Austria is often seen as a pricey country for tourism. Vienna, for example, is one of the most expensive European capitals, and winter vacations in the Austrian Alps are popular among the rich.
However, when talking about studying abroad in Austria, the first thing that shocks people from all over the world is that it is actually free for students coming from the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland.
Keep reading to find out more details about university tuition fees and scholarship and funding opportunities in Austria.
1. University tuition fees in Austrian universities
Universities in Austria include public or private universities, colleges, and Universities of Applied Sciences.
Tuition fees at public universities
- For EU/EEA students: free of charge
- For non-EU/EEA students: 1,452 EUR/academic year
All students have to pay the student union membership and students accident insurance fees, which cost around 20 EUR/semester. Learn more about international student insurance for students studying in Austria.
International students from developing countries are also exempt from tuition fees at many public Austrian universities. Check the university or study programme page to verify if your country is on the list.
Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS) are free to decide if they charge tuition fees. At most UAS, students from the EU/EEA & Switzerland pay tuition fees of 363 EUR/semester. Non-EU/EEA students can expect to pay between 727 – 7,500 EUR/semester, depending on the university and study programme.
There are also a couple of UAS, like the Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences (FH Vorarlberg) and the University of Applied Sciences Burgenland, where courses are free for all international students. All students who enrol at a University of Applied Science still have to pay the student union and student insurance fees.
Tuition fees at private universities
Private universities have their own tuition fees, which can cost anywhere between 3,000 and 23,000 EUR/year. Some Business programmes are more expensive, with tuition costs of 35,000 EUR/year or more.
Free universities in Austria
Here are several examples of free-tuition universities in Austria for EU/EEA students:
Universities we recommend in Austria
- Central European University (CEU)
- FH Kufstein Tirol - University of Applied Sciences
- WU (Vienna University of Economics and Business)
Check out the best Austrian universities according to global rankings.
2. Scholarships and funding options for international studies in Austria
In Austria, foreign students can benefit from various study grants and scholarships. Here are several options you should explore:
- Scholarships offered by various institutions on the Grants.at website
- Scholarships offered by the OeAD (The Austrian Agency for International Mobility and Cooperation in Education
Some Austrian universities might provide other grants or scholarships. Ask about this possibility during the application process or see if they have any information about financial aid programmes on their website.
You can also check out the Studyportals Scholarship to get some help on financing your studies in Austria.
Ready to start your study adventure in Austria?
Austria is a great place for future international students like you. It has very affordable tuition fees when compared to other popular study destinations, like the US, UK, or Australia. The quality of life is very high and the country has a low crime rate.
There are many gorgeous landscapes waiting to be explored and if you’re not already into sports, there are high changes you will be once you move to Austria. With its rich history and culture, this country in Europe seems to have it all. So, what are you waiting for?