Masters in Austria

Located in the center of Europe, Austria is one of the safest countries in the world, where you can always find a job, have access to one of the best infrastructures in Europe. Enjoy high quality food and most importantly, learn how to relax and appreciate the beautiful nature and landscape.

Austria’s capital Vienna has been named the best city in the world for quality of living for 2018. It is the cultural, political and economic center of the country.

Read more about:

1. Higher education in Austria

2. Admission requirements and application at Austrian universities

3. What are the tuition fees for a Masters in Austria?

4. Financing your Masters in Austria

5. Living costs and student accomodation in Austria

6. Student life in Austria

7. Meeting the best Austrian universities

Higher education in Austria

Are you looking for a high-quality education at a university with an exquisite reputation? Then Austria might be the right choice for your postgraduate study abroad: here you will find more than 50 universities with more than 350 000 students from which at least 87 000 are international.  In comparison to other countries, you can study in smaller groups, which leads to a more personalized educational experience.

If you decide to study in Austria, you can choose from traditional universities, universities of applied sciences offering hands-on teaching methods and many universities with different specializations like arts or teaching. There are numerous options for your postgraduate study in Austria. 

The academic year begins on 1st October and ends on 30th September, whereby in February there is a semester break.

Most of the Masters in Austria are taught in German, but even if you do not want to learn German, Austrian universities also offer plenty of international programmes taught in English.

Austria used to be a popular study destination for German students, as Austrian degree programmes barely had any admissions restrictions. In recent years, admission has become a little more competitive, but compared to other European countries it is still quite easy to be admitted to an Austrian Masters programme.

 *according to THE’s World University Rankings

Admission requirements and application at Austrian universities

Usually, Austrian universities set admission requirements on their own, so you should check what exactly is required for enrolling in your desired Masters programme and university. Some of the common needed documents are:

• Proof of nationality (copy of passport or ID card)
• German language certificate (if you want to be admitted in a German degree)
• University application form
• English language certificate (IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge certificates)
• Bachelor's degree in a related subject

Yes! The general requirements are that easy and you have time to apply in Austria until 15th October for the winter semester and until 15th March for the summer semester. Non-EU/EEA student have to apply until 1st September or 1st February for the winter or summer semesters respectively.

What are the tuition fees for a Masters in Austria?

EU and EEA citizens do not have to pay any tuition fees for pursuing a Masters degree at Austrian public universities, as long as they do not exceed the standard number of semesters (plus a tolerance period of two semesters) needed to complete the course. For example, if you are an EEA citizen subscribed for a two-year Masters programme, your studies will be free of charge if you complete them within less than four semesters. Students with children and disabled students can also do a Masters in Austria without paying any additional fees. 

Tuition fees for non-EU and EEA students, who exceed the study duration with more than 2 semesters, are about €727 per year. 17 out of the 20 universities of applied sciences in Austria charge the basic fee of €363 per semester. Please check the current fees at your favored Austrian universities!

Private universities are essentially more expensive than public ones. The taxes there start at €2000 per year and might be up to €11 000 per year.  

In addition to that, every student has to pay a fee to the Austrian Student’s Association, called ÖH-Beitrag (Österreichische Hochschülerinnen- und Hochschülerschaft). All students in Austria automatically become members of the association, which represents the student’s rights. The total amount is €20 per semester.

Financing your Masters in Austria

There are different ways to finance your studies - such are scholarships for well-performing students offered by institutions of higher education in Austria. At Stipendium.at you can find information about these funds.

Some Austrian states also offer financial help for students in different areas like “gender”, “mobility” or “Masters thesis”. Of course, there are also foundations, private people and companies, who might be ready to support you as a future specialist during your Masters studies.

You can find additional advice about financing your study in Austria at the European Funding Guide and you can search for different grants here.

In addition, if you are not eligible for a grant or scholarship, you can take advantage of a student loan.

However, it is a bit tough to get one and you will need to establish Austrian residency before you apply for a loan. Another option are student jobs, usually part-time in the hospitality industry. 

Living costs and student accommodation in Austria

One of the attractive things about studying in Austria are the costs of the student accommodations – they are quite low!

International students in Austria usually choose to rent either a student dormitory or a shared flat. The costs vary by city and location, whereby the most expensive place in Austria is Vienna, of course. However, renting a single room in a dormitory might cost between €180 and €250. If you decide to share an apartment, a room in the capital city might cost you around €400 and in other cities €250 to €350. You can use the website from the Austrian Exchange Service, called OeAD to find student accommodations in Austria.

For just €20 per semester you can obtain a pass for students, that reduces the price of all tickets on the national railway system by 50%.

Regarding the living standards and costs, Austria is comparable to all other Western European countries. Total living costs including accommodation, groceries, transport and entertainment would be not more than €900 per month. 

The prices in the groceries stores do not differ a lot from other European countries:

• Milk (regular), (1 liter) - €1.08
• Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) - €1.76
• Rice (white), (1kg) - €1.88
• Eggs (regular) (12) - €3.04
• Local Cheese (1kg) - €10.63
• Chicken Breasts (Boneless, Skinless), (1kg) - €9.94
• Apples (1kg) - €2.23
• Potato (1kg) - €1.51
• Tomato (1kg) - €2.19
• Water (1.5 liter bottle) - €0.61
• Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) - €6.00
• Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) - €0.99

Of course, if you like to eat outside you can find some cozy places where a meal will cost you not more than €10.

Student life in Austria

The Austrian countryside offers so many leisure activities that you will never get bored. Aside from the beautiful Austrian Alps with their white-capped mountains—a paradise for climbing and skiing fans—Austria boasts many cultural highlights, especially in its capital city, Vienna, including architectural monuments like the St. Stephen’s Cathedral or the Schönbrunn Palace. In addition, there are many museums and art exhibitions all over Austria to help you broaden your cultural horizon.

Austria is really in the middle of Europe and has 8 neighbour countries that you can visit. Students can take a simple train or car ride and you can be in the Czech Republic, Italy, Slovenia, Slovakia, Hungary, Lichtenstein, Switzerland or Germany.

Oh…the Austrian food… It is so tasty and different! You should not miss to try the Kaiserschmarrn with some apple or plum sauce, and the Topfenstrudel. During the holiday season you will also be able to taste the famous Glühwein – a hot wine beverage with cinnamon, cloves and orange.

When it comes to healthcare and you are an EU/EEA student, you will have full access to the Austrian healthcare system. Just bring your EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) and you will have the same benefits as Austrian citizens.

Meeting the best Austrian universities

If after reading our guide, you think Austria is the right place for your Masters, check out what programmes Austrian universities are offering.

What would be even better is to meet with universities from Austria at one of our fairs around Europe. Check out if we are coming to your city or to a city near you and join one of our events, where you can learn from the source and get the best advice about your future Masters in Austria.