Studying In Austria: Free Education For All?

Austria is known for its high quality of life and education, and its universities have produced some of the world's brightest minds. The country is also popular among international students due to its low tuition fees. So, can you study for free in Austria?

Austria is one of the few countries that offer free education. All public universities are tuition-free for EU/EEA students. Nationals of non-EU countries pay a small fee, ranging from €363 to €726 per semester. Additionally, citizens of specific developing countries are exempt from tuition fees.

Overall, Austria provides an excellent opportunity for students seeking low-cost, high-quality education and a chance to experience European life.

Tuition fees for EU vs non-EU students

Austria is known for its high quality of life and education, with some of the best universities in Europe. The country is also popular among international students due to its low tuition fees.

Tuition Fees for EU/EEA/Swiss Students

Austria's public universities are tuition-free for EU/EEA students. However, there are nominal fees for specific services. For example, students are required to pay a small amount per semester, such as the ÖH fee at the University of Vienna, which is approximately €24.70.

Additionally, Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS), also known as Fachhochschulen, charge tuition fees for EU/EEA citizens. These fees vary depending on the university and range from €363 to €726 per semester.

Tuition Fees for Non-EU/EEA/Swiss Students

Nationals of non-EU/EEA countries will generally have to pay higher tuition fees. The fees for non-EU/EEA/Swiss students at public universities are typically around €726 per semester.

There are also exceptions for students from specific developing countries, who can study for free at Austrian universities. These countries include Afghanistan, Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cape Verde, and many others.

Similar to EU/EEA citizens, non-EU/EEA/Swiss students are also subject to the tuition fees charged by Universities of Applied Sciences. The fees for this group can vary, with some universities charging as little as €363 per semester, while others charge the same rate as EU/EEA citizens, which is €726 per semester.

Private universities in Austria set their own tuition fees, which are typically much higher than public universities. The fees at these institutions can range from €1,000 to €40,000 per year, and they do not depend on the student's nationality.

Overall, Austria offers a unique opportunity for both EU and non-EU students to pursue their academic goals with relatively low tuition fees and a high quality of life.

Scholarships and grants

Austria is one of the few countries in the world that offers free education. However, this depends on where you are coming from. There are different rules for EU and non-EU students. Citizens of EU/EEA countries are exempt from tuition fees in many Austrian universities, while nationals of non-EU/EEA countries will have to pay semester fees.

There are also exceptions for students from developing countries, including Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Afghanistan, Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, Bhutan, Burkina Faso, and many others. If you are coming from one of those countries, Austrian universities are free for you too.

The University of Vienna, for instance, offers tuition-free study for both Bachelors and Masters's degree incoming students from selected countries that are eligible for a tuition waiver. The University of Vienna is the largest educational institution in Austria, with around 89,000 national and international students currently enrolled.

Additionally, some Austrian universities have long lists of scholarships and financial grants that attract international students. For example, FH Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences is a tuition-free university in Austria that continues to attract international students with its scholarships and financial grants. The University of Vienna also offers scholarships for international students.

The amount of grants offered is between 475 EUR and 679 EUR per month. This won't cover all your expenses, but it will help. Check the OeAD (The Austrian Agency for International Mobility and Cooperation in Education) website for scholarships. Some universities also provide grants or scholarships for international students; you can ask about this during the application process.

External Grants and Scholarships

There are also external grants and scholarships for international students wishing to study in Austria. You can find more information on scholarships for international students in Austria here.

Student visas

The type of student visa you need to study in Austria depends on your nationality and the duration of your stay.

EU/EEA/EFTA Nationals

If you are a European citizen, you do not need a visa to enter Austria. However, if you plan to stay for more than three months, you must register with the official municipal authorities (Magistrat, Bezirkshauptmannschaft) within four months of your arrival. During your stay, you will need a valid passport or identity card, proof of sufficient financial means to support yourself, and valid health insurance.

Non-EU/EEA/EFTA Nationals

If you plan to stay in Austria for less than six months, you will need to apply for a student visa at an Austrian embassy or consulate in your country of origin. You will also need to register with the municipal authorities (Meldeamt: Gemeindeamt, Magistratisches Bezirksamt) within three working days of entering the country.

There are two types of student visas for international students:

• Visa C: Allows a stay of up to 90 days (3 months) in Austria and all other Schengen countries. This visa is not required if you are exempt from obtaining a visa to enter Austria.
• Visa D: Required for a stay of at least 91 days up to 6 months. This visa is not necessary if you are a Japanese national.

If you plan to stay in Austria for more than six months, you will need to apply for a student residence permit (Aufenthaltsbewilligung - Student) either within Austria after lawful entry or at an Austrian embassy/consulate in your country of residence.

The application process for a student visa or residence permit typically takes 1-4 weeks and costs around 100 EUR. It is recommended to apply as early as possible, even 3 to 6 months before your estimated arrival. It is important to note that renewals of student visas are not permitted in Austria.

To apply for a student visa in Austria, you will need the following documents:

• Completed and signed application form
• Valid passport for the duration of your stay in Austria
• Passport-sized colour photographs
• No objection certificate from your school or university
• Proof of enrolment in an Austrian university
• Proof of sufficient financial means to cover living costs for at least 12 months
• Proof of accommodation, such as a contract or rental agreement
• Receipt for paying the student visa fee
• Police clearance certificate

Additional Requirements for All Nationals

Regardless of nationality, all students must meet certain requirements to be admitted to Austrian universities. These include:

• Availability of a place in the desired course of study at the university
• A-levels or high school diploma equivalent to the Austrian Matura examination
• Sufficient German knowledge, if the course is taught in German
• Entrance examination, if required by the university
• Valid passport or identity card
• Proof of necessary funds to support yourself
• Proof of accommodation
• Health insurance coverage
• Receipt for paying the residence permit fee (if applicable)

Language requirements

To be admitted to a degree programme in Austria, you must prove sufficient knowledge of German. This is because most programmes are delivered in German and most universities require knowledge of German as part of the admissions programme.

The main language of instruction at Austrian universities is German, but there are a few programmes taught in English. If you want to enrol in a programme taught in German, you will need to prove your German language skills. At some universities, you need proficiency in German corresponding to level B2, while others require a minimum of level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. There are different diplomas that are accepted as proof, such as the "Österreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch", Austria’s officially recognised examination system for German as a foreign language with licensed examination centres worldwide.

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 applying for a master's programme at a university in Austria, you are required to be in possession of a relevant bachelor's or equivalent degree diploma. If you are applying for a doctoral programme, you are required to be in possession of a relevant diploma or master's degree diploma.

If the language of instruction of your course is English, you will need to prove your level of English. In general, schools require a minimum level of command of a language corresponding to the B1/B2 level according to the European language passport in order for you to successfully pass your courses.

Student life and costs

Austria is one of the most liveable countries in the world, with one of the best qualities of life globally. It has a great international reputation for higher education, with many excellent scientists and intellectuals among its alumni, including Sigmund Freud and Erwin Schroedinger.

The country warmly welcomes international students, giving them the chance to fulfill their academic and personal goals. It has over 600 universities, split between state-funded public universities, private universities, and highly specialized colleges.

The University of Vienna is the largest and most diverse educational institution in Austria, with around 89,000 students enrolled. It is also the oldest university in the German-speaking world, founded in 1365, and offers the largest range of courses in Austria.

Costs of Studying in Austria

Public universities in Austria are free for locals and EU students. For international students, fees are usually around €726.72 per semester, or €1,453 per year. This is far cheaper than in other countries.

Private universities are significantly more expensive, with fees starting from €3,000 per year and going as high as €40,000. These fees are set by the institution and do not depend on the student's nationality.

On top of tuition fees, there may be additional charges such as registration fees and a €20 per semester student union fee.

Funding Available for Students

There are scholarships and grants available for students, but there is far less funding for Bachelor's degrees than for Master's or Ph.D. programs. Most scholarships only offer partial funding, so it is worth doing your research to find one that suits your circumstances.

Funding may be available from the Austrian government, your chosen university, or private organizations and foundations. To apply, you may need to present documents such as a statement of your educational goals, proof of admission, academic transcripts, and proof of language skills.

Student Housing

Austrian universities generally do not provide student housing, but they can help point students in the right direction. Students typically live in private housing or independent halls of residence. The OeAD provides accommodation for around 12,000 students throughout Austria, and there is plenty of affordable private accommodation available.

Working While Studying

EU students are free to work as much as they want, but international students from non-EU countries can only work up to 20 hours per week during the semester or full-time during the holidays. Internships do not have any hourly limits and do not require a visa.

Student Healthcare

Austria has great public healthcare, which students from EU countries can use for free. Foreign students usually need to buy private health insurance, which is mandatory and must be provided when applying for a student visa. This will cost around €60 per month.

Student Life

Students in Austria can look forward to a vibrant student life, with a combination of lectures and seminars. Social life is important, and all universities have a range of sports clubs, social clubs, intellectual clubs, and music clubs. The student union also hosts events throughout the year, including parties and balls.

The cost of living in Austria is generally lower than in other major cities, but it is still reasonably expensive. This will, of course, depend on where you live in the country. For example, living in Vienna is more expensive than in other parts of Austria. On average, students can expect to budget about €800-€1,500 per month for living expenses, including rent, food, and transport.

Frequently asked questions