of applied sciences. International graduates can obtain Red-White-Red Card if they can receive employment within 12 months of their graduation. For details, kindly visit the governmental page.
Conclusion
Studying in Austria is a great choice for students in that it provides a historically and culturally significant European atmosphere, high-class living standards, and quality education. Education rankings in Austria have been proven to be top among other European countries, and without a doubt, it will be a momentous experience for anyone to build their academics and career in the best possible ways.
We hope that this Ultimate Guide to Studying in Austria was informative and helpful. You can also find more information on different European universities and scholarship opportunities on the Europe Scholarships Page!
