Working In Austria: Navigating Language Barriers Without Ielts

Austria is a popular destination for international students due to its rich cultural heritage, high-quality education, and affordable tuition fees. While English is widely spoken, Austrian universities typically require international students to provide proof of English proficiency. This is usually done through the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). However, several universities in Austria do not require IELTS and offer alternative ways for students to demonstrate their English proficiency. Additionally, international students can work part-time in Austria, and those who are not EU/EEA nationals can apply for the Austria Job Seeker Visa.

English-taught courses in Austria

Austria is known for its rich cultural heritage and world-class education system, making it an attractive study destination for international students. While German is the official language in Austria, many universities offer programmes taught in English.

The University of Vienna, for example, offers a range of English-taught programmes in the humanities, sciences, and social sciences. Similarly, the Technical University of Vienna is renowned for its engineering and technical programmes, all taught in English. Other universities offering English-taught courses include the University of Salzburg, Graz University of Technology, and the University of Innsbruck.

In addition to universities, there are also English-taught programmes at institutions such as the Vienna University of Economics and Business, which offers business programmes, and Webster University, an American university offering diversified study programmes in the bachelor of arts and bachelor of science.

While English is widely spoken in Austria, and many programmes are offered in English, Austrian universities typically require proof of English proficiency for international students. This can be demonstrated through IELTS or other alternative qualifications, such as TOEFL or Cambridge English Certificates. Some universities may also offer language support or accept previous education in English as sufficient proof of proficiency.

Overall, Austria offers a wide range of English-taught courses across various disciplines, providing international students with a unique and rewarding educational experience.

German proficiency tests

Austria is a popular destination for international students due to its rich cultural heritage, high-quality education system, and affordable tuition fees. Many universities in Austria do not require IELTS scores from international students and instead offer alternative ways to assess English proficiency, such as accepting other English proficiency tests, recognising previous education in English, or conducting interviews.

When it comes to German proficiency tests, Austria recognises specific language proficiency levels defined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. These levels include:

• Level A (Elementary/Basic User): Consists of A1 (Beginner) and A2 (Waystage) sub-levels. A1 requires the ability to use and understand basic phrases and everyday expressions, while A2 involves understanding and using sentences related to personal information, family, shopping, and employment.
• Level B (Independent User): Includes B1 (Intermediate) and B2 (Upper Intermediate) sub-levels. B1 entails understanding the main points of clear discussions on familiar topics, while B2 indicates the ability to grasp complex texts on concrete and abstract topics, including specialised discussions.
• Level C (Proficient User): Comprises C1 (Advanced) and C2 (Mastery) sub-levels. C1 reflects the ability to express oneself fluently and spontaneously in various situations, while C2 denotes effortless understanding of written and spoken German, including its finer shades of meaning.

German language proficiency tests and certificates are typically issued by specific institutions, including the Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF), ÖSD, TELC, and Goethe-Institut. These certificates are essential for third-country nationals immigrating to or residing in Austria, as they serve as proof of language proficiency for immigration and residence requirements.

In addition to the recognised institutions, Austria also offers various resources to learn German, such as university language courses, the online language portal Sprachportal by ÖIF and ÖI, and free online courses like Deutsch.info for levels A1, A2, and B1.

Alternative English proficiency tests

Austria is known for its rich cultural heritage and world-class education system, making it an attractive destination for international students and workers. While English is widely spoken, and many programmes are offered in English, proof of English proficiency is often required for those wishing to work or study in the country.

IELTS is a common requirement for demonstrating English proficiency in Austria, but several alternative qualifications are accepted. Here are some alternative English proficiency tests recognised by Austrian institutions:

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

TOEFL is widely accepted by Austrian universities and institutions as an alternative to IELTS. This test evaluates reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills, providing a comprehensive measure of English proficiency.

Cambridge English Certificates

Cambridge English Certificates, such as the First Certificate in English (FCE) and Certificate in Advanced English (CAE), are recognised by many institutions in Austria. These certificates serve as proof of language ability and are often accepted in place of IELTS.

LanguageCert

LanguageCert provides various English proficiency tests recognised by universities and institutions in Austria. These tests assess language skills comprehensively, offering an alternative for those who have not taken the IELTS exam.

Duolingo English Test

The Duolingo English Test is another alternative to IELTS. It evaluates speaking, reading, and listening skills and is often accepted by universities and employers.

University Language Courses

Many universities in Austria offer language courses for students who do not meet the language requirements. These courses can help improve language skills and prepare students for academic study in the country.

Interviews

Some universities may conduct interviews in English to assess an applicant's language proficiency. This method allows them to directly evaluate the applicant's ability to communicate and understand the English language.

Previous Education in English

If you have previously completed your education in an English-speaking institution or country, you may be exempt from taking an additional English test like IELTS. This is accepted as proof of English proficiency by many Austrian institutions.

In addition to these alternatives, it is worth noting that citizens of English-speaking countries are often exempt from providing proof of English proficiency when applying for higher education or work in Austria.

University language courses

German is the official language in Austria, and the main language of instruction at Austrian universities and UASs (Fachhochschulen). Therefore, if you want to study in Austria, you will need to prove sufficient knowledge of German. The level of proficiency you need to demonstrate varies across universities, with some requiring a German language proficiency level of B2, and others requiring C1, according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

If you are an international student who wants to work in Austria, you may be able to do so without IELTS. Several universities in Austria do not require IELTS from international students and offer alternative ways to assess applicants' English proficiency. These include:

• Recognising native English speakers as proficient.
• Accepting proof of previous education in English.
• Administering an interview in English to assess proficiency.
• Accepting alternative English language tests, such as the TOEFL or Duolingo.

Additionally, many universities offer language courses for students who do not meet the language requirements. These courses provide an opportunity to improve language skills and prepare for academic study in Austria. Here are some examples of German language courses offered by universities in Austria:

The University of Vienna offers summer intensive courses in German.

Language Institutes

• Latin American Institute: Offers German courses in Vienna.
• ABC Language Institute Vienna: Provides German courses in the Austrian capital.
• ActiLingua Vienna: Delivers German tuition in Vienna.
• Alpha Language Institute: Runs German courses in Vienna.
• Campus Austria: Hosts German classes.
• Deutsch Kolleg Wien: Organises German instruction.
• DIG German in Graz: Delivers German courses in Graz.
• Alpen-Adria- University Klagenfurt: Provides German tuition.

Other German Courses in Austria

Outside of universities and language institutes, there are several German courses offered by private companies in Austria. These include:

• Deutsch-Institut Tirol: Offers general German courses for seniors and adults, with options for intensive learning.
• Home Language International: Provides general German courses with flexible scheduling.
• Humboldt-Institut e.V.: Delivers general German instruction.
• INNES Institute Vienna: Offers German courses in Vienna.
• LcL-Institut für Sprachen und Kommunikation GmbH: Provides German instruction with a focus on everyday language.
• Lernpoint Bildungsinstitut: Offers German courses.
• MHC Business Language Training: Specialises in business German courses.
• Sprachschule Aktiv Wien: Delivers private German courses with flexible scheduling.
• Sprachschule Dr. Lenz /Artemida Lenz: Provides German courses for beginners and intermediate learners.
• Did deutsch-institut: Offers German instruction.
• Inlingua Innsbruck: Provides German courses in Innsbruck.
• Inlingua Salzburg: Hosts German classes in Salzburg.

Work visas

If you are a non-EU/EEA national, you can apply for the Austria Job Seeker Visa. This is a job search visa that does not require a job offer. This visa allows you to stay in Austria for up to six months and look for work. During this time, you are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week.

To apply for this visa, you will need to meet certain requirements, including having a recognized university degree, relevant work experience, and sufficient financial resources to support yourself during your stay. You will also need to provide proof of health insurance and a clean criminal record.

Once you have found a job, you can apply for a Red-White-Red Card, which is a single permit for residence and work. The Red-White-Red Card is valid for one year and can be extended if you continue to meet the requirements.

If you are an EU/EEA national, you do not need a work visa to work in Austria. However, you may need to register with the local authorities and obtain a residence permit if you plan to stay for more than three months.

In terms of language requirements, while English is widely spoken in Austria, German is the main language of instruction and communication in the workplace. Therefore, it is essential to have at least a basic understanding of German to increase your job prospects and navigate the work visa application process effectively.

Additionally, some jobs, especially in the public sector, may require proof of German language proficiency, such as the "Österreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch" (Austrian Language Diploma in German).

Frequently asked questions