Johannes Kepler University Linz (JKU) at a glance
- City
- Linz
- Type
- Public university
- Website
- jku.at/en
Key takeaways
- Non-EU students pay €726.72 tuition plus €26.20 ÖH fee per semester, €752.92 in total.
- JKU exempts citizens of the countries in the annex to the Tuition Fee Regulation from tuition; they pay only the ÖH fee.
- JKU has 6 English-taught bachelor's and 20 English-taught master's in our fact pack, including Artificial Intelligence at both levels.
- Applying is free and online via JKU MyAdmission; documents can first be uploaded without legalisation.
- Non-EU applicants must apply about six months ahead: 6 September to 31 October 2026 for the summer semester 2027.
On this page
Johannes Kepler University Linz (JKU) charges third-country students €726.72 tuition plus the €26.20 ÖH fee per semester, which is €752.92 in total. Citizens of countries listed in the annex to the Tuition Fee Regulation are generally exempt from tuition and pay only the ÖH fee.
What makes JKU stand out is that you can start with an English-taught bachelor's, which is rare at Austrian public universities. Applying is free and fully online. Here are the fees, programs, entry rules, deadlines with their academic year, and the rules that apply to applicants from Afghanistan.
Why JKU Linz is good value
- English bachelor's at a public-university price: six programs, including Artificial Intelligence and International Business Administration.
- Free online application: JKU states there is no fee to submit an application for admission.
- Upload first, legalise later: documents can first be uploaded without legalisation; originals or certified copies are requested only when needed.
- Two intakes for most programs: winter and summer semester.
- Linz instead of Vienna: OeAD notes that Vienna and larger cities are more expensive than average.
Tuition and fees
| Student group | Tuition | ÖH fee | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Third-country nationals | €726.72 | €26.20 | €752.92 |
| Citizens of annex countries (Tuition Fee Regulation) | €0 | €26.20 | €26.20 |
JKU's fee page refers to the annex of the Tuition Fee Regulation but does not print the list. JKU's own country rules for Afghan applicants state that Afghan citizens are exempt from tuition and pay only the ÖH fee, and TU Wien's published Annex 1 list, based on the same national rules, includes Afghanistan. Confirm your nationality with JKU's tuition office before you budget. More in our cost of studying in Austria guide.
English-taught programs
Bachelor's (3 years)
- Artificial Intelligence
- Biological Chemistry
- Chemistry and Chemical Technology (Technical Chemistry)
- International Business Administration (needs English C1)
- Quantum Science and Technology
- Transformation Studies. Art x Science
Master's (mostly 2 years)
Examples from the 20 English master's in our fact pack: Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Statistics and Data Science, Economic and Business Analytics, Economics, Global Business, Management, Leadership and Innovation in Organizations, Industrial Mathematics, Computational Mathematics, Physics, Molecular Biology, Polymer Engineering and Science, Digital Energy Solutions, and the joint Comparative Social Policy and Welfare (COSOPO). Compare with other universities in English-taught programs in Austria.
Admission requirements
| Level | Academic | English |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's | School certificate equivalent to the Austrian Matura with university access; supplementary exams may be imposed | B2: IELTS 6.5 in each skill or TOEFL iBT 88 (min. 22 per skill); C1 for International Business Administration |
| Master's | Relevant bachelor's or diploma degree; admission may be conditional on extra courses | B2; C1 (IELTS 7.0 each, TOEFL 100) for Global Business, Management, Leadership and Innovation, General Management, COSOPO |
| Doctorate | Relevant master's or diploma degree | C1 for PhD Economics (IELTS 7.0, TOEFL 100) |
- MA Management: GMAT of at least 600 (no older than two years) if your degree is not from an EU/EEA institution.
- Bangladesh, India, Pakistan: a VFS Global competence check is mandatory from the summer semester 2027.
- No agencies: JKU states that applications via agencies are unlawful and are not processed. Apply yourself.
Deadlines
| Intake | Window | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Summer semester 2027 | 6 Sep – 31 Oct 2026 | Bachelor's and master's; late applications cannot start that semester |
| Winter semester 2027/28 | 6 Feb – 31 Mar | Recurring yearly non-EU window stated by JKU |
| COSOPO joint master's, 2026/27 (last year) | 1 Jan – 31 Mar 2026 | 2027/28 dates not published yet |
JKU asks non-EU applicants to apply about six months before the semester starts, because the residence permit takes time. If you miss the summer 2027 window, aim for the winter 2027/28 window and use the extra months to prepare your English test, translations and proof of funds. Our how to apply to universities in Austria guide has a full timeline.
Applying from Afghanistan
JKU has specific rules for Afghan certificates. A Grade 12 certificate alone does not give bachelor's access: you also need at least two years of full-time study at a recognised university with 85% or more overall. An Afghan bachelor's alone does not give master's access: you need a bachelor's of at least four years plus a master's of at least two years, each with 80% or more, in the same or a related field, reviewed individually.
Legalisation conflict
JKU asks for full legalisation by the Afghan foreign ministry and the Austrian embassy, then a sworn translation. The Austrian Embassy in Islamabad says it cannot legalise Afghan documents since 1 January 2013. Use the option to upload documents first and ask JKU in writing how to proceed. See our documents and legalisation guide.
Scholarships and living costs
Apart from the tuition exemption for annex countries, the fact pack lists no general degree scholarship at JKU. Search grants.at and read our scholarships guide. OeAD estimates student living costs at about €1,300 per month on average. For the residence permit in 2026 you must show €722.58 per month under 24 or €1,308.39 from 24, for 12 months. See the Austria student visa guide.
Honest pros and cons
Benefits
- Six English-taught bachelor's, including Artificial Intelligence
- Free online application; legalisation can come later
- Public-university fee and exemption for annex countries
- Two intakes per year
Difficulties
- Early non-EU deadlines, about six months before the semester
- Strict Afghan rules for both bachelor's and master's
- Some business programs need C1 English or a GMAT
- Agency applications are rejected, so you must manage everything yourself
How to apply step by step
- 1
Choose your program
Check the JKU degree programs and the language level each one needs.
- 2
Check your eligibility
Read the country rules on the bachelor's or master's admission page.
- 3
Book your English test
Plan for IELTS 6.5 in each skill (B2) or 7.0 (C1) depending on the program.
- 4
Apply online for free
Create an account in JKU MyAdmission and upload your documents within the non-EU window.
- 5
Send originals if asked
Provide legalised originals or certified copies and sworn translations when JKU requests them.
- 6
Start the residence permit
Use your admission letter to book an appointment at the Austrian embassy responsible for your country.
Frequently asked questions
Is JKU Linz free for international students?
Most non-EU students pay €726.72 tuition plus €26.20 ÖH fee per semester. Citizens of countries in the Tuition Fee Regulation annex pay only the ÖH fee.
Does JKU have English-taught bachelor's programs?
Yes. Our fact pack lists six, including Artificial Intelligence, International Business Administration and Quantum Science and Technology.
Is there an application fee at JKU?
No. JKU states there is no fee to submit an application for admission.
When is the JKU deadline for non-EU students?
For the summer semester 2027 the non-EU window is 6 September to 31 October 2026. For the winter semester, JKU states a recurring window of 6 February to 31 March.
Can an agent apply to JKU for me?
No. JKU says applications via agencies are unlawful and are not processed, so you must submit your application personally.
Official sources
Checked on 16 October 2026. Rules, fees and dates change — always confirm on the official page before you apply.
- 1.JKU — Pay Austrian Student Union fees and tuition
- 2.JKU — Master's degree programs: register to enroll
- 3.JKU — Bachelor's degree programs: register to enroll
- 4.JKU — Academic degree programs
- 5.TU Wien — Tuition fee (Annex 1 country list)
- 6.OeAD — Residence Permit Student
- 7.Study in Austria — Living costs
- 8.Austrian Embassy Islamabad — Legalisation