Study in Austria

Compared to many Western European countries, living costs in Austria are generally affordable moderate, allowing students to manage expenses while enjoying a high quality of life. The country has a vibrant cultural scene - particularly in music, art, and theatre - and students can often access discounted tickets to exhibitions, concerts, festivals, and performances.

Austria's landscape is dominated by the Alps, making it an attractive destination for outdoor enthusiasts interested in hiking, skiing, and climbing. Popular destinations include:

• Innsbruck
• Schladming
• Sölden
• St Anton am Arlberg.

The mountains are easily accessible from major cities, offering a convenient escape from academic life.

While Vienna, home to around 20% of Austria's population, is the largest student hub, other cities such as Graz, Linz, Innsbruck, and Salzburg also offer excellent academic environments and a more intimate student experience.

Austrian universities

There are five types of institutions that offer degree programmes in Austria. These are:

• Public universities - offer a range of academic and research-based programmes.
• Private universities - independently run institutions with greater flexibility in curriculum design, admissions, and fees.
• Universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen) - focus on practical, career-oriented education with internships and industry links.
• University colleges of teacher education - specialise in training future teachers.
• Universities of the arts - provide specialised programmes in fields such as music, fine arts, and performing arts.

Five of Austria's universities appear in the top 500 of the QS World University Rankings 2026, including:

• University of Vienna (152nd)
• Technische Universität Wien (197th)
• Universität Innsbruck (350th)
• Graz University of Technology (427th)
• Johannes Kepler University Linz (473rd).

The academic year in Austria runs from October to September of the following year and is divided into two semesters (winter and summer).

Degree courses in Austria

Austria follows the Bologna Process, meaning its degree structure aligns with most of Europe:

• Bachelors degrees (usually three to four years)
• Masters degrees (typically one to two years)
• Doctoral/PhD programmes (usually three plus years)

German is the main language of instruction for most undergraduate programmes, although the number of English-taught courses has grown significantly in recent years.

Undergraduate programmes are generally taught in German. Admission requirements typically include:

• a recognised secondary school qualification (e.g. A-levels or equivalent)
• proof of German language proficiency (usually B2 or C1 level on the CEFR scale).

Applicants may also need to pass entrance exams for competitive courses such as medicine or law

You might also need to take a language test to study at an Austrian university, so ensure you check with your institution for specific requirements before submitting an application.

To search for Bachelors degrees in Austria, visit Study in Austria - Find your programme.

Masters degrees

Masters programmes in Austria are increasingly offered in English, particularly in fields such as:

• Business
• engineering
• international studies.

They typically last two to four semesters (one to two years) and include:

• core modules and optional electives
• coursework, exams, and projects
• a final dissertation, sometimes with an oral defence

Entry requirements usually include:

• a relevant Bachelors degree
• proof of language proficiency (English or German)

Some programmes may also require an entrance exam - contact the institution directly to confirm their specific requirements before applying.

You can search for postgraduate courses in Austria at studienwahl.at.

PhDs

Primarily offered by public universities, PhDs can be pursued in both English and German. These programmes are research-intensive and typically demand three years of dedicated investigation before writing a final thesis, and you'll have to present and defend your thesis before a panel of experts to receive your degree.

PhD programmes train you in essential research skills to equip you for success. They help you master research methods, conduct in-depth literature reviews, and gather statistics to analyse your research data.

The application process for a PhD requires careful preparation. You'll need to provide:

• a completed application form
• official transcripts of your previous degrees
• degree certificates
• reference letters
• a compelling personal statement that showcases your academic achievements and research goals.

To search for Doctoral programmes, visit studienwahl.at.

Student exchanges

The Turing Scheme is a UK government programme that helps students find funding for overseas placements and studies at universities abroad.

To participate in the Turing Scheme for Austria, your university must have a partnership agreement with an Austrian university. Check with your institution about the Turing Scheme and application process.

Course fees

Tuition fees for students outside of the European Union (EU) are €726 (£629) per semester. On top of that, there is a compulsory students' union membership fee and accident insurance fee of €22-€25 (£19-£21) per semester.

Private universities typically set their own fees, as do university colleges of teacher education. Be sure to research your chosen institution for specific details.

Funding to study in Austria

If you're an international student hoping to secure scholarships to study abroad, it's worth researching funding options on the websites of universities you're interested in. Many universities offer scholarships based on academic performance or financial need, so don't hesitate to reach out to the admissions office of your chosen university to inquire about scholarships that apply to international students.

For those heading to Austria, the OeAD database can be an excellent resource for finding scholarships and research grants. This database can help you discover scholarships that align perfectly with your specific circumstances.

It's important to note that your residence permit may allow you to work part time, but there may be restrictions for international students. Therefore, before applying for any jobs, make sure to check these restrictions with the relevant authorities.

Student visas

If you are a citizen of the EU, European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland, you do not need a visa to study in Austria. However, if you plan to stay for more than three months, it is mandatory to register your residence within four months of your arrival.

If you are a student from the UK or outside the EU and plan to study for more than six months, you will need a student 'Aufenthaltsbewilligung' entry or residence permit. Make sure to apply for this permit before you enter Austria for your studies.

While applying for the permit, you will need to show proof of valid health insurance and sufficient financial resources to cover your living expenses throughout your stay.

Additionally, you must register your residence with the local registration office within three working days of your arrival.

The specific rules and the application process for the permit depend on the length of stay and the chosen programme. Entrance exams are common in competitive fields like medicine, law, or some engineering courses. You must pass the exam before you are granted a visa. Contact your chosen university to confirm if entrance exams are required and to find out application deadlines to ensure a smooth transition.

For more information, see Study in Austria - Visa.

How to apply

While application deadlines may appear flexible, with some opening a year in advance, the processing can take several months, so apply as soon as you've chosen your programme to secure your spot.

Your institution may offer an online system for a faster and easier process, but some still require downloading a form and submitting it by post.

For Masters programmes, applying early is key. Ideally, aim to submit your application during the summer before the course starts, or even consider applying during your final year of undergraduate studies. This ensures you have ample time to gather the necessary documents and increases your chances of securing a spot.

To apply for a Masters programme in Austria, you'll typically need to provide:

• your degree certificate
• official transcripts of your coursework
• proof of German language proficiency at the required level for your course
• a copy of your passport.

Requirements can vary between universities. In addition to the main application documents, some programmes may require:

• a personal statement
• CV
• portfolio
• entrance exams.

Always check with your chosen university to ensure you have everything necessary for a complete application.

Language requirements

Most undergraduate programmes in Austria are taught in German. However, postgraduate courses in fields with a strong international focus, such as media, marketing, and business, often offer English-language options.

Though it's helpful to have some knowledge of German to fully immerse yourself in Austrian culture, it's not necessary. Austria offers 350 courses in English, which means you can pursue your academic goals without fluency in German.

If you're interested in programmes taught in German, you'll likely need to demonstrate proficiency at a B2 or C1 level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Fortunately, the Österreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch (ÖSD), Austria's official German language exam for foreigners, is widely available at test centres in over 45 countries worldwide.

If you haven't reached the required language level, many universities offer intensive German courses as part of their University Preparation Programme (UPP). This allows you to improve your language skills while preparing for your academic studies in Austria.

Comparison to UK qualifications

Thanks to the Bologna Process, any qualifications you gain from the Austrian higher education system are directly comparable to their UK equivalents. This means that you can use your UK qualifications to apply for Austrian universities, and upon graduation, your Austrian qualifications will be recognised by potential UK employers.

See ENIC-NARIC for more information on how your qualifications are recognised.

Find out more

• Discover what it's like to work in Austria.
• Visit studyinaustria.at (Study in Austria).