Study in Austria
Austria quietly offers one of Europe’s best balances: strong public universities, reasonable tuition fees, safe cities, and a high quality of life. For students open to learning German and seeking a calm, structured academic environment, Austria is a strong long-term choice.
Why Students Choose Austria?
Austria combines affordability, academic credibility, and a balanced European lifestyle.
Affordable Public Education:
Low tuition fees at public universities make Austria one of the most cost-effective Western European study destinations.Strong Academic Tradition:
Well-regarded universities across engineering, sciences, business, arts, and music.Central European Location:
A Schengen visa allows easy travel across Europe for cultural and academic exposure.Balanced Lifestyle:
High quality of life with comparatively lower living costs than many Western European countries.Growing Career Opportunities:
Steady demand in engineering, IT, applied sciences, and sustainability-related sectors.
Intakes in Austria
Winter Intake (Primary)
- Applications open: March
- Deadlines: May 15 (Non-EU students)
Summer Intake
- Applications open: September
- Deadlines: October 15 – December 1
Top Fields of Study in Austria
Austria offers strong programmes across both technical and creative disciplines.
Engineering & Technology
Computer Science & IT
Business & Economics
Environmental & Sustainability Studies
Arts, Music & Architecture
Types of Universities in Austria – Comparison
| Category | Public Universities | Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS) | Private Universities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee | ~€750/semester (€1,500/year) | €1,500 – 3,000/year | €5,000 – 25,000/year |
| Bachelor Language | German | German / English | English |
| Master Language | Some English programs | Many English programs | English |
| Competition | Medium | Medium | Low–Medium |
| Ideal For | Budget-focused students | Practice-oriented learners | Flexible admission |
| Scholarships | Government + University | Limited | Merit-based |
Top 5 Universities in Austria
University of Vienna
Strengths: Humanities, Social Sciences, Law, Natural Sciences
Admission Difficulty: Medium to Competitive
Tuition (approx): ~€750 per semester (non-EU)
Vienna University of Technology (TU Wien)
Strengths: Engineering, Computer Science, Architecture, Technology
Admission Difficulty: Medium to Competitive
Tuition (approx): ~€750 per semester (non-EU)
Graz University of Technology
Strengths: Engineering, Natural Sciences, Technical Mathematics
Admission Difficulty: Medium
Tuition (approx): ~€750 per semester (non-EU)
University of Innsbruck
Strengths: Sciences, Alpine Studies, Business, Humanities
Admission Difficulty: Medium
Tuition (approx): ~€750 per semester (non-EU)
FH JOANNEUM (University of Applied Sciences)
Strengths: Applied Engineering, Business, Media, Health Sciences
Admission Difficulty: Easy to Medium
Tuition (approx): ~€400–1,200 per semester (programme-dependent)
Eligibility Requirements
Academic Requirements
- Most programmes require 60–70% or higher.
- Public universities may require subject-specific academic alignment.
Language Requirements
- English-taught programmes: IELTS 6.0–6.5 or equivalent.
- German-taught programmes: German language proficiency required.
Work Experience
- Bachelor’s and most Master’s programmes: Not required.
- MBA programmes: 1–3 years of professional experience may be required.
Portfolio Requirements
- Mandatory for architecture, arts, music, and design programmes.
Application Process - Simple Steps
| Category | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Living Costs | ~€950 per month |
| Accommodation | ~€450 per month |
| Health Insurance | ~€65 per month |
| Transport & Utilities | ~€100 per month |
Part-time Jobs in Austria
Part-time work is allowed with regulations.
Work Rules
- Work permit required
- Typical limit: 10–20 hours per week
- Common jobs include cafés, retail, and university assistant roles
- German language significantly improves job opportunities
Frequently asked questions
Myths vs Reality
- Myth
- Reality
- Myth
- Reality
Austria is only for music and arts
Austria is expensive
