Study in Austria 2026

Studying in Austria has become an increasingly attractive option for international students who want high-quality European education, a safe and well-organised environment, and access to the heart of Europe—all at relatively reasonable costs compared to many Western European countries.

In this in-depth guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about studying in Austria: why it’s a great choice, how the higher education system works, popular fields of study, tuition fees and cost of living, scholarships and funding options, step-by-step application procedures, visa and residence rules, and what student life looks like.

Why Choose Austria for Your Studies?

There are many reasons why Austria is becoming a top study destination:

High academic quality and tradition Austrian higher education institutions include historic universities in cities like Vienna, Graz, Innsbruck, Salzburg and Linz, offering a wide range of programmes at Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD level.
Relatively low tuition fees in public universities Public universities charge modest tuition fees compared to many Western European countries. For non-EU/EEA students, typical tuition at public universities is around €726.72 per semester, plus a small student union fee.
Good number of English-taught programmes There are around 575 programmes taught in English according to the official Austrian programme database, making Austria attractive even if you don’t yet speak German.
High quality of life Vienna is regularly ranked among the most liveable cities in the world, and other Austrian cities also offer a clean, safe and organised environment with strong public services.
Central location in Europe From Austria you can easily travel to Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia and other countries by train or bus.
Work opportunities during and after studies With the proper residence permit, international students from outside the EU/EEA can live and study in Austria and may be allowed to work part-time, then apply for a residence permit extension to look for a job after graduation.

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Structure of Higher Education in Austria

Austria follows the Bologna system, which is standard across the European Higher Education Area. This means degrees are structured into three main cycles:

1. Bachelor’s Degree (First Cycle)

Typical duration: 3 years (6 semesters) for most academic fields.
Provides fundamental theoretical and practical knowledge in a specific study area.
After graduation you can enter the job market or continue to a related Master’s degree.

2. Master’s Degree (Second Cycle)

Typical duration: 2 years (4 semesters).
Offers advanced and specialised training in a specific subject.
Often includes a research-oriented Master’s thesis.

Some disciplines (such as Medicine, Dentistry or certain law programmes) may be offered as long-cycle programmes that combine Bachelor’s and Master’s into a single 5–6 year degree.

3. Doctoral / PhD Studies (Third Cycle)

Typical duration: 3–4 years.
Focused on independent research, scientific publications, conference participation and sometimes teaching duties.

Other Types of Programmes

Universities of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschulen) offer more practice-oriented programmes, tightly linked to the labour market.
Preparatory and language courses, especially for students who need to improve their German or meet specific entry requirements.

Types of Higher Education Institutions

Austria offers different types of institutions, each with its own profile:

Public Universities Traditional, research-oriented institutions offering a broad range of disciplines: humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, law, economics, etc.
Universities of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschulen) Practice-focused programmes with strong links to industry, internships and employability. Tuition fees are typically charged for all students.
Private Universities Officially accredited institutions with more specialised programmes and generally higher tuition fees than public universities.
Universities of the Arts and Teacher Education Colleges Specialized institutions for music, fine arts, performing arts, design, and teacher training.

According to the official portal, there are more than 77 higher education institutions in Austria, offering over 2,000 degree programmes.

Popular Fields of Study for International Students

International students in Austria are particularly interested in:

Business Administration, Economics and International Management
Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Industrial, Mechatronics, etc.)
Computer Science, Data Science and IT-related fields
Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences (in selected universities)
Music and Fine Arts at renowned art universities
European Studies, Political Science and Law

Many of these programmes—especially at Master’s level—are available in English, which attracts students from all over the world.

Language of Instruction: German or English?

Studying in German

Most Bachelor’s programmes at public universities are taught in German. If you plan to study in German, you normally need to show proof of language proficiency:

Usually B2 or C1 level on the CEFR scale.
Certificates might include ÖSD, Goethe, TestDaF or other recognised exams, depending on the university’s rules.

If you do not yet have sufficient German, you can often attend university preparation programmes that combine intensive German courses with subject-related preparation. These are often coordinated with or supported by OeAD, Austria’s Agency for Education and Internationalisation.

Studying in English

Austria also offers a significant number of English-taught programmes, especially at Master’s level.

The official database lists around 575 programmes in English across different institutions and levels.
You will normally need to provide proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL or similar) unless your previous education was entirely in English and the university accepts that as evidence.

Even if your studies are in English, learning basic German is highly recommended for everyday life, part-time jobs and integration into local society.

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General Admission Requirements

Requirements can vary between institutions and programmes, but there are some common patterns.

Admission to Bachelor’s Programmes

You will typically need:

A secondary school leaving certificate that entitles you to enter higher education in your home country.
Official transcript of records from your high school.
Proof that your qualification is comparable to the Austrian school-leaving certificate (sometimes a “statement of comparability” may be required).
Proof of language proficiency (German or English, depending on the course).
For certain programmes (e.g. Medicine, Arts, Music, Architecture), additional requirements such as:
- Entrance examinations or aptitude tests.
- Portfolio (for art and architecture programmes).
- Auditions (for music and performing arts).

Admission to Master’s Programmes

For a Master’s degree you generally need:

A Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant or closely related field.
Official transcript showing completed courses and grades.
Proof of language proficiency for the language of instruction.
Curriculum Vitae (CV) and Motivation Letter.
Sometimes letters of recommendation from professors or supervisors.
In some cases, an interview (online or on campus).

Admission to Doctoral / PhD Programmes

Typical requirements include:

A Master’s degree in a closely related discipline.
Research proposal outlining your intended project.
Academic CV with research experience and publications if available.
Letters of recommendation.
Agreement or pre-acceptance by a potential supervisor at the Austrian institution.

For detailed and up-to-date requirements, always check the official website of the university and the specific programme.

Tuition Fees for International Students

Tuition fees in Austria depend on:

Your citizenship (EU/EEA or non-EU/EEA).
Type of institution (public, private, university of applied sciences).
Level and field of study.

Public Universities

According to official and government-related sources:

EU/EEA students often pay little or no tuition fee, except if they study longer than the prescribed duration.
Non-EU/EEA students at public universities typically pay about €726.72 per semester, plus an obligatory student union contribution of around €20–25 per semester.

Universities of Applied Sciences and Private Universities

Universities of Applied Sciences are entitled to charge tuition fees; amounts may vary significantly between institutions and programmes.
Private universities set their own tuition fees, which are often much higher—sometimes between €3,000 and €23,000 per year or more for specialised programmes, especially at Master’s level.

Because tuition policies can change, you must always confirm the exact fees directly on the institution’s official site.

Cost of Living and Student Accommodation in Austria

The cost of living in Austria is moderate to high compared to some other European destinations, but still manageable for students with a proper budget.

Estimated Monthly Living Costs

Recent guides and official-style information suggest that international students should budget approximately €850 to €1,200 per month, including:

Accommodation
Food and groceries
Local transport
Health insurance
Study materials and personal expenses

Vienna is usually the most expensive city, while smaller university towns like Graz, Innsbruck or Salzburg can be slightly cheaper in terms of rent.

Types of Accommodation

Student Dormitories (Halls of Residence)
- Often managed by student housing organisations or in cooperation with OeAD.
- Typical cost: about €300–€600 per month, depending on city and room type.
Shared Apartments (Wohngemeinschaft – WG)
- Very popular among students.
- You rent a room in a flat shared with other students; costs vary but are often in the €400–€700 range for a room, depending on city and location.
Private Apartments
- Most expensive option but offers the greatest privacy and independence.

Scholarships and Funding Opportunities

Austria offers various scholarships and funding schemes, mainly through national agencies and universities.

OeAD and Study in Austria

Study in Austria is the official portal that presents the Austrian higher education system and connects to OeAD – Agency for Education and Internationalisation, which coordinates many mobility and scholarship programmes.

grants.at – Austrian Database for Scholarships and Research Grants

grants.at is Austria’s largest online database for scholarships and research grants:

Contains more than 1,200 entries for students, graduates and researchers.
Covers national, European and international funding programmes.
Allows you to search by target group, field, country of origin, etc.

The official Study in Austria portal recommends starting your scholarship search with grants.at to see which programmes you may be eligible for.

University Scholarships

In addition to national schemes, many Austrian universities:

Offer merit-based scholarships for excellent academic performance.
Provide need-based grants for students in difficult financial situations.
May reduce or waive tuition fees for specific groups.

Because funding conditions differ widely, you should check:

The “scholarships” section of the university’s website.
The programme information on Study in Austria and OeAD.

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Step-by-Step: How to Apply to Study in Austria

To make the process manageable, think of it as a sequence of clear steps.

Step 1 – Define Your Study Plan

Choose your degree level (Bachelor, Master, PhD).
Decide on your field of study (e.g. Engineering, Medicine, Business, IT, Arts).
Choose whether you prefer a German-taught or English-taught programme.

Step 2 – Search for Programmes and Institutions

Use official tools to explore options:

The Study in Austria website links to studienwahl.at, where you can find over 2,000 degree programmes at 77+ institutions, including those taught in English.

Shortlist a few programmes based on:

Entry requirements
Tuition fees
City and cost of living
Language of instruction
Reputation and ranking (if relevant to your goals)

Step 3 – Check Admission and Document Requirements

For each chosen programme, read the “Application and Admission” section carefully to understand:

Academic qualifications required
Specific subject requirements (for Medicine, Engineering, etc.)
Language tests and minimum scores
Application deadlines (which can differ by semester and programme)
Whether entrance exams, portfolios or interviews are required

Step 4 – Prepare Your Documents

Typically, you will need:

Valid passport
School leaving certificate or Bachelor’s degree diploma (translated into German or English by a sworn translator, if necessary)
Official transcripts of records
Proof of language proficiency (German/English)
Curriculum Vitae (especially for Master’s and PhD)
Motivation Letter explaining your academic background and goals
Letters of recommendation (if required)
Passport-size photos

Some documents may need legalisation or an apostille, depending on your country of origin and institutional requirements.

Step 5 – Submit Your Application

Most Austrian universities use online application portals.
Create an account, fill in your data and upload all required documents.
Pay the application fee if the university charges one.
Make sure you submit before the deadline (winter and summer semesters have different timelines).

Step 6 – Receive Your Admission Letter

If your application is successful, the university will issue an admission letter (Letter of Admission) or conditional offer.

You may need to confirm your place and/or pay a deposit or part of the tuition fee.
Keep the admission letter safe—it’s essential for the visa and residence permit process.

Step 7 – Apply for Visa and Residence Permit (Non-EU/EEA Students)

If you are from a non-EU/EEA country and plan to stay in Austria for more than six months, you typically need a Residence Permit – Student.

You will usually need to present:

Valid passport
Admission letter from an Austrian higher education institution
Proof of sufficient financial means (to cover living costs)
Proof of accommodation (dormitory reservation or rental contract)
Health insurance valid in Austria
Completed application forms and biometric photos

You should apply at the Austrian embassy or consulate in your home country, and you must allow enough time for processing, as it can take several weeks.

Step 8 – Travel to Austria and Complete Enrolment

Once your visa or residence permit is issued:

Travel to Austria before your semester starts.
Visit the university’s admissions office or student services to finalise enrolment, pay any remaining fees, and receive your student ID card.
Register with local authorities if required, and confirm your health insurance coverage.

Working During and After Your Studies

Part-Time Work as a Student

Regulations differ depending on your nationality and residence title, but in general:

Students from EU/EEA have easy access to the labour market.
Students from outside the EU/EEA can often work part-time under specific conditions attached to their residence permit “Student”.

Typical student jobs include:

Working in cafés, restaurants, shops and call centres
Internships in companies
Research or teaching assistant positions at universities
Part-time IT or office jobs for students with relevant skills

After Graduation

Graduates may be able to:

Apply for an extension of their residence permit to search for a job or transition to an employment-based residence title.
Use their Austrian degree to pursue careers in Austria or elsewhere in the EU, especially in high-demand fields like engineering, IT, healthcare and finance.

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Student Life in Austria

Main Student Cities

Vienna – the capital, home to multiple universities, a rich cultural scene, museums, concerts and vibrant nightlife.
Graz – a major university city with a large student population and slightly lower living costs than Vienna.
Innsbruck, Salzburg, Linz, Klagenfurt – scenic cities that combine academic life with mountains, lakes and historical architecture.

Campus and Social Life

Universities and student unions organise many activities:

Sports clubs and fitness facilities
Music and arts events
International student associations and cultural groups
Volunteering and community projects

As an international student, you will find plenty of opportunities to meet people from Austria and around the world.

Safety and Quality of Life

Austria is generally considered very safe, with a high quality of public infrastructure:

Reliable public transport systems
Good healthcare services
Clean public spaces and well-maintained cities

All of this helps create a stable and comfortable environment for focusing on your studies.

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Tips for Succeeding as an International Student in Austria

Clarify your long-term goals Decide whether you want to stay and work in Austria or move somewhere else afterwards. Choose your field and programme accordingly.
Check recognition of your degree For regulated professions (medicine, dentistry, law, teaching), make sure the degree is recognised both in Austria and in your home country.
Balance quality, cost and location Vienna offers prestige and opportunities but has higher living costs. Smaller cities may offer an excellent academic experience with lower expenses.
Start learning German early Even if your programme is in English, German will help hugely in daily life and will significantly increase your employment options.
Use official sources Always rely on official portals like Study in Austria, OeAD and grants.at for accurate information about admission, fees, residence and scholarships.

Official Sources and Useful Links

Study in Austria – official information portal about studying in Austria (programmes, institutions, tuition, living, etc.) https://studyinaustria.at
OeAD – Austria’s Agency for Education and Internationalisation (entry and residence, student residence permit, study and research information) https://oead.at/en
grants.at – Austrian Database for Scholarships and Research Grants (national database with 1200+ scholarship and funding opportunities) https://grants.at/en

Study in Austria 2026: A Comprehensive Guide to Universities, Costs, Scholarships and Application Steps for International Students