Vienna
Capital city and Austria’s biggest student hub: University of Vienna, TU Wien, WU Vienna and the Medical University of Vienna.
High-quality European education at affordable tuition fees, in the heart of Europe.
Austria at a glanceScience · Technology · Engineering · Management · Pharmacy
Austria offers students the opportunity to experience high-quality European education at comparatively affordable tuition fees, along with a safe, multicultural and internationally connected environment. The country has a strong tradition of higher education, internationally oriented institutions and a growing range of English-taught programmes.
Austria's higher-education system has 77 institutions: universities, universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen) and teacher training colleges. Public universities charge non-EU students €726.72* per semester, one of the lowest tuition fees in Western Europe, and around 580 programmes are taught in English.
So, along with a world-class degree, you get to live in the heart of Europe, in one of the safest countries in the world, with easy travel to Germany, Italy, Switzerland and beyond.
Talk to an expertKey advantages for international students:
Austria offers comparatively low tuition fees, particularly when compared with many other popular Western European study destinations.
Excellent location for international exposure and travel across Europe.
Austria has a diverse higher-education system comprising universities and universities of applied sciences.
Strong emphasis on practical education, industry engagement and employability.
Austria currently has around 580 English-taught programmes listed across its higher-education institutions.
International students currently account for around 30% of Austria's student population.
A combination of safety, culture, nature and a high-quality European lifestyle.
Let our experts guide you in your study abroad journey
Austria offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes at public universities, universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen) and private universities. Around 580 programmes are taught in English, most of them at master's level. Popular fields for Indian students include:
Eligibility depends on the programme and the university, and each university checks your documents individually. The general requirements to study in Austria are:
A school-leaving certificate recognised as equivalent to the Austrian Matura (general university entrance qualification). Some universities accept the Indian Class 12 certificate, while others ask for an entrance examination or completed university study. Your counsellor checks the rules of your chosen university.
A completed bachelor's degree (usually 3 years / 180 ECTS or more) in a related subject. Some universities, such as the University of Graz, ask Indian applicants for a document competence check through VFS Global.
English-taught programmes usually ask for B2 level or higher, for example IELTS Academic 6.0–7.5 or TOEFL iBT 80+, depending on the programme.
German-taught programmes need German at B2–C1 level. Many universities offer a preparatory German course (Vorstudienlehrgang) before you start.
Universities of applied sciences and popular programmes such as medicine, psychology and business have limited places, so they hold an entrance test or interview.
Download a checklist for each stage and tick items off as you collect them.
The documents commonly needed to apply to universities in Austria, from transcripts and test scores to your SOP and recommendation letters.
What you will typically need for the Austria student visa, from your passport and offer letter to proof of funds.
Public universities in Austria charge non-EU students one of the lowest tuition fees in Western Europe. Living costs depend on the city: Vienna, Salzburg and Innsbruck cost more than Graz or Linz. Here is an approximate breakdown of the cost of studying in Austria:
| Expenses | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (public universities, non-EU students) | €726.72* per semester (about €1,453.44* per year) |
| Student Union (ÖH) Fee | about €25* per semester |
| Universities of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschulen) | €726.72 – €7,500* per semester, depending on the programme |
| Private Universities | €2,000 – €25,000* per year |
| Accommodation | €250 – €450* per month (shared flat) about €450* per month (student hall) |
| Health Insurance (ÖGK student self-insurance) | €78.84* per month |
| Total Living Costs | €1,000 – €1,400* per month, depending on the city |
| Residence Permit Application Fee | €218* (one-time) |
For the residence permit you must also show funds of €722.58* per month (under 24) or €1,308.39* per month (24 and over) for 12 months in advance (2026 figures).
Austria has one of the highest average salaries in the EU, at about €52,665* gross a year. Healthcare, IT, consulting, finance and sales are among the best-paid fields, and skilled graduates can move to the Red-White-Red Card or EU Blue Card after their studies.
Here's a look at some of the highest-paying jobs in Austria:
| Job Role | Average Annual Salary (Gross) |
|---|---|
| Doctor | €76,500* |
| Software Architect | €70,200* |
| Program Project Manager | €69,900* |
| Tax Advisor | €64,900* |
| Country Manager | €64,500* |
| Key Account Manager | €64,400* |
| SAP Consultant | €62,600* |
| IT Project Manager | €61,200* |
| Sales Manager | €61,000* |
| Finance and Accounting Specialist | €60,300* |
Students with a Residence Permit – Student can work up to 20 hours a week. Your employer applies for the work permit (Beschäftigungsbewilligung) before you start. Popular student jobs and typical pay:
| Job | Typical Pay |
|---|---|
| Café / Restaurant Staff | €10 – €12* per hour |
| Working Student / Internship in Your Field | €12 – €18* per hour |
| University Student Assistant (Tutor, Research) | Set by the university's pay scale |
Earnings up to €551.10* per month (2026) count as marginal employment, with lower deductions.
And more.
Where most international students in Austria live and study.
Capital city and Austria’s biggest student hub: University of Vienna, TU Wien, WU Vienna and the Medical University of Vienna.
A UNESCO World Heritage old town, home to the University of Salzburg and the Mozarteum University.
An Alpine university city: University of Innsbruck, MCI | The Entrepreneurial School and the Medical University of Innsbruck.
With 6,413+ success stories and a 97% visa approval rate in the last intake, Career Gyan has a strong record of getting students to their chosen university.
With our own office in Germany, we know European admissions, document legalisation and residence-permit rules first-hand.
We work with 2,569+ universities worldwide, so you can compare Austrian options with the rest of Europe.
From shortlisting and SOPs to proof of funds, health insurance, accommodation and your residence permit, we support you at every step.
Our counsellors understand your academic profile, career goals, budget and preferred countries.
A balanced list of ambitious, safe and best-fit universities from 2569+ partners.
SOPs, LORs and applications prepared and submitted, with university follow-ups.
We help you review your offers and accept the one that fits your goals.
Documentation, application and interview preparation for a hassle-free visa.
Answers for Indian students planning to study in Austria.
Requirements differ by university and course, so your counsellor will confirm the exact criteria for your shortlist.
* Approximate figures. Actual costs vary by university and city and are subject to change.
Visa rules and fees change, so we confirm the latest requirements with you before you apply.
Speak with a Career Gyan counsellor about your course, country and university options.