Masters Study in Austria – A Guide for 2026

From cities like Vienna to the Alps, Austria is a popular choice for Masters students. It offers well-known universities, a good range of Masters courses, and degrees that are recognised across Europe and beyond.

I’ve put together this guide to explain how Masters study in Austria works, including how universities are set up, what types of degrees you can take, how much they cost, and how to apply so you can work out if Austria is right for you.

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Austria sits in the centre of Europe and has a long history of higher education. It’s home to well-established universities, a strong international student community, and a high quality of life.

Here are a few reasons Masters students choose Austria:

• International feel: Around one in five students in Austria comes from overseas.

• Affordable study: EU and EEA students usually pay no tuition fees, and fees for non-EU students are still relatively low.

• Historic universities: Some of Austria’s universities are among the oldest in Europe.

• Good quality of life: Austria regularly ranks highly for healthcare, housing and the environment.

Although Austria is a relatively small country, with a population of around 9.13 million, it’s lucky enough to have a good selection of vibrant student cities to choose from. There's Vienna, Innsbruck, Graz, Salzburg and Linz

Austrian universities appear in all three major global rankings systems – befitting a country with some of Europe's most historic cities and universities.

The highest ranked university in Austria is also the country's oldest: the University of Vienna appears in the top 200 of all three major ranking systems.

Course types

Austria used to award Diploma (Diplomstudium) or Magister programmes, which combined undergraduate and postgraduate study into one long course. Most of these are being replaced by modern Masters degrees (MA, MSc) under the Bologna Process, which follow a separate three-year Bachelor’s degree.

Austrian Masters degree grades

Different types of university in Austria use slightly different grading formats.

Public universities use a four-band grading system:

A fifth grade band Nicht Genügend denotes failed work.

Universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschule) also use four grade bands, but do not give these numeric values:

Any work that falls below these standards is considered to have Failed and will not lead to the award of a degree.

Private universities in Austria are free to design and administer their own assessment and grading systems (though their degree programs must still be officially accredited). In practice these may be similar to those used by Public institutions, but there is no requirement that they adopt the same bands or descriptions.

Tuition fees

• EU/EEA students can usually study a Masters for free, as long as they finish on time (minimum duration plus up to two extra semesters). After that, the fee is around €363 per semester.
• Non-EU/EEA students usually pay €727 per semester, making a typical two-year Masters about €2,907.
• Fachhochschulen (applied sciences) may charge up to €363 per semester, even for EU students.

Other costs

• Administrative fees, including student union membership and accident insurance, are around €20 per semester (€80.80 for a two-year programme).
• You’ll also need enough money for living costs and to meet your visa requirements.

Funding and scholarships

• Many Austrian universities offer merit- or need-based scholarships.
• The Austrian Government provides grants and scholarships for international students.
• The Erasmus+ programme funds joint Masters degrees, mobility grants, and Masters Loans.
• US students can check the Council on International Educational Exchange for Global Access Initiative (GAIN) or merit-based grants.

There’s no central system for applications – you apply directly to the university offering your chosen programme. Deadlines are usually in September for an October start, but it’s best to start earlier to allow time for visas and document preparation. Universities often accept a projected Bachelor’s result if your degree isn’t complete yet.

Entry requirements:

You’ll need a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent (at least 180 ECTS) in a related subject. Some competitive programmes may require additional entry exams or GMAT/GRE scores.

Required documents:

• Degree certificate (or proof of expected graduation)
• Official transcripts, including ECTS credits or Diploma Supplement
• Proof of German or English language proficiency
• Passport copy
• Optional: CV, personal statement, academic references, or portfolio
• All documents must be official; translations must be certified if not in German

Language requirements:

Most programmes are taught in German, but an increasing number of Masters are offered in English. For German courses, you’ll usually need DSH II or equivalent; for English courses, a TOEFL or IELTS score is normally required if you’re not a native speaker.

To study in Austria as an international student, you need to know the visa and residence rules for your nationality:

• EU/EEA/Swiss students: You can enter Austria freely for up to three months. After that, you must register locally at your university’s magistrate or immigration office to get a Confirmation of Registration (Anmeldebescheinigung). The fee is normally €15.

• Non-EU/EEA/Swiss students: You need a visa and a Student Residence Permit (Aufenthaltsbewilligung Studierende) before entering Austria. Visa C allows stays up to three months (90 days), and Visa D allows up to six months (180 days).

• Documents required: You must provide a passport with photos, your admission letter, proof of financial means (€613/month if under 24, €1,110/month if 24 or older), proof of accommodation, and proof of health insurance.

• Health insurance: EU/EEA students can use a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Some other countries have reciprocal agreements and use an A3 form exchanged for a Krankenkassenscheck. Students without coverage need private or local insurance, which costs around €65 per month.

Austria offers a safe, vibrant student life, with cultural hotspots like Vienna’s St. Stephen’s Cathedral and Schönbrunn Palace, or Graz’s Kunsthaus and museums. You can also enjoy seasonal local food, lively cafés, and easy trips across Europe by train.

Tips from the Author

Before you head to Austria, I’ve got to give you a few extra tips so you are ready for this next step! First things first, make sure your applications, visa, and finances are sorted as they can take way longer than you expect sometimes. If you’ve got some free time, why not learn some German, it will come in handy! Another tip is, don’t be shy when it comes to speaking to other students and asking them what life and study are like in Austria. Last one, have a budget and balance enjoying yourself too!