Studying In Austria: Free Education Opportunities And How To Apply

Austria is a popular destination for international students due to its low tuition fees, high quality of life, and European experience. The country also warmly welcomes international students and gives them the opportunity to achieve their academic and personal goals.

Austria is one of the few countries in the world that offers free education. In fact, all public universities are tuition-free for EU/EEA students. Additionally, nationals of non-EU countries pay a relatively small fee of between 363 EUR and 726 EUR per semester.

There are also exceptions for students from developing countries, including Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Afghanistan, and Angola. If you are from one of these countries, Austrian universities are free for you too.

Free universities in Austria for EU/EEA students

Austria is a great place for international students to study, with its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and world-class education system. The country offers a unique blend of academic excellence and a vibrant European experience.

When it comes to tuition fees, public universities in Austria are free for all EU and EEA citizens. Here is a list of some of the free universities in Austria for EU/EEA students:

• University of Vienna: The oldest university in the German-speaking world, with a wide range of bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs.
• University of Salzburg: Salzburg's largest educational institution, with six faculties, including Catholic Theology, Cultural Sciences, and Law.
• Johannes Kepler University Linz: One of Austria's younger universities, with four faculties, including Engineering and Natural Sciences, and Business and Social Sciences.
• Vienna University of Technology: A major institution with a focus on computer science, engineering, and natural science courses.
• University of Klagenfurt: A recommended university by Bachelorsportal.com, offering a diverse range of programs.
• University of Innsbruck: A top-ranked public university with no tuition fees for EU/EEA students.
• Medical University of Vienna: One of the best medical schools in Europe, offering competitive programs in Medicine, Dentistry, and Medical Informatics.
• University of Graz: Another top-ranked public university, offering an affordable option for international students.
• University of Leoben: A public university with no tuition fees for EU/EEA students.
• University of Applied Arts Vienna: A university specializing in the arts, with programs in Art Education, Cross-Disciplinary Strategies, and Language Arts.
• Vienna University of Economics and Business: Also known as WU, this university is recommended by both Mastersportal.com and Bachelorsportal.com.
• Academy of Fine Arts Vienna: A university that emphasizes arts-based research and teaching, with programs spanning from painting and sculpture to photography and conceptual art.

In addition to free tuition, international students can also benefit from the low living costs in Austria, which are estimated at around 900-1,300 EUR/month. The country also offers a range of scholarships and funding opportunities, making it an attractive destination for students seeking a high-quality education at an affordable cost.

Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA citizens

Austria is one of the few countries in the world that offers free education. However, this is only for students from certain countries. For citizens outside of the EU and EEA, tuition fees can vary depending on the type of university and the programme.

At public universities, non-EU/EEA students can expect to pay around 1,452 EUR per academic year. However, this fee can be as low as 363 EUR per semester at some Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS). Other UAS can charge non-EU/EEA students between 727 and 7,500 EUR per semester.

Private universities in Austria have their own tuition fees, which can be much higher. Costs can be anywhere between 3,000 and 23,000 EUR per year, with some Business programmes costing over 35,000 EUR per year.

There are some exceptions for students from developing countries, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, and Yemen. If you are from one of these countries, you can study for free at many public universities in Austria.

How to Study in Austria for Free

To study for free in Austria, non-EU/EEA citizens must enrol in a university that offers free tuition for international students. Some Universities of Applied Science offer tuition-free programmes for international students. These include undergraduate and postgraduate courses at the following universities:

• Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences (FH Vorarlberg)
• University of Applied Sciences Burgenland

Additionally, international students can benefit from various scholarships and grants. These include scholarships offered by the OeAD (The Austrian Agency for International Mobility and Cooperation in Education) and grants or scholarships provided by individual universities.

Scholarships and funding for international students

Austria is one of the few countries in the world that offers free education. However, this is only for EU/EEA students at public universities. Nationals of non-EU countries pay a small fee, ranging from €363 to €726 per semester.

There are also exceptions for students from developing countries, including:

• Equatorial Guinea
• Ethiopia
• Afghanistan
• Angola
• Bangladesh
• Benin
• Bhutan
• Burkina Faso
• Burundi
• Djibouti
• Eritrea
• Gambia
• Guinea
• Guinea-Bissau
• Haiti
• Yemen
• Cambodia
• Cape Verde
• Kiribati
• Comoros
• Congo (Democratic Republic)
• Laos (Democratic People’s Republic)
• Lesotho
• Liberia
• Madagascar
• Malawi
• The Maldives
• Mali
• Mauretania
• Mozambique
• Myanmar
• Nepal
• Niger
• Rwanda
• The Solomon Islands
• Zambia
• Samoa
• Sao Tome and Principe
• Senegal
• Sierra Leone
• Somalia
• Sudan
• Tanzania (United Republic)
• Timor-Leste
• Togo
• Chad
• Tuvalu
• Uganda
• Vanuatu
• Central African Republic

If you are from one of these countries, you can study at an Austrian university for free.

International students in Austria can benefit from various scholarships and other funding opportunities offered by Austrian organisations and universities. The amount of these grants is between €475 and €679 per month.

• Scholarships offered by various institutions on the Grants.at website
• Scholarships offered by the OeAD (The Austrian Agency for International Mobility and Cooperation in Education)
• Some Austrian universities might provide other grants or scholarships. It is recommended to ask about this during the application process or see if they have any information about financial aid programmes on their website.
• You can also check out the Studyportals Scholarship to get some help financing your studies in Austria.

Student visa requirements

To study in Austria, you will need to apply for a student visa. Here are the requirements you need to fulfil:

• You must have received admission to an Austrian university.
• You must provide proof of financial means to support yourself during your stay in Austria. The required amount is at least €552 per month for students up to 24 years old, and at least €1,000.48 per month for students 24 years old and above.
• You need to provide proof of accommodation.
• You need to have valid health insurance with coverage in Austria.
• Your educational documents (such as your high school diploma or secondary school certificate) need to be translated and notarized.
• If you are from a non-EU/EEA country, you may need to provide an apostille for your educational documents. This should be done in your home country and can take up to two months.
• Indian and Pakistani citizens need to legalize their documents at the Austrian embassy in their home country.
• You need to meet the language requirements for your chosen programme. For programmes taught in German, you will typically need B2 or C1 level. For English-taught programmes, you will need to provide proof of English proficiency through tests such as IELTS or TOEFL.
• There are specific application deadlines for Austrian residents, EU/EEA/Swiss citizens, and non-EU/EEA citizens. Make sure to submit your application before the deadline.
• You will need to provide various documents, including your passport or identity card, high school diploma or equivalent, transcript of grades, and proof of language proficiency.
• Additionally, you will need to pay a residence permit fee of €160.

The visa application process can be done at the Austrian embassy or consulate in your home country or directly in Austria at the foreign registration office in the town where your university is located. Keep in mind that the entire process, including document preparation and visa application, can take several months, so it is important to start the process early.

Cost of living for students in Austria

Austria is known for its high quality of life, safety, and affordability. The cost of living in Austria is relatively low compared to other European countries. The overall living costs for students are estimated to be between 900 and 1,300 EUR per month. However, the cost of living can vary depending on your lifestyle, the type of university you attend, and the city you live in.

Accommodation

Accommodation costs can vary depending on the city and the specific arrangements. On average, accommodation costs are approximately 450 EUR per month. Housing in Vienna, for example, tends to be more expensive than in smaller towns.

Food

Austria has many discount supermarkets offering food at reasonable prices. Students can also eat at self-service student cafeterias (Mensa) at universities, where they can find good meals at affordable prices. Cooking your own meals is the cheapest option, with monthly groceries costing around 200-250 EUR. The average price of a meal at a local pub or restaurant is about 10 EUR, while in tourist areas, prices range from 11 to 18 EUR, with drinks costing around 4 EUR.

Transportation and Leisure Activities

Public transportation, such as a single metro or bus ticket, costs around 2.50 EUR. A cinema ticket costs approximately 10 EUR, while a museum ticket is about 14 EUR. However, students are eligible for discounts at museums, cinemas, theatres, and other cultural venues when they present their student card.

Other Expenses

Other expenses to consider include utilities such as internet, electricity, and heating, which can add to your monthly costs. Additionally, students may need to budget for study materials, books, and personal expenses, which can cost around 400 EUR per month.

Tips for Saving Money

To save money on accommodation, consider sharing a flat with roommates, which can reduce costs to 250-450 EUR per month. Additionally, OeAD Student Housing offers budget-friendly accommodation options in several Austrian cities and is an official partner of universities in the country.

Overall, Austria offers a high quality of life and a safe and secure environment for students, with affordable living costs and a range of options to suit different budgets.

Frequently asked questions