Austria's Free College Education: What You Need To Know

Austria is considered one of the most affordable places to study in Europe for both European and non-European nationals. Tuition fees in most public universities are free for EU and non-EU students. However, students will still have to pay a semester fee covering administrative, student union membership, and local public transportation costs. For EU and non-EU students, this fee is €726.72 per semester. Austrian students and students with the same status as Austrians (i.e. nationals of all EU and EEA member countries) who have not exceeded the minimum duration of their study program plus two semesters are also exempt from fees. After the two semesters, students will have to pay €363.36 each semester.

EU and non-EU students don't pay tuition fees at public universities

Austria is known for being a very affordable place to study for both European and non-European nationals. The fees you will pay differ depending on the institution and the length of your studies.

If you are a student at a public university and a citizen of an EU or EEA member country, you will not have to pay any tuition fees, provided you do not exceed the minimum duration of your studies plus two additional semesters. After this period, you will be charged €363.36 per semester. This applies to Austrian students, as well as students from the EU or EEA, or from legally equivalent states.

Students from third countries outside the EU or EEA will have to pay fees amounting to €726.72 per semester. However, there are some exceptions. Nationals from 'least developed countries' according to the 'DAC List of ODA Recipients' are exempt from fees. There are also exemptions for scholarship recipients, exchange programme participants, and students from certain countries.

In addition to tuition fees, all students must pay a compulsory student union membership fee of €21.20, which includes insurance.

Students must pay a semester fee for admin, student union membership and transport

Austria is considered one of the most affordable options for European and non-European students. While tuition fees vary depending on the institution and the length of study, public universities in Austria are predominantly publicly financed and do not charge tuition fees for European students. However, students are required to pay a semester fee, which covers administrative costs, student union membership, and local public transportation.

The semester fee for Austrian students, EU and EEA citizens, and those with equivalent status is €363.36 per semester after the minimum duration of their study program plus two additional semesters. This fee structure encourages students to complete their studies within the planned timeframe.

For students from third countries outside the EU or EEA, the semester fee is higher, amounting to €726.72 per semester. This fee includes the same administrative, union membership, and transportation costs as the lower fee but also includes student accident insurance.

The student union membership fee, known as the "ÖH-Beitrag," is compulsory for all students and includes insurance. This fee is essential for providing representation and protecting the interests of students. Additionally, the Universities of Applied Sciences and Private Universities have their own rules and regulations regarding tuition fees, which may include additional costs.

Austrian students and those with equivalent status don't pay fees

Austria is considered one of the most affordable options for both European and non-European students. While tuition fees in Austria vary depending on the institution and the length of study, Austrian students and those with equivalent status do not pay fees. This includes nationals of all EU and EEA member countries who have not exceeded the minimum duration of their study programme plus two semesters. After these two semesters, students are required to pay €363.36 per semester.

Austrian public universities are predominantly publicly financed. The 22 public universities are funded by the federal government, with the exception of the University for Continuing Education Krems. The University for Continuing Education Krems is financed by course fees, federal funds, and the province of Lower Austria.

In contrast, Universities of Applied Sciences are financed by a mix of federal government funding and other sources. The federal government covers about 90% of the annual standard costs per study place, and the remaining costs are borne by the provider. The Universities of Applied Sciences are entitled to charge tuition fees, with a maximum fee of €363.36 per semester.

University Colleges of Teacher Education are divided into public and private institutions. The nine public colleges are administered and financed by the federal government, while the five private colleges are run by foundations established by the Catholic Church. At present, no tuition fees are charged at university colleges of teacher education for citizens of an EU member state or a legally equivalent state who have not exceeded the planned period of study by more than two semesters.

Students from third countries with a Residence Permit-Student pay €726.72 per semester

Austria is considered one of the most affordable options for both European and non-European students. The fees for studying in Austria differ depending on the institution and the length of the studies.

For students from third countries outside the EU or EEA, the fees are as follows: if you have a residence permit for studies, you will need to pay €726.72 per semester. This fee is also applicable to all other students from third countries who are in possession of a Residence Permit-Student. This is in contrast to Austrian students and students with the same status as Austrians (i.e. EU and EEA nationals), who do not have to pay any fees if they do not exceed the minimum duration of their studies plus two semesters. After this period, they will be charged €363.36 per semester.

There are some exemptions from paying the €726.72 fee for students from third countries with a Residence Permit-Student. For example, holders of certain scholarships, participants in exchange programs and university partnerships, and students from certain countries may be exempt from paying tuition fees or may receive a full/partial refund. Additionally, nationals from the 'least developed countries' according to the 'DAC List of ODA Recipients' are exempt from tuition fees. It is always recommended to check the official website of the university and specific programs for any updates or changes regarding fees and potential reductions.

In addition to the tuition fees, there is a compulsory student union membership fee ("ÖH-Beitrag") and a student accident insurance fee, which together amount to €24.70 per semester for all students.

Private universities and University Colleges of Teacher Education set their own fees

Private universities and University Colleges of Teacher Education in Austria have the autonomy to set their own fees. These fees can vary depending on the institution and the specific programme.

For instance, the University for Continuing Education Krems, a public university, charges tuition fees of around €10,000 or more for a master's degree. On the other hand, Universities of Applied Sciences, which are independent institutions, can also set their own fees.

In contrast, most students at public universities in Austria do not pay tuition fees if they are citizens of an EU member state and have not exceeded the minimum duration of their studies plus two semesters. After this period, a fee of €363.36 per semester is charged. International students with a residence permit for studies pay €726.72 per semester.

Austria is considered one of the most affordable options for higher education in Europe, and the cost of living is slightly above that of Germany, with rental properties being more affordable in Austria.

Frequently asked questions