Applying For An Austrian Study Visa: A Guide For Pakistanis

Austria is home to several globally-ranked institutes and attracts students from all over the world. Pakistani students aspiring to study in Austria will need an Austrian student visa and a residence permit. The visa application process can be done through VFS Global, a third-party service provider, and the processing time can vary from case to case. In this article, we will outline the steps to apply for an Austrian study visa from Pakistan, including the required documents, fees, and other important considerations.

Visa application process and requirements

Pakistani citizens require a visa or residence permit to enter Austria. The visa application process and requirements for Pakistani citizens wishing to study in Austria are outlined below.

Visa Application Process

The Austrian Embassy in Islamabad has outsourced visa applications to the external service provider VFS Global. Applications must be submitted in person at the respective Application Centres in Pakistan. The application process takes a minimum of 4 weeks, but it can take up to 8 weeks, so applicants are advised to apply well in advance.

Visa Requirements

The following documents are required for an Austrian student visa:

• A passport valid for at least 18 months from the date of visa application, with at least two blank pages, not older than 10 years, and valid for at least three months beyond the duration of the visa
• Two recent (within 6 months) passport-size (35x45mm) photos with a white background, neutral facial expression, no uniform, and the head should be 80% in the photo
• Copy of the passport data sheet (the page with the photograph)
• Recording of biometric data in the form of fingerprints (if not collected within the last 59 months)
• Confirmation letter from an Austrian higher education institution
• Proof of accommodation (e.g. rental agreement or booking confirmation)
• Travel, health, and accident insurance valid for the Schengen area
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover monthly living costs in Austria for two years (e.g. scholarships, grants, savings accounts, bank deposits, or written declarations of financial support)
• Birth certificate and national identity card
• Proof of completion of secondary education (e.g. A-levels or high school diploma) that is considered equivalent to an Austrian Matura examination certification
• Proof that the desired course of study is not offered in the applicant's home country (unless the country does not have a university)
• Sufficient knowledge of German (an examination may be required)
• Evidence of the applicant's economic, family, and social roots in their home country (e.g. ownership of property, employment, confirmation of studies, proof of family ties)
• Visa application fee (paid in Pakistani Rupees for applications submitted in Pakistan)

Residence Permit

If the course of study is longer than 6 months, students will need to obtain an Austrian student residence permit (Aufenthaltsbewilligung Student) before applying for a student visa. The residence permit application must be submitted at least 6 months before travelling to Austria, and the cost is €120.

Visa fees and payment methods

The visa application process for Pakistani students intending to study in Austria can be lengthy and requires a range of documentation. The visa fee is an important part of the application process. The fee for a student visa to Austria is 80 Euros. This is the fee for the visa itself, and additional fees may apply for other services, such as courier delivery of documents or expedited processing. The application fee must be paid in the local currency, Pakistani Rupees (PKR), and the exchange rate is adjusted by the Austrian Embassy in Islamabad.

The Austrian Embassy in Islamabad has outsourced the visa application and passport return process to the external service provider, VFS. Applications must be submitted at the respective Application Centres in Pakistan. It is important to note that visa applications must be submitted no earlier than 6 months and no later than 15 days before departure. Applications submitted less than 15 days before departure will be rejected.

The Austrian authorities are likely to ask for a range of documents when applying for a visa or residence permit. These include a valid passport, proof of financial means, travel insurance documents, and a completed application form. It is also necessary to register with the Austrian authorities within three days of arriving in the country.

The processing time for a student visa is typically around 15 working days but can be extended to 30-60 working days if additional documentation is required. It is recommended to apply well in advance, as the Embassy cannot guarantee a timely process for short-notice applications. If a visa application is rejected, it is possible to reapply, but the fee must be paid again.

Visa interview questions

To apply for an Austrian student visa from Pakistan, you must submit your application at the Austrian Embassy Islamabad or through VFS Global in Islamabad, Lahore, or Karachi. Applications must be submitted no earlier than 6 months and no later than 15 days before your planned departure.

The following documents are required for your application:

• A passport with at least 2 free pages, not older than 10 years, and valid for at least three months beyond the duration of the visa
• Recording of biometric data in the form of fingerprints (if not collected within the last 59 months)
• Copy of the passport data sheet (the page with the photograph)
• Two recent (within 6 months) passport-size (35x45mm) photos with a white background, a neutral facial expression, and no uniforms. One photograph should be glued to the visa application, while the other should have the applicant's full name on the reverse side and be attached with a paper clip to the visa form
• Birth certificate and national identity card
• Previous passports (if any)
• Visa copies (if any)
• Proof of admission to a higher education institution in Austria or a Schengen territory
• Receipt showing payment of tuition fees
• Proof of sufficient financial means to finance your stay: students up to 24 years of age must prove that they have at least 515.30 Euros per month; students 24 years of age or older must prove that they have at least 933.06 Euros per month. This can be proven through a savings account or bank account, a Declaration of Guarantee from a person living in Austria, proof of purchase of traveller’s cheques, or a confirmation of a scholarship/grant
• Proof of accommodation (e.g. hotel reservation)
• Proof of the means of transport (reservation or booking; a paid ticket is not required)
• Travel, health, and accident insurance valid for the Schengen area
• Evidence of the applicant’s economic, family, and social roots in their home country (e.g. ownership of property in the country of origin, employment records, confirmation of studies, pension entitlement, proof of family ties, bank account statements)

In addition to the required documents, here are some potential visa interview questions you may be asked:

• Can you explain why you chose Austria for your studies?
• Why did you choose this particular educational institution?
• What program or course do you intend to pursue?
• How will this program or course help your future career?
• Can you provide proof of your academic qualifications?
• Have you travelled to other countries before? If so, what was the purpose of your travel?
• Do you have any family or social ties in Austria or your home country?
• How do you plan to finance your studies and living expenses?
• Are you aware of the cultural differences and language requirements in Austria?
• What are your long-term career goals after completing your studies?
• Are you planning to work while studying in Austria? If so, how will you balance your studies and work commitments?

Remember to provide honest and confident answers during your visa interview. It is important to demonstrate that you have strong ties to your home country and that you intend to return after completing your studies in Austria.

Visa processing time

The processing time for an Austrian student visa for Pakistani nationals can vary from case to case. The time taken to process a visa application is influenced by various factors, including the busy work schedules of embassies and consulates, which may receive more applications in some months than others. Additionally, the applicant's nationality, visa type, and any issues faced during the application process can impact the processing time.

The processing time for a student residence permit and visa is typically around three months each. It is recommended to apply for the student residence permit at least six months before travelling to Austria. The application process for a visa takes a minimum of four weeks but can take up to eight weeks in some cases. According to the Schengen Visa code, applications should be decided within 15 calendar days, but this may be extended up to a maximum of 30 calendar days in individual cases. In some instances, the processing time may be extended to 30-60 working days if additional documentation is required.

To avoid any delays, applicants should ensure that all required documents are submitted in their original form, with copies attached to the application form. These documents include a passport, proof of sufficient funds, confirmation of enrolment, and proof of accommodation, among others. It is also important to note that visa applications must generally be submitted no earlier than six months and no later than 15 days before departure. Applications submitted less than 15 days before departure will be rejected.

Visa type and duration

Pakistani citizens require either a visa or residence permit to enter Austria. There are two types of Austrian student visas: Visa C and Visa D.

Visa C is a Schengen visa for short-term study purposes. It allows students to stay in Austria for up to 90 days for short-term study programs, such as language courses or summer schools. The requirements for this visa include:

• A passport valid for a minimum of three months after your arrival, with at least two blank pages, issued in the last 10 years.
• Two recent passport-sized photos with specific dimensions and background.
• A confirmation letter from an Austrian higher education institution.
• A rental agreement or booking confirmation of stay.
• Travel health insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 in the Schengen countries.
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover your monthly cost of living in Austria for two years, deposited in a bank account.

Visa D is a national visa for study purposes, allowing students to stay in Austria for up to six months or more. The requirements for this visa are similar to Visa C, but it also requires a residence permit. The residence permit application process includes:

• Submitting documents for verification at Gerry's centres in Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi.
• Notifying the applicant once the verification is completed and providing an appointment for legalization of documents and submission of the residence permit application.
• Obtaining an enrolment certificate from a state-accredited Austrian university before starting the student visa application.

The processing time for the residence permit and visa is three months each, so applicants should apply at least six months before travelling to Austria. The visa fee must be paid in local currency at the visa application centre, and the exchange rate is set by the Embassy of Austria. The application process takes a minimum of four weeks but can take up to eight weeks or longer, depending on the workload of the embassy or consulate.

Frequently asked questions