How to Apply to Universities in Austria

Q: Do I need to pay tuition at Austrian universities?

EU/EEA students pay only a semester fee of approximately €363. Non-EU students pay tuition of €726 per semester at public universities — one of the lowest non-EU tuition rates in Western Europe. Some programs (WU Vienna English master's) have higher international tuition.

Q: Is Vienna a good city for international students?

Vienna consistently ranks among the world's most livable cities. It has outstanding public transport, a rich cultural scene, and moderate living costs compared to London or Zurich. The city has a large, established international student community.

Direct application to Vienna, Graz, Innsbruck, and Austrian universities.

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Application Route Direct to each university

Language Options German & English (master's)

Processing Time 4–8 weeks

Visa Required Non-EU: Yes

Austrian universities operate a direct application system. Most programs are taught in German, but WU Vienna, TU Vienna, and several others offer English-taught master's programs that are popular with international students. The key first step is credential recognition, which can take several months.

Research programs and universities

Use studienwahl.at and the individual university websites to find programs. Note whether your target program is selective (with an entrance exam or limited places) or open access.

Check credential equivalency

Austrian universities compare foreign qualifications to Austrian standards. The NARIC Austria service (anabin equivalent) can be consulted. For some degrees, a formal Nostrifizierung (credential recognition) is required — this takes 3–6 months and costs approximately €150.

Start the Nostrifizierung process as soon as you decide to apply — it is the biggest time bottleneck.

Prepare language documentation

German-taught programs require a German language certificate at B2 or C1 (Goethe, ÖSD, TestDaF). English-taught programs require IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL 90+.

Submit your application

Each university has its own online portal. University of Vienna uses u:space; WU Vienna uses its own system; TU Vienna has a separate portal. Submit all documents before the stated deadline.

WU Vienna English master's programs have an early February deadline — act fast.

Entrance exam or interview (selective programs)

Some programs (medicine at MedUni Wien, law at Vienna, selective master's) require an entrance examination. These are announced after your initial application is reviewed.

Receive admission and apply for visa

Once accepted, apply for an Austrian Student Residence Permit (Aufenthaltsstitel Studierender) at the Austrian embassy in your home country. Prepare: acceptance letter, proof of funds (€1,000/month), health insurance, and accommodation proof.

The Austrian residence permit must be applied for before arrival — unlike some EU countries, you cannot apply inside Austria.

Enroll and register in Austria

Complete enrollment at the university (Immatrikulation) after arriving. Register your address at the Meldeamt within 3 days of arrival.