Applying To Austrian Universities: A Step-By-Step Guide

Austria is home to many highly-ranked universities, such as the University of Vienna, the Vienna University of Technology, and the Medical University of Vienna. The application process for Austrian universities is administered by the universities themselves, as there is no centralized application system. This means that each university has its own requirements for applicants, which can vary depending on the type of university and the specific program. Most Austrian universities require proficiency in German, as many bachelor's programs are taught in German. For English-taught degrees, proficiency in English is required. In addition, applicants must typically provide a school-leaving certificate and proof of identification, among other documents.

Language requirements

To be admitted to a degree programme at an Austrian university, you must prove sufficient knowledge of German. This is because the main language of instruction at Austrian universities is German, although there are some programmes taught in English.

The level of German language proficiency you need to demonstrate varies between universities. Some universities require proficiency in German corresponding to level B2, while others require level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

You can prove your German language proficiency by providing a secondary school leaving certificate confirming German lessons of at least four years or a German language diploma. If you are unable to demonstrate sufficient knowledge of German, you may need to take an additional examination in German as part of a university language course before being admitted to your chosen programme of study.

If you do not yet have sufficient German language skills, you can take a German course through the University Preparation Programmes ("Vorstudienlehrgänge") of the OeAD, located in Vienna, Graz, and Leoben. These programmes prepare students for supplementary examinations in subjects like German, which must be passed for admission to a degree programme. To be admitted to a University Preparation Programme German course, you need to prove a German level of at least A2.

All documents submitted as part of your university application must be in the original language and accompanied by a German translation. This translation must be officially certified and approved by the Austrian diplomatic representation in the country concerned.

Application documents

As there is no centralised admissions system in Austria, each university has its own application process and requirements. However, there are some general application documents that are typically needed for admission to an Austrian university. These include:

• Proof of identification: This can be in the form of an identity card or a passport, along with copies of them.
• Passport-sized photographs: These must be clear and in 300 dpi resolution, and in JPEG or PNG format.
• High school diploma: You will need to provide a high school diploma or equivalent from your country of origin.
• School-leaving certificate: This should be a certificate that is equivalent to the one issued to Austrian school-leavers. It must entitle you to admission to university studies in your home country.
• Language proficiency: As many programmes are taught in German, you will need to provide proof of German language proficiency. This can include a secondary school leaving certificate confirming German lessons of at least four years, a German language diploma, or similar documents. If you are unable to demonstrate sufficient knowledge of German, you may need to sit and pass an additional examination in German as part of a university language course prior to being admitted. For English-taught programmes, you must be a proficient English speaker and may need to provide proof of English language proficiency, such as IELTS or TOEFL scores.
• Transcript of records: You will need to provide transcripts of your previous education or studies, including your grades.
• Entrance examinations: Some programmes, especially in medicine, arts, and applied sciences, may require entrance examinations or admission interviews. These can include written or oral tests and interviews.
• Visa: If you need a visa to study in Austria, you will need to apply for a residence permit at the Austrian embassy or consulate in your country. You may also need to submit your first instalment of tuition fees along with your visa application.
• Financial documentation: You may need to provide proof of your bank statements to show that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your studies.

It is important to note that some universities may have additional or specific requirements, so it is recommended to contact the admissions office of the institution you are applying to for detailed information. Additionally, foreign documents may need to be legalised and translated into Austrian.

Entrance exams

Entrance examinations are a requirement for some programmes at Austrian universities. Since 2019, entrance exams have become more common, especially at medical and applied universities, where they take the form of tests, and at art universities, where they may involve portfolio assessments and auditions. For other programmes, you may need to pass entrance tests for specific specialties.

The entrance procedure varies from programme to programme. Usually, you will need to submit written documents, pass written or oral tests, and take part in an interview.

If you are applying for a Bachelor's programme, you will need to provide a general university entrance qualification. This could be a secondary school leaving certificate that entitles you to admission to university studies in your home country. If you are a non-EU/EEA national, you must hold a school-leaving certificate equivalent to that issued to Austrian school-leavers. Alternatively, you must hold a certificate proving that you have completed at least three years of study at a recognised higher or further education institution. The certificate must entitle you to direct entry to the equivalent course in the country in which the certificate was issued.

You will also need to demonstrate proficiency in German or English, depending on the language of instruction for your chosen programme. Students who do not have adequate proficiency in German or English will be enrolled in a compulsory one-year preparatory programme before they begin their courses officially.

Application deadlines

For bachelor's programmes, the registration deadline is typically September 5th for the winter semester and February 5th for the summer semester. However, different deadlines may apply for specific study programmes.

Some universities require applicants to bring their original documents to the admissions office, while others accept notarized copies sent by post. It is important to submit all the required documents before the deadline, as no extensions are accepted.

For international students, it is recommended to start the visa application process as early as possible after gaining admission. During this stage, you may also be asked to submit your first instalment of tuition fees for your first semester, if applicable.

Visa and residence permits

If you need a visa to enter Austria, you must apply for a residence permit in person at the Austrian embassy or consulate in your country. You will need provisional confirmation of admission from the university.

The "Residence Permit – Student" is intended for nationals of third countries who have been admitted to study at a higher education institution in Austria. This includes degree programme studies at an Austrian university, university of applied sciences, accredited private university, or public or private university college of teacher education. It also includes non-degree programme studies within the framework of a public or private certificate university programme, certificate university of applied sciences programme, or certificate programme at a university college of teacher education with at least 40 ECTS credits. The course must not serve exclusively for the learning of a language.

The representative authority will issue the Visa D for a validity period of four months. You can then use this to enter Austria and collect your "Residence Permit – Student".

Family members of students holding a "Residence Permit – Student" can apply for a "Residence Permit – Family Community". This includes spouses, partners in a civil union, and unmarried minors. Spouses and partners must be at least 21 years old at the time of application. Family members have to apply at the competent Austrian representative authority (embassy, consulate with power to issue a visa) in their country of residence. If they are permitted to enter Austria without a visa, they may apply at the locally competent residence authority in Austria.

Frequently asked questions