How to Study in Austria

In the middle of Europe Austria shares borders with no less than eight countries: the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Italy, Slovakia, Hungary, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Germany. Also being called the 'Alpine Republic', roughly 60 percent of its landmass is either mountainous or part of the Alps.

The Austrian Higher Education System

Austria has 70 higher education institutions. There are three types of higher education institutions (HEIs) in Austria. First, there are 35 public and private Universities. Second, 21 Fachhochschulen, universities of applied sciences, provide an education which focuses more on practical knowledge and training than universities do. Third, there are 14 Pädagogische Hochschulen, providing the country’s teacher training. In line with the Bologna process, the degree-structure is three-tiered: bachelor, master and doctoral degrees. In 2019 total enrolment was 377,000 students. Austria is popular as a destination country, international students count for 26 % of all students. Almost 29 % of international students are coming from Germany. Other major countries of origin of international students in Austria are Italy, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Turkey, Hungary, and Serbia. The academic year in Austria, as a rule, begins on October 1st and ends on September 30thof the following year. It consists of two semesters: Winter semester (October 1st to January 30th), Summer semester (March 1st to September 30th) There are also periods during in which no lectures are held (Christmas, semester and summer breaks).

Austria’s Higher Education System in International Comparison

In this section, we highlight the overall performance of Austrian universities on the institutional level per U-Multirank dimension. The below table shows the national breakdown of Austrian universities and how they stand across the spectrum of above average (receiving a score of ‘A’ (very good) or ‘B’ (good)), or below average (receiving a score of ‘D’ (below average) or ‘E’ (weak)). In doing so, U-Multirank offers a clear picture of the country’s strengths and areas for improvement. It becomes apparent that the vast majority of Austria’s HEIs perform particularly well in view of international orientation as well as regional engagement.

How much does it cost to study in Austria?

Studying at Austrian universities is free for EU students who have not exceeded the minimum duration of their study programme plus two semesters. For all other students from third countries, 726.72 € per semester is required. The Universities of Applied Sciences are entitled to charge tuition fees for all students which vary between institutions. A student union membership fee and the student accident insurance fee is 20.20 euros per semester and is compulsory for all students.

What are the entry requirements for Austrian Universities?

To be admitted to a higher education programme, applicants have to contact the institution that offers the programme. They can inform about admission requirements apply to the programme of choice. Typically are the following requirements for bachelor programmes: * A secondary school leaving certificate that entitles you to admission to university studies in your home country * German language proficiency (secondary school leaving certificate confirming German lessons of at least 4 years or a German language diploma or similar documents) * In addition, students from Non-EU countries have to prove that they would be entitled to admission to the chosen degree programme in the country which issued your secondary education diploma. For master programmes, general entrance requirement is a successful completion of at least a 6 semester specialized relevant Bachelor’s degree (min 180 ECTS). For more information click here.

Do I need a Student Visa for Austria?

International students from EU/EEA countres need neither a visa nor a residence title. They, however, have to register with the authority in charge of residence within three months after entering Austria. Nationals of other countries need a travel visa C, for stays for a maximum of 90 days, or a residence visa D, for stays of at least 91 days up to a maximum of 6 months, and a Residence Permit for Students for stays of longer than six months. For more information click here.

How to get a Scholarship in Austria?

Austria offers are various scholarship opportunities for international students. Depending on the country of origin and the level of studies, there are different options for funding. For more information click here.

How do Austrian Universities fare in U-Multirank?

1. 25 Higher education institutions from Austria are included in the 2020 edition of U-Multirank, 15 universities and 10 universities of applied science. In U-Multirank, Austria’s higher education institutions perform strongest in the International Orientation dimensions with 74% of all indicator scores better than average (groups ‘A’ or ‘B’).
2. Seven (7) Austrian institutions are part of the ‘Top 25 Performers’ in the 2020 edition of U-Multirank. Kufstein Tyrol University of Applied Sciences is among the top performers in two indicators: student mobility, and contact to work environment in business studies programmes. The other institutions are top in one of the following indicators: top-cited publications and co-publications with industrial partners.
3. The Austrian universities with the highest number of top group positions (‘A’ scores) are Graz University of Technology (13), the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna “BOKU” (12 top scores), the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria (12) and Johannes Kepler University Linz (11).
4. The Technical University Graz reached its top positions particularly in Research (4 ‘A’ scores) and Knowledge Transfer (5 ‘A’ scores).