Applying To Study In Austria: A Step-By-Step Guide

Austria is a popular destination for international students, with around 87,000 choosing to study in the country each year. The country offers a wide range of educational opportunities, with various types of institutions providing undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. The application process for international students can be complex and varies depending on factors such as degree level, programme, type of university, and nationality. This guide will provide an overview of the process, including the requirements, necessary documents, and useful resources for prospective students.

Language requirements

Austria is a popular destination for foreign students due to its affordable tuition fees and top-quality universities. However, if you plan to study in Austria, you must meet the language requirements, which vary depending on the programme and level of studies you are applying for. Here is an overview of the language requirements for studying in Austria:

German Language Proficiency

Most Austrian universities require students to have sufficient German language knowledge, especially for Bachelor's programmes, as they are mainly taught in German. To prove your German language proficiency, you can provide a high school certificate confirming German lessons for at least four years or a German language diploma from recognised institutions such as ÖSD, TestDaF, Goethe Institut, or Telc Deutsch. If necessary, you may need to take an examination to demonstrate your German language skills.

English Language Proficiency

If you plan to pursue an English-taught degree in Austria, you must provide proof of English language proficiency. Accepted English proficiency tests include IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL, and Cambridge certificates.

Visa Application

As an international student, you will likely need an Austrian student visa and residence permit to study in Austria. The specific visa requirements and processes may vary depending on your country of origin. EU/EEA citizens and residents of countries within the Schengen Area are exempt from the Austrian student visa requirement. For non-EU/EEA students, the Visa D (National visa for study purposes) allows you to study in Austria for more than six months. The Visa C (Schengen visa) is for short-term study purposes, valid for up to 90 days, and is suitable for language courses or summer schools.

When applying for an Austrian student visa, you will typically need to provide the following documents:

• A valid passport with blank pages and recent passport-sized photographs
• Confirmation of acceptance or enrolment from an Austrian higher education institution
• Proof of accommodation, such as a rental agreement or campus housing confirmation
• Travel health insurance with minimum coverage of €30,000 in the Schengen Area
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover your living costs in Austria, such as bank statements, scholarships, or written declarations of financial support
• Birth certificate and other relevant identity documents
• Completed visa application form

It is important to note that the visa application process can take time, so it is recommended to start the process early and ensure that all your documents are in order.

Application deadlines

In general, students in a bachelor's or diploma programme have to register by 5 September for the winter semester or 5 February for the summer semester. The registration period starts on 15 April. However, different deadlines may apply for specific study programmes, especially those with entrance examinations, which tend to have earlier application deadlines.

For EU/EEA/CH citizens and groups of persons according to the Decree on Groups of Persons (PersGV), the application period for the summer semester 2025 is from 11 November 2024 to 5 February 2025, while the winter semester 2025/26 application period is from 23 June to 5 September 2025. For citizens of non-EU/EEA countries, the summer semester 2025 application period is from 11 November 2024 to 8 January 2025, and the winter semester 2025/26 application period is from 23 June to 1 August 2025.

It is recommended to apply by the official deadlines, as some universities make it technically impossible to apply later by shutting down their application websites. However, many universities in Austria allow late entries when there are still places available, so it is worth contacting the university to ask if they will consider a late application.

Application documents

The application process for Austrian universities is administered by the universities themselves, as there is no central application system. Therefore, you need to contact the universities you aim to apply to, and they will provide you with more specific information. All applications are submitted online, but some institutions may require you to send hard copies of the official documents via post.

• Proof of identification: This includes a passport, identity card, or proof of citizenship, along with official identification that includes a photo.
• Proof of sufficient funds: You may need to provide bank statements or other documents demonstrating that you have sufficient funds to support yourself throughout your studies.
• Proof of German language proficiency: German is the main language of instruction at Austrian universities. Thus, you may need to provide a high school leaving certificate confirming German lessons for at least four years or a German language diploma.
• High school diploma or equivalent: Applicants must have an A-level or high school diploma that can be considered equivalent to an Austrian Matura examination certification.
• Proof of completion of prior studies: If you are applying for a graduate programme, you may need to provide proof of completion of your undergraduate studies.
• Relevant professional experience: Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS) in Austria often require relevant professional experience related to the programme, especially for graduate programmes.
• Entrance examination or admission interview: Some universities, especially for Bachelor's-level programmes, may require an entrance examination or admission interview.
• Visa and residence permit: If you are a non-EU/EEA or Swiss national, you will need to apply for a student visa and residence permit. This process can take up to three months, so make sure to apply well in advance. You will need to present your letter of admission, proof of sufficient funds, travel insurance documents, and your passport to the Austrian embassy or consulate.

It is important to note that the specific documents required may vary depending on the degree level, programme, type of university, your nationality, and other factors. Always refer to the official website of the university or contact the institution directly to confirm the exact criteria and necessary documents.

Tuition fees

Austria is considered one of the most affordable options for international students compared to other popular study destinations like the US, UK, or Australia. The tuition fees in Austria vary depending on the type of institution and the student's citizenship status.

Public Universities

Public universities in Austria have different tuition fees for EU/EEA and non-EU/EEA citizens. Regular students with EU/EEA citizenship or those with equal rights as Austrians (permanent residents, residents in Austria for at least five years before starting their studies, etc.) pay a tuition fee of €363.36 per semester if they exceed the minimum period of study by more than two semesters. On the other hand, students from third countries (non-EU/EEA) are required to pay a tuition fee of €726.72 per semester. Additionally, all students, irrespective of their citizenship, have to pay the student union membership and student accident insurance fees, which cost around €20 per semester.

It is worth noting that international students from developing countries may be exempt from tuition fees at many public Austrian universities. To check if you qualify for this exemption, you should refer to the specific university or study programme page.

Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS)

UAS have the freedom to decide whether to charge tuition fees. Similar to public universities, the fees at UAS differ for EU/EEA and non-EU/EEA students. EU/EEA and Swiss students typically pay around €363 per semester, while non-EU/EEA students can expect to pay between €727 and €7,500 per semester, depending on the university and study programme.

However, there are a few UAS, such as the Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences (FH Vorarlberg) and the University of Applied Sciences Burgenland, where courses are entirely free for all international students. Nonetheless, students enrolled at a UAS are still required to pay the student union and insurance fees.

Private Universities and Colleges

Private universities and colleges in Austria set their own tuition fees, which can vary significantly. The annual fees for these institutions can range from €3,000 to €23,000. Certain programmes, such as business degrees, may be even more expensive, with tuition costs of €35,000 per year or more.

Scholarships and Grants

To make studying in Austria more accessible, the Austrian Agency for International Cooperation in Education and Research (OeAD) provides a wealth of information on scholarship opportunities. The OeAD website offers details on scholarships awarded to students from specific countries, such as Thailand, Indonesia, or the Philippines. Additionally, institutional scholarships are offered directly by higher education institutions themselves, so it is worth checking the websites of the institutions you are interested in for more information. Another valuable resource is the Austrian Database for Scholarships and Research (Grants.at), which provides a comprehensive overview of scholarship and grant opportunities.

Visas and residence permits

If you are planning to study in Austria for less than 6 months, you will need to apply for a visa at an Austrian consulate or embassy before travelling to the country. This is known as a Visa C and entitles you to stay in Austria and other Schengen countries for a maximum of 90 days. Visa C is not required if you are allowed to enter Austria without a visa.

If your course is between 91 days and 6 months long, you will need a Visa D. This is also obtained from an Austrian consulate or embassy in your country of residence. Visa D is not required if you are a Japanese national.

For longer stays, you can apply for a residence permit for students, known as "Aufenthaltsbewilligung - Student", within Austria after entering the country lawfully. This permit entitles you to stay for more than 6 months.

To apply for a student visa, you will need to submit the following documents:

• A completed and signed visa application form
• Proof of travel insurance or health/accident insurance providing coverage in the Schengen countries, with a minimum coverage of €30,000 or USD 50,000
• Recent identity pictures following the Schengen visa pictures guideline
• Proof of accommodation, such as a booking confirmation or rent agreement
• Itinerary for your travel, including flight details and dates
• Proof of sufficient financial means to cover your living costs during your stay. This can be in the form of a bank statement, scholarship, or other proof of income.

It is recommended that you apply for your visa at least 3 to 6 months in advance, as you may need to legalise and translate your documents. Processing times may vary, but visas are typically issued within 2 to 4 weeks. You will need to register with the local registration office during your stay in Austria.

Frequently asked questions