Applying For Masters In Austria: A Step-By-Step Guide

Austria is known for its affordable education and has a variety of universities offering Masters degrees. The country has three types of universities offering Masters degrees: public universities, private universities, and universities of applied sciences. The application process for Austrian universities requires several documents, including proof of identification, high school diploma, transcript of records, motivation letter, and proof of language proficiency. The deadlines for applying to a Master's in Austria are usually during the summer (June-July) or winter (January-February). However, some universities have different deadlines, especially for international students, and may require applications to be submitted earlier. International students are also advised to start their visa application process as soon as they receive their admission letter.

Application deadlines and requirements

Austria has relatively late application deadlines for Masters compared to other European countries. The deadlines for applying to a Master's in Austria are usually during the summer (June to July) or winter (January to February). However, some universities don't have application deadlines, allowing you to apply whenever you're ready. The exact dates may vary from institution to institution and depend on your nationality.

At public universities, deadlines for EU/EEA/Swiss students are generally between June and early September for the winter intake. Non-EU/EEA students have to apply earlier, usually by July at the latest. Austrian universities of applied sciences (UAS) often have earlier deadlines, with the first application rounds for the winter intake closing as early as March. In some cases, applications are accepted until June or July. Private universities set their own deadlines and may decide on applications on a rolling basis.

There is no centralised platform in Austria to apply for Master's programmes. Austrian universities each have their own online application processes, and all documents must be submitted digitally. Some institutions may also require you to send documents by post. The application process for Austrian universities requires the following documents:

• Proof of identification with an identity card or a passport and copies of them
• Passport-sized photographs
• High school diploma from your country of origin or equivalent
• Transcript of records with the grades of your previous education/studies
• Motivation letter stating the reason you chose the programme
• A recommendation letter from your previous professors (may be required)
• Proof of language proficiency in English through TOEFL or IELTS
• Proof of German language proficiency depending on the programme and level of studies
• Proof of application fee payment
• Proof of sufficient funds to support you through your studies
• Bachelor's degree certificate (equivalent to at least 180 ECTS)
• Certificate of special qualification for university studies (Nachweis der besonderen Universitätsreife)

The exact requirements for documents and the required level of English differ from Master to Master, so make sure to check early with your chosen university. It's possible that you may also have to take an entrance exam, especially at medical universities, universities of the arts, and universities of applied sciences. Most universities of applied sciences also require relevant professional experience related to the programme.

Application documents

The application process for a Master's degree in Austria can be stressful, but if you are well-prepared, there is nothing to worry about. Austrian universities are in charge of their own application processes, so you will need to contact the universities you plan to apply to for specific information. All applications are submitted online, but some institutions may also require you to send hard copies of your documents by post.

• Proof of identification: a copy of your passport or identity card.
• Passport-sized photographs.
• High school diploma from your country of origin or equivalent.
• Transcript of records with the grades of your previous education/studies.
• A Bachelor's degree certificate (equivalent to at least 180 ECTS).
• Proof of language proficiency: this may include English language tests like TOEFL or IELTS, or German language tests like ÖSD, TestDaF, Goethe Institut or Telc Deutsch.
• Proof of application fee payment.
• A motivation letter explaining why you chose the programme.
• A recommendation letter from a previous professor.
• Proof of financial means: this may include bank statements showing you have enough funds to support yourself during your studies.
• A personal statement.
• Proof of health insurance coverage.
• Valid passport.

It is important to note that the exact requirements for documents may vary depending on the university and programme you are applying to, so be sure to check early what documents are required. Additionally, non-EU/EEA students with a degree from a non-EU/EEA country may only be able to study a discipline that is the same or closely related to their Bachelor's degree. For example, if you did a Bachelor's in Humanities, you may not be able to pursue a Master's in Business.

Application process

Austria has three types of universities offering Master's degrees: public universities, private universities, and universities of applied sciences. The application process for each type of university varies, and there is no centralised platform for applying to Master's programmes in Austria. Each university has its own online application process, and all documents must be submitted digitally.

The exact application requirements and deadlines differ between universities, so it is important to check the specific requirements of your chosen university. However, here is a general overview of the application process for Master's programmes in Austria:

• Check the admission requirements: Each university has its own admission requirements, which may include a Bachelor's degree certificate, proof of language proficiency, and relevant professional experience. It is important to review the requirements early, as they may differ depending on the specific Master's programme you are applying to.
• Gather the required documents: Commonly required documents include a Bachelor's degree certificate, proof of identification (such as a passport), passport-sized photographs, transcripts of records, a motivation letter, and proof of language proficiency. Some universities may also require additional documents, such as recommendation letters or proof of financial support.
• Complete the online application form: Most universities in Austria allow you to apply online by submitting the application form along with the requested documents. However, some universities may also require you to send hard copies of the documents by post.
• Apply for a visa: Once you have received a positive response regarding your application, you can apply for a visa to enter Austria. If you are an international student, it is recommended to start the visa application process as soon as possible, and at least three months before your planned start date.
• Look for accommodation: After you have gained admission and have your visa ready, you can start searching for accommodation options in Austria.

It is important to note that the main language of instruction at Austrian universities is German, and many study programmes are taught in German. However, there are also programmes taught in English, and you may need to provide proof of English language proficiency as part of your application. Additionally, keep in mind that application deadlines vary depending on the university and your nationality, so be sure to submit your application and all required documents before the specified deadline.

Visa and residence permit

Depending on your nationality and the duration of your studies, you may need to apply for a visa to study in Austria. As an international student, you will need to complete a separate visa application and may also need to supply accredited transcripts and translations of documents relating to your academic record. It is recommended to begin your application well ahead of the deadline, ideally during the summer before commencing your Master's or even during the final year of your undergraduate programme. Austrian universities usually accept a projected degree result in place of a completed Bachelor's degree.

For matriculation as a regular student in an Austrian university degree programme, you must meet certain requirements as a foreign citizen. You will need an A-level or high school diploma that is equivalent to an Austrian Matura examination certification. This can be regulated by an agreement or decided by the vice-chancellor in individual cases, possibly with certain requirements. Alternatively, you can provide proof of completion of a minimum three-year study at another certified post-secondary educational institution. The certification must be sufficient for acceptance into the desired course of study at a university in the country where it was obtained. Any study-related requirements, such as entrance examinations, must be fulfilled in the country where the A-level or high school diploma was issued.

In addition to the above, you will need to demonstrate proof of financial resources to support your stay in the country during your studies. This may include bank statements or other documents that indicate your ability to cover the costs of living and tuition during your time in Austria.

Regarding tuition fees, EU/EEA citizens and those with equal rights as Austrians (permanent residents or those with residence in Austria for at least five years before starting their studies) pay a reduced fee of €363.36 per semester if they exceed the minimum period of study by more than two semesters. Students from non-EU/EEA countries are typically charged €726.72 per semester. At public universities, the standard tuition fees are approximately €750 per year for EU/EEA citizens and around €1,500 per year for non-EU/EEA international students. Private universities can charge significantly higher fees, ranging from €10,000 to €15,000 per year.

University types and fees

Austria is known for its affordable education, with low tuition fees for Master's programmes. The fees vary depending on the type of university and the student's nationality.

University Types

Austria has three types of universities offering Master's degrees: public universities, private universities, and universities of applied sciences. There are 22 public universities in Austria, which are regulated by law and have low tuition fees. Private universities, on the other hand, are free to design their own courses, set fees, and manage admissions, with fees reaching €10,000 to €15,000 per year. There are 16 private universities in the country. Universities of applied sciences have vocationally-oriented programmes and may charge tuition fees of up to €363.36 per semester. There are 21 UAS institutions in Austria.

Fees

For citizens of the EU, EEA, and Switzerland, public universities in Austria are free, with only a small fee for student union membership and student accident insurance of around €20 per semester. Non-EU/EEA international students pay around €726.72 per semester at public universities. At private universities, international students can expect to pay fees ranging from €10,000 to €15,000 per year. Universities of applied sciences may charge home students up to €363.36 per semester and may charge higher fees for non-EU/EEA students.

There are also scholarship opportunities for international students, such as those offered by the Austrian Agency for International Cooperation in Education and Research (OeAD). Austrian universities may also have their own scholarships based on academic merit or targeting students from specific countries.

Frequently asked questions