Study in Austria

Austria is a country in central Europe. It has a rich culture, good living standards and is home to some very old and respected universities. Over the last few years, it has started becoming a good option for international students who are looking for affordable education in Europe.

Many students from India are now choosing Austria instead of places like the US, UK, Canada or Germany. Tuition fees in Austria are lower compared to other popular countries and this is one of the reasons why Study in Austria is becoming an emerging study abroad destination. Living in Austria isn’t that hard to afford. In most cities, students can manage their expenses pretty well. Many courses in Austria are offered in English, which is helpful for international students.

Austria is also part of the European Union and the Schengen Area, which adds one more benefit for international students. Students studying in Austria can travel around Europe easily during holidays or even for internships. The Austria student visa rules are also student-friendly and allow part-time work during studies and some time to stay back after completing the course to look for jobs.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (India), about 31,000 Indians are living in Austria, but only around 500 are there as students. So it’s still not very crowded, and students have better chances to explore opportunities.

Study in Austria 2025: Highlights

Why Study in Austria?

Austria is a small country in Europe that is surrounded by Germany, Italy, Switzerland, and Hungary. It’s known for its beautiful cities, peaceful environment, and is considered one of the safest countries to live in. For international students, Austria is becoming more popular because it has a strong education system and good job options after graduation.

Public universities in Austria are respected around the world and the cost of studying there is way less compared to places like the UK or the US. Many universities in Austria now have full degree programs in English, so students who don’t speak German can still study without any problem. There are a total of 350 programmes currently available in Austria that are taught in English. So, for Indian students planning for study abroad Austria is a good option. 

Another thing that makes Austria a good choice is that after completing your studies, you can apply for jobs and even settle there if you meet the requirements. The country offers something called the Red-White-Red Card which helps skilled professionals stay and work long-term.

Top Reasons to Study in Austria

• Low cost of living compared to other European countries

• Affordable tuition fees in public universities

• 20 hours/week part-time work allowed

• English is widely spoken

• Growing Indian student community

• Excellent post-study work opportunities

Education System in Austria

Austria’s education system is really solid and open to everyone. Whether you're from the EU or not, you can find good options to study. If you qualify, you can do a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Austria. It’s pretty simple. The Education System in Austria is made to be friendly for international students and focuses on helping you get ready for jobs later.

Types of Higher Education Institutions in Austria

Austria has different types of universities, and each one is a bit different.

• Public Universities: These are run by the government. They offer many courses like science, engineering, arts and more. They focus more on research and are usually the cheapest choice for students.
• Universities of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschulen): These focus on practical learning. Good option if you want hands-on training and real work experience during study. Many programs also have internships included.
• Private Universities: These are funded by private groups. They often have special programs, many of them in English like business, tech, and design. But the tuition fees here are higher than public universities.
• Teacher Education Colleges: If you want to become a teacher, you can study in these colleges. They give degrees made specially for teaching careers.

Language of Instruction

While German is the official language of instruction at the undergraduate level, Austria has made better progress in offering English-taught master's and doctoral programs, especially in STEM fields, business, and social sciences.

Austria Application Deadline 

Top Courses in Austria

Austria is particularly strong in technical and science-based education. The most popular programs among international students include:

• Computer Science

• Artificial Intelligence

• Data Science & Analytics

• Mechanical Engineering

• Electrical Engineering

• Business & Management

• Finance

• Biotechnology

• International Relations

These programs are offered by both public and private universities. 

How to Study in Austria?

• First, choose a degree program you like. See what subjects it has and what jobs you can get after.
• Then make a list of some good universities. You can see their ranking and also if they are in a city you like.
• After that, look for scholarships. You can check the university website or the grants.at portal for it.
• Check if you are eligible. That means your marks and your English or German skills should match the requirement.
• Next step is to apply online. Upload your papers and pay fee if they ask.
• Now wait for the admission offer. Keep looking in your email.

If you get admission, apply for student visa. Then you can also plan for accommodation and get ready to go Austria.

Admission Requirements to Study in Austria

There are many document requirements which a candidates need to submit for their admission completion. 

For Undergraduate Courses:

• Class 12 mark sheet

• Proof of university eligibility (like entrance exam/admission letter from an Indian university)

• Language proficiency certificate (German or IELTS/TOEFL)

• Passport copy

For Postgraduate Courses:

• Recognised bachelor’s degree

• IELTS/TOEFL/Duolingo scores (IELTS score to study in Austria is 6.0–6.5)

• Statement of Purpose (SOP)

• Letters of Recommendation (LOR)

• Updated Resume/CV

• Copy of valid passport

• Proof of funds

• German proficiency certification (if applicable)

Cost of Studying in Austria

Studying in Austria can cost more or less depending on where you’re from and what kind of university you pick. If you’re from the EU or EEA, public universities are usually cheap. Some don’t charge any tuition at all. If you’re from outside the EU, like India, the fees are higher, but still not too bad.

Private universities cost more for everyone. Prices really depend on the course and universities. Compared to places like the study in Germany, US or UK, Austria is a lot more affordable and still offers a solid education.

• Public Universities: €726/semester (approx. ₹65,000)

• Private Universities: €3,000 to €23,000/year (approx. ₹2.7 to ₹20 Lakhs)

Course-wise Annual Tuition Fee in Austria 

Other costs include language tests, application fees, and average annual living expenses of ₹7 to ₹9 Lakhs. Now on adding all, the cost of studying in Austria yearly will be around ₹9 to ₹20 Lakhs.

Cost of Living in Austria

Austria offers a European lifestyle at a budget-friendly cost.

Scholarships to Study in Austria

Austria has many scholarships for Indian and other international students. Some popular ones are:

• MCI Scholarships (Management Center Innsbruck)
• High Potential Scholarship – Gives 50% tuition fee off.
• Science & Tech Scholarship – For students of engineering and life sciences.
• Merit-based Scholarship – Can get up to 90% tuition fee off.
• Helmut Veith Stipend (For Women in CS) – €7,000 per year plus full tuition waiver. For female Master’s students in Computer Science.
• Education Future International Scholarship (India-Specific) – Covers ₹2 to ₹10 lakhs. Open for Indian UG/PG students studying in any country. Need academic eligibility and financial need.
• Student Exchange Program (Austria Govt.) – Gives ₹1.18 lakh per month as stipend. Open for UG/PG students who completed 4+ semesters in India.

Austria Student Visa

Once you receive confirmation of admission, you will need to apply for a visa.

Visa Types:

Required Documents:

• Valid national passport

• Letter of admission from university

• Proof of accommodation in Austria

• Proof of health insurance

• Proof of financial means:

• Under 24 years: ~₹6 Lakhs

• 24 years and older: ~₹9–10 Lakhs

• Language Proficiency (IELTS/TestDaF)

• Visa Application Fee: INR 14,000 (approx.)

Study in Austria FAQs

Is IELTS required to study in Austria?

Yes. IELTS 6.0–6.5 or equivalent is usually required for English-taught programs.

When are the intakes for Austrian universities?

Two major intakes: Winter (October) and Summer (March/April). Apply at least 6–8 months in advance.

What is the cost of studying in Austria?

Public universities charge approx. ₹1.3 Lakhs/year, while private universities range from ₹3–20 Lakhs/year.

Can students work during studies in Austria?

Yes. Students can work up to 20 hours/week during the semester and full-time during breaks.