Austria: Free Education For International Students?

Austria is a popular destination for international students due to its affordable tuition fees and living costs compared to other European countries. For students from the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland, tuition at public universities is free. However, for non-EU/EEA students, tuition fees can range from 363 EUR to 1,452 EUR per semester or academic year. Additionally, all students must pay a semester fee, which covers administrative costs, student union membership, and local transportation, amounting to around 20-27 EUR per semester. With its rich history, culture, and picturesque landscapes, Austria offers a unique and attractive study abroad experience for international students.

EU/EEA students: free of charge

If you are a student from the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland, you will not have to pay tuition fees at public universities in Austria, as long as you do not exceed the minimum duration of your study programme plus two semesters. This "tolerance" period of two semesters is provided before fees must be paid. After this period, you will be required to pay a small fee of 363.36 euros per semester.

All students, regardless of nationality, must pay a compulsory student union membership fee and student accident insurance fee, which is currently 24.70 euros per semester. This fee covers the cost of union membership and accident insurance.

Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS) in Austria are independent institutions and can decide whether to charge tuition fees. Most UAS charge students from the EU/EEA and Switzerland tuition fees of 363 euros per semester. However, there are a few UAS, such as the Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences and the University of Applied Sciences Burgenland, where courses are free for all international students. Regardless of whether a University of Applied Science charges tuition fees or not, all students who enrol are required to pay the student union and insurance fees.

Private universities in Austria also have their own rules and fees. These can range from 3,000 to 23,000 euros per year, and some business programmes can cost up to 35,000 euros per year.

Non-EU/EEA students: 1,452 EUR/year

Austria: A Study Destination for Non-EU/EEA Students

Austria is a popular choice for international students due to its affordable tuition fees and high quality of life. If you are a non-EU/EEA student, you can expect to pay tuition fees for your studies in Austria. The standard fee for non-EU/EEA students at public universities is 1,452 EUR per academic year. This is a very reasonable amount when compared to other study destinations in Europe, such as the UK or Australia.

Tuition Fees at Public Universities for Non-EU/EEA Students

The tuition fees for non-EU/EEA students at public universities in Austria are set at 1,452 EUR per academic year. This is a relatively low amount compared to other countries, making Austria a cost-effective option for international students. It is important to note that these fees are applicable if you are enrolled in a programme with the standard duration. If you exceed the minimum duration of your studies plus two semesters, you will be required to pay additional fees.

Additional Costs

On top of the tuition fees, there are some additional costs that all students, including non-EU/EEA students, must pay. This includes the student union membership and student accident insurance fees, which amount to around 20 EUR per semester. These fees are compulsory for all students and cover important services such as access to student unions and accident insurance during your studies.

Universities of Applied Sciences

It is worth noting that Universities of Applied Sciences in Austria have their own rules and regulations regarding tuition fees. These institutions are independent and may charge different fees. Currently, there are 20 Austrian Universities of Applied Sciences, and it is recommended to check the official websites of these institutions for detailed information on their fee structures.

Private Universities

Private universities in Austria also set their own tuition fees, which can vary significantly. The costs at private universities can range from 3,000 to 23,000 EUR per year, and some programmes, particularly in Business, may be even more expensive. Therefore, it is crucial to research the specific private university you are interested in and contact them directly for detailed information on their tuition fees.

Scholarships and Funding Options

If you are a non-EU/EEA student, there are various scholarship and funding opportunities available to support your studies in Austria. You can explore options such as the Austrian Agency for International Mobility and Cooperation in Education (OeAD) and the Studyportals Scholarship. Additionally, some Austrian universities may offer grants or scholarships, so it is beneficial to inquire about these possibilities during the application process or check their websites for information on financial aid programmes.

In conclusion, Austria offers a cost-effective option for non-EU/EEA students seeking quality education in Europe. With affordable tuition fees, a high quality of life, and a rich cultural environment, Austria is an attractive destination for international students looking for a unique study experience.

Scholarships and grants

Austria is a popular destination for international students due to its affordable living costs and tuition fees. While public universities are free for Austrian nationals and citizens of EU and EEA member countries, international students from outside these regions are required to pay tuition fees. However, there are several scholarships and grants available to help fund their studies.

OeAD Scholarships

The Austrian Exchange Service (OeAD) is the most important provider of scholarships for international students in Austria. They offer a range of scholarship programmes for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students. The scholarships cover various fields of study, including computer science, economics, and postdoctoral research. The amount of financial support provided by OeAD varies depending on the target group, but it typically includes a monthly stipend, accident and health insurance, and assistance with accommodation.

University Scholarships

In addition to OeAD, many universities in Austria offer their own scholarships and grants for international students. These include:

• Abertay University Scholarships: Offering masters and PhD scholarships with a £3,000 award paid in instalments.
• Webster Vienna Private University Scholarships: Providing partial funding of up to 21,000 Euros per academic year for undergraduate and masters studies.
• Vienna International Postdoctoral Program: Covering a yearly gross salary of 70,040 EUR, full health insurance, and additional support for children.
• Helmut Veith Stipend for Females in Computer Science: Providing full funding of 7,000 EUR annually for up to two years, along with a waiver of all tuition fees at TU Wien.
• IIE-SRF Fellowship: Offering full funding of up to US$25,000, along with individual health insurance, for doctoral research studies.

Other Grants and Scholarships

There are also various other grants and scholarships available for international students in Austria, such as:

• The Klaus Liebscher Economic Research Scholarship: Open to international students interested in postdoctoral research at the Oesterreichische Nationalbank (OeNB).
• Human Frontier Science Program Postdoctoral Fellowships: Providing a living allowance, research funding, and travel allowance for international postdoctoral students.
• The Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future Fellowships: Offering funding of up to USD 50,000 per year for a PhD and up to USD 40,000 per year for a Post-doc.
• The IMU Breakout Graduate Fellowship Program: Providing full funding of up to USD 10,000 per year to cover tuition, accommodation, travel, and living expenses for PhD students.
• The Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program: Offering full funding of up to $42,750 net per fellow for an 8-month PhD fellowship.

Tips for Applying for Scholarships

When applying for scholarships, it is important to start the process as early as possible. Deadlines and requirements can vary depending on the scholarship programme, so it is essential to carefully review the information provided by the funding organisation. Additionally, students should explore a range of options, including scholarships offered by their home country and the university they plan to attend.

Work while studying

If you are an international student in Austria, you may be able to work while studying. This depends on your nationality and residence status.

EU/EEA/Swiss Nationals

If you are a national of an EU/EEA country or Switzerland, you have unrestricted access to the Austrian labour market and can work alongside your studies without a work permit. However, your studies must be your top priority, and you should aim to obtain at least 16 ECTS credits per year. You must also obtain residence registration confirmation ("Meldebestätigung") within six months of arriving in Austria.

Third-Country Nationals

If you are a third-country national (neither an EU/EEA member nor from Liechtenstein, Iceland, Norway, or Switzerland), you can work in Austria during your studies if you have a Student Residence Permit ("Aufenthaltsbewilligung Student"). Your employer will need to apply for a work permit ("Beschäftigungsbewilligung") for you before you can start working, whether the job is full-time or marginal employment.

If you are working alongside your studies, you can work up to 20 hours per week without a labour market test. Your employer must apply for an employment permit from the Public Employment Service (AMS), which usually takes around 4-6 weeks. If you work more than 20 hours per week, a labour market test may be carried out to see if an equally qualified registered jobseeker can be placed instead.

If you are doing a compulsory internship as part of your degree, your employer must notify AMS at least three weeks before you start work. They should send a notification and documents from your university/university of applied sciences stating that the internship is required.

To extend your Student Residence Permit, you must submit your application during the three months before your current permit expires. You can extend it as long as you are studying in Austria and for one year after graduation, provided you meet the requirements, including a minimum of 16 ECTS credits per year, sufficient financial means, housing, and health insurance.

After completing your studies, you can switch from the Student Residence Permit to the Red-White-Red Card, which allows you to stay in Austria for twelve more months to search for a job or start a business.

Student visas

To study in Austria, you will generally need a valid passport, proof of sufficient financial resources, such as a blocked account, and mandatory health insurance. If you are a citizen of a country in the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland, you do not need a visa to study in Austria. If you are not a citizen of an EU, EEA country, or Switzerland, you will need a residence permit for studies to enrol in a university in Austria. The student visa process can be found on the official website of your university.

The most significant difference in visa requirements between Austria and Germany is the processing time. Student visas are generally processed faster in Austria, with a wait time of between 2 and 4 weeks compared to Germany's 6 to 12 weeks.

International students from developing countries are exempt from tuition fees at many public Austrian universities. Check the university or study programme page to verify if your country is on the list. Additionally, some universities, like the Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences (FH Vorarlberg) and the University of Applied Sciences Burgenland, offer courses that are free for all international students.

Regardless of nationality, all students must pay a student union membership and student accident insurance fee, which is approximately 20 EUR/semester.

Frequently asked questions