Study in Austria

The general cost of living in Austria is low when compared to other European Union (EU) countries, which is good news for students who want some spare cash to spend on discovering their new home. With over 87,000 international students currently studying in Austria who enjoy a high standard of living and low tuition fees.

Situated in the heart of Europe, Austria is famous for its culture, particularly in the arts. As a student, you'll be able to enjoy plenty of art exhibitions, concerts, theatre performances, and festivals usually at a discounted rate. The country's mountainous landscape caters for sporting types, particularly those with a taste for skiing, hiking, and climbing.

Austrian universities

Five different types of institutions offer postgraduate degrees in Austria. These include:

Public universities offer a full range of higher education courses. Lecturers are continuously carrying out academic research.
Private universities are more autonomous. Lecturers are free to design their own courses, and the institution is able to set its own fees and manage admissions.
Teacher training colleges specifically offer postgraduate teaching courses, as the name suggests.
Universities of applied sciences (UAS) offer students courses with a vocational focus, through work placements, internships, and profession-based learning.
Universities of the arts are for students who wish to study music, drama, film, fine arts, or applied arts.

Five of Austria's universities appear in the top 500 of the World University Rankings. The University of Vienna ranks the highest and is followed by:

Vienna University of Technology
Universität Innsbruck
Graz University of Technology
Johannes Kepler University Linz.

In Austria, the academic year consists of two semesters, the winter semester which starts 1st October to 30th January, and the summer semester which starts 1st March to 30st September.

Degree courses in Austria

Austrian universities have now adopted the three-tier system of a Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. but you'll find that some institutions still offer the Diploma Programme, especially in the fields of medicine and engineering.

Master's degree compared to the undergraduate level, you'll find a wider selection of Master's programmes taught in English.

They're available in a range of subjects, measured in semesters, and will usually take two to four semesters approximately two years to complete.

The highest level of qualification available which is Ph.D. is predominantly delivered at public universities and can be studied in both English and German.

You can expect to complete research towards a thesis over three years, which you'll present to an examination committee before taking their questions. As part of the course, you'll also receive training towards completing your thesis in areas such as research methods, completing a literature review, and additional help with analyzing statistics and applying them to your work.

The main language of instruction at Austrian universities is German, but you’ll be happy to know that you can find numerous English-taught Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Austria.

English-Taught Universities in Austria

Here are a few universities we recommend in Austria:

Here are the best English-taught universities in Austria according to the latest QS Rankings by TopUniversities:

University of Vienna
Vienna University of Technology
Graz University of Technology
University of Innsbruck
Johannes Kepler University Linz
University of Klagenfurt
Karl-Franzens-Universitaet Graz
Paris Lodron University of Salzburg

How to know if an Austrian university teaches in English.

First, when applying for a degree in Austria, you should check more information about the language requirements for your degree.

Austrian universities and colleges might list additional English-taught programmes on their web pages. In this case, you’ll have to do a bit of research to find out if those programmes are taught in English or if they’re open to international students. Should you struggle to find this information, don’t hesitate to contact the university directly.

To apply at English-taught academic institutions in Austria, you’ll have to pass one of the following widely accepted English language tests:

PTE Academic
IELTS Academic
TOEFL iBT

Application requirements at English-taught universities in Austria

Here are the most common application requirements at English-taught universities in Austria:

Previous diplomas: high-school, Bachelor’s, or Master’s
Academic tranb of records or grades
Proof of English language proficiency
Letters of recommendation
Personal essay or statement
Copy of ID or passport
Up to 4 passport-size photos
Proof of financial support (if required)

How to apply

You'll submit your application directly to the university you're hoping to join. Some institutions offer online applications, while for others you'll have to download an application form and apply by post.

The application process can be lengthy, in some cases taking up to six months, so you're encouraged to apply as early as possible to allow time for your application to be processed.

Austrians are strict about administrative procedures - deadlines are non-negotiable and you should make sure you've supplied the correct documents.

For entry onto a Master’s you'll need:

A degree certificate
Official tranbs of courses
Proof of language proficiency to the course's stipulated level
A copy of your passport.

You may also have to supply a personal statement, CV or portfolio or sit entrance examinations, depending on where you study.