Austria Medical School: Open To All?

Austria is one of the leading countries in Europe for academics and research, making it an excellent place to begin your medical career. The country offers top-notch education, modern facilities, and state-of-the-art equipment for all students. Austrian universities welcome foreign students, especially those engaged in research, and there are global universities offering scholarships to support students financially. Additionally, many institutions are part of the Erasmus+ program, providing international students with diverse educational experiences. However, studying medicine in Austria has specific requirements and procedures that must be followed.

International students are welcome

Additionally, international students must demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the German language, which may include taking an examination. For admission to German-language studies at the Medical University of Vienna, for example, proof of German language proficiency at level C1 is required. International applicants should also be prepared to submit various documents, including a passport or proof of citizenship, transcripts with grades from the last school year, and proof of financial resources to cover tuition fees. All documents must be submitted in the original language and in an authenticated German translation.

It is important to note that persons who are neither EEA citizens nor Swiss and who do not have a right of residence or residence title in Austria will require a residence permit to study in the country. The application process and specific requirements may vary depending on the university and the nationality of the applicant, so it is advisable to check the admissions policies of the desired medical school carefully.

Overall, while international students are welcome to pursue medical studies in Austria, they should be prepared to meet the necessary requirements and navigate the specific application process for international applicants.

Requirements and documents

To be admitted to a higher education programme in Austria, you must first contact the institution that offers the programme. They can inform you of the exact admission requirements for your chosen programme.

• Available space: A place to study the desired course must be available at the university.
• Proof of nationality: A photocopy of your passport.
• High school diploma: An A-level or high school diploma, equivalent to an Austrian Matura examination certification.
• German language proficiency: Sufficient German language skills are required. You may need to take an examination to prove your proficiency.
• University entrance qualification: For some programmes, you may need to provide proof of a general or special university entrance qualification.
• Supplementary examinations: In some cases, supplementary examinations may be necessary, especially in Latin.
• Entrance examinations: Many medical schools in Austria require applicants to take an entrance examination. The closing date for applications for entrance examinations can be up to 6 months before the beginning of the semester.
• Application form: You will need to complete an application form for admission and send it to the Admissions Office, along with all the necessary documents.
• Student identification: A student document of identification with a photograph attached is required.
• Tuition fee: A bank receipt indicating payment of the per-semester tuition fee, unless you are exempt.
• Translations: All documents must be submitted in the original language and in a German translation that has been publicly authenticated in the originating country and by the Austrian representation in that country. This last step is not necessary for countries whose public authentication is recognised by Austria through treaty agreements.

Language of instruction

The language of instruction in Austrian medical schools is predominantly German, reflecting the country's commitment to integrating international students into its rich linguistic heritage. However, some universities in Austria do offer medical programs in English. This is beneficial for international students who may not be fluent in German but still want to pursue medical studies in Europe.

If you are an international student studying in Austria, particularly in Vienna, you will be required to learn German. If you are not familiar with the language, you will need to add German classes for a year on top of your medical curriculum.

For programs taught in German, proficiency in the German language is usually required. You may need to submit proof of your language skills through exams such as the TestDaF (Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache) or the Österreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch (ÖSD). The Medical University of Vienna, for example, requires students to be proficient in German to study medicine.

However, if the program is in English, you will likely need to provide proof of English language proficiency through tests like the TOEFL or IELTS.

Admission process

Austria is a popular destination for international students, especially those in the field of medicine. The country boasts a high standard of living, affordable tuition fees, and globally recognised degrees. The admission process for international students applying to medical universities in Austria is outlined below:

Language Proficiency:

Firstly, proficiency in the German language is essential. German is the primary language of instruction at most universities, and international students are often required to take additional German classes if they are not fluent. However, some universities offer medical programs in English, making it beneficial for those who are not fluent in German.

Entrance Examinations:

Some medical universities in Austria require international students to take an entrance examination. This exam typically assesses knowledge in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. Additionally, Austria uses the EMS as an entrance test for medical studies, evaluating aptitude in these subjects and cognitive abilities.

Academic Requirements:

For admission into Austrian medical universities, completion of secondary school education with a diploma or certificate equivalent to the Austrian Matura is necessary. Depending on the country of origin, additional preparatory courses or a foundation year may be required to meet academic standards.

Application Documents:

The following documents are typically required for the application process:

• Transcripts of academic records
• Letter of motivation
• Letters of recommendation (if required)
• Proof of language proficiency (German or English, depending on the program)
• Copy of passport or birth certificate
• Academic records, including report cards and graduation certificates
• Completed application forms
• Admission fees or proof of payment
• Proof of sufficient funds or financial support
• Medical health certificate
• No criminal record proof
• Valid passport
• German language certificate with level C1
• Authorisation and legalisation of documents from the relevant authorities

Admission Test:

The Medical University of Vienna, one of the most prestigious medical schools in Austria, requires applicants to take an admissions test (MedAT-H) due to the high demand for places.

Tuition Fees:

While public universities in Austria offer free tuition, private universities have varying tuition fees. For instance, the Paracelsus Medical Private University charges approximately 1453 EUR per year.

In conclusion, the admission process for international students applying to medical schools in Austria involves demonstrating language proficiency, meeting academic requirements, submitting necessary documents, and potentially taking entrance examinations. The specific requirements may vary among universities, so it is essential to check with the desired institution for detailed information.

Career opportunities

Austria's robust healthcare system and advanced medical research facilities offer a wide range of career paths for medical graduates. Graduates can pursue careers in hospital settings, private practices, research institutes, and academia. The country's high standard of living, excellent healthcare facilities, and well-developed public transportation system also add to the appeal of establishing a career in Austria.

Specialised fields such as surgery, psychiatry, general medicine, and paediatrics are particularly in demand. Medical professionals in these fields can expect competitive salaries, with the average annual salary for a medical doctor ranging from 60,000 to 90,000 EUR. Specialists and experienced practitioners can even earn over 100,000 EUR per year.

The degrees obtained from Austrian medical universities are generally recognised worldwide, making it easier for graduates to pursue further studies or practice medicine in other countries. This global recognition opens up international career opportunities for Austrian medical graduates.

Additionally, medical professionals in Austria often receive additional benefits, such as training opportunities, pension plans, and health insurance, making the overall compensation package quite attractive. This combination of career diversity and financial rewards makes Austria a desirable destination for aspiring medical professionals from around the globe.

After completing their medical studies in Austria, graduates can apply to register with the General Medical Council in Austria if they wish to work and practise medicine in the country. They will need to take a licensure exam to verify their eligibility to practise as doctors.

Frequently asked questions