Student Visa Guide: Austria From Bangladesh

Applying for an Austrian student visa from Bangladesh involves several steps. First, you must determine the type of visa you need, either short-term (up to three months) or long-term (up to six months). Short-term visas are handled by the French Embassy in Bangladesh, while long-term visas require an in-person submission at the Austrian Embassy. The application process typically includes registering an account, gathering required documents, filling out and submitting the application form, and providing biometrics. Applicants should also be prepared for a potential interview at the embassy. It is important to start the process early, allowing sufficient time for visa processing, and to ensure you have the necessary funds, as some applications require proof of minimum finances. Consulting services are available to guide applicants through the process, but they may come with additional fees.

Visa requirements and types

As a student from Bangladesh, you will most likely need to apply for a visa to study in Austria. However, there are some exemptions. You won't need a visa if you are an EU/EEA resident or a student living in any country within the Schengen Area. Students from countries with a visa agreement with Austria are also exempt. If you can enter Austria without a visa, you must register for a 'Certificate of Registration' if you plan on staying more than 90 days.

There are two types of Austrian student visas: a short-term visa (Visa C) and a long-term visa (Visa D). Visa C allows you to stay and study in Austria for up to three months, while Visa D is valid for up to six months and can be switched to a Student Resident Permit for those pursuing higher or long-term studies. Both visas are free for students.

To apply for a student visa, you will need:

• A valid passport (issued in the last decade with two empty pages and not expiring during your stay)
• A visa application form (filled out, signed, and printed)
• Travel insurance (Schengen travel insurance is required for an Austrian student visa)
• Identity pictures (following the Schengen visa pictures guideline)
• Proof of accommodation (on-campus housing, student dorm, or a rent agreement)
• Itinerary for your travel (including flight dates, flight number, and departure date)
• Proof of financial means (you must prove you can finance yourself during your studies; for students up to 24 years old, this is 552.53 euros/month, and for students 24 years old and older, it is 1,000.48 euros/month)
• Proof of admission (a letter of confirmation from the Austrian university you've applied to)

You may also need various bank and/or financial documents, depending on your status. Other relevant documents may be necessary, depending on your travel purpose and category.

Application process

The application process for an Austrian student visa from Bangladesh depends on the type of visa and the purpose of your travel. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for an Austrian student visa from Bangladesh:

Step 1: Determine the Type of Visa

Firstly, determine whether you need a short-term (Visa C) or long-term (Visa D) visa. Visa C allows you to stay and study in Austria for up to three months, while Visa D is for a longer duration of up to six months and can be extended to a Student Resident Permit for long-term studies.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

The documents you will need include a valid passport, proof of admission from the Austrian university, proof of accommodation, travel itinerary, and financial means to support yourself during your stay. You may also need to submit identity pictures, a CV, and a birth certificate. Some financial documents may be applicable based on your status. It is important to check the specific requirements for your visa type and ensure that all documents are translated into English and notarized.

Step 3: Submit Application

The submission process varies depending on the visa type and purpose. For short-term visas, applications are typically submitted at the Embassy of France in Bangladesh, while long-term visas may be submitted at the Honorary Consulate of Austria in Bangladesh or the Austria Embassy in India. You will need to register an account, fill out the online application form, and book an appointment for submission.

Step 4: Attend the Appointment

During your appointment, you will need to submit the required documents and provide biometrics. You may also be required to pay a visa fee, which can be done at the NRB Bank booth at the Austria Visa Application Centre, Dhaka. The fee varies depending on the exchange rate and is subject to change monthly.

Step 5: Wait for Processing

The processing time for short-term visas is approximately 15 to 20 working days, while long-term visas may take 15 to 45 working days. The decision on visa applications rests solely with the Embassy or Consulate.

It is important to plan ahead and allow sufficient time for the visa application process. Additionally, you may consider seeking assistance from visa consulting services or education consultancies to guide you through the process and ensure a smooth application.

Necessary documents

To apply for an Austrian student visa from Bangladesh, you will need to submit several necessary documents. The specific documents required may vary depending on your individual circumstances, but here is a list of the most common and essential documents:

• A valid passport: Ensure your passport has at least two empty pages, was issued within the last decade, and will not expire during your planned stay in Austria.
• Visa application form: Download, print, and carefully fill out the application form with all the required information, ensuring it is signed.
• Travel insurance: Obtain Schengen travel insurance, which is mandatory for the Austria student visa.
• Identity pictures: Include recent photographs that adhere to the guidelines specified for Schengen visa pictures.
• Proof of accommodation: Provide evidence of your accommodation arrangements, such as campus housing confirmation or a secured rent agreement.
• Itinerary: Submit details of your travel plans, including flight dates, flight numbers, and departure dates.
• Financial means: Demonstrate that you can financially support yourself during your stay. The required amount varies depending on your age: 552.53 euros/month for students up to 24 years old, and 1,000.48 euros/month for students 24 years old and older.
• Proof of admission: Include a letter of confirmation from the Austrian university you have applied to, verifying your student status.
• Birth certificate (if any): A birth certificate can be submitted, but it is not mandatory.
• CV with a valid postal address: A CV is recommended but may not be mandatory.

Additionally, you may need to provide various bank and/or financial documents, depending on your applicant status. It is always advisable to check the official websites of the Austrian embassy and consulate to obtain the most up-to-date and comprehensive list of required documents.

Visa fees and charges

The visa application process for an Austrian student visa from Bangladesh involves several steps, and one of the crucial steps is paying the visa fees and charges. Here is a detailed overview of the visa fees and charges for your application:

Visa Fees:

The visa fee for a short-term Austrian visa or Schengen visa for Bangladeshi citizens is BDT 9600. This fee is paid for the processing of the visa application. The processing time for short-term visas is typically 15 to 20 working days.

For long-term visas, such as the Visa D required for pursuing higher education in Austria, there is no visa fee charged to students. However, there might be associated costs with gathering the necessary documents, such as translation and notarization fees.

Service Charges:

When applying for an Austrian visa from Bangladesh, there is a service charge levied per application. As of the last update, this service charge is BDT 7393, inclusive of VAT. This charge is paid over and above the visa fees and is subject to change every month end, depending on the current exchange rate.

Payment Processing Fee:

When paying the visa fees and service charges, there is an additional payment processing fee. This fee allows you to pay in cash at the NRB Bank booth in the Austria Visa Application Centre, Dhaka. The payment processing fee is BDT 370, inclusive of VAT, and is subject to change.

VFS Global Charges:

The visa application centre, operated by VFS Global, offers optional services at a nominal additional cost. These VFS Global charges, including service charges for their assistance, and any other optional services, must be paid in cash or online in Bangladeshi Taka. These charges are separate from the visa fee and service charge.

Reapplication Fees:

In the event of a visa rejection, you may need to reapply. Reapplication requires paying the visa fee again, and it is considered a more prompt and effective approach than appealing the decision.

It is important to note that the Austrian student visa process may involve additional costs, such as translation and notarization of documents, as well as travel costs associated with submitting your application and attending interviews. Therefore, it is advisable to plan your budget accordingly and allow for some flexibility in case of unexpected expenses.

Visa consultants

If you are a student from Bangladesh looking to study in Austria, you will need to apply for a visa. This can be a complicated process, so it may be worth seeking the help of a visa consultant.

Sticker Visa

Sticker Visa is an independent visa consultancy with offices in Dhaka and Mirpur DOHS. They have a team of experienced consultants who can help with all kinds of Austrian visa matters, including student visas. They can help you choose the right visa category, identify the applicable documents, and guide you on how to make a proper representation. They also offer assistance with admission and visa processing. Their contact number is +8801841120100.

Menz Education Consultancy

Menz Education Consultancy is another option for visa assistance. They have an online application system, which they claim is simple to use, and they will process your application and contact you before forwarding it to Austria. You will then need to visit their office to sign your application. They also offer tips and tricks to save on attestation fees.

VISAThing

VISAThing is a portal that allows you to apply for your Austrian visa online. They also have expert consultants who can provide guidance and updates throughout the process. They provide services for both short-term and long-term Austrian visas.

Honorary Consulate of Austria in Bangladesh

It is also worth noting that Bangladesh has an Honorary Consulate of Austria in Dhaka. However, Austria's short-term Schengen visas are handled by the French Embassy in Bangladesh, and long-term visas need to be submitted in person at the Austria Embassy in India.

Frequently asked questions