Explore College In Austria: Your Guide To Getting In

Austria is a great choice for your academic education, offering a long academic tradition based on an open-minded atmosphere, creativity and innovation. The country has a diverse range of higher education institutions, including public and private universities, colleges, and Universities of Applied Sciences. The system is quite similar to other institutions in Europe, although it may differ slightly from places like Australia or the United States.

Austria is considered a safe country with a high quality of life and a low crime rate. It also offers affordable tuition fees, especially for European nationals, who can study for free at public universities. International students from developing countries are also exempt from tuition fees at many public Austrian universities.

If you are a citizen of a country outside the EU, you will need to get a student visa. For short-term or exchange programmes, you will need a Visa C or D, which allows you to stay in Austria for up to three or six months, respectively. If you plan to stay longer, you will need a Residence Permit – Student Visa.

To gain admission to a university in Austria, you will need to meet certain requirements, including language and qualification prerequisites. Most universities deliver their programmes in German, so students must be able to speak the language fluently.

Language requirements

To study at a university in Austria, you will need to prove your proficiency in German. This is because most programs are delivered in German and most universities require knowledge of German as part of the admissions program. You might need to prove your skills with existing qualifications or take a German exam. If you don't meet the requirements, you can take a language course to improve your skills. There are many ways to do this, including online platforms, apps, and language schools.

If you are studying for a master's degree or a Ph.D., your previous qualifications may need to be translated into German to be approved as part of your application. If your qualifications are from an EU university, you should be fine.

At the undergraduate level, you will need a high school degree or university entrance qualification, and knowledge of German.

If you are a citizen of an EU country, you can study and work in Austria without a visa. However, if you are a student from a non-EU country, you must get a student visa. For short-term or exchange programs of up to three months, you need a Visa C. For stays of at least 91 days up to a maximum of six months, you need a Visa D. If you plan to study in Austria for longer than six months, you need a Residence Permit – Student visa.

Visa and immigration

The visa and immigration requirements for studying in Austria depend on your nationality and the duration of your stay. Here is a detailed guide on what you need to know:

For Non-EU Citizens:

• Short-Term Stay (less than 6 months): You need to apply for either a Visa C or Visa D. A Visa C entitles you to stay in Austria and other Schengen countries for up to 90 days. A Visa D is for stays between 91 days and 6 months. These visas can be obtained from an Austrian consulate or embassy before your arrival.
• Long-Term Stay (more than 6 months): You will need to apply for a residence permit for students ("Aufenthaltsbewilligung - Student"). This can be done within Austria after your lawful entry. Contact the competent Austrian representative authority (embassy or consulate) for detailed information.
• Visa Application Process: Submit your application to the local Austrian embassy or consulate in your country of residence and wait for a decision before travelling to Austria. The processing time can take up to 90 days.
• Required Documents for Student Visa:
• Confirmation of admission to an Austrian university.
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover living costs for 12 months (between €533.85 and €1,524.99 per month).
• Declaration of loans, maintenance payments, or other debts.
• Proof of accommodation in Austria for at least three months.
• Police clearance certificate from your country of residence.
• Travel medical insurance.
• Health insurance (Austrian student health insurance).
• German translations of all foreign documents.
• Visa Fees: The total cost for obtaining your visa and resident card is €160.

For EU Citizens:

EU/EEA citizens and Swiss nationals can enter, reside, and study in Austria without a visa. However, if you plan to stay in Austria for more than 3 months, you must register with the competent municipal authority (Magistrat, Bezirkshauptmannschaft) within 4 months of your stay.

Language Requirements:

As most university programmes are delivered in German, you must have sufficient German language skills. This can be proven through existing qualifications or by taking a German language exam.

Financial Requirements:

Regardless of your nationality, you must demonstrate that you have sufficient financial means to cover your living costs during your stay in Austria. The required amount varies based on your age:

• Students up to 24 years of age must prove at least €515.30 per month.
• Students 24 years of age or older must prove at least €933.06 per month.

Health Insurance:

All students, regardless of their nationality, are required to have valid health insurance covering all necessary costs during their stay in Austria.

Funding and scholarships

The Austrian government provides support for students who are financially disadvantaged. This includes government student grants and support from the Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research (BMBWF). The Student Support Act outlines a range of possible funding sources for degree programme students from Austria and, in some cases, from elsewhere. The Austrian Student Support Authority allocates such aid and has set up Grants Desks (Stipendienstellen) at all major universities.

The Austrian National Union of Students (ÖH) will provide financial support from the ÖH Social Fund in some cases of hardship. The Austrian National Union of Students can also provide students with information and support regarding accommodation and student halls of residence.

The OeAD is the most important provider of scholarships for international students in Austria. However, there are also other institutions offering support. The website www.grants.at is an Austrian database for scholarships and research grants, where you can find an overview of possible scholarship programmes.

Scholarships are available for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students. However, it is important to note that there is far less funding available for bachelor's degrees than for master's or doctoral programmes. Additionally, most scholarships only offer partial funding and will not cover all tuition and living expenses.

To apply for funding, you may need to provide the following documents:

• A statement of your educational goals
• Proof of admission into a university and programme
• Academic transcripts and previous qualifications
• Completed thesis or abstract of a proposed thesis
• Proof of language skills in English or German
• Letters of recommendation from teachers or lecturers
• In some cases, you may also need to do an interview

The cost of living in Austria is generally lower than in other major developed cities but can still be reasonably expensive. As a student, you should budget about €800 to €1,500 per month for living expenses, including rent, food, and transport.

Qualifications and recognition

Austria's higher education sector has an excellent international reputation, with over 600 universities in the country. These include state-funded public universities, private universities, and highly specialised colleges that focus on particular disciplines or research.

State universities are free for locals and charge nominal fees for EU students. International students from non-EU countries pay higher fees, but these are still considered affordable when compared to other countries. Private universities, on the other hand, are significantly more expensive.

The University of Vienna (Universität Wien) is Austria's oldest and largest university. Other well-known institutions include the Vienna University of Technology, Innsbruck University, University of Graz, University of Salzburg, and Johannes Kepler University Linz.

The majority of study programs are taught in German, so proficiency in the language is usually required. However, there are multiple English-taught programs, especially at the postgraduate level, and German language courses are also available.

For bachelor's degree programs, students typically need to have a high school degree or university entrance qualification. Certain programs may have additional requirements, such as auditions for artistic degrees or specific prerequisites for teacher training.

For master's degree programs, students generally need to provide proof of their previous qualifications, language skills, and fill out an application form.

Doctorate programs in Austria are highly specialised, and students typically need to have a Master's degree in a related subject. They may also need to take an entrance exam and demonstrate German language proficiency.

Universities of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschulen) are another option for tertiary education in Austria. These institutions offer more practical and professionally-oriented programs, with fixed study durations. To gain admission to a Fachhochschulen, you will need University Entrance Qualifications (Allgemeine Universitätsreife) or relevant vocational qualifications.

When it comes to recognition of qualifications, Austria follows the Bologna or European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). This system allows for the easy transfer and recognition of credits and qualifications within Europe. Therefore, qualifications obtained in Austria will be recognised in other European countries, and vice versa.

For international students, the recognition of overseas qualifications may be required, especially for master's and doctoral programs. Qualifications from EU universities are typically accepted, while other overseas qualifications may need to be translated into German for approval.

Student life and accommodation

Austria is a federal republic divided into nine states and is located in the heart of the Alps. It is a small country with a population of around 8.7 to 9 million people. The country is known for its magnificent winter sports scene, with its world-class tourism destinations offering astonishing skiing landscapes and dazzling mountains for hiking. The Austrian Alps extend to Switzerland, Italy, Liechtenstein, and Slovenia and lie within Hohe Tauern, one of Europe's largest national parks.

The main cities in Austria include Vienna, Graz, Innsbruck, Linz, and Salzburg, all of which are known for their wonderful architecture and rich culture. The country's higher education institutions are well-respected worldwide, and the cities offer a combination of vibrant nightlife and cultural experiences through museums, musical venues, and theatres.

Student Accommodation Options:

• Student Dormitories/Halls of Residence: These are typically the most affordable option and are often situated close to universities. They offer shared amenities such as kitchens, bathrooms, and study rooms. A room in a student dormitory can range from €250 to €450 per month.
• Private Apartments: Renting a private apartment provides more privacy and independence. The cost of private apartments varies, with prices generally higher than student dorms, ranging from €500 to €1,000 per month or more.
• Shared Apartments (Wohngemeinschaft or WG): In a WG, students share an apartment with their own rooms but have shared common areas. This option is more affordable than private apartments and provides a communal living experience. Depending on the location, rent for a shared flat can be expected to be around €250 to €450 per month.
• Homestay: Some students choose to live with a local family, providing a unique cultural experience and facilitating language immersion.

Student Life:

Austria offers a diverse and multicultural study environment, with around 15% of the student body comprising international students. The country provides numerous opportunities for extracurricular activities, including sports, cultural events, and socialising.

The cost of living in Austria is moderate, but the standard of living is among the highest in Europe. Students often receive discounts for travel, entrance fees, and sports activities.

When it comes to transportation, Austria has easy access to its neighbouring countries by air, road, or rail. The country's cities offer robust transportation infrastructure, making it convenient to get around even without a private vehicle.

Language:

While many Austrians, especially in the cities, speak English, it is beneficial to have some knowledge of German for everyday life and when dealing with housing-related matters.

Student Support:

The Austrian National Student Union (Österreichische Hochschülerschaft) provides information and counselling for students on various topics, including health insurance, work, and funding.

Visa Requirements:

Citizens from outside the EEA (European Economic Area) or Switzerland will generally need a residence permit to study in Austria.

Work Opportunities:

Students with citizenship from a third country are subject to the Act Governing the Employment of Foreign Nationals and will require an employment permit. As a student, you can receive a permit to work up to 20 hours a week without a labour market test.

Post-Graduation Options:

After completing your studies, you can switch from the residence permit "Students" to the Red-White-Red Card. You can file for a one-time renewal of your residence permit for up to 12 months to search for a job or start a business in Austria.

Frequently asked questions