Study Medicine In Austria: A Comprehensive Guide

Studying medicine in Austria is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in Central-Western European culture and obtain a proficient level of German. The country has a rich and varied heritage, with numerous cultural and natural attractions. Austria is home to some of the world's best medical schools, such as the Medical University of Vienna, which was once the leading university in Europe for medical studies. The cost of living in Austria can be quite high, especially in larger cities like Vienna and Innsbruck. However, the cost of tuition can be extremely low or even free, depending on your country of origin. To study medicine in Austria, you must take an entrance exam and meet certain admission requirements, including proficiency in the German language (C1 level).

German proficiency

To study medicine in Austria, you need to provide proof of German language proficiency at the C1 level. This is a mandatory requirement for admission to German-language medical studies at Austrian universities. The C1 level signifies advanced proficiency, indicating that you can express yourself fluently and spontaneously, understand complex texts, and communicate effectively in German.

If you don't have prior German knowledge, some institutions offer super-intensive German language courses to help you reach the required level. These courses can be part of a foundation program that prepares you for the entrance exams and medical studies in Austria. For example, a super-intensive German course can be taken alongside classes in chemistry, biology, maths, and physics, as well as entrance exam preparation.

The duration of such a program can vary. Some programs claim to take you from zero German knowledge to the required C1 level in just 36 weeks. However, other programs may extend the duration by one semester to ensure you achieve the necessary language proficiency.

It's important to note that German proficiency is not just a requirement for admission but also plays a significant role in your medical studies. Medical universities in Austria, such as the Medical University of Vienna, teach medicine exclusively in German. Therefore, a strong command of the language is essential to fully participate in lectures, understand complex medical terminology, and communicate effectively with patients and their families during your clinical training.

Additionally, German proficiency will facilitate your immersion in Austrian culture, as the majority of the population speaks local Bavarian dialects of German, and Austrian German is the country's official language.

Entrance exams

To gain admission to medical school in Austria, you must pass an entrance exam. This is held simultaneously at all Austrian medical universities, and students can only apply to one university. The exam lasts 8 hours and costs €120. To be eligible to sit the exam, you must register by 31 March. The exam is held on the first Friday of July, and results are announced in the first week of August.

The entrance exam covers several topics, including:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Mathematics
• German language proficiency
• An IQ test

In addition to passing the entrance exam, applicants must also demonstrate proficiency in the German language (to at least a C1 level). This is because the language of instruction for medical degrees in Austria is German.

Application requirements

To apply to study medicine at a university in Austria, you will need to meet certain requirements. Here is a list of the general application requirements:

• A good command of the German language (level B2 or above)
• German language certificate at level C1
• Pass an entrance exam
• Pass tests in major subjects: chemistry, biology, physics, and mathematics
• Submit a complete application form
• Provide educational transcripts
• Write a statement of purpose
• Provide a certificate of conduct
• Submit letters of recommendation
• Provide results of the Med-AT examination (in some cases)

It is important to note that international students may have additional requirements, such as a student visa. The application process for medicine programmes in Austria usually occurs only once a year, and the competition for admission is high. The entrance exam is held simultaneously at all medical universities in Austria, so students can only apply to one university.

Medical University of Vienna

• Proof of knowledge of the German language at level C1
• General university entrance qualification
• Special university entrance qualification, which may include supplementary examinations in Latin

Medical University of Graz

Proficiency in the German language, as it is the teaching language

Medical University of Innsbruck

Proficiency in the German language, as it is the teaching language

Paracelsus Private Medical University

Proficiency in the German language, as it is the teaching language

Top medical schools

Austria is home to some of the world's top medical schools, attracting students from around the globe. Here is an overview of some of the leading medical schools in the country:

Medical University of Vienna

The Medical University of Vienna consistently ranks as one of the best universities for clinical medicine in Austria. It is the largest medical research institution in the country and the biggest medical university in all German-speaking countries. The university offers degree programs in Human Medicine and Dentistry. The duration of the medicine program is 6 years, and studies are free for EU citizens.

University of Vienna

The University of Vienna, founded in 1365, is the oldest university in Austria. It is a public institution offering a range of programs, including clinical medicine. The university is known for its strong research focus and is highly regarded internationally.

Medical University of Innsbruck

The Medical University of Innsbruck is another top-ranked Austrian university for clinical medicine. It provides students with a robust academic foundation and clinical training.

Paracelsus Medical University

Paracelsus Medical University, a private institution, is recognised for its contributions to medical research. It offers a range of medical programs and is committed to advancing knowledge in the field.

Medical University of Graz

The Medical University of Graz is one of the leading medical schools in Austria, known for its academic excellence and research capabilities. It offers various medical programs and is dedicated to educating future healthcare professionals.

University of Innsbruck

The University of Innsbruck, a public institution founded in 1669, is recognised for its strong academic programs. It offers a range of degrees, including in the field of medicine, and provides students with a well-rounded education.

Cost of studying

Austria is known for its high-quality medical education, with some of its universities ranked among the top 500 in the world. The cost of studying medicine in Austria varies depending on the type of university and the student's citizenship.

Public Universities

Public universities in Austria do not charge tuition fees for medical studies. Instead, students are required to pay a semester fee, which is typically around 300 to 364 euros. For example, at the University of Vienna, there is no tuition fee, only a semester fee of around 385 euros. This fee covers the cost of the lectures, exams, and other administrative tasks.

However, it is important to note that these fees are for EU/EEA citizens. For non-EU/EEA citizens, the cost of studying medicine in Austria is higher. At the University of Vienna, non-EU/EEA citizens must pay around 800 euros per semester.

Private Universities

Private universities in Austria charge significantly higher fees than public universities. For example, the Paracelsus Medical Private University in Salzburg has a semester fee of around 20,000 euros per year. Similarly, the Karl Landsteiner Private University in Krems charges 16,000 euros per semester for its human medicine program.

Cost of Living

In addition to tuition and semester fees, students should also consider the cost of living in Austria, which can vary depending on the city. The cost of living in major cities like Vienna and Innsbruck is higher than in other parts of the country. According to one source, the cost of living in Austria is slightly higher than in Germany, with food and rent being particularly expensive.

Scholarships

To help with the cost of studying medicine in Austria, students can apply for scholarships. Paracelsus Medical Private University, for example, offers scholarship options to help students cover their study fees. Additionally, many universities in Austria are part of the Erasmus+ program, which provides financial support to students from around the world.

Entrance Exams

Another cost to consider when applying to study medicine in Austria is the entrance exam fee. The MedAT, which is required for admission to public universities, costs 110 euros.

Language Requirements

For students whose native language is not German, language courses or programs may be necessary to achieve the required C1 level of proficiency. These courses will incur additional costs.

Overall Cost

Overall, the cost of studying medicine in Austria is relatively affordable, especially when compared to other Western European countries. The combination of low or no tuition fees at public universities, scholarship opportunities, and affordable cost of living makes Austria an attractive destination for international students pursuing a career in medicine.

Frequently asked questions