Study in Austria

Austria offers research universities, universities of the arts, private institutions, practice-oriented universities of applied sciences and teacher-education colleges. Students can choose from more than 2,500 degree programmes, including around 580 taught in English. Compare the exact programme language, entry requirements, tuition, quality status and recognition rules rather than choosing only by a general country reputation.

Austria’s capital is Vienna, its official EU language is German and its currency is the euro. English is used in a growing selection of degree programmes, but German remains the main language of instruction nationally and is important for everyday life and many jobs.

Austria’s four main groups are 23 public universities, 19 private universities or higher-education institutions, 21 universities of applied sciences and 14 university colleges of teacher education. OeAD also lists other post-secondary institutions separately. The right choice depends on whether the student wants research, arts, professional practice, teacher education or a specialised field.

The official Study in Austria site currently lists around 580 English-taught programmes. Availability changes, and many English options are at master’s level. Confirm the teaching language, required language certificate and whether any modules, placements or administrative steps require German for the exact programme and intake.

For many programmes, yes: German remains the main language of instruction. English-taught programmes set their own English requirements, and some may still expect German for clinical work, placements or daily administration. Check the official programme page and obtain written confirmation of the accepted language evidence before applying.

EU/EEA students at public universities generally pay no tuition within the minimum programme duration plus two tolerance semesters. After that period, the current general rate is €363.36 per semester. The compulsory ÖH/student accident contribution is currently €25.20 per semester. Exceptions and institution-specific rules should be confirmed before enrolment.

Third-country students holding a Residence Permit–Student generally pay €751.92 per semester at public universities, plus the compulsory €25.20 ÖH/student accident contribution. Exemptions can apply for certain countries, scholarships or programmes. The university’s current fee notice and written admission offer control.

No. Austrian universities of applied sciences are allowed to charge tuition, while private institutions and teacher-education colleges set their own fees. Costs can vary significantly by institution and programme, so applicants should request the current full fee schedule, including application, registration, laboratory, materials and graduation charges.

The ÖH contribution is the compulsory Austrian Student Union membership and student accident-insurance contribution. The official Study in Austria page currently lists it as €25.20 per semester for all students. Because the amount is adjusted periodically, confirm it again for the intended semester.

The official current guideline is approximately €1,300 per month. It uses about €450–700 for accommodation, €300 for food and €500 for studies and personal needs including mobility, culture and recreation. Vienna and other larger cities can cost more, and tuition, deposits and immigration fees should be budgeted separately.

Students commonly use halls of residence, OeAD student housing, a room in a shared flat (WG) or a private studio/apartment. Housing is not normally assigned automatically with university admission. Apply early and verify rent, deposit, utilities, furnishings, notice period, commute and whether the address can be registered before sending money.

The academic year generally begins on 1 October and ends on 30 September. The winter semester starts on 1 October and the summer semester on 1 March, with lecture-free periods between teaching blocks. Exact class, examination and enrolment dates vary by institution.

At many public universities, the general closing dates are 5 September for winter semester and 5 February for summer semester. Universities of applied sciences, private universities, arts programmes and restricted programmes have different schedules, and entrance-exam deadlines can be up to six months earlier. Always follow the exact programme deadline.

Applicants generally need a valid passport or nationality proof and a secondary-school qualification that permits university study or is accepted as equivalent. Many programmes also require German, while English programmes set their own language standards. Subject prerequisites, entrance tests, legalisation and certified translations may apply.

A master’s applicant normally needs a relevant bachelor’s degree of at least six semesters or 180 ECTS, together with the programme’s subject and language conditions. The institution decides whether the prior degree is sufficiently relevant and may request course descriptions or additional requirements.

Doctoral or PhD admission normally requires a relevant master’s or equivalent degree. The university may also require a research proposal, supervisor agreement, academic references, language evidence or proof that the proposed project fits its research environment. Requirements are programme-specific.

Often. Austrian institutions may require original education records, legalisation and certified translations. Documents not issued in German or English generally need an approved translation, and translations completed abroad may also require legalisation. Check the issuing country and institution-specific instructions before preparing the file.

Admission restrictions or selection procedures can apply in fields such as architecture, biology, business, computer science, medicine, dentistry and psychology, as well as universities of the arts and many UAS programmes. Registration for the entrance procedure may close months before normal admission.

No visa is normally required. Students must still register their Austrian address where required, maintain sufficient resources and health insurance, and apply for an Anmeldebescheinigung if staying longer than three months. Residence and employment documentation should be completed within the official deadlines.

The route depends on nationality and length of stay. Visa C covers up to 90 days where a visa is required, Visa D generally covers 91 days to six months, and a Residence Permit–Student is normally required for study lasting more than six months. Use the OeAD route selector and responsible Austrian embassy before applying.

The official decision period is 90 days. If the authority asks for additional documents, it can be extended by another 90 days. OeAD recommends submitting the application three to six months before planned entry. Embassy appointment availability, legalisation and missing documents can add more time.

BMEIA states that examination and decision on Visa D applications must not take longer than six months. This is a legal maximum, not a promised average. The clock depends on an admissible application, paid fee and complete documents, and embassy appointment time is separate.

For 2026, the monthly reference amounts are €722.58 for students under 24 and €1,308.39 from age 24, normally shown for 12 months. Additional proof is required when accommodation exceeds €386.43 per month and for necessary health insurance. The authority may also examine the source of funds and regular expenses.

For applications submitted from 1 January 2026, the application fee is €218 and is paid on submission. OeAD states that it is not refunded if the application is refused or withdrawn. Legalisation, translation, civil-document and service-centre charges can be separate.

Yes. EU/EEA students may be able to use a valid European Health Insurance Card. Third-country residence applicants need insurance covering all risks in Austria, with travel insurance used for entry until full cover begins. Eligible enrolled students can use ÖGK student self-insurance, currently €78.84 per month in 2026.

Eligible holders of a Residence Permit–Student may receive an employment permit for work up to 20 hours per week without a labour-market test. The employer must apply to AMS before the student starts work. Employment must remain compatible with study and residence requirements.

EU/EEA citizens generally have the right to work in Austria without a separate employment permit under EU free-movement rules. Normal employment law, tax, social-insurance and any regulated-profession requirements still apply.

Eligible third-country graduates who completed a qualifying Austrian degree while holding a Residence Permit–Student may renew the permit once for 12 months to seek employment or start a business. They must continue to meet the general residence conditions and obtain a suitable longer-term work/residence title afterward.

Yes, but full-degree scholarships are limited and eligibility varies by nationality, field, level and target group. Search grants.at, review OeAD funding and check each institution’s official scholarship page. Treat funding as confirmed only when the provider issues a written award stating the amount, covered costs, duration and renewal conditions.

Recognition depends on the receiving country, institution, employer and professional regulator. An Austrian degree may be academically recognised, but regulated careers such as medicine, dentistry, teaching and law can require approved-programme status, examinations, supervised practice or additional training. Check the destination authority using the exact institution and programme name before enrolling.