Student Life In Austria: Affordable Or A Splurge?

Austria is known to be a pricey country for tourists to visit, with Vienna being one of the most expensive European capitals. However, studying in Austria is a different story. Tuition is free for students from the EU, EEA, and Switzerland, and international students from developing countries are also often exempt from fees. Living costs are also relatively affordable, with monthly expenses ranging from 900 to 1300 EUR, depending on the city.

Tuition fees

Austria is considered one of the richest countries in the world, but the cost of living is not as high compared to other European countries. The average monthly living expenses for a student in Austria are approximately 1,200 euros. This may vary depending on the student's location, with cities like Vienna and other larger cities being more expensive than smaller towns.

Austria offers free higher education to students from the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland at its public universities. However, all students, including EU/EEA students, are required to pay a small fee of around 20 EUR per semester, which covers student union membership and accident insurance. International students from developing countries may also be exempt from tuition fees at many public universities.

For non-EU/EEA students, tuition fees at public universities are typically around 1,452 EUR per academic year. Additionally, they have to pay the student union and insurance fees, amounting to about 40 EUR per semester.

Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS) in Austria can set their own tuition fees. EU/EEA students usually pay around 363 EUR per semester at these institutions, while non-EU/EEA students can expect to pay significantly more, with fees ranging from 727 EUR to 7,500 EUR per semester. It is worth noting that some UAS, such as the Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences and the University of Applied Sciences Burgenland, offer free tuition for all international students.

Private universities in Austria have higher tuition fees, ranging from 3,000 EUR to 23,000 EUR per year. Specialized programs, such as Business, can cost even more, with tuition fees exceeding 35,000 EUR annually.

Accommodation costs

The cost of accommodation in Austria varies depending on the city and location within that city. For example, accommodation in Vienna is more expensive than in smaller towns. Prices are also higher if you live in the city centre or very close to it.

On average, students who live alone pay about €400 per month, while those in student accommodation pay around €260 per month. Students who share an apartment with a partner or colleague spend around €370 per month.

There are many student accommodation options in Austria, with prices ranging from €300 to €450 per month. Some even have additional benefits, such as gyms and game rooms. However, you will likely need to pay a deposit, which can be as high as €1200.

If you're looking for a cheaper option, you might consider renting a room in a shared apartment. In Vienna, this can cost between €400 and €600 per month.

It's important to note that landlords often want to meet tenants in person, so it might be challenging to find a flat before arriving in the country. This process is usually a little easier for shared flats.

When creating a budget for accommodation, remember to factor in additional costs such as utilities, which can range from €100 to €200 per month, depending on the number of flatmates.

Food costs

Austria is counted among the richest countries in the world, however, the general cost of living is not as high when compared to other European countries. The average monthly living expenses for a student in Austria are approximately 1,200 euros. This may vary depending on the location of study and personal spending habits.

Some average food prices in Austria include:

• A cup of coffee or tea in a cafe: 3.50 euros
• A sandwich at a bakery: 4.50 euros
• A dinner in a typical student restaurant: 12 euros
• Groceries for two people: 40-80 euros per week
• Groceries for one person: 40 euros or less per week

Universities often have self-service student cafeterias (Mensa) where students can get a good meal at a good price. Additionally, traditional Austrian food can be found at Gasthaus or Gasthof restaurants, which offer cheap menus around lunchtime. The average price of meals at inexpensive local pubs or restaurants is about 7-10 euros.

In tourist areas, prices are higher, with main meals costing around 12-18 euros and drinks costing about 6 euros. A three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant will cost between 20-30 euros per person.

There are also many street food festivals that offer Austrian regional food and drinks within an accessible price range.

Transport costs

Public transportation in Austria is convenient and affordable, with a single ticket for the metro or bus costing around €2. Monthly transport passes are also available for between €30 and €50. Students can benefit from discounted rates, with a semester ticket costing €75 for those under 26 with a primary residence in Vienna and €150 for those living outside the city. This ticket can be used for all public transportation within Vienna and, reportedly, within 20km of the capital. Students over 26 can purchase an annual pass for €365, with a €22 cancellation fee.

In Vienna, transport costs can be high, especially if you are not based near your university and need to travel a lot. However, with a semester ticket, you can keep costs down.

Compared to other European countries, Austria's general cost of living is not too high.

Leisure activities

The cost of leisure activities in Austria varies depending on your interests and budget. Here are some options for students looking to make the most of their time in the country:

Museums and Attractions

Museums and attractions in Austria typically charge admission fees, which can range from €6 to €20 per ticket. However, many museums offer discounted rates for students with valid student identification.

Cinema

A trip to the cinema in Austria will typically cost around €10 for a standard ticket, but some cinemas offer discounts for students, bringing the price down to around €7.

Restaurants and Pubs

Dining out in Austria can vary in price depending on the type of cuisine and location. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant or pub can cost around €7-€10, while a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant can range from €20 to €30 per person. Drinks at pubs are reasonably priced, with prices ranging from €4 to €8, and some pubs offer larger drinks for around €12.

Clubs

Clubs in Austria may charge an entrance fee, which can vary depending on the establishment. For example, the Prater Dom club in Vienna charges an entrance fee of €15, which includes a card that can be used to purchase drinks inside.

Parks and Outdoor Activities

Austria offers plenty of free or low-cost outdoor activities for students to enjoy. The country is known for its beautiful parks, such as the Vienna Woods, which are perfect for running, hiking, and picnicking. The Danube River is also a popular spot for sunbathing and swimming. For those interested in sports, there are opportunities for inline skating on Danube Island, and the University Sport Institute USI offers a range of sports courses, including Capoeira, orienteering, and scuba diving.

Transportation

Public transportation in Austria is affordable and convenient, with single tickets costing around €2-€2.50, and monthly passes ranging from €30 to €50. Students can also take advantage of discounted rates by using their student cards.

Groceries

Students can save money by cooking their own meals. Discount supermarkets offer reasonable prices, and students can expect to spend around €200-€250 per month on groceries. Some of the cheapest supermarkets in Austria include Hofer, Zielpunkt, Spar, and Billa.

Overall, while leisure activities in Austria can vary in cost, there are plenty of options for students to enjoy, regardless of their budget. By taking advantage of student discounts and exploring the country's natural attractions, students can make the most of their time in Austria without breaking the bank.

Frequently asked questions