Study in Austria

Historic universities, low tuition, the Alps on your doorstep.

Austria offers centuries-old universities, low public tuition fees and a high quality of life in the heart of Europe. Vienna, Graz, Innsbruck and Linz are all welcoming student cities.

€726.72public university tuition per semester*
20 hrsa week of work allowed
12 monthsto look for work after graduating
The main building of the University of ViennaAdmission in ~2 monthsthrough our partner universitiesFree counsellingand student visa support
Why Austria

Big opportunities in the heart of Europe.

Austria combines excellent public universities with a strong economy and easy travel across Europe.

Low public tuitionPublic universities charge non-EU students a low tuition fee per semester.
Centuries of excellenceThe University of Vienna, founded in 1365, is one of the oldest in the German-speaking world.
English-taught coursesA growing number of master’s programmes are taught in English.
Work while you studyStudents can work up to 20 hours a week with an employment permit, arranged by the employer.
A year to find a jobAfter graduating you can extend your stay for 12 months to look for work.
A path to a careerGraduates can move on to the Red-White-Red Card or EU Blue Card.
Language

Language: English and German.

You can study in English at many universities, and German is the language of daily life.

IELTS requirementMostly not necessaryMany universities accept other proof of English
Language of studyMany master’s programmes are taught in English. Most bachelor’s programmes are taught in German.
Proof of EnglishMany universities accept an English-medium certificate from your previous degree. Others ask for IELTS or TOEFL.
Learning GermanGerman is spoken across Austria. Learning it helps with part-time jobs, daily life and your career after graduating. We check the exact language requirement for your course.
Where you could study

From Vienna to Innsbruck, a city for every student.

Austria’s universities are spread across historic cities, many surrounded by mountains, lakes and countryside.

  • Vienna
  • Graz
  • Innsbruck
  • Linz
  • Salzburg
  • Klagenfurt
  • Leoben
  • Krems
  • Dornbirn
Student visa

The Austrian student permit, step by step.

Students from India apply for a residence permit for students at the Austrian embassy before travelling. Apply early, ideally soon after you receive your admission.

  1. AdmissionGet your admission letter from an Austrian university or university of applied sciences.
  2. Prepare documentsGather proof of funds, accommodation, health insurance and a police clearance certificate, with legalised German translations.
  3. Apply at the embassySubmit your residence permit application at the Austrian embassy or visa centre.
  4. Visa D to travelOnce your permit is approved, you receive a visa D so you can travel to Austria.
  5. Collect your permitRegister your address and collect your residence permit card after you arrive.
  6. Renew each yearYour permit is usually issued for 12 months and renewed as you progress in your studies.
20 hrswork a week with an employment permit, which your employer applies for
12 monthsextension after graduating to look for work or start a business
Familyyour spouse and children can join you on a family permit
Bringing your family to AustriaYour spouse and children can apply for a family residence permit to live with you in Austria while you study.
  • Spouse
  • Children
  • We help with their applications
Costs at a glance

What the visa side costs.

These are official Austrian fees. Tuition depends on the university and course, and we give you a clear estimate for your options.

€218Residence permit fee for students (2026), with small extra fees possible.Paid to Austrian authorities
€726.72Tuition per semester at public universities for most non-EU students, plus a small student union fee.Paid to your university
FreeOur counselling, admissions help and student visa support. We do not charge a service fee for student visas.Haven Overseas
Intakes

When you can start.

Main intakeOctoberThe winter semester, with the widest choice of courses.
Second intakeMarchThe summer semester, offered by many universities and courses.
FlexiblePrivate universitiesSome private universities run their own intake dates.
Admission in as little as 2 monthsThanks to our university partnerships, we can often secure admission in as little as 2 months, so it is rarely too late to start.
Universities

Some of Austria’s best-known universities.

We help you find the right university for your profile, budget and career goals.

University of ViennaViennaFounded 1365Austria’s largest university and one of the oldest in Europe.Visit website
TU WienViennaFounded 1815Austria’s leading university for technology, engineering and IT.Visit website
Medical University of ViennaViennaPublic universityOne of the largest medical schools in Europe, with a major teaching hospital.Visit website
University of InnsbruckInnsbruckFounded 1669A large university in the heart of the Alps, strong in science and research.Visit website
University of GrazGrazFounded 1585Austria’s second-oldest university, in a lively student city.Visit website
Johannes Kepler University LinzLinzFounded 1966A modern university known for technology, business and law.Visit website
Looking beyond the famous names? Austria also has universities of applied sciences with practical, career-focused courses. We will match you with the right ones.Find my university
FAQ

Studying in Austria: your questions answered.

Do I need IELTS to study in Austria?

Not always. Many universities accept an English-medium certificate from your previous degree for English-taught programmes. Others ask for IELTS or TOEFL. We check the exact requirement for your course.

How much is tuition in Austria?

Public universities charge most non-EU students €726.72 per semester, plus a small student union fee. Universities of applied sciences and private universities set their own fees.

Do I need to know German?

Not for English-taught programmes. Learning German still helps with part-time work, daily life and your career.

Can I work while studying in Austria?

Yes. You can work up to 20 hours a week. Your employer applies for an employment permit for you.

Can I stay in Austria after my studies?

Yes. You can extend your residence permit for 12 months after graduating to look for work or start a business. With a job offer, you can move on to the Red-White-Red Card or EU Blue Card.

Can my family join me in Austria?

Yes. Your spouse and children can apply for a family residence permit to live with you in Austria.

How do I apply for the student permit?

Students from India apply for a residence permit for students at the Austrian embassy before travelling, then receive a visa D to enter Austria and collect the permit on arrival.

How quickly can I get admission?

Thanks to our university partnerships, we can often secure admission in as little as 2 months. Starting earlier gives you more choice of courses and scholarships.

When are the intakes?

The main intake is the winter semester starting in October, with a summer semester starting in March.

Do you charge for counselling or visa support?

No. Our counselling and support are free, and we do not charge a service fee for student visas. You only pay official costs such as tuition and permit fees.

Ready to study in Austria?

Talk to us for free at our Kozhikode or Kochi office, or on phone or WhatsApp. We will find the right course and handle your application and visa with you.

*Tuition for most non-EU students at public universities; universities of applied sciences and private universities set their own fees. Permit details are from Austrian government and university sources as of October 2026 and may change. Photos via Wikimedia Commons: University of Vienna by C.Stadler/Bwag; Innsbruck by Luftschiffhafen; both CC BY-SA 4.0.