Study In Austria: A Guide To Earning Your Bachelor's Degree

Austria is a beautiful country with a lot to offer international students. From its awe-inspiring architecture, rich history, and rugged countryside formed by the Alps and the Danube River, to its high-quality education system and diverse employment opportunities, Austria is an attractive destination for those seeking a bachelor's degree. The University of Vienna, founded in 1365, is the largest and oldest university in the country, offering a wide range of degree programs. In addition to traditional comprehensive universities, Austria also has technical and medical specialist universities, as well as universities of applied sciences and university colleges of teacher education. The cost of living in Austria is moderate, and the standard of living is among the highest in Europe. Students can expect to pay around €366 per term for tuition, with slightly higher fees for non-Austrians. The main language of instruction at Austrian universities is German, but there are also programs taught in English. So, if you're considering studying for a bachelor's degree in a country with a high quality of life, stunning natural scenery, and a vibrant cultural scene, Austria is definitely worth considering!

Bachelor's degree costs and scholarships

Bachelors Degree Costs and Scholarships

Public universities in Austria are free for all EU and EEA citizens. International students at public universities pay around 1,452 to 1,500 EUR per academic year.

Tuition rates at universities of applied sciences (UAS) vary. EU/EEA students pay 363 EUR per semester, while non-EU/EEA students pay between 727 and 7,500 EUR per semester. Private universities set their own tuition fees, with costs ranging from 3,000 to 23,000 EUR per year, and some Business programmes costing over 35,000 EUR per year.

There are several scholarships available for international students in Austria. The OeAD is the most important provider of scholarships, but there are also other institutions offering support. The database www.grants.at contains an overview of possible scholarship programmes for international students wishing to study in Austria.

The Austria Ernst March Scholarship, the Erasmus Mundus DAFM Scholarship, the ITH Austrian Development Cooperation Scholarship, the ISTA Austria PhD Scholarship Program, and the Erasmus Mundus PROMISE Scholarship are all options for international students. Additionally, some universities, such as the University of Vienna, offer their own scholarships.

Scholarships in Austria for international students can be fully or partially funded and provide an average monthly stipend of $2000, along with tuition fees, accommodation charges, health insurance, and travel allowance.

Bachelor's degree length

The length of a bachelor's degree programme depends on several factors, including the country, discipline, and education institution. In most countries, an academic bachelor's degree takes three years to complete, while a professional bachelor's degree typically takes four to five years. However, the duration can vary depending on personal preferences, goals, academic progress, transfer credit eligibility, cost, and time considerations.

In Austria, a bachelor's degree programme can vary in length, but it generally requires around 120 credits for completion. The main language of instruction at Austrian universities is German, and only a few programmes are taught in English. Public universities in Austria are free for EU and EEA citizens, while international students pay approximately 1,500 EUR per academic year. The cost of attending a university of applied sciences (UAS) is different, with EU/EEA students paying 363 EUR per semester and non-EU/EEA students paying between 727 and 7,500 EUR per semester.

German language requirements

German is the official language of Austria and the main language of instruction at Austrian universities. However, there are a few programmes taught in English.

To be admitted to a degree programme, you must provide proof of your German language proficiency. The level of proficiency required varies between universities, with some requiring a minimum of B2, and others requiring C1, as outlined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

There are several ways to demonstrate your German language proficiency. You can submit your secondary school leaving certificate, confirming German lessons of at least four years, or a German language diploma, or similar documents. Some universities may also accept other certificates, such as the "Österreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch", which is Austria's officially recognised examination system for German as a foreign language, with licensed examination centres worldwide.

If you do not yet meet the German language requirements, you can enrol in a German language course before starting your degree programme. Many universities offer the possibility to attend German courses through University Preparation Programmes ("Vorstudienlehrgänge") of the OeAD, located in Vienna, Graz, and Leoben. By attending these programmes, students can prepare for supplementary examinations in German, which must be passed to be admitted to a degree programme. It is necessary to prove a German level of at least A2 to be admitted to a University Preparation Programme.

Student visas

If you are an EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen, you do not need a student visa or residence permit to study in Austria. However, if you plan on staying in Austria for more than three months, you must register with the Austrian authorities, which is a quick and easy process. Ensure that you have suitable health insurance, proof of accommodation, and sufficient financial reserves.

If you are a non-EU/EEA or Swiss national and you plan on studying in Austria for more than six months, you will need to apply for a student visa and a student residence permit. These documents should be applied for at least six months before your intended arrival in Austria.

To apply for a student residence permit, schedule an appointment with the Austrian embassy or consulate and present your letter of admission, proof of sufficient funds, travel insurance documents, and your passport. The processing time for applications can be up to three months. Once you have been granted your residence permit, you can apply for a Visa D. It can take up to six weeks to secure an appointment with the embassy or consulate.

After your visa appointment, you will usually receive a decision on your application within four weeks. Within three days of arriving in Austria, you must register with the municipal authorities by completing a registration form and reporting your address.

The Austrian authorities are likely to ask for the following documents when you are applying for a visa or residence permit:

• A completed and signed visa application form
• A completed and signed residence permit application form
• An enrollment letter from your university
• Original photographs of your face against a white background
• A passport or travel documents that are valid for at least three months beyond your departure date
• Proof of health insurance
• Proof of travel insurance with at least €30,000 of cover
• A cover letter stating your reason for visiting Austria
• Flight dates and numbers detailing your arrival and exit from the country

Working While Studying in Austria

If you are from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, you can work as much as you like without a designated work permit. However, if you are from outside the EU or EEA, your employer must apply for a work permit on your behalf, and your working hours will be capped at 20 per week to ensure you are prioritising your academic studies. If you complete unpaid internships and placements as part of your program, you won't need a work permit, and these hours won't contribute to your weekly limit.

Student accommodation

Unlike many other countries, Austrian universities do not typically provide on-campus accommodation or automatically allocate rooms to students when they register for a course. Therefore, it is important to start your search for accommodation as early as possible.

Halls of Residence

Student dormitories, or halls of residence, are typically the most affordable option for students. These are usually situated close to universities and come furnished, with shared amenities such as kitchens, bathrooms, and study rooms. They are a great way to meet fellow students and immerse yourself in student culture. Rooms in student dormitories can range from 200 to 450 euros per month.

Private Accommodation

Renting a private apartment can be a good choice if you prefer more privacy and independence. Apartments range from studio flats to larger multi-bedroom units. Private apartments are generally more expensive than student dorms and may be unfurnished. Costs can range from 500 to 1,000 euros per month or more.

Shared Accommodation

Sharing a flat with other students (called "WG" or "Wohngemeinschaften" in German) is another popular option. Each person has their own room but shares common areas like the kitchen and bathroom, as well as the rent. This option provides a more affordable alternative to private accommodation while still offering some level of privacy. Depending on the location, you can expect to pay around 250 to 450 euros per month for rent in a shared flat.

Homestay

Some students may opt to live with a local family in their home, providing a unique cultural experience and an opportunity for language immersion.

Helpful Websites

• Www.oeadstudenthousing.at
• Www.home4students.at
• Www.studienwahl.at/en
• Www.housingaustria.com

Rental Contracts and Other Considerations

When renting accommodation in Austria, you will likely need to sign a rental contract ("Mietvertrag" in German). This document outlines the terms and conditions of your stay, including the duration, cost of rent, notice period, and other obligations. It is important to carefully read and understand the contract before signing, preferably with the help of a German-speaking friend or legal advisor.

Before moving in, you may be required to pay a security deposit ("Kaution"), usually equivalent to one to three months' rent. This deposit will be returned to you when you move out, provided the apartment is in the same condition as when you moved in.

Other costs to consider include utility bills (water, gas, electricity), internet, and building maintenance fees. Clarify with your landlord which costs are included in the rent and which are additional expenses.

Language

While many Austrians, especially in cities, speak English, it is beneficial to learn some German for everyday life and when dealing with housing contracts and landlords.

City vs. Countryside

When deciding between living in a city or the countryside, consider your personal lifestyle preferences, study requirements, and budget. Larger cities like Vienna and Salzburg offer a wider range of accommodation options, restaurants, entertainment, and amenities, but they also tend to be more expensive. The countryside or smaller towns, on the other hand, provide a tranquil environment for studying and a chance to experience the natural beauty of Austria, but commuting may be challenging without a car.

Frequently asked questions