Working And Studying In Austria: What You Need To Know

Austria is a renowned university location, with more than 70 higher education institutions and over 2,000 courses of study. It attracts a large number of students each year from all over the world, thanks to its high quality of life and social security. If you're thinking of joining them, here's what you need to know about working and studying in Austria.

Firstly, to study in Austria, you'll need to gain admission to an Austrian university. This will require a high school diploma that's considered equivalent to an Austrian Matura examination certification, or proof of completion of a three-year minimum study at a certified post-secondary institution. You'll also need sufficient German language skills.

If you're an EU/EEA or Swiss national, you can enter Austria without a visa and don't need a residence permit to study. However, you will need to register with the municipal authority within a certain timeframe and obtain a registration certificate.

If you're from outside the EU/EEA, you'll typically need a residence permit to study in Austria. There are different types of residence permits available, depending on your personal situation. You may also need to apply for a visa before travelling to Austria.

When it comes to working in Austria, the requirements depend on your nationality, the type of work, and your residence status. EU/EEA citizens have unrestricted access to the labour market and can work full-time, part-time, or marginally without a work permit. However, it's important to ensure that your studies remain the top priority.

For non-EU/EEA nationals with a Residence Permit – Student, working up to 20 hours per week is possible with a work permit, which your employer must apply for. Working more than 20 hours per week may require a labour market test to determine if there are already registered job seekers who can fill the position.

There are also specific provisions for internships and traineeships, with certain requirements and exemptions in place.

Overall, Austria offers a range of opportunities for international students, but it's important to carefully navigate the necessary legal and administrative procedures to ensure a smooth transition to living, working, and studying in the country.

Requirements for studying in Austria

The requirements for studying in Austria vary depending on your nationality and the type of programme you wish to enrol in. Here are the key requirements for international students seeking to pursue higher education in Austria:

Admission Requirements:

• Contact the Institution: Admission to Austrian higher education programmes is organised by the educational institutions themselves. Contact the institution offering your desired programme to enquire about specific admission requirements.
• Availability of Study Place: Ensure that there is a place available at the university for your desired course of studies.
• Academic Qualifications: Provide proof of an A-level or high school diploma (or equivalent) that meets the requirements for admission to university studies in your home country. If you are applying for a master's programme, you typically need to have completed a relevant bachelor's degree.
• Language Proficiency: Demonstrate sufficient German language proficiency. This can be done through your secondary school leaving certificate confirming German lessons or by providing a German language diploma or similar documents.
• Entrance Examinations: Some programmes, such as medical universities and universities of the arts, may require you to pass an entrance examination. Make sure to inquire about application deadlines and requirements.
• Application Forms and Documents: Complete the necessary application forms and submit all required documents, including proof of nationality, academic transcripts, and, if applicable, proof of German language proficiency.

Residence Permit:

If you are not an EEA citizen or Swiss national and do not have a right of residence in Austria, you will need to obtain a residence permit specifically for students. This permit will allow you to stay in Austria for the duration of your studies.

Tuition Fees:

Tuition fees vary depending on your nationality and the type of institution. Austrian students and students from EU/EEA member states typically do not pay tuition fees for public universities. However, they may be charged fees for universities of applied sciences, private universities, or if they exceed the stipulated duration of their studies. Students from countries outside the EU/EEA typically pay higher tuition fees, currently €726.72 per semester.

Work Permit:

If you plan to work alongside your studies, the requirements depend on your nationality. EU/EEA citizens have unrestricted access to the Austrian labour market and can work part-time or full-time without a work permit. However, they must ensure that their studies are not negatively affected, and they should obtain a Registration Certificate ("Anmeldebescheinigung").

On the other hand, students from third countries with a Residence Permit – Student who wish to work up to 20 hours per week will need a work permit ("Beschäftigungsbewilligung"). Their employer must apply for this permit from the Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS). If you want to work more than 20 hours per week, a labour market test may be required to determine if there are already registered skilled workers for the specific position.

Working in Austria as an EU/EEA citizen

As an EU or EEA citizen, you can enter Austria without a visa and enjoy unrestricted access to the Austrian labour market during your studies. This means that you can work full-time, part-time, or do traineeships and internships, without requiring a work permit. However, it is important that your studies do not suffer as a result, and that you are officially registered in Austria.

To register, you must obtain a Registration Certificate (“Anmeldebescheinigung”) from the Immigration and Residence Authority (“Aufenthaltsbehörde”). The location of this government office depends on your place of residence in Austria. The certificate costs €15 and you must apply for it in person within four months of arriving in the country. You will need to present the following documents:

• A valid passport or identity card
• Residence registration (“Meldezettel”) as proof of your address in Austria
• Proof that you are studying in Austria (enrolment certificate, up-to-date student record sheet, etc.)
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover your living expenses (salary slips, bank account statements, etc.)
• Proof of health insurance coverage (Austrian e-card, European Health Insurance Card, etc.)

After residing in Austria for five years, you have the right to permanent residence (“Daueraufenthalt”). You can apply for a document certifying permanent residence (“Bescheinigung des Daueraufenthalts”) from the Immigration and Residence Authority. To be eligible, you must prove that you have lived in Austria for at least five years and had health insurance coverage during this time.

Please note that as a student, you must obtain at least 16 ECTS credits per year to prove your academic success.

Working in Austria as a third-country national

If you are a third-country national (a non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen), you will need a residence permit to work in Austria. The type of residence permit depends on your reason for being in Austria and other factors such as payroll and the planned duration of your stay.

Types of residence permits

Austria offers several types of residence permits, including:

• Red-White-Red Card: This is a residence permit for third-country nationals who want to work and stay in Austria as skilled workers. There are seven subcategories, each targeting a specific group. Four are for third-country nationals with a binding job offer from an Austrian company, including graduates of Austrian universities, and three are for those who want to establish a company in Austria.
• Red-White-Red Card Plus: Family members of individuals with a Red-White-Red Card or an EU Blue Card can apply for this residence permit, which grants unrestricted access to the Austrian labour market.
• EU Blue Card: This targets skilled workers with a relevant university degree and a job offer with a high minimum salary. It is granted based on EU legislation rather than a points system.
• Settlement Permit: This permit only allows the holder to work independently as a self-employed person. It is not valid for salaried employment.
• Residence Permit – Student: This is granted to third-country nationals who want to study at an Austrian university or other higher education institution. It is usually granted for one year.
• Residence Permit – Social Worker: Third-country nationals who work for a non-profit organisation can be granted this permit for a maximum of 12 months.
• Residence Permit – Volunteer: This permit is for those who want to work within the framework of the European Solidarity Corps.

Requirements for residence permits

To obtain a residence permit in Austria, you must fulfil certain general conditions, including:

• A certain level of financial means to ensure a secure livelihood
• Health insurance coverage
• Entitlement to suitable accommodation
• No threat to public order or safety

There may also be additional, specific requirements for individual residence permits, such as proof of German language skills.

Work permits

Third-country nationals with a Residence Permit – Student can work up to 20 hours per week with a work permit (“Beschäftigungsbewilligung”). Their employer must apply for this permit from the Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS). If the student wants to work more than 20 hours per week, the AMS may carry out a labour market test to determine if there are already registered skilled workers for the position.

Length of stay

Residence permits are usually granted for stays of more than six months. For shorter stays, a visa is sufficient.

Residence permits for students

If you are a non-EEA citizen or non-Swiss and do not have a right of residence or residence title in Austria, you will need to apply for a residence permit to study in Austria. This is called a "Residence Permit – Student".

The "Residence Permit – Student" is intended for nationals of third countries who have been admitted to study at a higher education institution in Austria. It may be granted in the following cases:

• Degree programme studies at an Austrian university, university of applied sciences, accredited private university, or public or private university college of teacher education
• Non-degree programme studies within the framework of a public or private certificate university programme, certificate university of applied sciences programme, or certificate programme at a university college of teacher education with at least 40 ECTS credits. The course must not be exclusively for learning a language.
• Non-degree programme studies within the framework of a University Preparation Programme to prepare students for supplementary examinations prescribed in their notification of admission
• Non-degree programme studies to establish equivalence of a foreign university degree

In the case of extensions, a "Residence Permit – Student" may be granted for:

• A professional training course required by law after the completion of a degree programme
• Stay for job-seeking or setting up a business after successful completion of a degree programme, a certificate higher education programme, a programme to establish equivalence of a foreign university degree, or a professional training course required by law following the regular degree programme studies

It is important to note that non-degree programme studies that only involve attending individual courses are generally not sufficient to obtain a "Residence Permit – Student". An exception is made if you have passed the supplementary examination in a University Preparation Programme and are only able to take part in an admissions or aptitude test in the following semester.

To apply for a "Residence Permit – Student", you must submit your application at the competent Austrian representative authority (embassy or consulate with the power to issue a visa) in your country of residence. The application must be submitted in person and should be done at least three months before the planned entry. Depending on the issuing country, legalising the required documents may take several months. Once all necessary documents have been submitted, the residence authority will process your application within 90 days.

If your application is accepted, you will need to apply for a Visa D to enter Austria and collect your residence permit. The Visa D will be valid for four months. After entering Austria, you must collect your residence permit within the validity period of your visa.

To be granted a "Residence Permit – Student", you must provide proof of sufficient financial means to cover your living costs. For students under 24 years of age, this amount is EUR 672.64 per month, and for students 24 years of age or older, it is EUR 1,217.96 per month. You must prove these funds for twelve months in advance, and they must be in a savings book or bank account that is accessible from Austria.

Other requirements for the "Residence Permit – Student" include:

• Proof of accommodation in Austria for a minimum of three months
• Proof of health insurance covering all risks in Austria
• A copy of your passport
• A police clearance certificate from your country of residence or, in some cases, your country of origin, not older than three months at the time of application (legalised and translated)
• A letter of admission or confirmation of enrolment from the Austrian higher education institution

The "Residence Permit – Student" is typically issued for a period of 12 months. During this time, holders of this permit will be able to get a work permit for working up to 20 hours per week without a labour market test.

Studying in Austria as a third-country national

Austria is a small country with a population of 8.7 million, but it has a lot to offer, from the spectacular Alpine views to the vibrant cities. The universities and higher education facilities are well-respected throughout the world. The opportunities for graduates are many and varied, with a thriving industry base and a high employment ratio.

If you are a third-country national (a non-EEA citizen or Swiss citizen) and do not have a right of residence or residence title in Austria, you will need a residence permit to study in Austria. You will need to submit the following documents:

• Passport, identity card, or proof of citizenship with an official photo ID
• A-levels, high school diploma, or equivalent certification
• Transcript with grades from the last school year
• Various filled-out forms, including the application form for admission, student document of identification, form for continuation, and bank receipt indicating payment of the per-semester tuition fee
• All documents must be submitted in the original language and in a German translation authenticated in the originating country and by the Austrian representation in that country.

As a third-country national, you will also be subject to the Act Governing the Employment of Foreign Nationals and will require an employment permit to work in Austria. If you wish to work up to 20 hours per week alongside your studies, your employer can apply for a work permit on your behalf from the Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS). If you wish to work more than 20 hours per week, the AMS may carry out a labour market test to determine if other skilled workers are already registered for the specific position.

There are many funding possibilities and scholarships available for international students, and the Austrian National Student Union (Österreichische Hochschülerschaft) provides information and counselling on topics such as health insurance, work, and funding.

Frequently asked questions