Work And Study In Austria As An International Student

Austria is a popular destination for international students, boasting over 70 higher education institutions and more than 2,000 courses of study. The quality of teaching and science, as well as the Austrian business location, are decisive factors for international students choosing to study in Austria. International students and graduates are also attractive to Austrian companies as emerging talents in the context of the global competition for qualified staff. For students wishing to work and study in Austria, the requirements and processes for gaining employment depend on their nationality and residence status. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens have unrestricted access to the Austrian labour market and can work without a permit, while students from third countries may need to obtain a residence permit and a work permit.

Working in Austria as an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen

As an EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen, you can benefit from the EU's free movement of persons. This means you can work in Austria during your studies without a work permit, regardless of the sector, the number of hours you work, or the company. You can also be self-employed or start your own company.

To work in Austria for more than three months, you must apply for a Registration Certificate ("Anmeldebescheinigung"). This confirms your right of residence under EU law. You must request this certificate within four months of arriving in Austria.

It is important to ensure that your studies are not negatively affected by your work and that you can financially support yourself. You should also have health insurance, which you can get from the public Austrian Health Insurance Fund ("Österreichische Gesundheitskasse") at a favourable rate while studying.

After your studies, you can remain in Austria to search for a job without any problems. You can then work as an employed or self-employed person.

If you are a close family member of an EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen, the free movement of persons also applies to you. You do not need a standard residence permit, but you will need a Residence Card ("Aufenthaltskarte").

Working in Austria as a third-country national

If you are a third-country national, you will need a residence permit to study in Austria. This also applies if you are a student with citizenship from a third country. You will be subject to the Act Governing the Employment of Foreign Nationals and will require an employment permit (also known as a work permit).

If you are a third-country national with a Residence Permit – Student and would like to work up to 20 hours per week during your studies, you can do so with a work permit. Your employer will need to apply for this on your behalf to the Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS).

If you are a third-country national with a Residence Permit – Student and would like to work more than 20 hours per week, the AMS may carry out a special procedure called a labour market test as part of your application for a work permit. In this process, the AMS determines if other skilled workers are already registered for the specific position. Only if this is not the case will the work permit be granted.

If you are a third-country national who is a close family member (e.g. spouse, civil partner) of an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen living in Austria, you are privileged by EU law and have different rules applying to you. You enjoy the right of residence and can receive a residence card in Austria.

If you are a third-country national who would like to permanently work and remain in Austria as a skilled worker, you can apply for a Red-White-Red Card. There are seven subcategories, each oriented towards a particular target group. Four of these are for third-country nationals who have a binding job offer from an Austrian company:

• The Red-White-Red – Card for Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations
• The Red-White-Red – Card for Graduates of Austrian Universities
• The Red-White-Red – Card for Very Highly Qualified Workers
• The Red-White-Red – Card for Other Key Workers

If you are a third-country national who would like to establish a company in Austria, you can apply for the Red-White-Red – Card for Self-Employed Key Workers or the Red-White-Red – Card for Startup Founders.

If you are a third-country national who would like to work and live in Austria for a limited period of time and for a specific purpose, the following residence permits may be the right option for you:

• The Residence Permit – ICT
• The Residence Permit – Mobile ICT
• The Residence Permit for Self-Employed Persons
• The Residence Permit – Researcher Mobility
• The Residence Permit – Special Cases of Gainful Employment
• The Residence Permit – Pupil
• The Residence Permit – Student
• The Residence Permit – Social Worker
• The Residence Permit – Volunteer

If you are a third-country national who has graduated from an Austrian university and found a job offer applicable to your studies, you can apply for the Red-White-Red – Card for Graduates.

If you are a third-country national who has already found a full-time job after concluding your studies, the Red-White-Red – Card for Graduates is the best solution for you.

Requirements for admission to Austrian universities

To be admitted to an Austrian university as a foreign citizen or a stateless person, several requirements must be met. Firstly, there must be an available place at the university for the desired course of study. The applicant must hold an A-level or high school diploma that is considered equivalent to an Austrian Matura examination certificate. This equivalence can be determined by an agreement or by the vice-chancellor of the university, who may set certain requirements. Alternatively, the applicant must provide proof of completing at least three years of study at another certified post-secondary educational institution.

The certification must be sufficient for acceptance into the desired course of study in the country where it was obtained. Any study-related requirements, such as entrance examinations, must be fulfilled in the same country. If the desired course is not offered in the applicant's home country, they must provide proof of the most similar course of study, unless their country does not have any universities.

Additionally, applicants must demonstrate sufficient knowledge of German. If necessary, they may need to take an examination to prove their language proficiency. The standard application deadlines are 5th September and 5th February each year for admission to the next semester, but some universities may set different deadlines for international applicants.

For bachelor's programmes, students with an EU/EEA school-leaving certificate will need to provide proof of nationality, a secondary school-leaving certificate recognised in their home country, and proof of German language proficiency. Students with non-EU/EEA school-leaving certificates will need to provide the same documents and may also need to demonstrate German language proficiency.

Master's programmes typically require the successful completion of at least a six-semester specialised relevant bachelor's degree (minimum 180 ECTS). For PhD programmes, a master's degree in the same field of study as the research proposal or an equivalent qualification is necessary.

Funding options for international students

Austria is a renowned university location with over 70 higher education institutions and more than 2,000 courses of study. The quality of teaching and science, as well as the business location, are decisive factors for international students choosing to study in Austria.

Scholarships

The Austrian Agency for Education and Internationalisation (OeAD) is the most important provider of scholarships for international students in Austria. You can search for scholarship programmes on their website, www.grants.at. Here, you will find an overview of possible scholarship programmes, along with relevant information on the application process, deadlines, and required documents.

Scholarships are also offered by other institutions, and you can find an overview of these on the www.grants.at database. Additionally, check with local institutions in your home country, as some offer scholarships for study and research stays in Austria.

Government Support

The Austrian government provides support for students who are financially disadvantaged through the Student Support Act. This Act outlines a range of possible funding sources for degree programme students from Austria and, in some cases, from other countries. The funding is intended to make it easier to finance university studies.

The Austrian Student Support Authority is responsible for allocating this aid and has set up Grants Desks at major universities. Their website provides information on the requirements for individual support measures and details on how to apply.

Insurance

International students can insure themselves at a preferential rate. In 2023, this was €66.79 per month.

Work Permit

International students can work alongside their studies in Austria. For students from third countries with a Residence Permit, a work permit can be obtained through their employer from the Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS). This allows students to work up to 20 hours per week.

Post-Graduation

After graduation, international students can extend their Residence Permit for 12 months to search for a full-time job. During this period, they can work as a self-employed person or obtain a work permit to be employed.

The Red-White-Red – Card for Graduates is an attractive option for international students who wish to stay and work in Austria after completing their studies. This card is valid for two years and can be extended and converted to a Red-White-Red – Card Plus, which allows the holder to work wherever and however they wish.

Job application process in Austria

The job application process in Austria is quite straightforward, but there are some important things to keep in mind to ensure you make a good impression on potential employers. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the job application process in Austria:

Step 1: Finding Job Opportunities

You can either choose to look for a job directly by searching through online job boards, such as jobsinnetwork.com, or by using recruitment agencies like the Public Employment Service Austria (AMS) to find suitable positions. The WORK in AUSTRIA TALENT HUB is another great platform where you can create a profile and be discovered by Austrian companies.

Step 2: Prepare Your Application Documents

In Austria, a complete job application typically includes the following documents:

• A written job application or cover letter
• A CV (curriculum vitae)
• Certifications from previous employers or activities
• Certifications from further training, seminars, or education

Your CV is probably the most important element of your application. It should be well-organised, neat, and present your educational background, work experience, and additional qualifications clearly. It is customary to write your CV in tabular form, and it should not be longer than 2 pages. Make sure to include a professional photo of yourself in the top right corner of your CV, along with your signature at the end.

The cover letter or motivation letter is your chance to explain to the employer why you are suitable for the job and why you are motivated to apply for it. Keep it concise and focused, and adapt the content to the specific job you are applying for. Remember to include your academic title, if you have one.

Both your CV and cover letter should be free of spelling mistakes and typos, so be sure to proofread them carefully or have someone else review them.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

Austrian companies generally require an application letter and a CV. You can submit your application online or through the mail. If applying for an open position, ensure that you submit all the required documents, especially those highlighting your experience and qualifications. Remember that applications are quite traditional in Austria, so good preparation and research are essential.

Step 4: The Interview

If your application is successful, you will be invited for a job interview, which is typically conducted on the premises of the potential employer. If you are applying from abroad, the interview may be held online via Skype, Zoom, or similar platforms. Ensure that you have a stable internet connection and test your equipment beforehand to avoid technical issues.

Punctuality is highly valued in Austria, so make sure to arrive a few minutes early for your interview. Dress appropriately, considering the position you are applying for, and maintain a well-groomed appearance. During the interview, be prepared to discuss your strengths and weaknesses and how your specific qualifications and character make you a valuable candidate for the company.

Remember to ask questions about the position and the company to demonstrate your interest. It is normal to feel excited during the interview, but don't forget that the interviewer is also striving to make a good impression on you.

Step 5: Follow Up

After the interview, don't forget to ask about the expected timeline for a decision or response. This will help you know when to follow up with the company if you haven't heard back from them.

Frequently asked questions