Damon Mcknight
Austria has a variety of higher education institutions, including universities, universities of applied sciences, and university colleges of teacher education. The application process for Austrian universities is not complex, but it's important to note that each university may have its own unique requirements for applicants, and the main language of instruction is German. Here is a step-by-step guide to gaining admission to an Austrian university:
1. Choose the university and program that align with your goals and field of study.
2. Check the university's official website for specific admission requirements, application deadlines, and necessary documents.
3. Gather the required documents, which typically include proof of identification, passport-sized photographs, high school diploma or equivalent, and transcript of records.
4. If you are a foreign citizen, you may need additional documents, such as proof of sufficient funds and visa requirements.
5. Submit your application and any required entrance examinations or admission interviews.
6. Wait for the university's response and follow their guidelines for enrolment, including paying tuition fees and obtaining your student ID.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Application process | Administered by the universities themselves; no central application system |
| Application deadlines | Two typical deadlines: before the winter semester (by 5 September) and the summer semester (by 5 February) |
| Application requirements | Varies by degree level, programme, type of university, nationality, etc. |
| Language requirements | German (C1 level of proficiency or Goethe Zertifikat, ÖSD Zertifikat, or TestDaF); English-taught degrees require proficiency |
| Entrance examinations | Introduced since 2019; common at medical and applied universities, as well as art universities |
| Admission interviews | Required for most Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS) |
| Tuition fees | €363.36 per semester for regular students with EU/EEA citizenship; €726.72 per semester for students from third countries |
| Admission procedure | Application form and necessary documents sent to the Admissions Office of the chosen university |
| Required documents | Proof of identification, passport, passport-sized photographs, high school diploma, transcript of records, bank statements, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Language requirements
The primary language of instruction at Austrian universities is German, and therefore, German language proficiency is a common admission requirement. However, some programmes are taught in English, and for these, proficiency in English is required.
For German-taught programmes, applicants must provide a high school leaving certificate confirming a minimum of four years of German lessons or a German language diploma. The "Österreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch" is Austria's officially recognised examination system for German as a foreign language, with licensed examination centres worldwide. Some universities also offer the possibility to attend German courses in the University Preparation Programmes ("Vorstudienlehrgänge") in Vienna, Graz, and Leoben. These programmes prepare students for supplementary examinations in subjects like mathematics or German, which must be passed for admission to a degree programme.
For applicants who cannot demonstrate sufficient knowledge of German, an additional examination in German must be passed as part of a university language course before being admitted to the relevant programme of studies. However, students will only be admitted to these language courses if they have already achieved a minimum level of A2 in German or its equivalent.
For English-taught programmes, applicants must provide proof of English language proficiency through examinations like IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL, or Cambridge certificates.
It is important to note that different types of universities in Austria have varying admission requirements and criteria. Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS), for example, typically require relevant professional experience related to the programme, in addition to academic qualifications.
Additionally, non-EU/EEA students with degrees from non-EU/EEA countries may only study the same discipline or a closely related field at the graduate level. For example, if you hold a Bachelor's degree in Humanities, you cannot pursue a Master's in Business.
Furthermore, students from outside the EU/EEA may have different application deadlines and are typically required to pay tuition fees.
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Application deadlines
Austrian universities usually have two intakes, with specific deadlines according to the country of origin of the applicant. For students from outside the EU/EEA, application deadlines are typically at the beginning of September for the winter semester and the start of February for the summer semester. For local Austrian students or EU/EEA/Switzerland students, the deadline is usually mid-October for the winter semester and mid-March for the summer semester.
Some universities, such as the Technical University of Vienna and the University of Klagenfurt, require applicants to fill out a questionnaire and send notarized copies of documents through the post or in person to the admissions office. The University of Graz also has specific admission procedures, with registration deadlines for the academic year 2026/27 falling between 15 October 2025 and 15 December 2025.
It is important to note that application deadlines for programmes with entrance examinations occur earlier. Additionally, some universities may have different deadlines for joint programmes or non-degree programmes.
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Entrance examinations
Entrance Examination Requirements:
Firstly, it is important to note that the entrance examination requirements differ across universities and degree programmes in Austria. While some programmes may require a written or oral test, others may have additional requirements such as an admission interview. It is essential to check the specific requirements of your chosen degree programme.
Language Proficiency:
German is the primary language of instruction at most Austrian universities and Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS). Therefore, demonstrating German language proficiency is often a crucial part of the entrance examination. This can be done through a secondary school leaving certificate confirming at least four years of German language lessons or a recognised German language diploma. Additionally, some universities may offer preparatory German language courses to help you achieve the required language proficiency.
Academic Qualifications:
For admission to a university in Austria, you must hold a secondary school leaving certificate that qualifies you for university entrance in your home country. Additionally, you will need to provide proof of academic qualifications, such as A-levels or a high school diploma, that are considered equivalent to the Austrian Matura examination. If you are applying for a graduate degree, you may also need to provide proof of relevant professional experience, especially for Universities of Applied Sciences.
Application Deadlines:
It is essential to be mindful of the application deadlines for entrance examinations. These deadlines can vary, and for entrance examinations, the closing date for applications can be up to six months before the examination. Make sure to check the exact dates and guidelines on the official website of your chosen university.
Visa Requirements:
If you are an international student who requires a visa to study in Austria, you will need to initiate the visa application process alongside your university application. You will need to apply for a residence permit at the Austrian embassy or consulate in your country, along with provisional confirmation of admission from the university.
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Application documents
The application process for Austrian universities is not complex, but it is important to be well-prepared. Austria does not have a uniform student admission system, so each university may have its own unique requirements for applicants. It is therefore important to check the exact criteria and necessary documents on the official website of your chosen university, or by contacting the institution directly.
- Proof of identification: This can include a passport, identity card, or proof of citizenship, along with an official identification that includes your photograph.
- High school diploma or equivalent: You will need to provide a secondary school leaving certificate that entitles you to admission to university studies in your home country.
- Language proficiency: As the main language of instruction at Austrian universities is German, most universities require proof of German language proficiency. This can be confirmed through a secondary school leaving certificate verifying a minimum of four years of German language lessons, a German language diploma, or similar documents. For English-taught degrees, you must demonstrate English language proficiency through IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL, or Cambridge certificates.
- Entrance examinations: Since 2019, Austrian universities have introduced entrance examinations, especially for medical and applied universities, as well as portfolio assessments and auditions for art universities.
- Bank statements: You may need to provide proof of bank statements or a receipt indicating your ability to support yourself financially through your studies and pay the per-semester tuition fees.
- Additional documents: Depending on the specific university and programme, you may need to submit passport-size photographs, transcripts of records with your previous grades, or proof of relevant professional experience related to the programme.
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Tuition fees
The tuition fees for studying in Austria depend on the type of university, your nationality, and the duration of your studies. If you are a citizen of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, you can enrol in Austrian universities for free, provided you do not exceed the minimum duration of your studies by more than two semesters. After this period, you will be required to pay a tuition fee of €363.36 per semester.
On the other hand, international students from non-EU/EEA countries typically have to pay tuition fees. The average tuition fee for these students is €726.72 per semester. However, there are some exemptions and scholarships available. For example, international students holding a residence permit for studies in Austria can benefit from the same tuition fees as EU/EEA citizens. Additionally, students from developing countries are often exempt from tuition fees at many public Austrian universities.
It is worth noting that private universities in Austria have their own tuition fees, which can range from €3,000 to €23,000 per year, with some business programmes costing even more. To gain more insights into the specific tuition fees and regulations, it is recommended to contact the universities directly or refer to their official websites.
Furthermore, all students, regardless of their nationality, are required to pay student union membership and student accident insurance fees, which typically cost around €20 per semester.
When it comes to language requirements, most Austrian universities require proficiency in German, as many study programmes, especially Bachelor's degrees, are taught in German. However, there are a few programmes taught in English, for which proficiency in English is a requirement.
To summarise, while there are varying tuition fees and requirements for studying in Austria, the country offers affordable options for international students compared to other popular study destinations like the US, UK, or Australia. With its high quality of life, low crime rate, and beautiful landscapes, Austria presents a well-rounded educational experience.
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Frequently asked questions
The requirements vary depending on the type of institution, quality of education, and chosen field of study. However, here are some general requirements: German language proficiency, a high school diploma or equivalent, and proof of identification.
The application process is administered by the universities themselves, so applicants must apply directly to their chosen university. It is recommended to make a plan for your future academic and professional goals, and then decide on the level of studies (Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD). Most applications are submitted online, but some institutions may require hard copies of official documents.
There are 13 public and 16 private universities in Austria, offering Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD programs. There are also 6 universities of the arts, 3 medical universities, and several technical and medical specialist universities.
Regular students with EU/EEA citizenship or equal rights as Austrians pay €363.36 per semester if they exceed the minimum period of their program by more than two semesters. Students from non-EU/EEA countries pay €726.72 per semester.
