Higher education is provided by universities and universities of applied sciences (introduced in 1994). There are also Academies (e.g. Teacher Training Colleges). The universities remain State institutions and the State continues to finance them. Universities are fully autonomous to handle their internal affairs and formulate their statutes. At private universities, study programmes can be offered either in accordance with state programmes and degrees, or without reference to them.

Austria combines a long tradition in higher education with state-of-the-art research. The Austrian higher education institutions offer an ever-growing number of degree programmes: you can choose between first-class research-based courses at the Austrian universities, world-famous education at the universities of the arts, high-quality practice-oriented degree courses at the universities of applied sciences, sound, up-to-date teacher education and innovative courses at private universities. International students are of special concern to all Austrian higher education institutions. In addition to its historical and cultural appeal, you would like to study in Austria because of the high quality of its universities and institutions of higher education, its low tuition fees or the possibility of learning one of the world’s most important languages: German. No wonder Austria is one of Europe’s most popular study destinations.

Requirements:
Undergraduate studies (first cycle)

If you have successfully completed upper secondary studies in one of the signatory countries of the Lisbon, are in possession of a valid school leaving certificate and qualify for higher education studies in your home country, you also qualify for higher education studies in Austria. However, you are requested to prove your level of English and German. In some cases, you are also required to take additional qualifying courses.

Master’s studies (second cycle)

If you are applying for a master’s program at university in Austria, you are required to be in possession of a relevant bachelor’s or equivalent degree diploma.

Doctoral studies (third cycle):

In the event you are applying for doctoral studies at university in Austria, you are required to be in possession of a relevant diploma or master’s degree diploma.

Language requirements:
German

Since the language of instruction at Austrian universities is German, you are required to prove your level of command of the German language. You may do so by presenting the results you received at school examinations if you studied German as part of your study program or by presenting German language courses diplomas, such as the Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache für ausländische Studienbewerber– TestDaF.
In general, most institutions require a minimum level of command corresponding to the B1/B2 level according to the European language passport. Please, note that the German language requirement usually applies to studies at the first cycle (undergraduate). Master’s and research programs may not require any knowledge of German if they are designed for international students.

English:

If the language of instruction of your course is English, you will require to prove your level of command of English. Please, note that in general, schools require a minimum level of command of a language corresponding to the B1/B2 level according to the European language passport in order for you to successfully pass your courses.

Intakes:

The academic year in Austria, as a rule, begins on October 1st and ends on September 30thof the following year.

It consists of two semesters:

Popular Universities:

Scholarship Opportunities

Austria offers a variety of scholarships. Applicants are recommended to make use of scholarships specifically designed for their studies. Simultaneous applications for different scholarships are possible. Only applications from eligible applicants sufficiently documented and submitted in time will be considered. Applications are ranked according to qualification of applicants, reasoning for studying in Austria, usefulness for applicant’s current studies, availability of research facilities in Austria. Scholarships are limited to available funds and are granted eliminating legal proceedings. Scholarships are available for pursuing undergraduate, graduate or postgraduate students to pursue master or diploma and doctoral programme at an Austrian university.

Austrian universities provides various types of scholarships designed for international and Austrian students in different educational disciplines.These scholarships will help students to study either in Austria or abroad.

Education and Living Costs :

Tuition fees for students from outside Europe and non-degree seeking students

If you are not an EU student you will have to pay EUR 726.72 per semester plus a fee of ca. EUR 18 per semester to the Student Union. In the event that you decide to take courses at more than one university, you will have to pay your tuition fee only once.

If you are not a degree-seeking student, you will have to pay EUR 363.36 per semester.