Studying in Vienna

Requirements fo admission to Austrian universities
Tuition fees
Health insurance
Student accommodation
Universities
Fachhochschulen
Austrian Academic Portal

Requirements for admission to Austrian universities

The applicant has a school leaving certificate equivalent to the Austrian Matura (university entrance exam) or can provide a document to prove completion of a relevant study at a recognized post-secondary institution.
Certification must be sufficient for direct acceptance to the desired course of study at a university in the country it was acquired in.
Applicants must prove adequate knowledge of German.

For further information concerning studies please contact the relevant faculty administration. It is the task of the university rector to decide on refusal or acceptance of applications. Applications for admission to a university must be completed and filed with the faculty administration no later than September 1 or February 1 for the following semester. Persons from the EEA have equal status to Austrian citizens provided they can prove a study place in their home country.

For detailed information on Austrian universities and higher education institutions see Federal Ministry for Science and Research (German)

Tuition fees

Payment of tuition fees is considered a prerequisite for acceptance to and continuation of university studies. For citizens from EU and EEA countries and from Switzerland tuition fees are EUR 379.22 per semester. Students from other countries are charged EUR 742.58.

In addition there is a student fee (for the Austrian Student Union) of EUR 15.86 per semester. This fee also includes an insurance. Amounts are the same for Austrian and non-Austrian citizens. This covers accident and third-party insurance for all students. Also covered are accidents incurred travelling to or from university or during study-relevant activities.

Some foreign students may have their tuition fees reimbursed. For a list of applicable countries see the Federal Ministry for Science, Education and Culture's homepage.

Health insurance

Co-insurance

You may apply to be co-insured with your parents, grandparents or spouse provided you meet all the requirements for co-insurance. For co-insurance with family members in your country of origin please check with the relevant health insurance institution.

Student insurance

Where no other insurance applies students may take out student insurance at a reduced rate of EUR 22.29 per month. Students must have their main residence in Austria. Students may have their spouses and children insured at the same time.

Prerequisites for student insurance

Income of no more than EUR 5,814 in one academic year (October to June)
Adherence to required timeframe (minimum duration of course plus one semester per study section)
No more than two changes in study course
No course completed

For further information see student insurance.

Self insurance

Students not entitled to any of the above types of insurance can take out self insurance. In order not to pay the maximum rate of EUR 319.61 you are advised to apply for reduced monthly rates right away. For further information see self insurance

The Austrian Student Union provides information and assists with social aspects.