Studying in Austria: FAQ

Considering Masters study in Austria? With its low tuition fees (free for EU/EEA students), historic universities and excellent quality of life, it’s no wonder that over 75,000 international students choose to study their Masters in Austria each year.

To help you get started, we’ve put together a list of common questions about studying in Austria.

#1 How much does it cost to study a Masters in Austria?

For EU or EEA nationals, Masters study is free as long as you complete your degree on time! If you’re not from an EU or EEA country then you’ll have to pay, but not as much as in other European countries. You’ll be charged a fee per semester, usually around €726 so if you’re studying a two-year (four semester) course, then you’ll be paying around €2,904 in total. Some Science courses might be more expensive if you’re studying at a Fachhochschule (University of Applied Sciences) so check with your institution for specific fees.

In addition to any tuition fees you have to pay, you’ll also need to pay a Students' Union fee of around €20 per semester, which includes Austria’s compulsory student accident insurance fee.

#2 Can I get funding to study a Masters in Austria?

You might not be paying a hefty tuition fee but you’ll still need money to live in Austria. There are a number of scholarships available for Masters study in Austria including from Austrian universities (these are usually merit or needs-based), from the Austrian government, the European Commission’s Erasmus Programme (which includes Joint Masters degrees and mobility grants as well as the loan) and the Council on International Education Exchange (specifically for American students).

#3 Where can I study a postgraduate degree in Austria?

Austria has three types of universities offering Masters courses: public, private and universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschule). If you’re interested in teaching then you can go to a specialist university college of teacher education (Pädagogische Hochschulen).

#4 How long does it take to do a Masters in Austria?

Depending on the subject and your situation, a Masters in Austria usually lasts between one and two years.

#5 What types of Masters degree can I study in Austria?

Austria is signed up to the Bologna Process so offers modern postgraduate Masters degrees awarding MA (Master of Arts), MSc (Master of Science) and similar qualifications. However, you may see references to a Diploma programme at some institutions and it’s worth noting that these usually cover the period of study for an undergraduate and postgraduate degree.

#6 How are Masters courses graded in Austria?

Masters courses in Austria use the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS). A two-year Masters degree at a university is normally worth 120-150 ECTS credits. A shorter, one-year course at a Fachhochschule is normally worth 60.

You’ll be assessed on a unit-by-unit basis, with each unit carrying a designated ECTS credit value along with your dissertation (if required). Your performance across individual units and the final dissertation will then be used to calculate an overall result.

#7 What are the entry requirements for Masters study in Austria?

While entry requirements for Masters courses in Austria can differ depending on the subject and institution, it’s more than likely you’ll need a Bachelors degree (or equivalent), worth at least 180 ECTS credits (all three-year European undergraduate degrees should satisfy this requirement). In most cases, this degree should be in a related field to your Masters.

Particularly selective (and competitive) courses may set additional entry exams or ask for scores from common postgraduate admissions tests such as the GMAT or GRE.

#8 Where will I live as an international student in Austria?

For most students, either living in a dedicated student house or a private rental will be the preferred option. Which one you choose is up to you. If you’re doing a one-year Masters, you might opt for student housing, but if you’re planning on being there for two years then you may want to find a private rental for a group of you in your second year.

#9 Do I need a visa to study in Austria?

Whether you need a visa to study in Austria will depend on your nationality.

If you’re an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen then you can stay in Austria for up to three months, after this you will need to apply for Confirmation of Registration (Anmeldebescheinigung).

If you’re not an EU, EEA or Swiss national then you’ll need to apply for an entry visa and a Student Residence Permit (Aufenthaltsbewilligung Studierende). You’ll need to do this before you travel to Austria.

You’ll also need to register as a resident in your local area. You can do this at your nearest Registration Office.

#10 Do I need health insurance as an international student in Austria?

If you’re an international student then you’ll have to have a valid health insurance policy to study in Austria. There are a couple of additional requirements depending on where you’re from.

If you’re an EU or EEA citizen then you’ll be covered by your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). If you don’t have one, make sure you get one as it shows that there is a reciprocal healthcare agreement between your home country and Austria.

If you’re from Bosnia and Herzogovina, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia or Turkey, you’ll also be covered by separate reciprocal healthcare agreements with Austria. Make sure you get an A3 form from the national health insurance provider in your home country to show this. You can then exchange this for an Austrian healthcare form (referred to as a Krankenkassenschecks).

If you’re from a different country that doesn’t have a reciprocal healthcare agreement then you’ll need to get private cover or take out a policy with a local public healthcare provider (Gebietskrankenkassen) in Austria.

#11 Can I work whilst studying in Austria?

The short answer is yes you can! But if you’re an international student then there are some restrictions on the number of hours you can work. You’ll also need to check for additional permits required based on your nationality and visa status.

If you’re from the EU, the EEA or Switzerland then you can work freely in Austria without a permit. Everyone else will need to apply for a work permit, subject to holding a valid residence permit, and will be allowed to work up to 20 hours per week.

However, this doesn’t apply to internships or placements that are part of your Masters course. You don’t need a permit to complete those and they don’t count towards your total hours worked.

#12 Can I work in Austria after graduating?

Yes, but there are conditions based on where you’re from and your visa status.

If you’re from the EU or EEA, you can work in Austria freely provided your resident permit stays valid. Everyone else can apply for a Red-White-Red-Card (Rot-Weiss-Rot-Karte). This is valid for up to 24 months and entitles you to live and work in Austria provided you meet a minimum standard of income and have adequate health insurance and accommodation.