Austria
Home to the Alps and Mozart, Austria combines traditional education with state-of-the-art research...
There are five types of higher education institutions in Austria:
A list of institutions in the country can be found at University of Vienna - Universities in Austria .
The majority of courses at Austrian universities are taught in German so you will need knowledge of the language to be able to study there.
Entry requirements vary for each university, so make sure you contact your chosen institution directly to ensure that your application is correct. Your point of contact is the admissions office (Studienabteilung) or international office at the institution.
Universities of the arts, universities of applied sciences and university colleges of teacher education require students to pass an entrance exam or produce proof of a relevant professional qualification, such as an undergraduate degree.
Citizens of the European Union (EU) are entitled to attend university in Austria or any EU country. The same conditions apply to all EU citizens, whether a national of the country or not. This means that you are not required to pay higher course fees than Austrian students and may be able to get help with tuition fees.
For more information about tuition fees, visit the website of your chosen institution directly.
There are a number of grants and scholarships available to study in Austria, although there are hardly any that cover an entire study programme.
For a full list of awards for both Austrian and international students, visit OEAD Grants .
Students attending UK universities can take part in the flagship educational exchange programme Erasmus . The scheme offers work placements, study opportunities and language assistantships, which last from three months to one academic year in EU countries.
Financial support is also available to selected Masters and Doctoral students through the Erasmus Mundus initiative.
Your university must have a formal agreement with a partner university in Austria. Check that your university is involved in the programme and offers the Erasmus scheme in your subject.
It isn't necessary to speak the German language, but if you want to, you can arrange intensive language courses before you go. Speak to the Erasmus coordinator at your university about available opportunities.
As an EU citizen, you are permitted to live in any EU country while studying as long as you:
Some countries require you to register with the local authority after three months. Find out how to register at Europa - Rights, Conditions and Formalities .
Austria is a great destination for anyone with a good knowledge of the German language. Discover what it's like to work in Austria...
The Austrian economy is growing steadily and the sectors that are employing the most people are: goods manufacturing; retail; real estate; business services; construction; healthcare; and social services.
If you want a job lasting only a few months, then Austria's tourism industry is the best place to look. There are opportunities to work in a restaurant or as a ski instructor in the famous ski-resorts of the Alps.
Search for jobs in Austria at:
In Austria, placements and internships are common and flexible, ranging from just a few weeks to a year. There are opportunities available throughout the year and these are listed on websites such as the Austrian Employment Service (AMS) .
Internships and summer work placements for students can also be arranged by:
If you want to improve your CV and language skills, as well as demonstrate your ability to work in a multilingual environment, you may be interested in volunteering in the country.
The European Commission (EC) funds a scheme called The European Voluntary Service (EVS) , which is aimed at 18 to 30-year olds who want to volunteer abroad. Opportunities can last for up to 12 months.
Accommodation, travel, food and insurance are all covered by a European grant and you even receive a personal allowance each month.
Other volunteering schemes are available through:
The key to gaining employment in Austria is being able to speak German. For almost all jobs, it's essential that you have a good understanding of the language (both spoken and written).
The Österreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch (ÖSD) is Austria's officially recognised examination system for German as a foreign language, with exam centres all over the world.
Other institutions and organisations also offer a variety of German language courses. For more information, visit the association of Austrian language schools Campus Austria .
According to the EC, European Union (EU) citizens have the right to:
For more information and to check what conditions and restrictions apply, see:
EU nationals may also be entitled to have certain types of health and social security coverage transferred to the country in which they go to seek work. For country-specific information on social security entitlements, see European Commission - Your Rights Country by Country .
Depending on your occupation, your qualifications may be recognised in some countries. To find out more, visit Europa - Qualifications for Employment .