Where to start your search for Higher Education studies in Austria

Many group members are looking from abroad for a place at an Austrian university, either for undergraduate or post-graduate study.

Austria offers over 2,000 degree courses at more than 70 institutions of higher education, including universities and universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen).

This official website is a great place to start your search for opportunities: https://oead.at/en/to-austria

Other information you should know at this stage

Conditions for non-residents

It is important to note there are conditions attached to getting a Student Residency permit which include approved Healthcare Insurance, Proof of Financial Means and a limit of working 20 hours per week. You apply for a residence permit at the Austrian Embassy of the country you are living in.

For further information in English see: https://oead.at/en/to-austria/entry-and-residence/residence-permit-student-mobility-programme#c22625

Accommodation

Be aware before you set out on this journey that in modt if not all of the university cities in Austria accommodation is EXTREMELY hard to find. A requirement of your student residence permit (officially "Residence Permit – Student") will be to provide a contract for accommodation of minimum 3 months duration. You will need this BEFORE your residence permit appointment at your local Austrian Embassy (and therefore a number of weeks before you leave for Austria). Your university may be able to offer you accommodation if you are single, but probably not if you have a family. On this topic, be very wary of scams. Scammers are continuously looking on social media for people from third countries who are searching for accommodation. We have some great tips to avoid being scammed in this way. Please read this article.

Health insurance

Everyone living in Austria is required to have adequate health insurance cover. Students can get this at a reduced rate (2023: €66.79/month). See https://www.gesundheitskasse.at/cdscontent/?contentid=10007.868713&portal=oegkportal

Work

Holders of student residence permits are able to work for up to 20 hours/week. Their employer must obtain a work permit for them. see https://oead.at/en/to-austria/entry-and-residence/residence-permit-student-mobility-programme