Study In Austria: Your Guide To Free Education

Austria is known for its affordable education, with 61 universities offering 790 study programs. The application process for Austrian universities is not complex, but it is important to note that there is no centralized application system, so applications must be submitted directly to the chosen institution. The Austrian education system has three main types of higher education institutions: universities, universities of applied sciences, and university colleges of teacher education. The majority of programs are taught in German, so applicants must demonstrate sufficient German knowledge. However, there are a few programs taught in English. The application process requires documentation, including proof of identification and financial support, and in some cases, an application fee of up to €50. Students from non-EU/EEA countries may also need to apply for a visa or residence permit.

Application requirements

The application process for Austrian universities is not complex, but it does require some preparation. The first step is to decide on the level of study: Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD. Then, research the universities and programmes that offer your desired level of study. Austrian universities have their own unique entry requirements, so it is important to contact the programme coordinators through email to clarify any questions about the admissions criteria.

Most applications are submitted online, but some institutions may require hard copies of official documents to be sent by post. Applications for Bachelor's programmes must be submitted by 5 September for the winter semester or 5 February for the summer semester. For Master's programmes, deadlines vary depending on the type of university and your nationality. At public universities, EU/EEA/Swiss students generally have deadlines between June and September for the winter intake, while non-EU/EEA students usually need to apply by July at the latest. Universities of Applied Sciences often have earlier deadlines, with the first application rounds closing in March. Private universities set their own deadlines and may accept students on a rolling basis.

Regardless of the level of study, the following documents are typically required for applications:

• Proof of identification: passport, identity card, or proof of citizenship, along with official identification that includes a photo.
• Proof of sufficient funds: bank statements showing that you have enough financial support for your studies.
• Proof of language proficiency: German is the main language of instruction at Austrian universities, so you must provide proof of sufficient German knowledge. Some programmes are taught in English, so check the specific language requirements for your desired programme.
• Academic qualifications: for Bachelor's programmes, you will need an A-level or high school diploma that is equivalent to the Austrian Matura examination certification. For Master's programmes, you will need a Bachelor's degree certificate (equivalent to at least 180 ECTS).

After submitting your application, you may need to apply for a visa or residence permit if you are an international student. During this stage, you may also be asked to submit your first instalment of tuition fees.

Language requirements

The main language of instruction at Austrian universities and UASs is German, although there are over 200 English-taught programmes. If you are applying for a German-taught programme, you will need to prove your proficiency in the language. This can be done by taking the "Österreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch", Austria's officially recognised examination system for German as a foreign language. You can also enquire directly at the university to find out if the certificate/diploma you hold is accepted as sufficient proof. Many universities also offer the possibility to attend German courses in the University Preparation Programmes of the OeAD located in Vienna, Graz, and Leoben. By attending these programmes, students can prepare for supplementary examinations, which must be passed to be admitted to a degree programme. It is necessary to prove a German level of at least A2 if you want to be admitted to a University Preparation Programme German course before starting your regular study programme.

If you are applying for an English-taught programme, you will need to prove your proficiency in the language. Universities in Austria will want to see proof that you have good English-language skills so that you can easily succeed in their courses. Some popular options for international students are IELTS, TOEFL, or C1 Advanced language certificates. You’ll have to meet a minimum language score set by the university, and your test scores shouldn’t be older than 1-2 years.

In general, students in a bachelor or diploma programme have to register by September 5 (for the winter semester) or February 5 (for the summer semester). The registration period starts on April 15, but different deadlines may apply for specific study programmes.

Application process

The application process for Austrian universities is not complex, but it does require some preparation. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Step 1: Self-Reflection

Start by reflecting on your dreams, passions, and future goals. Consider the profession you aspire to have and the technological and societal changes that may impact your field of choice. This will help you decide on the level of studies (Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD) and choose a field of study that aligns with your interests and future plans.

Step 2: Research and Planning

Research the various universities in Austria to find the ones that offer your desired field of study. Familiarize yourself with the three main types of higher education institutions in Austria:

• Universities: These include comprehensive universities, universities of the arts, and private universities. They offer a wide variety of disciplines, including technical and medical specialist programs, as well as postgraduate education.
• Universities of Applied Sciences: These institutions offer professional-oriented higher education, with mandatory career-oriented practical training or internships.
• University Colleges of Teacher Education: These colleges offer Bachelor of Education (BEd) degrees, typically in combination with teaching qualifications for primary, secondary, or special needs schools.

When researching universities, pay attention to their unique entry requirements, application deadlines, and language requirements. Most programs are taught in German, so you may need to acquire sufficient German language proficiency. However, there are a few programs taught in English.

Step 3: Gather Documentation

The application process for Austrian universities typically requires the following documents:

• Proof of identification: Passport, identity card, or proof of citizenship, along with an official identification photo.
• Academic qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent, and for Master's applications, a Bachelor's degree certificate.
• Proof of financial support: Bank statements demonstrating sufficient funds to support yourself during your studies.
• Additional requirements: Some universities may have specific requirements, such as entrance examinations or interviews, so ensure you review the criteria carefully.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

Applications for Austrian universities are administered by the universities themselves, as there is no central application system. Contact your chosen universities to obtain specific application instructions and deadlines. All applications are submitted online, but some institutions may also require hard copies of official documents to be sent by post. You can apply through the Austrian Embassy or Consulate of your country, and your application will be forwarded to your chosen institution.

Step 5: Visa and Residence Permit

If you are an international student, start the visa application process as soon as possible after gaining admission. Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa or a residence permit for study purposes. EU/EEA citizens are exempt from this requirement but must register with the local authorities if they plan to stay in Austria for more than three months.

Step 6: Finalize Your Preparations

Once you have your admission and visa in place, it's time to finalize your preparations for studying in Austria. Look for accommodation options, join student forums to connect with other students, and learn some basic German to help you navigate daily life. Don't forget to pack warm clothes for your time in the Alpine country and book your travel arrangements!

Scholarships and grants

Austria's higher education system includes 61 universities offering 790 study programs, including 405 Bachelor's programs, 290 Master's programs, and 95 PhD programs. The Austrian Agency for International Cooperation in Education and Research (OeAD) maintains an extensive database of grants. Additionally, Austrian universities and institutions may offer their own scholarships based on exceptional talent, outstanding academic achievement, or nationality. Some of these are partial scholarships, but they can help finance your studies.

The Austrian University Colleges of Teacher Education, for example, offer a three-year Bachelor of Education (BEd) degree with a teaching qualification. There are also Bachelor's programs at 57 universities and Master's programs at 47 universities. The main language of instruction at Austrian universities is German, but there are programs taught in English. You can search for these programs at www.studienwahl.at/en.

Tuition fees vary depending on the type of university and your nationality. Regular students with EU/EEA citizenship or equal rights as Austrians, such as permanent residents, pay €363.36 per semester if they exceed the minimum period of study by more than two semesters. Students from non-EU/EEA countries pay €726.72 per semester. At public universities, EU/EEA/Swiss citizens pay €726.72 per year for Master's programs, while non-EU/EEA citizens pay €1,453.44 per year. Private universities often have higher tuition fees.

When applying for a scholarship or grant, contact the universities directly to inquire about specific scholarships and their application processes. They will be able to provide detailed information on the requirements and deadlines for their programs. Additionally, some universities may charge an application fee of up to €50, so keep that in mind when budgeting for your application process.

Visas and permits

The visa and permit requirements for studying in Austria depend on your nationality and the duration of your stay. If you are a citizen of an EU, EEA country, or Switzerland, you do not need a visa for studying in Austria. However, if you plan to stay for more than three months, you must register with the local municipal authority (Magistrat, Bezirkshauptmannschaft) within four months of your arrival.

On the other hand, if you are a non-EU citizen, you will need to apply for a residence permit for study purposes ("Aufenthaltsbewilligung - Student"). This permit will allow you to stay in Austria for more than six months and must be obtained before travelling to the country. The application process for this permit can vary depending on your country of origin, so it is essential to contact the Austrian embassy or consulate in your home country for specific information.

In addition to the residence permit, as a non-EU citizen, you may also need to obtain a student visa, especially if your country of origin requires a visa for entry into the Schengen area. The student visa will be issued by the Austrian embassy or consulate in your home country, and you may be required to submit various documents, including proof of financial resources, proof of acceptance to an Austrian educational institution, and proof of health insurance.

It is worth noting that Austrian universities do not typically offer accommodation for their students. Therefore, if you are planning to stay in Austria for an extended period, you will need to arrange your accommodation separately. You may want to start by looking for student residences or private rentals online and joining student forums to get advice from current and former students.

Lastly, keep in mind that the primary language of instruction at most Austrian universities is German. While there are some programmes taught in English, a good command of German can greatly expand your study options and enhance your overall experience in Austria.

Frequently asked questions