Studying in Austria – a comprehensive guide

Austria, with its rich history, stunning landscapes, and world-renowned educational institutions is surely a must have on your list of top study destinations. And yet, I feel as if this beautiful country is not appreciated enough and not taken into consideration by students nearly as often as it should. Today I would like to change that. In this article I will go over the most relevant information about studying in Austria and, hopefully, compell you to start your acedemic adventure in the land of Mozart and the Wienerschnitzel!

Why you should study in Austria

In comparison to some of the top study destinations in the EU, Austria might seem quite insignificant at first glance. However, there is actually a plethora of advantages which put Austria among the best countries for academic development. 

The country is home to top-ranking universities that provide high-quality education across various disciplines. 

Tuition fees are relatively low compared to other Western European countries, and in some cases, pursuing a degree doesn’t require paying tuition at all, making it an affordable option for international students. 

Austria also boasts a high quality of life. Its capital – Vienna – has consistently ranked in the top 3 most livable countries in the world for the past ten years and has been ranked number 1 for the past 3.

Austria’s cities are among the safest in Europe and the country as a whole has ranked 3rd in the 2024 Global Peace Index Ranking. 

With excellent public transport, student discounts, and access to career opportunities, studying in Austria offers not only academic excellence but also a rewarding personal experience. Its central location in Europe allows students to also explore neighboring countries easily – a weekend outing to Berlin, or a day off in Budapest could be just a €30 train ticket away!

The Austrian Education System

Austria is home to some of the most prestigious universities in Europe, including the University of Vienna, Vienna University of Technology, and Graz University of Technology. The education system consists of public universities, private institutions, and universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen), each offering a range of degree programmes in various disciplines. The majority of the degree programmes are taught in German, but an increasing amount is also available in English. There are currently over 400 English-taught courses in various areas of study, particularly at the master's and PhD levels, making Austria accessible to international students.

Public universities emphasize theoretical and research-based education, while universities of applied sciences focus more on practical training, preparing students for specific careers. Here is a list of the best Austrian universities with their placements in the World QS ranking across some of the most popular disciplines.

Austrian cities

Austria offers several student-friendly cities, but the highlights include:

Vienna

The capital and the largest city, hosts over 190,000 students, making it a vibrant academic hub. It is home to prestigious institutions like the University of Vienna -founded in 1365, one of Europe's oldest and most renowned universities, and the Vienna University of Economics and Business, ranked among the world’s top business schools. The city boasts an extensive public transport system, with a semester pass costing just €75, and numerous part-time job opportunities, particularly in finance, research, and the arts. The city offers a myriad of possibilities – whether it’s networking events, nightlife or cultural experiences, one thing is guaranteed -  you will not be bored!

Graz

Austria’s second-largest city, is home to over 60,000 students, creating a lively and youthful atmosphere. The Graz University of Technology (TU Graz) and Karl-Franzens University of Graz are well-respected, particularly in engineering, sciences, and humanities. Graz is approximately 30% cheaper than Vienna in terms of rent and daily expenses, making it an attractive option for those who are on a tight budget. 

Innsbruck

Surrounded by the breathtaking Austrian Alps, it is an ideal location for students who enjoy spending their time outdoors. The University of Innsbruck, which enrolls around 28,000 students, is particularly strong in natural sciences, medicine, and sports sciences. Due to its location, the city is a paradise for skiing, hiking, and climbing enthusiasts. Remember that recreation is an important part of your academic life, as it helps you maintain a good work-life balance and a healthy mind.

Linz

A growing technology and business hub, Linz is home to Johannes Kepler University, known for its strong focus on technology, AI, and business innovation. With around 23,000 students, the city is smaller and more compact but offers excellent career prospects in IT and engineering fields. Many students benefit from industry partnerships, which makes the transition from academia to a professional career much easier. The public transport in the city is well organised and the low costs of your livelihood make for a wallet-friendly experience.

The Admission Process

It might seem a little scary at first, but the admission process for Universities in Austria is actually quite simple and student-friendly.

The first step is, of course, choosing the location and program you want to apply for, but as we all know, making a decision can be difficult. Fortunately, there are many online resources to help you select the right university and program, such as our university database. Consulting firms specializing in assisting with creating a strong candidate profile and applying for international studies - like Edunade - can also be of great help.

After you have chosen the programme for which you want to apply, you will have to check the entry requirements on your university’s websites as the entry requirements are usually specific to a programme. However, there are a few common points:

• You need a High School leaving diploma equivalent to the austrian Matura. Fortunately for EU students – all secondary school leaving diplomas from countries in the EU, as well as Switzerland, are recognised as such. Non-EU students will have to check with the school’s administration whether their diplomas have that status.
• Language proficiency - If your course is in German, you may need to prove proficiency in the language at the level B2 or C1 through exams like ÖSD, TestDaF, or Goethe-Zertifikat. For English-taught programmes, IELTS or TOEFL scores are usually required. There may also be a possibility that certain knowledge of the German language might still be required of you even in programmes taught in English.
• Some courses may also require a written entrance exam as part of the procedure. They are especially common in programmes like Medicine or Economics.

Now you will have to submit your application, which is usually done through the website of the university you are interested in. But remember to stick to your deadlines! They are usually in April for the winter semester and October for the summer semester, so keep that in mind. After that, just cross your fingers and wait for an admission letter!

If you are a Non-EU citizen then you will also have to apply for a visa to legally study in Austria. That is done through a representative of the Austrian governement in your country.

Tuition fees

As I have already mentioned, a big advantage of studying in Austria is the affordability of the education. The amount you will be spending on tuition fees varies highly, based on the type of university you want to attend and your nationality. Here is the most important information in a nutshell.

Public Universities

EU/EEA Students are generally exempt from tuition fees if they complete their studies within the designated timeframe. If you don’t manage to do that, you should excpect an additional payment of over €300 per semester. Additionally, a nominal fee of approximately €20 per semester is required for the student union.

Non-EU/EEA Students: Tuition fees can toll about €700 or more per semester, depending on the institution and program.

Universities of Applied Sciences

Tuition fees vary between €365 and €7,500 per year, depending on the program and the student's nationality.

Private Universities

These institutions set their own fees, which can range from €3,000 to even €23,000 per year, depending on the program.

On our Edunade Academy platform, you will find a database of universities that also includes all the tuition fee details – check it out yourself 👇

University database 🎓

Cost of living

Living in Austria is quite affordable. You should excpect to pay about €900 - €1300 per month. You can also easily combine your studies with a part-time job to support yourself financially, which isn’t difficult thanks to the existence of many job sites.

If that is still too much for you, then you are welcome to look for a scholarship that will suit. You can browse through the numerous options available and find something for yourself.

Conclusion

Studying in Austria is an exciting opportunity for students seeking quality education in a vibrant, culturally rich environment. With its affordable tuition, strong academic reputation, and great career prospects, Austria is an excellent choice for international students. Whether you're looking for academic excellence, career growth, or an unforgettable cultural experience, Austria has something to offer everyone.

If you want us to help you start this amazing adventure, contact us now 🍋