Student visas and residence permits: FAQs
- Keith Davies
- Jun 14, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 5
Introduction
As there is a large volume of posts in the English Speakers in Austria Facebook groups regarding student visas and residence permits, we have tried to put together a list of the Frequently Asked Questions.
Students are recommended to check this FAQ list and the official sites prior to posting in the Facebook groups. Failing that, try searching for the word "student" in the Facebook Groups, you might be surprised what you find. It is also amazing what can be found by doing a quick search using Google (other search engines are available)! 😊
Key sources of information
The official support organisations for students are OeAD and Working in Austria (ABA); where you will find more detailed information and they have experts in these topics ready to assist you.
Note: Most of these FAQs are for Third Country Nationals, not EU nationals.
FAQs
Where can I find accommodation?
Student accommodation in Austria is in short supply, so plan early and watch out for scammers. See this link for details
Can I study in English?
Yes, it is possible to find courses in English. You can find a list of courses on the studienwahl website and you can set appropriate filters including English.
Can I work when I have a Student Visa?
No, with a Student Visa (course of up to 6 months) you cannot work. OeAD information: “A special visa is always required for taking up gainful employment (Visa C or D with the addendum "Erwerb"). This also applies to unpaid employment (e.g. voluntary work or internships).”
***Different rules apply to those with a Student Residence Permit (not a Visa)!
Can I work when I have a Student Residence Permit?
Yes, you can work up to 20 hours per week but first you will need a work permit:
From the OeAD: “An occupation that is subject to the Act Governing Employment of Foreign Nationals may only be carried out with a work permit.
The employer has to apply for this work permit at the Public Employment Service (Arbeitsmarktservice/AMS) before the employee takes up the job.
Holders of a "Residence Permit – Student" will be able to get a work permit for working for up to 20 hours per week. This permit will be granted without a labour market check.
Can I work more than 20 hours with a Student Residence Permit?
Yes, you can, BUT the employer will need apply to the AMS AND it is subject to the labour market check (i.e. priority given to Austrians, EU Nationals and those already with a work permit). Please be careful here though as your primary purpose is studying and your residence permit as a student is conditional on you completing your studies.
Can I be self-employed with a Student Residence Permit?
Yes, you can. Please see the Working in Austria Site for further details. We recommend you join the Self Employed in Austria Facebook group where you will find lots of information.
Do I need funds in an Austrian Bank account?
No, you need funds in your name in a bank account that is accessible from Austria. An alternative would be a declaration of guarantee. See the OeAD Checklist
Can I get reduced rate Heath Insurance?
Yes, OeGK offers Self Insurance for students (Selbstversicherung für Studierende) at a reduced rate of EUR 73,48 per month (2025). There are also Private providers such as Feelsafe , Care Austria and Expat & Co. Some of these may require an addendum to the policy to be approved by the immigration authorities. They may also be restrictive on things like age and pre-existing conditions.
My spouse has a Resident Permit Family Community (Aufenthaltsbewilligung – Familiengemeinschaft). Can they work?
Yes, they can BUT the employer has to apply to the AMS for a Work Permit AND it is subject to the Labour Market check. At least one spouse was advised to consider changing their residence permit to an RWR or EU Blue if the Labour Market check was passed. See the OeAD site for details – German Link and/or contact the Working in Austria team.
Can I extend my Student Residence Permit to search for a job after I finish studying?
Yes, you can extend it for up to a year after you have completed your studies. See the Working in Austria site for details. In addition if, within the twelve months, you receive an employment offer which matches your level of qualification and salary, you can apply for a Red-White-Red Card for Graduates without a labour market test.
Please note that if you are not studying, you may no longer be eligible for the dedicated OeGK Selbstversicherung für Studierende or any other cheap student health insurance.
How long does it take for my Student Residence Permit to be approved?
The time it takes depends on where you apply, but in general it needs to go from the Austrian Consulate overseas to the competent authority in Austria for approval (e.g. MA35 for Vienna). There are reports of a recent application in Vienna taking less than a week to be approved but in general they will take longer than that. The authorities are allowed to take up to 6 months once they have all the information they need. Please do your homework and use the OeAD checklist to ensure you have everything that is required; failure to supply all the information will result in delays. Family Residence permits will take a LOT longer.
Is a German language course accepted for a Student Residence Permit?
Not necessarily! See the OeAD for a list of approved courses.
If I change jobs, does my new employer still need to apply to the AMS
Yes, the work permit is employer specific and either you or your new employer, needs to apply for a work permit.
Useful Links
