Austria's Student Funding: Who Gets The Money?

Austria offers financial support to students in the form of grants, scholarships, and internships. Direct financial support is available through need and merit-based grants for full-time home and international students. The maximum amount of a need-based grant is €11,076 per year, while the range of merit-based grants is between €750 and €1,500. Students with children receive an additional €130 per month. Indirect financial support is also available in the form of tax benefits and family allowances. Students can also take on part-time work, with salaries ranging from €300 to €1,000 per month. However, it is important to note that the availability of financial support and grants may differ for international students, especially those from outside the EU.

Student grants and scholarships

Austria offers a range of student grants and scholarships to support individuals in their studies. These financial aids are available to both domestic and international students, providing them with the necessary funds to pursue their academic goals. Here is an overview of the grants and scholarships that students can benefit from:

Family Allowance

The Austrian government provides a family allowance, which is a common form of support for students. This allowance is calculated based on the income of the student's parents, and individuals are qualified to receive it up to the age of 24. The amount received can vary depending on factors such as the parents' income and the number of siblings also receiving support.

Scholarships

In addition to the family allowance, students can apply for scholarships. These scholarships can provide additional financial assistance to help cover the costs of tuition, living expenses, and other educational needs. The availability and amount of scholarships may vary depending on the university and the student's circumstances.

Need-Based and Merit-Based Grants

Austria offers direct financial support in the form of need-based and merit-based grants. These grants are available to full-time domestic and international students enrolled in first and second-cycle programmes. The maximum amount of the need-based grant for domestic students has increased to EUR 11,076 for the 2022/23 academic year, while the minimum amount remains at EUR 60 per year. For international students to be eligible, they must hold long-term residence permits or be treated as family members of EU migrant workers or Austrian citizens.

Semester Tickets

The Austrian government also provides indirect financial support by subsidising semester tickets for public transport. For example, students can purchase a semester ticket for Vienna for only EUR 75, which is a great savings opportunity.

Tax Benefits and Family Allocations

Students and their parents can benefit from indirect financial support in the form of tax benefits and family allocations. These initiatives are designed to ease the financial burden on families with students and help them manage the costs associated with higher education.

Grants for Specific Groups

Austria also offers financial support to specific groups, such as refugees under the 1951 Convention, stateless persons, and third-country nationals. These individuals may have a legal right to receive state-funded study allowances or grants, helping them access educational opportunities.

Part-Time Employment

While not strictly a grant or scholarship, part-time employment is a popular way for students to earn money while studying. In Austria, students can work up to 10 hours per week, earning between EUR 300 and EUR 400 per month without exceeding the minor employment threshold. This option allows students to balance their studies and work commitments effectively.

In conclusion, Austria offers a comprehensive range of student grants, scholarships, and other financial support initiatives to assist students in their academic pursuits. By providing direct and indirect financial support, the Austrian government and educational institutions aim to ensure that individuals have access to quality education and can pursue their chosen fields of study.

Part-time work

Firstly, it's important to consider the number of hours you want to work. In Austria, part-time jobs typically involve up to 20 working hours per week. However, international students with a Residence Permit – Student are only allowed to work up to 10 hours per week during their bachelor's degree and 20 hours per week during their master's degree. Working more than this may interfere with your studies and could affect your ability to finish your degree within the minimum duration time.

Secondly, the salary for part-time jobs in Austria is quite good, ranging between 800-1000 euros per month. This can help you finance your studies and have some extra spending money.

When applying for part-time jobs in Austria, you will typically need a CV and a motivation letter. Providing your documents in English is usually fine, especially in bigger cities. However, if you can provide a German version, that may be even better. Many universities offer a CV check, and the Public Employment Service Austria AMS (Arbeitsmarktservice) offers a free application document check-up after pre-registration via telephone.

It's also important to keep in mind that, as a student, your priority should be your studies. Choose a job that brings you joy, challenges you positively, and helps you learn new skills. Make sure to do your research and prepare before starting your job search and remember to balance your work and university life.

Internships

Types of Internships

Technology

Today, many Austrian companies are leading in environmental engineering and energy, life sciences, infrastructure and traffic technology, as well as mechanical and power plant engineering, automation, and communication technology. Interns in Austria can expect to help out in research and development for major companies.

Business

Austria is home to several well-known companies, including Porsche, Red Bull, BMW, and Swarovski. Business is booming in Austria, and interns can gain valuable experience in this sector.

Tourism

Tourism accounts for about 9% of Austria's GDP, and the country was ranked 12th in international tourist arrivals, with 20.8 million. Working in tourism is a great way to learn about the service industry and work with people from all around the world. Interns can also gain experience working at skiing, hiking, and mountaineering resorts in the Alps.

Marketing

As an active player in the European Union, marketing interns in Austria have the opportunity to work on multinational marketing. This includes appealing to and catering to different cultures, languages, and opinions. Interns can expect to work on advertising, promotions, research, and imaging.

Requirements and Recommendations

Visas

A Visa D is required for temporary employment in Austria if the internship lasts for more than 90 days and up to 6 months. Documentation and proof of the internship from the employer must be presented when applying for this visa. Sufficient financial means and lodging while in Austria are also required.

Cost of Living

The rent for a month will depend on where you live in Austria. In the center of major cities like Vienna or Salzburg, rent for a one-bedroom apartment is about 600€. Living outside the city center may be cheaper, at about 300€-400€. Placement programs may also provide housing.

Work Culture

Austrian business culture is typically very formal, and personal relationships are not needed to conduct business. First names are rarely used in the office, and being addressed by your last name is common. Austrians tend to be straightforward and blunt when it comes to business, and there is very little small talk or joking. It is essential to keep good written records of appointments and meetings.

Language

German is the native language of 98% of Austrians and is used almost everywhere. Knowing German or taking courses in the language can be very useful for keeping up in the business environment. Speaking English in addition to German may open up more opportunities to work in the international business environment.

Networking

Networking is an important part of Austrian business and is often used to stay informed. As an intern in Austria, it is important to build relationships by joining organizations and attending events outside of office hours.

Examples of Internship Programs in Austria

• Dublin Gateway Internship Program
• IES Internships Vienna
• English Camps Counsellors in Austria
• Salzburg College Internship Program
• QuTech/Delft University of Technology Internship Opportunities
• OSCE Internship Program
• Erasmus+ Student Traineeship Offer - BOKU-International Relations, Vienna
• European Forest Institute Internship
• International Atomic Energy Agency Internship
• Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe Internship
• IST Austria Summer Internships

Paid surveys and experiments

Students in Austria can take part in paid surveys and experiments to earn some extra money. Most surveys at universities will reimburse you up to €15 for each one you take. There are also a lot of experiments going on at universities where participants get good money for a small amount of input.

There are also many legitimate paid survey sites in Austria. Here are some examples:

• PrizeRebel: This is a highly regarded GPT site with over 9 million registered members. You can make money by doing surveys and offers, earning from referrals, and other online tasks.
• Prime Opinion: Backed by a credible and legitimate market research company (Prime Insights Group), Prime Opinion is a fantastic paid survey platform with a user-friendly interface.
• Surveytime: This is one of the best paid survey sites as it pays you immediately after completing a survey, with no minimum payout threshold. You will be paid $1 for each survey you complete.
• YouGov: A high-quality survey site with an extremely low survey disqualification rate. It is regarded as the industry leader in the paid survey arena.
• YSense: Formerly known as Clixsense, ySense is a GPT site that allows anyone with a laptop or mobile device and an internet connection to earn money online from home. You get PayPal cash rewards for completing surveys.
• InstaGC: This site rewards you for doing surveys and watching videos. You can request PayPal money with just a $1 balance.
• Hiving Surveys: A pretty user-friendly survey site where all you have to do to earn money is complete paid surveys. There is a specific panel for Austrians.

Student loans

In Austria, there is a range of financial support available for students, including grants, scholarships, and allowances. However, student loans are not typically provided by universities or the government. Here is an overview of the student loan system in Austria:

University-Provided Loans

Universities in Austria generally do not offer student loans as a form of financial aid. Instead, universities may provide grants or scholarships based on merit or financial need. It is important to contact the specific university you are interested in to inquire about their financial aid options and application processes.

Government-Provided Loans

The Austrian government does not offer publicly-subsidised loans for students. However, the government does provide direct and indirect financial support in other forms, such as grants, scholarships, and allowances. These are typically need-based or merit-based and may have specific eligibility criteria, such as age limits and academic performance.

Bank Loans

While universities and the government do not provide student loans, individuals can apply for consumer loans from banks. However, these loans typically have relatively high-interest rates, and most students may not be eligible due to the requirement of having a reasonable and steady income. Therefore, it is generally recommended that students avoid taking out loans of any kind.

Alternative Options

Instead of relying on loans, students in Austria have several alternative options to consider for financial support:

• Part-time employment: Many students in Austria work part-time jobs, typically up to 10 hours per week, to earn some income while studying. These jobs can provide a balance between earning money and having time to focus on university studies.
• Internships: Applying for internships is a common way to gain experience and earn money simultaneously. Internships are available in various fields and can provide a good foundation for future career prospects.
• Government grants and scholarships: Austria offers various student grants and scholarships, such as the family allowance, which is calculated based on the income of the student's parents and can be received up to the age of 24. Additionally, there are scholarships available to supplement family allowances.
• Paid surveys and experiments: Students can participate in paid surveys and experiments conducted by universities, earning a small income while contributing to scientific research.
• Other scholarships and grants: Students can explore options for scholarships and grants provided by organisations outside of the government and universities, such as private foundations or non-profit organisations.

In conclusion, while student loans are not commonly provided by universities or the government in Austria, there are alternative financial support options available for students. It is essential to carefully consider the requirements and eligibility criteria for each form of support and plan your finances accordingly.

Frequently asked questions