Damon Mcknight
Austria is a small country in the heart of Europe, sharing borders with eight countries and boasting spectacular Alpine views. It is a great choice for students who want to experience a more traditional and centrally located European lifestyle. The country has a lot to offer, from its rich history and culture to its diverse and vibrant cities.
Austria has 74 higher education institutions, including 35 public and private universities, 21 universities of applied sciences, and 14 teacher training colleges. The academic year typically begins on 1 October and ends on 30 September the following year, and the best part? Studying at public universities is free for EU students!
The country also has a very high quality of life, with a low crime rate, an impressive social security system, and excellent recreational opportunities. It is known for its diverse landscapes, from the majestic mountains of the Alps to the beautiful lakes.
When it comes to student life, Austria offers a blend of cultural, educational, and career opportunities. The cities of Vienna, Graz, Innsbruck, Linz, and Salzburg are particularly popular among students, offering a mix of wonderful architecture, rich culture, and vibrant nightlife.
So, if you're considering studying abroad and want a unique blend of academic excellence, cultural immersion, and a high quality of life, Austria could be the perfect destination for you!
What You'll Learn
High quality of life
Austria has one of the highest standards of living in the world. The country ranks highly in terms of safety and security (4th globally), education (22nd), natural environment (5th), living conditions (11th), and personal freedom (14th). The quality of life in Austria is reflected in its low crime rate, high level of social security, and attractive recreational infrastructure.
The country boasts a strong welfare system, solid public transportation, and a comprehensive healthcare system. It also has a stable and thriving economy, with a strong focus on innovation, technology, and research. This makes Austria an attractive destination for pursuing higher education, as graduates have a competitive advantage and excellent job prospects in the well-developed labor market.
The cost of living in Austria is slightly above that of Germany, with living costs estimated at around €1,100 per month. However, rental properties are more affordable than in Germany, with a one-bedroom apartment in Vienna costing approximately €400 per month compared to €700 in Berlin.
Austria is known for its magnificent winter sports scene and stunning mountain ranges of the Alps, providing endless walking possibilities throughout the year. The country also offers a vibrant art and music scene, with Vienna, its capital, known as the world's capital of classical music. The country's diverse architectural landscape includes imposing imperial buildings, spectacular art-deco designs, and contemporary masterpieces.
The food and beverage culture in Austria is also noteworthy, with a diverse range of dishes and beverages reflecting the country's historic mix of nationalities and food cultures. From the famous Wiener Schnitzel to the traditional "Melange" coffee in a typical Viennese coffee house, Austria offers a unique blend of culinary delights.
Overall, Austria's high quality of life, rich cultural heritage, and diverse natural environment make it a compelling choice for students seeking a unique blend of educational and cultural experiences.
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Rich cultural heritage
Austria is a country with a rich cultural heritage. It is known for its contributions to classical music, opera, and architecture. As the birthplace of famous composers like Mozart, Beethoven, and Haydn, Austria is a hub of musical excellence. The country's capital, Vienna, is home to numerous museums, galleries, and art collections, showcasing its long art tradition.
The Austrian music legacy is also kept alive through famous composers like Wagner, Strauss, and Schubert. The country is further renowned for its spectacular imperial buildings and art-deco architecture, as well as contemporary masterpieces. Architects like Otto Wagner, Josef Hoffmann, and Adolf Loos have had a significant impact on European architecture.
Austria's cultural and artistic offerings extend beyond music and architecture. It has a vibrant art and music scene, with numerous museums, galleries, and theatres where students can immerse themselves in performing and visual arts. The country also boasts a strong tradition of intellectual history, including the Vienna Circle and Freudian psychoanalysis, which was founded by Sigmund Freud, who was born in Austria.
The country's diverse landscapes contribute to its cultural allure. As a landlocked country, Austria offers a variety of scenery, from the largest European lake (Lake Constance) to the majestic mountain ranges of the Alps, extensive plains, and the steppe lake of Lake Neusiedler See. Each season brings a unique landscape, making it a captivating destination all year round.
Austria's cultural heritage is further enhanced by its culinary delights. The country offers a diverse range of dishes, reflecting its historical mix of nationalities and food cultures. Traditional Austrian cuisine includes Wiener Schnitzel, Kasnocken, Kaiserschmarrn, Apfelstrudel, and Sachertorte. Coffee culture is also prevalent, with the "Melange" and "kleiner Brauner" being popular choices in Viennese coffee houses.
In conclusion, Austria's rich cultural heritage encompasses music, art, architecture, intellectual history, and cuisine. Its diverse landscapes and vibrant cities further add to its cultural appeal, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a unique blend of cultural experiences.
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Outdoor activities
Austria is a great place for students who love the outdoors. With its beautiful Alpine landscapes, towering mountains, and fairy-tale-like lakes, there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy all year round.
Skiing and Snowboarding
Austria is well-known for its ski resorts, with skiing being one of the best outdoor activities in the country. Ski Arlberg in the Vorarlberg region is Austria's largest skiing area, with well-known resorts like Lech and St Anton. SkiWelt in Tyrol offers thrilling slopes, while Saalbach-Hinterglemm in Salzburg has something for everyone. The best time to hit the slopes is between November and February, but the Hintertux Glacier in Tyrol has snow all year long.
Hiking and Trekking
Austria's outdoor landscape is characterised by idyllic villages and towering mountains, making it perfect for hiking and trekking. The Adlerweg trail, also known as the Eagle Walk, is a 256-mile route with 33 stages that takes you across Tyrol. The Pinzgauer Spaziergang hike is a popular high-altitude trail near Zell am See, and the Liechtensteinklamm trail in Salzburg offers a unique experience in one of Europe's deepest gorges. Summertime is the best season for hiking, but there are also winter walking trails available.
Cycling
Austria has cycling routes that cater to all levels, from flat, smooth terrain to steep climbs. Classic routes include the Glocknerstrasse Mountain Pass in Salzburg, the Styrian Wine Country Cycle in Styria, and the Danube Cycle Path, which follows one of Europe's longest rivers. The best time to go cycling in Austria is from early spring to early autumn.
Kayaking
Tyrol is one of the best spots in the Alps for kayaking, with the Imster Schlucht Canyon offering an exhilarating experience. The Zillertal Valley has rapids as well as calm stretches suitable for families. Kayaking on Austria's lakes is also a popular activity during the summer months, and winter kayaking is an option for the adventurous.
Paragliding
For a bird's-eye view of Austria's stunning scenery, paragliding is a great option. The best spots are around Salzburg, Innsbruck, Zell am See, and Ossiacher See. Spring and summer offer the most stable weather conditions for paragliding.
Scuba Diving
With thousands of lakes, Austria has plenty of scuba diving spots. Lake Altaussee, Wolfgangsee, Traunsee, and Gosausee are some of the most popular lakes for divers. Lake Weissensee is a top choice for ice diving, as it freezes over during winter. Diving is possible year-round, but water conditions are generally better in winter, with improved visibility.
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Affordable tuition fees
Austria is a great choice for international students due to its affordable tuition fees when compared to other popular study destinations such as the US, UK, or Australia. This is especially true for students from the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland, as university education is free for them.
For EU/EEA students, public universities are free of charge, while non-EU/EEA students are required to pay 1,452 EUR per academic year. However, international students from developing countries are often exempt from tuition fees at public universities, and it is worth checking if your country is on the list.
Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS) can decide whether to charge tuition fees. At most UAS, EU/EEA and Swiss students pay 363 EUR per semester, while non-EU/EEA students typically pay between 727 and 7,500 EUR per semester, although this varies depending on the university and study programme. There are exceptions, such as the Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences (FH Vorarlberg) and the University of Applied Sciences Burgenland, where courses are free for all international students.
Private universities have their own tuition fees, which can range from 3,000 to 23,000 EUR per year, with some Business programmes costing 35,000 EUR or more per year.
In addition to tuition fees, all students must pay a student union membership and student accident insurance fee, which is approximately 20 to 25 EUR per semester.
Overall, Austria offers a high quality of life, a rich history and culture, and a safe and secure environment for students, all at a relatively affordable cost.
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Central location
Austria is a small country located in the heart of Europe, with easy access to its neighbouring countries by air, road, or rail. It shares borders with eight countries: Germany, the Czech Republic, Italy, Slovakia, Hungary, Switzerland, Slovenia, and Liechtenstein. This central location makes Austria a great base for travelling to other European countries and exploring different cultures.
Being centrally located in Europe, Austria has also played a significant role in shaping the continent's history. The Habsburg dynasty, which ruled over much of Central Europe for over six centuries, had a lasting impact on European history, culture, and politics.
Austria's capital, Vienna, is a city with a rich history and culture. It was once considered the capital of Europe and the centre of arts, music, and culture. It is still known as the world's capital of classical music, having been home to famous composers like Mozart, Beethoven, and Haydn.
In addition to its cultural significance, Vienna has been ranked as the city with the world's highest quality of life by the consulting agency Mercer. This reflects the high quality of life in Austria in general, which is characterised by a low crime rate, a high level of social security, and attractive recreational infrastructure.
Overall, Austria's central location in Europe makes it a convenient destination for studying abroad, offering easy access to the rest of the continent and providing a great base for exploring diverse cultures and historical sites.
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Frequently asked questions
Tuition fees in Austria are affordable, especially compared to other Western or Nordic European countries. For EU students, tuition at public universities is free. For non-EU students, fees are around 1,500 EUR per year, though some courses are free for all students. Private universities can charge considerably more.
Austria has a diverse and multicultural student population, with around 15% of students coming from abroad. The cost of living is moderate, and students often receive discounts for travel, entrance fees, and sports activities. There are plenty of museums, musical venues, and theatres, as well as outdoor activities in the Alps, which are easily accessible.
Austria has a strong economy with a focus on innovation, technology, and research. It also has a high standard of living, with a strong welfare system, solid public transportation, and a comprehensive healthcare system. It is a safe country with a low crime rate and is known for its rich cultural heritage, including classical music, opera, and architecture.
If you don't speak German, you may find it challenging to get by, as most classes are taught in German. Additionally, the admission rate to universities in Austria is lower than in some other countries, and work restrictions for international students are stricter than in some places.
