Study in Austria as an International Student: Complete 2027 Guide

Yes, you can study in Austria as a non-EU student, in English, for a relatively low fee. At public universities, third-country students generally pay €726.72 per semester plus a compulsory €26.20 student union (ÖH) fee, and many master's programs are fully taught in English.

This guide walks you through the whole journey: choosing a program, meeting the entry requirements, applying, getting the Residence Permit – Student, budgeting, and what happens after graduation. Every figure comes from an official Austrian source, and each step links to a deeper guide.

Why international students choose Austria

Austria combines low public tuition, a central European location and a large choice of English-taught master's programs. The academic year normally runs from 1 October to 30 September: the winter semester starts on 1 October and the summer semester on 1 March, according to Study in Austria.

• Low public tuition: €726.72 per semester for third-country students at public universities, as listed by Study in Austria.
• Fee waivers for some nationalities: universities such as the University of Vienna, TU Wien, WU Vienna, BOKU and the University of Innsbruck waive tuition for citizens of least developed countries, including Afghanistan.
• English-taught programs: especially at master's level, in fields such as data science, engineering, economics, life sciences and business.
• Clear permit rules: the student permit is a single, well-documented category with published financial thresholds.

There are also real challenges: legalising documents can take months, embassy appointments can be slow, and almost all bachelor's programs at public universities are taught in German. We cover those honestly in studying in Austria: pros and cons.

Types of institutions in Austria

Universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen) are more practice-oriented and often have fixed study places and earlier application windows. Some charge very little: the University of Applied Sciences Burgenland states it generally charges no tuition fees, though third-country applicants pay a €350 deposit before their application is reviewed.

Step 1: Find an English-taught program

Start with the official database studienwahl.at – programmes in English, then read each program's page on the university website. Most English-taught options at public universities are master's and PhD programs. If you want a bachelor's in English, look at institutions such as JKU Linz, the University of Klagenfurt, Montanuniversität Leoben or universities of applied sciences like CU Carinthia.

Our full list of where to look, with language score requirements by university, is in English-taught programs in Austria.

Step 2: Check the entry requirements

For a bachelor's, you need a school-leaving certificate equivalent to the Austrian one that also qualifies you for university study in your home country. For a master's, you need a relevant bachelor's of at least 180 ECTS (six semesters). A PhD needs a master's in the same field, as explained by Study in Austria.

Universities may prescribe supplementary examinations if your schooling differs significantly, for example fewer than 12 years of school. Programs such as medicine, psychology, business or computer science can have entrance exams. Read Austria university admission requirements for details.

Step 3: Apply directly to each university

There is no central application portal in Austria. You apply to each university, FH or private university, usually online. The general closing dates are 5 September for the winter semester and 5 February for the summer semester, but many universities set earlier windows for non-EU applicants.

For example, at the University of Vienna non-EU applicants for programs without an entrance exam applied from 22 June to 3 August 2026 for the winter semester 2026/27, and can apply from 16 November 2026 to 7 January 2027 for the summer semester 2027. Winter semester 2027/28 dates are not published yet. The full process is in how to apply to universities in Austria.

Step 4: Prepare documents, legalisation and translations

Foreign certificates must usually be legalised or carry an apostille, depending on the issuing country. Documents not in German or English need a translation by a sworn, court-certified translator, done after legalisation so the stamps are translated too. This step can take several months, so start early. Our documents, translation and legalisation guide explains each route.

Step 5: Get the Residence Permit – Student

Non-EU nationals staying more than six months for degree studies need the Residence Permit – Student. You apply in person at the Austrian embassy or consulate responsible for your place of residence, before entering Austria. The authority decides within 90 days of a complete application, and you then receive a visa D to travel and collect your permit card.

Step-by-step instructions, the full checklist and embassy tips are in our Austria student visa guide.

Step 6: Budget for costs

OeAD estimates average student living costs at about €1,300 per month, based on the Studierenden-Sozialerhebung 2025, with Vienna and larger cities more expensive. Universities do not automatically give you a room, so search for housing early. See cost of studying in Austria for a full budget, and scholarships in Austria for funding options, which are honestly limited for full degrees.

Step 7: Arrive, register and enrol

1. 1

   Register your address

   Register at the local registration office within three working days of arrival, using the Meldezettel form signed by your landlord.

2. 2

   Enrol in person

   Complete enrolment at the university within its admission period and pay your fees.

3. 3

   Take out health insurance

   Degree students can take out ÖGK student self-insurance after arrival and enrolment.

4. 4

   Collect your permit card

   Collect the card from the residence authority (in Vienna, MA 35) within the validity of your visa D.

5. 5

   Renew every year

   Show 16 ECTS credits (or eight semester hours) of study success per academic year when you renew.

Working during and after your studies

With a Residence Permit – Student you can get an employment permit for up to 20 hours per week. Your employer applies to the Public Employment Service (AMS) before you start. After graduation, you can apply for a one-time 12-month extension to look for work or start a business, then switch to a permit such as the Red-White-Red Card for graduates. Full details: work and stay in Austria after graduation.

Applying from Afghanistan or Pakistan

Austria has no embassy in Kabul. The Austrian Embassy Islamabad covers both Pakistan and Afghanistan. Residence permit appointments are requested by email using the embassy's appointment request form, and the embassy warns that waiting times may be longer because of high demand.

• The Austrian Embassy cannot legalise documents issued by Afghan authorities (since 1 January 2013).
• The University of Vienna accepts Afghan documents with only the Afghan Ministry of Education and Ministry of Foreign Affairs attestations; other universities may have their own rules.
• If you live in another country, such as Iran, you apply at the Austrian embassy responsible for that country.
• The embassy warns about fake phone numbers and agents. It does not work with intermediaries.

Your timeline at a glance

Deadlines change every year and differ by university and by nationality. To see each university's official dates in one place, track deadlines for free on FindUniPath, and browse all Austria guides on the Austria country hub.