Established public universities
Austria's public universities have long academic traditions and strong research across many fields.
Study in Austria
Public universities and applied programmes in the heart of Europe
Austria combines long-established public universities with practical universities of applied sciences, English-taught master's options, and a high quality of life in cities like Vienna and Graz.
Match me with programmes- Main intakes
- 1–2Main intakes
- Status
- EU member stateStatus
- Teaching languages
- German / EnglishTeaching languages
- University types
- Public & appliedUniversity types
Country overview
Studying in Austria
Austria is a German-speaking EU member state with public universities, universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen), and private institutions. Bachelor's programmes are commonly taught in German, while English-taught options are more frequent at master's level. Degrees follow the Bologna structure recognised across the EU.
Austria is known for a high quality of life, strong research in sciences and the arts, and well-connected cities. Requirements, teaching language, and available places vary by institution and programme, so always confirm details directly with the university.
- Capital
- Vienna
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)
- Popular cities
- Vienna, Graz, Innsbruck, Salzburg, Linz
- Main intakes
- Winter (Oct), some Summer (Mar)
- Teaching languages
- German and English (programme-dependent)
- EU status
- Member state — simplified entry for EU/EEA citizens
Why study here
Reasons students choose Austria
Applied sciences path
Fachhochschulen offer practical, career-oriented programmes with industry links and placements.
High quality of life
Austrian cities regularly rank highly for liveability, safety, and culture.
Central European location
Excellent connections make travel across Europe convenient.
Education system
How the system is structured
Austrian higher education includes public universities, universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen), and private universities, all following the Bologna three-cycle structure with the ECTS credit system.
Public universities
Research-oriented institutions offering the full range of degrees, often with open access to some programmes.
Universities of applied sciences
Fachhochschulen deliver practical, profession-focused programmes with selective, capped admission.
ECTS credits
Programmes use ECTS, supporting transfer and recognition within the EU.
Application routes
Pathways by study level
Requirements differ by level. Use the tabs to see typical entry expectations for each pathway.
Undergraduate degree
Bachelor's
Bachelor's programmes are mostly taught in German, though some English-taught options exist, particularly at applied sciences universities.
Typical duration: 3 years
Typical entry requirements
- Completed secondary education comparable to the Austrian requirement
- Language proof (German for German-taught programmes; English where relevant)
- Programme-specific requirements; Fachhochschulen often have selection procedures
Graduate degree
Master's
Master's programmes include a growing number of English-taught options, especially in technical and specialised fields.
Typical duration: 1.5–2 years
Typical entry requirements
- A relevant bachelor's degree with competitive grades
- Language proof for the programme's teaching language
- Programme-specific prerequisites; some require a motivation letter or interview
Qualification requirements
What qualifications you typically need
| Study level | Typical requirement |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's | Secondary education assessed as comparable to the Austrian standard, plus language proof; some programmes have selection procedures. |
| Master's | A relevant bachelor's degree with competitive grades and language proof for the teaching language. |
Language requirements
Proving your language ability
German is the main teaching language for bachelor's programmes, while many master's programmes are in English. Confirm accepted tests and scores with the institution.
English-taught programmes
IELTS Academic
Widely accepted for English-taught programmes; bands vary by programme.
TOEFL iBT
Commonly accepted as an alternative to IELTS.
Local-language programmes
German language proof
Required for German-taught programmes (e.g. ÖSD, Goethe, or TestDaF).
- Even for English-taught programmes, some German helps with daily life and part-time work.
- Minimum scores and accepted tests differ by programme — always verify directly.
Application process
A typical application, step by step
Shortlist programmes
Identify public university or Fachhochschule programmes matching your background and preferred teaching language.
Check requirements and deadlines
Confirm academic prerequisites, language proof, and any selection procedures or capped-place deadlines.
Prepare and submit documents
Gather transcripts, language results, and identification, then apply directly to the institution.
Complete selection steps
Fachhochschulen and some programmes may require entrance tests or interviews.
Arrange visa/residence steps
Non-EU applicants should begin the visa/residence process promptly once admitted.
Visa process
Student visa overview
Check your citizenship status
EU/EEA/Swiss citizens generally do not need a student visa or residence permit in the same way as non-EU applicants, though registration formalities may still apply.
Non-EU: apply for a residence permit for study
Non-EU/international students typically apply for a student residence permit or visa D through the Austrian embassy or consulate.
Prepare supporting documents
Commonly includes the acceptance letter, passport, proof of funds, accommodation evidence, and health insurance, though exact lists vary.
Complete residence formalities after arrival
Non-EU students generally register and finalise their residence permit after arriving in Austria.
Verify current rules officially
Visa and residence requirements change — always confirm the current process with the official Austrian embassy/consulate or immigration authority.
This is general guidance, not legal or admissions advice. Immigration rules, financial requirements, deadlines, and admission criteria for Austria can change at any time and vary by university. Always verify the current requirements with the official government authorities and the specific university before you apply.
Required documents
Documents you are likely to need
Academic transcripts
Certified copies of secondary or prior higher-education records.
Language test results
German (ÖSD/Goethe/TestDaF) or English (IELTS/TOEFL) depending on the programme.
Passport
Valid for the duration of study and travel.
University acceptance letter
Official confirmation of admission from the institution.
Proof of funds
Evidence you can support tuition and living costs.
Health insuranceIf applicable
Required for the visa/residence process for non-EU applicants.
Study categories
Popular fields of study
Engineering & technology
- Mechanical
- Electrical
- Mechatronics
- Civil
Natural sciences
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Environmental Science
Business & economics
- Business Administration
- Economics
- Management
- Finance
Arts & humanities
- Music
- Fine Arts
- History
- Languages
Costs and funding
Budgeting your studies
Public university tuition is relatively low, though a fee may apply and depends on your citizenship; Fachhochschulen and private institutions set their own fees. The figures below are qualitative — confirm current amounts with the institution.
Tuition
- Public universities
- Low–moderate
- Applied / private institutions
- Varies
Fees depend on citizenship and study progress; EU/EEA students often pay less.
Fachhochschulen and private universities set their own tuition.
Living costs
- Accommodation
- Largest monthly cost
- Food & transport
- Moderate
- Health insurance
- Required
Vienna and Salzburg are typically more expensive.
Student transport passes help reduce costs.
Requirements depend on your status.
Funding & scholarships
University & national scholarships
Some scholarships exist for international students; eligibility and deadlines vary and should be checked directly.
Applied-programme placements
Fachhochschule programmes often include practical placements that support experience and income.
Part-time work
Eligible students may work limited hours; rules depend on citizenship and must be verified officially.
Application timeline
Planning your year
12–14 months before
Research
- Shortlist programmes and institutions
- Check language and selection rules
- Plan your budget
9–12 months before
Prepare
- Sit language tests
- Gather transcripts and documents
- Prepare for entrance procedures
5–9 months before
Apply
- Submit applications
- Complete selection steps
- Track offers
2–5 months before
Visa & arrival
- Accept an offer
- Complete visa/residence steps if non-EU
- Arrange accommodation and travel
Avoid these
Common mistakes to avoid
- Assuming bachelor's programmes are in English — most are taught in German.
- Missing capped-place deadlines at universities of applied sciences.
- Underestimating the visa/residence timeline for non-EU applicants.
- Leaving accommodation arrangements in Vienna too late.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Do I need German to study in Austria?
For most bachelor's programmes, yes — they are taught in German. Many master's programmes are in English, but some German still helps with daily life. Check each programme's teaching language.
Are universities of applied sciences different from universities?
Yes — Fachhochschulen focus on practical, profession-oriented study with selective, capped admission, while public universities are more research-oriented and sometimes have open access.
Do EU citizens need a visa to study in Austria?
EU/EEA/Swiss citizens generally do not need a student visa in the same way as non-EU applicants, though local registration formalities may still apply.
How long does the non-EU residence process take?
Processing times vary and are not fixed — always confirm current timelines with the official Austrian embassy or consulate well before your intended start date.
See which Austrian programmes fit your profile
Upload your transcript and MeetMentora will interpret your academic background and surface programmes that match your level and interests.
This is general guidance, not legal or admissions advice. Immigration rules, financial requirements, deadlines, and admission criteria for Austria can change at any time and vary by university. Always verify the current requirements with the official government authorities and the specific university before you apply.