Study In Austria: Key Facts & Figures

Thinking about studying in Austria? You're in the right place! Austria offers not only top-notch universities and a wide range of programs but also an excellent learning environment. Here you'll find essential figures and facts about studying in Austria—from the best universities and colleges to admission requirements. Discover why Austria is an outstanding choice for your academic journey.

Education At The Highest Level: The Austrian Higher Education System

Austria is home to over 70 higher education institutions, including universities, universities of applied sciences, and private colleges. Together, they offer around 2,000 programs, including more than 200 international programs that are often taught in English.

Universities: Austrian universities are renowned for their outstanding research and teaching. They offer a comprehensive range of undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programs across various fields. Austrian universities are known for their international focus and high quality of education.

Universities of Applied Sciences: In Austria, Universities of Applied Sciences offer practice-oriented programs that promote close collaboration with industry and business. They are ideal if you aim for a career in applied research or specific professional fields. FH Wiener Neustadt and FH Salzburg are examples of institutions renowned for their hands-on training programs.

Private Universities: In addition to public institutions, Austria also has private universities that offer specialized study programs. These private institutions are generally smaller and provide tailored programs designed to meet current professional demands. Examples of such programs include Business Administration & Management, Healthcare Management, and Creative Arts & Design. These universities often have strong connections with industry and offer practical experience to their students.

Top Universities In Austria At A Glance

• University of Vienna: The oldest university in the German-speaking world, renowned for its programs in humanities, law, and natural sciences

• Vienna University of Technology: Highly regarded for its engineering and computer science programs

• University of Innsbruck: Known for its outstanding research in natural sciences and humanities

• Vienna University of Economics and Business: Leading in business and social sciences

• Medical University of Vienna: Globally recognized for its medical research and training.

Admission Requirements For Studying In Austria

General Requirements

To study in Austria, you need to meet certain admission requirements. Here are the key points:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent: You need a high school diploma or an equivalent qualification that grants access to higher education.

• Language Proficiency: For German-taught programs, you must demonstrate sufficient German language skills (usually at B2 or C1 level). Many universities accept certificates such as ÖSD, TestDaF, or DSH.

• Proof of English Language Skills: For English-taught programs, proof of English language proficiency is required (e.g., TOEFL or IELTS).

Specific Admission Requirements

Some programs have specific requirements:

• Entrance Exams: Certain fields, especially in medicine, psychology, business, and art, require passing an entrance exam.

• Statement of Purpose & Letters of Recommendation: Particularly for master’s programs and private universities, a statement of purpose or letters of recommendation may be required.

• Aptitude Tests: Artistic programs (such as music, art, and theater) often require special aptitude tests.

Tuition Fees & Living Costs

In Austria, tuition fees for students from the EU and EEA are relatively moderate compared to many other countries. At public universities, EU students often do not pay tuition fees as long as they do not exceed the standard study period. If the standard study period is exceeded, fees of approximately €363.36 per semester usually apply. For students from non-EU/EEA countries, tuition fees can be higher depending on the university and program, averaging around €726.72 per semester.

Private universities and universities of applied sciences generally charge higher tuition fees, which can vary depending on the program and institution. These fees can range from €2,000 to €15,000 per year, with specialized programs such as MBAs or technical courses often being more expensive.

In addition to tuition fees, you should also consider the costs for books, materials, and any administrative fees. However, there are numerous scholarship and funding opportunities available that can help make studying in Austria more affordable.

Living costs vary depending on the city and lifestyle, but generally range from €950 to €1,400 per month. This includes rent, food, transportation, and other personal expenses. Cities like Vienna and Salzburg are somewhat more expensive but offer various student discounts and benefits. Austria’s high standard of living and excellent infrastructure make these costs worthwhile.