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Study in Austria

Explore subjects, study options, costs, intakes, scholarships and student visa information.

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About studying in Austria

Higher education in Austria, in Central Europe, gives international students a chance to study in a new academic and cultural setting. Universities and other institutions offer programmes at different levels, from first degrees to postgraduate study, across subjects such as business, engineering, health, science and the humanities.

The economy has strengths in infrastructure, culture and heritage and tourism, which is reflected in many study options. The main language is German; the availability of English-taught programmes varies between institutions. Start with the subjects available here, then compare institutions, costs and application steps.

Why study in Austria?

There is no single reason to study in Austria. For some students it is the programme itself; for others it is the setting in Central Europe, the language or links to a particular industry. It is worth being clear about what matters most to you before comparing options.

  • Academic choice: institutions offer programmes in areas such as Engineering, Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences and Hospitality, Tourism & Events, with options differing between universities.
  • Industry context: Infrastructure, culture and heritage and tourism matter locally, which can make related courses and projects especially relevant.
  • Cities and campus life: Vienna, Graz and Innsbruck each offer a different student experience, from larger cities to smaller campus towns.
  • Culture and language: living in Austria means everyday contact with German and local traditions, which many students find valuable in itself.
  • European mobility: as part of the European Union, Austria takes part in European programmes and qualification frameworks that can make it easier to move between countries during or after study.

Austrian higher education includes public universities, universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen) and specialised universities for the arts and music.

Talking to current students and reading official course pages will give you a realistic picture of what studying here is like, beyond what any general guide can say.

Top subjects to study in Austria

Choosing a subject is the first big decision. For Austria, the areas below are a sensible place to begin; they reflect local strengths such as infrastructure, culture and heritage and tourism, not a league table.

Links to infrastructure, culture and heritage and tourism mean that related courses may include practical projects or industry examples, although this varies by institution. Each subject has its own page for Austria on this site, with its specializations.

When choosing between these areas, think about what you enjoy studying, the entry requirements for each course and the kind of work you would like to do afterwards. A specialization can matter as much as the broad subject.

Subjects to study in Austria

Explore subject areas available for students planning to study in Austria.

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Universities in Austria

Explore universities in Austria and discover study options for international students.

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Scholarships to Study in Austria

Paying for study in Austria can involve more than one source of support, and it is worth researching them before you apply for a course.

  • government programmes, including schemes run by your own country or by Austria
  • universities and colleges, through institutional awards or fee reductions
  • foundations, charities and international organisations
  • research funding or assistantships for postgraduate and doctoral students
  • European exchange and mobility programmes, where your institution takes part

Eligibility, the amount of support and deadlines vary, and competition can be strong. Apply to several suitable options and confirm what each award covers. Official scholarship providers and university funding pages are the most reliable sources.

Applications often ask for a personal statement, references and academic transcripts, so prepare these early and tailor them to each award.

Intakes to study in Austria

Many programmes in Austria start around October, which is the main entry point for most new students. Some institutions also admit students around March, although this second intake is usually available for fewer courses. Exact dates vary by institution and programme.

Plan early. Popular courses can close well before the start date, and international applicants usually need extra time for translations, language tests, scholarship applications and visas. Each institution publishes its own deadlines, so check them for every course on your list.

Postgraduate research programmes may have more flexible start dates, agreed with a supervisor.

A simple planning checklist:

  • shortlist courses and note each start date and deadline
  • prepare transcripts, references and any language test results
  • apply for scholarships alongside your course applications
  • allow time for the visa and for arranging accommodation

Intake dates and deadlines vary by university and course. Always check them with the university.

Cost of studying in Austria

Before you commit to a course in Austria, work out the full cost of the programme, not just the first year’s tuition. In some cases, fees depend on whether you are an EU/EEA citizen, so check which fee category applies to you.

When you compare options, look beyond the tuition fee:

  • application and registration fees
  • course materials, equipment or laboratory costs for some subjects
  • health insurance and any visa or permit costs
  • accommodation, travel and living expenses for the whole programme

Check the latest fees on each institution’s website and confirm whether they can change during your course.

It is also worth asking how and when fees are paid, whether a deposit is required to secure your place, and how exchange rates could affect the amount you pay from home.

Fees change and differ by university, course and level. Check current fees with each university.

Student visa requirements to study in Austria

Studying in Austria usually involves an immigration step as well as an admission step, and the two often depend on each other. EU/EEA and Swiss citizens can usually study without a visa but may need to register their residence; other students usually need a long-stay visa or residence permit. A short-stay Schengen visa is not normally enough for a full degree programme.

Requirements can differ by nationality, programme and length of stay. Depending on the rules, you may be asked for:

  • an offer or confirmation of enrolment from a recognised institution
  • a valid passport and passport photos
  • evidence that you can cover tuition and living costs
  • health insurance and, in some cases, medical checks
  • proof of language ability or previous qualifications

Visa rules and fees change, so always check the current requirements with official government sources before you apply. Official information: Austrian government migration portal (official government website).

Visa rules change. Always check the official government immigration website before you apply.

Cost of living in Austria

Living costs in Austria depend a great deal on where you live and how you live. Costs in Vienna can differ noticeably from those in Graz or Innsbruck and smaller towns.

The main costs to plan for are:

  • Accommodation: university housing, shared flats or private rentals, plus deposits
  • Food: groceries, cooking at home and eating out
  • Transport: local travel and occasional trips home
  • Utilities and phone: energy, internet and mobile data
  • Insurance and health: any required health cover
  • Personal spending: study materials, clothing and social life

Ask your institution for its estimate of student living costs and plan for some extra money for arrival and emergencies.

Living costs depend on the city and your lifestyle, and they change over time.

FAQs about studying in Austria

Is Austria a good place to study?

It depends on your goals. Austria offers programmes across many subjects, a location in Central Europe and study in German (with some English-taught options). Students interested in infrastructure, culture and heritage and tourism may find the local context especially relevant.

What subjects can I study in Austria?

Institutions offer a wide range of subjects, including Engineering, Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences, Hospitality, Tourism & Events and Science. The subjects page for Austria lists every subject available here with its specializations.

When should I apply to universities in Austria?

Many programmes start around October. Apply well ahead of the start date, especially if you need a visa, and check the deadline for each course on the institution’s website.

How much does it cost to study in Austria?

Costs depend on the institution, programme, level of study and sometimes your nationality. Budget for tuition as well as application fees, insurance, accommodation and living costs, and use the current fees published by each institution.

Do international students need a visa to study in Austria?

EU/EEA citizens can usually study without a visa; most other international students need a student visa or residence permit. Requirements depend on your nationality and programme, so check the current rules with official government sources, such as Austrian government migration portal.

Are scholarships available for international students in Austria?

Some funding is available from governments, universities and other organisations, but awards are competitive and eligibility varies. Check official provider websites and apply early.

Where do international students live in Austria?

Vienna, Graz and Innsbruck are among the places students often consider. Living costs, housing and the student experience can differ between cities, so compare them alongside your course options.

Can I study in English in Austria?

Many courses are taught in German. Some institutions offer English-taught programmes, but availability varies, so check the language of instruction and language requirements for each course.

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