Study in Austria for International Students
Despite its relatively small size, there are important reasons to study in Austria for international students. The QS World University Rankings often featured Austrian universities as the best in the world annually.
Austria’s oldest and most renowned university, the University of Vienna, received the top ranking. It’s one of Europe’s largest institutions, with over 94,000 students, and it attracts undergraduate and postgraduate international students worldwide. Moreover, there are several Master’s degree programmes taught in English.
Why study in Austria as an international student?
Austria ranks highly among European countries for quality of life and education. In addition to having some of the best universities in the world, it offers many opportunities for studying abroad. With over 10 million tourists annually, Austria attracts people from around the globe looking for adventure.
Can I study in Austria for free as an international student?
The Austrian government provides free university education for almost everyone. It’s incredibly cheap to study in Austria and, in some cases, even free. All citizens of the European Union and the European Economic Area are entitled to free tuition at Austrian public universities. Private universities are more expensive than public ones.
There are plenty of activities and festivals throughout the year. From Christmas markets to Oktoberfest, there is something for everyone. And if you want to learn to speak German, Austria is a great place to do so.
Are there English language requirements to study in Austria?
It’s no surprise that most of the courses at Austrian universities are taught in German because it’s the country’s official language. There are more English language programs available at postgraduate than undergraduate levels, particularly on courses that offer the most international reach, including media, marketing, and Business related subjects, among others.
However, taking German classes is best if you want to fully immerse yourself in student life. There are over 300 courses taught entirely in English and another 85+ partially in English.
You may need to prove your competency at a B2 or C2 level on the Common European Framework for Reference for Languages (CEFR).
You can do this by taking the Österreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch (ÖSD), Austria’s officially examination system for international students who need to study German as a foreign language. You can take the ÖSD at centres in more than forty countries worldwide.
You could also take an intensive German course as a part of the University Preparations Programme if you have not already proved your proficiency in the language before.
What are the best courses to study in Austria for international students?
The best and most popular courses to study in Austria for international students include but are not limited to law, history, pedagogy, medicine, psychiatry, and communication science.
- Law
A career in law requires rigorous education and training. It takes years of schooling and certifications to earn the title of a lawyer. It’s a challenging course, but it pays off in the long run because law graduates in Austria may expect a monthly income of $3,500 after completing a degree.
- Psychology
Psychology and medicine are the most sought-after majors in Austria among international students. Many native German speakers are enrolled in this course. Despite its complexity, majoring in psychology is one of the most common choices when studying in Austria for international students.
- Tourism and Leisure Management
Students in the Tourism and Leisure Management program focus on tourism and business. Austria has long been a popular tourist destination; the country welcomes 38 million visitors annually.
Because of this, the government provides young people with cutting-edge training in the tourism management sector. Tourism is one of Austria’s fastest-growing sectors, substantially impacting the country’s economy.
- Economics
If you want to study in Austria as an international student in an English taught course, then economics is one of the most popular majors. You will learn the relationship between business and economics. The courses you will cover are usually accounting, cost accounting (bookkeeping), marketing, and finance.
Business Administration, on the other hand, is more hands-on than economics. University of Applied Sciences programs are great if you wish to gain more practical knowledge, and numerous business administration programs are available. However, it would help if you have basic math abilities, logical thinking, and communication skills.
- Medicine
You need at least a C1 level of German and some knowledge of Latin for medical studies in Austria. The only downside to this course is that most are not taught in English.
Which are the best universities in Austria for international students?
The University of Vienna is Austria’s most esteemed institution of higher learning. The university boasts nearly 800 years of academic heritage with notable graduates like Sigmund Freud and Erwin Schrödinger.
The following are some of the best universities to study in Austria for international students.
- University of Vienna
- University of Salzburg
- University of Innsbruck
- Karl-Franzens University of Graz
- University of Graz
- Medical University of Graz
How much does it cost to study in Austria for international students?
A full academic year costs about $1,788 for international students. Depending on your chosen course and university (if it is a private university), you can pay anywhere from $1,788 to $19,000 in tuition fees. Remember to include living costs in your budgets, such as food, rent, and transportation.
Are there scholarships to study in Austria for international students?
The Austrian Ministry of Education, Science and Research offer international students and researchers grants and scholarships. There are several ways to obtain funding. For example, the Austrian National Agency for Higher Education provides grants and scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate studies. You can find out more about the individual scholarships here.
Scholarships are also awarded by the Austrian Institute of Technology (WZIT), the Austrian Academy of Sciences, the Austrian Society of Engineers (VDE), the Austrian Universities Association (ÖHUV), the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG), the Austrian Federal Ministries, the European Union and the EU Framework Programmes.
If you are a student from Africa, you can find free scholarships on our website.
Can international students work in Austria?
While studying in Austria, international students can find various ways to make extra money to help fund their education and living arrangements. Austria allows international students to work up to 20 hours a week while studying part-time. If you are enrolled in an Austrian university program, you can work and earn money without obtaining a work permit as long as you are a student studying in Austria.
How to apply for an Austria student visa
If you are a student from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, you don’t need a visa to come to Austria to study. You will need proof of a valid health insurance policy and evidence that you have enough money to cover your living expenses while studying here.
As an international student, it is unlikely that you will want to stay in Austria for less than six months. You will need a visa to enter Austria for students coming from the United Kingdom or outside of the European Union. In this case, you will need to apply for a residence permit. This requires completing and submitting paperwork, including a medical checkup and a written statement about why you want to live and study in Austria. You will also need to pass an Austrian language test.
You may also be interested in studying abroad in these countries:
Study in Australia, Study in Belgium, Study in Cyprus, Study in Germany, Study in Ireland, Study in Malaysia, Study in New Zealand, Study in Norway, Study in Poland, Study in Qatar, Study in Romania, Study in Turkey
