Austria is certainly a top choice among international students at present times. The quality of life enjoyed by expats and citizens of Austria is one selling point tempting students to select Austria as their study abroad destination. Austria is 14^th richest country of the word by GDP. The working hours allowed to students are restricted by government to enable students keep their focus on work.

Why Students Should Study in Austria?

The accommodation is inexpensive as the government has ensured that no expat or citizen has to pay more than 25% of his/her income on rent. Post graduation opportunities are available for students according to their academic profiles and working skills and expertise. The quality of higher education is not less than the UK and Germany. Austria is although majorly a German speaking country but universities their offer plethora of courses in English medium. The general requirements of studying abroad are written below to give an overview of living in Austria as an international student:

Admissions in Austrian Universities for Students 

Admissions criteria in Austria are decided by universities themselves. You can apply for admission at an Austrian Higher education Institution through online website. For admission in an under graduate program most of the Austrian Universities take entrance examination to assess academic eligibility of the applicant. For admissions in post graduates program the merit system is simple. The university will require your academic transcripts, recommendation letter from your professors, letter of intent written by you explaining why have you chosen a certain program for pursuing your degree, language proficiency test certificate of German or English language whichever medium of instruction for your study program you have chosen and a filled application. After being selected for the program in Austrian University you will be emailed an acceptance letter from university giving you details about tuition fee or scholarship availability if any and also asking for verification of your documents from Austrian Embassy located in your country. 

Updated Student Visa of Austria Guide for Students 

Those admitted in a study program at Austrian University which has duration of six months will be issued a student visa. Whereas those admitted in a study program at an Austrian University which has duration of more than 6 months will be issued a residence permit student of Austria. To attain either of the student visa or residence permit for students the applicants need to know that the University they are taking admission in must be accredited by Government of Austria. For both type of visas, the applicants need to provide a valid travel document (passport and national identity card), clearance letter from local police station stating the you don’t have criminal charge registered against you, proof of paid tuition fee, proof of accommodation arranged in Austria for duration of your stay, Bank statement proving that you have financial resources to back your living and study expenses and language proficiency test.

How Students can Get Permanent Residence of Austria?

Austrian government has introduced 6 immigration programs based on education, skills and employment eligibility of an applicant. The students can extend their residence permit duration up to 12 months to find an employment. During this duration the can search for a job according to their qualification and professional mastery. After attaining a job contract from employer they become eligible for one of the immigration program and get Red-White-Red Card and paid accordingly. The minimum wage and employment services and facilities are controlled by Government of Austria. Upon getting Red-White-Red Card the holder is subject to all state provided privileges and sanctions expect for the right to vote. If you continue to live in Austria for 8 years un interrupted, it makes you eligible to attain citizenship of Austria on condition of clearance letter from police station proving that you has been a responsible resident throughout all these years.

Living Expenses and Study Expenses Austria for International Students 

Study Cost

People have general perception of Austria as an expensive country of Europe. When in reality it is way more reasonable in cost of living and study than other famous European countries such as the UK and Ireland. A student can expect to pay around 1450 Euros per year for a post graduation study course. The University of Vienna is the top ranked university of Austria consequently it is the most expensive one. You can expect to pay around 700 Euros per semester or it varies depending upon the citizenship of student and also depend upon time for how long you have already been studying there. The public sector universities offer a considerably low cost per year fee contrary to it private universities are quite expensive.

Living Cost

The living cost in Austria is substantially low cost. Despite being a popular study abroad destination and a tourist destination, Vienna is not expensive as London or Dublin. The universities in Austria do not offer on campus accommodation but there are private dormitories which are connected with universities or owned by universities where majority of international students reside. You can expect to pay 300 to 500 Euros per month including bills which is quite cheap owing to the fact that Austria is one of the richest countries in the world. The dormitories have all the facilities that a student can ask for; the location is near to public transports, universities, free internet, bicycle parking area, furnished kitchens, furnished bedrooms. In dormitories you can have single room, shared room, apartment, studio apartment or flat. Private housing is also not so expensive. You can expect to get a private accommodation in 300 to 500 Euros with almost same facilities as dormitories but with privacy. Food is expensive especially in winter season when finding fresh vegetables and fruits gets short due to weather.

On average a student requires approximately 800 to 1000 Euros per month to bear his/her living expenses.

Latest Student Jobs in Austria for Students 

In Austria work permit is applied by the employer on your behalf for providing you an employment contract. You will be eligible for availing all employment benefits of paid holidays, protection against unlawful and uninformed dismissal from job and sick leaves by registering your employment contract with local authorities. The wage will be settled according to law of Austria and you will be duly paid. Masters students are allowed to work for 20 hours a week and Bachelors students are allowed to work for 10 hours a week. There are plenty of job options for students in Austria and on average a student can earn 800 to 1000 Euros per month.

Health Insurance for Austria International Students

What health insurance covers:

• Doctor and hospital visits

• Medicans 

• Mental health 

• Prescription drugs

• Medical devices and more 

Austria is one the richest countries of the world, it has excelling education system, home to top ranked universities, safe and secure environment, post graduation visa option, it ranks in top 15 countries of the world in terms of highest quality of life, modern education environment focusing on developing skills of students, located in the heart of Europe with breathtaking natural landscapes and clean atmosphere. There is serene, calm and peaceful side of Austria and on the other hand it is home to 9 World Heritage Sites nominated by UNESCO and full of recreational activities like skiing, climbing, hiking and water sports.

Austria is 14^th richest state in the world in terms of GDP. Though it is modestly populated but Austria is a well developed country that hosts international students in its universities from around the globe. . Degrees attained from Austrian Universities own global recognition and regarded with high prestige. Austrian Universities offer modern teaching facility, equipped campuses with academic necessities, research oriented education and unconventional learning environment to students.

Austrian Universities hold top positions in world university rankings because of high standard education. High quality of life, working permission while studying and post graduation visa are tempting international students to choose Austria as their study abroad destination. Before making a final decision to study abroad in Austria, read the general admission requirements in Austrian Universities.

Making a Right Choice of University

Austria is mainly a German language speaking country. Only 25 to 35% people in Austria speak English. International students are mostly resided and studying in Vienna, the capital city of Austria. While choosing a university in Austria make sure you find English taught course if you do not have any German language skills. The academic excellence of Austrian Universities is considered as equivalent to UK’s universities. The best way to pick a most suitable university of Austria is to check their international rankings, the affordability of fee structure, availability of on campus accommodation, scholarships and city of its location

Making a Right Choice of Study Programme

Admissions eligibility may differ from programme to programme. You are likely to find all kind of courses of various academic spectrums in Austrian Universities. The challenge will be to find English taught course especially for under graduate level. Post graduate programmes in most of Austrian Universities are offered in both German and English languages. Upon picking a study program consider if it interests you and also consider its career scope.

How Students can Apply in Austrian Universities?

Method of admission application at Austrian Universities is through online medium of website.

• You can directly apply at an Austrian University after choosing a program.

• The university will send you admission requirements details and eligibility criteria or merit through email.

• The admission requirement may vary from one Austrian university to other.

• The students must note that a few Austrian Universities take entrance examinations to assess academic capabilities of students for admissions.

• The students will be notified by email if the study program they have chosen requires an entrance exam or not.

• Especially for an under graduate program in Austria the admission criteria is bit strict and an entry examination is taken. 

Documents Required for Admissions in Austria for Students

• A Completely Filled Admission Form

• High School  Diploma for Admission in Under Graduate Program/Bachelors Degree for Admission in Post Graduate (Masters Program)/ Masters Degree or Equivalent for Admission in Post Graduate (PhD Program)

• A Few of Austrian Universities Will Require You to Have Some German Language Skills for Under Graduate Programs Because in Austria Under Graduate Programs are At Least Partially Taught in German Language

• For German Taught Courses You Must Prove German Language Proficiency By Passing Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache (TestDaF)or others which will be notified to you by University itself

• English Language Proficiency Tests Like IELTS or TOEFL or Cambridge for Admissions in English Taught Course

• NON-EU students who have completed their previous degree such as High School Diploma, Bachelors or Masters degree from a NON-EU State can only apply for those disciplined which they have studies previously. For example a degree holder of humanities discipline cannot take admissions in business administration course.

• Students applying for applied sciences courses would be required to provide a professional experience

• Copy of Your National ID Card and Passport

• Transcripts of Your Academic Certificates

• Recommendation Letters (From your professor stating that your are eligible to take admission in the intended course)

• Letter of Intent (Written by the applicant stating why he/she wants to take admission in the certain course and explain their interest in the field)

• All the Academic Certificates and Documents Must be Verified and Originals

• The Transcripts Must be Translated in German Language and Also Original Copies Must be Attached

• Admissions Deadlines are September 1^st for Winter Sessions and February 1^st is Admission Deadline for Summer Session

• Academic Certificates (Matriculation, Intermediate, Bachelors, Masters and any other character certificate that had been issued to you by your academic institute)

• Attested Birth Certificate (To Verify Your Actual Date of Birth The Embassy Will Send Its Representative at Local Counselor’s Office for Re Verification and Might Visit Your Residence for Inquiry)

• Letter of Clearance From Police That There is Not Any Legal Case Registered on Your Name

Taking Assistance of a Top Study Abroad Consultant in

The admission process of Austria is a bit complex and it requires through detail. In case of a slight mistake and delay in arrangement of documents the admission acceptance can be denied. The study abroad consultants are well trained in the process of study abroad. It is always better to take aid of consultants to avoid delay and cancellation chances of admissions in visa.

Austria is well heeled country with exceptional higher education system. The living and study costs in Austria for international students are considerably low than other European countries despite having been known as an expensive tourist destination. The accommodation cost is affordable in Austria but the cost of food is high especially in winter season when fresh fruits and vegetables are deficient. The EU and EEA students can study free of cost or in low cost in public universities of Austria. While Non-EU students have to pay tuition fee and accommodation charges which are also not very high cost. International students are allowed to work 20 hours a week in Austria and they are paid enough to afford their living expenses. On average the living costs and study costs in Austria are estimated for your discernment in the following guide.

Cost of Study in Austrian Universities for Students 

The public universities in Austria charge low cost tuition fees than private universities.

Fee of Public Universities of Austria for International Students

If you are coming from EU then study in Austrian public universities is free of cost or low cost. Some public universities charge 363 EUR per semester from EU students as well. Especially for the programs of applied sciences the public universities charge tuition fee. But those coming from Non-EU countries have to pay on average 363.36-726.72 Euros per semester tuition fee and accommodation charges are not included in it. The fee can be different depending on the study program and academic level. (Visit Admissions Section to Get Details about Requirements of Austrian Universities)

Fee of Private Universities of Austria for Students

The private universities in Austria set their own fee packages for EU and Non-EU students/. The tuition fee can vary from one university to another. But on average private universities in Austria charge from 1,000 EUR to 40,000 EUR/year. The fee can be different for program to program. Especially for Post Graduate Programs such as Masters and PhD the fee can be charged quite high.

Scholarships and Funding by Austria for Students

There are many private and public organizations that offer scholarships and financial aid to international students for studying in Austria. The eligibility to avail scholarship can be known from your selected university’s information office. Here are list of scholarships programs in Austria for International students.

• OFID Scholarship for International Students in Austria 2019/20 (The OPEC Fund for International Development gives financial aid to students belonging from developing countries to study in Austria. The eligibility criteria can be known from OPEC website.

•  Summer Undergraduate Fellowships at Vienna Biocenter Summer School in Austria, (Applicants from around the globe can apply for this scholarship program. The eligibility criteria to avail this scholarship can be known from website of  Vienna Biocenter Summer School in Austria)

•  ÖAW ESQ Open Call for PostDoc Fellowships for Experienced International Researchers in Austria, 2019 (Researchers from around the globe are invited to avail this scholarship. The eligibility criteria to avail this scholarship can be known from ESQ website)

• Full and Partial Master Scholarships for International Students at MODUL University Vienna in Austria, 2019 (International students from anywhere in the world can apply for MODUL University’s scholarship the eligibility criteria from the University’s website. It is a private university of Austria)

• Helmut Veith Stipend for Female in Computer Science at TU Wien in Austria, 2019 (this scholarship is for Masters in Computer. The applicants can belong to any nationality and must note that it is only for female student intending to do Masters in Computer Science or other Computer Science Majors).

Tuition fee of Austria’s Top Ranked Universities for International Students

• University of Vienna: On average per semester fee for Non-EU students is 726.72 Euro. The fee can be different for different academic programs and levels

• University of Innsbruck: On average the per year tuition fee is around 1,450 Euros/ per year

• Vienna University of Technology: On average the per year tuition fee is around 1,500 EUR/year

Estimated Cost of Living in Austria 

The cost of living is dependable on your chosen location and city in Austria. The accommodation rents and cost of other facilities are naturally high in urban cities. In rural areas the cost of living is notably low. A person’s lifestyle and spending habits also radically affect day to day expenses. As an international student residing in Austria for Bachelors course you are allowed to work 10 hours a week and as a Masters or PhD student you are allowed to work for 20 hours a week. The general daily routine living expenses including rent are estimated below:

Accommodation Rent

On Campus: The university accommodation will be least expensive option for international students. The rents can be different from one university to another but on average the rent can be between 250 Euros to 400 Euros.

One Bedroom Apartment in an Urban City like Vienna:  The rent will be between 600 Euros to 800 Euros.

One Bedroom Apartment in Rural Areas or Small Town: The rent will be between 500 Euros to 700 Euros.

Three Bedroom Apartments in an Urban City: The rent will be between 1200 Euros to 1600 Euros.

Three Bedroom Apartments in Rural Areas or Small Town: The rent will be between 1000 Euros to 1200 Euros.

Food and Drinks

One time meal in a restaurant for one person: 12 Euros

Coke/Pepsi Can: 2.64 Euros

A Bottle of Water: 2.09 Euros

1 Liter Milk: 1.08 Euros

Loaf of Bread: 1.83 Euros

Rice (1 Kg): 1.83 Euros

A Dozen Eggs: 2.99 Euros

1 Kg Chicken: 10.32 Euros

1 Kg Beef: 17.04 Euros

1 Kg Apples: 2.34 Euros

Onion 1 Kg: 1.32 Euros

Potato 1 Kg: 1.47 Euros

Tomato 1 Kg: 2.24 Euros

Transport

One way ticket in a public transport will cost: 2.40 Euros

Monthly Pass of Public Transportation: 45.30 Euros

Taxi Rate per Ride on Average: 4.00 Euros

Monthly Utility Bills 

Combine basic bills of electricity, heating, cooling and water per month on average cost: 177.58 Euros

Per month internet bill for 60 Mbps speed: 29.47 Euros

Entertainment and Recreational Expenditures

Cinema Ticket: 10.00 Euros

Fee of Joining a Fitness Club per Month: 30.12 Euros

Student Concessions

International or local students are being given concessions on transport, cinema tickets and on entry tickets of recreational and historical venues. The students can use their university identity cards to avail student concessions.

Per Month Expenses of an International Student Residing in Austria:

On average an international student can expect per month expenses to be around 900 to 1200 Euros. If you live in shared apartments or university accommodation then this cost can be cut even lower.