How to Apply to a University in Austria: 2026 Guide

One of the wealthiest countries in the world based on GDP (gross domestic product), Austria is home to around 87,000 international students in undergraduate and graduate programmes.

If you’re hoping to be one of them, then you probably want to know what you have to do to start studying there.

This guide will shed some light on how to apply for a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Austria.

Key takeaways:

To apply to a university in Austria, you first need to choose a programme and check whether you pass its specific admission requirements.
Many Bachelor’s programmes require German, while English-taught degrees require an official English certificate such as IELTS, TOEFL, or Cambridge.
Prepare your documents early, including diplomas, language certificates, and proof that your previous studies qualify you for university in Austria.
Always check deadlines and application steps in advance, as some programmes include entrance exams, interviews, or early selection stages that can take place months before the semester starts.

1. Decide on a university from Austria

Austria has more than 14 top universities in global rankings and many other higher education institutions that provide great student satisfaction and top-quality study programmes.

Compared to other European countries, Austria invests a lot in its education system – only Luxembourg and Norway spend more. So the quality you’ll get is really among the best there is.

The following institutions are among the top choices:

Tip: Here is a nice overview of all Austrian higher education institutions to browse through.

2. Check the admission requirements at Austrian universities

Now comes the tricky part. Austria has different types of universities, which means there are also different admission requirements and criteria.

Here are a few general aspects you should keep in mind for studying in Austria:

German skills: Most Austrian universities have German requirements, as many study programmes (especially Bachelor’s) are at least partially taught in German.
English skills: For English-taught degrees, you must provide an English language certificate, usually of a proficient level.
Check if your diploma makes you eligible: You must know if your previous diploma (school or Bachelor’s) qualifies you to apply for a degree in Austria.
Check if your previous studies match the subject: Especially for non-EU/EEA students, your previous degree usually needs to be in the same or a closely related field as the degree you want to study in Austria.
Professional experience: For a Master’s degree at any University of Applied Sciences, you will need relevant professional experience to apply.

These are some common admission requirements you’ll need to meet to apply for a university degree in Austria.

However, it is always a wise thing to check the official university website or contact the study programme to find out about exact criteria and necessary documents.

3. Get your papers ready and start applying

If you meet the admission requirements, it’s time to gather all the necessary application documents, which vary based on degree level, programme, type of university, your nationality, etc.

Students from the EU/EEA:

Photocopy of passport or ID Card
Your last diploma: high school diploma or Bachelor’s diploma
German language proficiency: high school leaving certificate confirming German lessons of at least 4 years or a German language diploma
English language proficiency: IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL, Cambridge certificates

Students from outside the EU/EEA:

Photocopy of passport
Your last diploma: high school diploma or Bachelor’s diploma
German language proficiency: high school certificate confirming German lessons for at least 4 years or a German language diploma
English language proficiency: IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL, Cambridge certificates
Proof of qualification for university studies (“Nachweis der besonderen Universitätsreife”): You must prove that you're entitled to follow university studies in your chosen discipline and level.

Tip: Some of the main public universities, such as the University of Vienna, still prefer the traditional English tests like IELTS or TOEFL. Nevertheless, the Duolingo English Test (DET) becomes more and more accepted. The DET is more affordable than other English tests, so it’s worth checking that option out.

Apart from these standard documents, additional ones may be asked of you. Typically, a motivation letter would be among them, especially for a Master’s or a PhD.

Always check the specific application documents for the degree you are applying to.

4. Understand the application steps for your chosen programme

Before you apply to universities in Austria, make sure you review and check any extra selection steps for your chosen programme, so you know exactly how it works.

Some degrees, especially at Bachelor’s level, require an entrance exam, which is usually held around six months before the programme starts.

For Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS), the admission process is often more practice-oriented. You may need to:

Show relevant professional or internship experience related to the field
Take a written or oral admission test
Attend an interview with the admissions committee

Because these steps can take place well in advance, it is important to check deadlines early on the official university website so you do not miss any required stages of the application process.

Note that if your chosen study programme requires an entry examination or an admission interview, you’ll have to travel to Austria during the admission process.

5. Check the university application deadlines

In Austria, there are two typical application deadlines depending on where you come from.

Make sure all your documents are handed in well before these dates, as no extensions are accepted (everything has to be on time in Austria).

Application deadlines for outside EU/EEA:

For the winter semester: start of September
For the summer semester: start of February

Application deadlines for EU/EEA/Switzerland:

For the winter semester: mid-October
For the summer semester: mid-March

Make sure to apply as early as possible.

An additional application period is available only if a programme has free spots left:

For the winter semester: end of November
For the summer semester: end of April

To make sure you don't miss the deadline, always check the exact dates on the official university website.

Tip: The Study in Austria site is worth checking out for more information on what to watch out for in applications and admissions.

6. After applying: Know how to prepare the start of your studies

Wait for the acceptance letter

You’ll receive the acceptance letter by e-mail or post and it will also include a few guidelines about the next steps you have to take to enrol at your university.

Follow the enrolment procedure

Typically, the enrolment procedure includes submitting the application documents in original to confirm your place, paying the tuition, and getting your student ID.

Pay the tuition fees and student union fees

If you are from the EU/EEA, you won’t have to pay any tuition fees at public universities, provided you finish your degree in the scheduled time plus 1 or 2 semesters.

If your studies take longer than scheduled, you will have to pay for the extra semesters.

If you go to a private university or you are from outside the EU/EEA, you will have to pay for your studies. The average tuition fees at Austrian universities are:

727 EUR/semester at public universities
6,000 – 23,000 EUR/year at private universities
Student union fees: 20-30 EUR/semester

Apply for a visa

If you need a visa to study in Austria, you should start gathering the visa application documents, which typically include:

Proof of enrolment
Proof of necessary funds to support yourself
Police clearance
Proof of accommodation
Proof of health insurance
Receipt for paying the residence permit fee (120 EUR)

If you need a visa to enter Austria, you have to apply for a residence permit in person at the Austrian embassy or consulate in your country with the provisional confirmation of admission from the university.

You can check if your country needs an Austrian visa here.

Frequently asked questions about studying in Austria

How much do students spend on living costs in Austria?

Living costs in Austria depend on your lifestyle and city, but on average, students spend around 800–1,200 EUR per month.

This usually covers rent, food, transport, study materials, and leisure. For a detailed breakdown, check the official Study in Austria guide.

You can also see our guide on calculating monthly living costs for studying abroad to have a better idea of how much it will cost you.

Can I work while studying in Austria?

Yes, international students are allowed to work in Austria while studying, but the rules differ depending on your nationality.

EU/EEA students can work freely, while non-EU/EEA students may have restrictions on the number of hours per week.

Part-time work is a good way to gain experience and support your living costs, but always check work regulations first.

How do I get a student visa for Austria?

If you are a non-EU/EEA student, you will need a residence permit to study in Austria.

You must apply at your nearest Austrian embassy or consulate, usually after receiving your provisional admission confirmation from the university.

Start this process early, as it can take several weeks to complete.