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College Learners

English Speaking Universities In Vienna

The main language of instruction at Austrian universities is German, but you’ll be happy to know that you can find numerous English-taught Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Austria.

But which Austrian universities offer degrees taught in English? And what are some of the common application requirements?

Let’s find out!

How many English-taught universities are there in Austria?

There’s no official database providing a precise number of universities. However, based on the study programmes listed on our portals, you can find:

  • over 70 English-taught Bachelors   
  • over 280 English-taught Masters   
  • over 40 English-taught PhDs   
  • over 15 English-taught distance learning (online) degrees   

As you can see from the list above, plenty of options are available for English-speaking international students.

Here are a few universities we recommend in Austria:

  • Central European University (CEU)
  • University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria
  • WU (Vienna University of Economics and Business)
  • FH Kufstein Tirol – University of Applied Sciences

What Are the Requirements of Studying in Austria?

Undergraduate students need a high school certificate equivalent to the Austrian Matura Exam Certification. As for graduate applicants, a bachelor’s degree in a related field is necessary. Sufficient German knowledge is required as well.

Other vital application documents include the following:

  • Transcript of Records with Grades
  • Accomplished Application Forms
  • Passport or Identity Card
  • ID Photos

How do I know if an Austrian university teaches in English?

All the study programmes listed on our portals are taught in English, so start from there. You can also check more information about language requirements for each degree.

Austrian universities and colleges (or other websites) might list additional English-taught programmes on their web pages. In this case, you’ll have to do a bit of research to find out if those programmes are taught in English or if they’re open to international students. Should you struggle to find this information, don’t hesitate to contact the university directly.

To apply at English-taught academic institutions in Austria, you’ll have to pass one of the following widely accepted English language tests:

  • PTE Academic
  • IELTS Academic
  • TOEFL iBT
Vienna, Austria

Is English enough to live and study in Austria?

English is enough to study in Austria, but it might not be enough to live there. While various statistics show that around 70-75% of the Austrian population speak English to some degree, this can vary significantly from one area to another.

You might face challenges when shopping, travelling or asking for help. So, learning at least a few basic words and phrases in German is a great idea. The following free resources can help you get started:

  • Learn German with Duolingo
  • Free German A1–B1: LearnGerman.dw.com
  • Learn German YouTube channel

Study in Austria – an overview of the most popular universities

University of Vienna

The University of Vienna is the largest in the country, with 94,000 students and 175-degree programs, many of which are taught in English, particularly at the Master’s level. The university has produced 15 Nobel prize winners and is dotted across 60 locations in the city. Established in 1365, it has headed the rankings of best Universities in Austria s for many years.

Vienna University of Technology

The Vienna University of Technology was established in 1815 and specializes in natural sciences and engineering, and has 30,000 students.

Vienna itself is a stunning city whose art treasures epitomize all the glory of the Habsburgs and boast the amenities of the modern world in the setting of a baroque vision.

University of Innsbruck

The University of Innsbruck has the highest percentage of international students in the country, drawn to its spectacular setting and academic excellence. Set in the Tyrol, and surrounded by pine forests and mountains, the university is best known for its highly rated business administration and physics departments, and was established in 1669, as one of the first Universities in Austria. 

Innsbruck is an attractive picture postcard city, whose links to the Alps are epitomized by the cable car which connects the center of town with the slopes. Snowsports are popular with locals and tourists alike and you can leave a lecture and find yourself attaching your skis an hour later. The ideal blend of physical and mental exercise.

Johannes Kepler University, Linz

Johannes Kepler University, Linz, is one of the new generations of universities set up in Austria since the 1960s and is fast rising through the rankings, having gained university status in 1975. The ratio of international to domestic students is a high 1:9, and the university specialises in business, engineering, law, social sciences and medicine, good choice if you want to study in Austria. 

Linz is situated on the banks of the Danube and combines extremely innovative modern architecture with a historic old town full of fabulous baroque extravaganzas.

University of Graz

The University of Graz was set up in 1585 and ranks highly in Arts and Humanities, while cooperating with the Technical University of Graz in courses on engineering and technology, industrial chemistry, physics and geosciences. Students are entitled to attend lectures at both institutions.

Graz has been awarded the accolade of UNESCO City of Design and spans both sides of the Mur River. Its medieval old town is extremely well preserved, and its natural surroundings are attractive and appeal to hikers, cyclists, and people who want to relax. Graz is known as the culinary capital of Austria.

University of Salzburg

The University of Salzburg was established in 1622 and has four faculties and 18,000 students. The faculties consist of: Catholic Theology, Law, Cultural and Social Sciences and Natural Sciences.

Salzburg is known the world over as the birthplace of Mozart. Encircled by steep hills and located on the River Salzach, Salzburg’s famous fortress looms above the town, while its cathedral and baroque old town are part of the reason why it has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Salzburg has a wealth of baroque architecture and is commonly referred to as the Rome of the North, with its palaces and churches, its winding streets and well-preserved buildings. In 1818, Salzburg saw the first performance of the Christmas carol Silent Night, Holy Night, which is now sung all over the world.

Application requirements at English-taught universities in Austria

Here are some of the most common application requirements at English-taught universities in Austria:

  • Previous diplomas: high-school, Bachelor’s, or Master’s
  • Academic transcript of records or grades
  • Proof of English language proficiency
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Personal essay or statement
  • Copy of ID or passport
  • Up to 4 passport-size photos
  • Proof of financial support (if required)

Affordable English-taught universities in Austria

In Austria, students can enrol at either regular universities or universities of applied sciences (UAS).

Compared to other countries, tuition fees are very affordable, which applies to both EU/EEA and non-EU/EEA students. Here’s a breakdown of tuition costs at public universities:

  • regular universities: free for students from the EU/EEA and Switzerland
  • regular universities: around 730 EUR per semester for non-EU/EEA students
  • UAS: around 365 EUR per semester for EU/EEA students
  • UAS: between 730–7,500 EUR per semester for non-EU/EEA students

Those interested in private universities should know that fees are much higher, often ranging between 3,000 and 35,000 EUR per academic year.

To reduce the costs of studying in Austria, international students can apply for scholarships and grants.

Cheap Universities in Austria

1. FH Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences

Founded in 1989 as the Technical School of Vorarlberg, the university has progressed into an institution that provides practice-linked degrees. To date, its 1,300 students major in bachelor and master’s programs that focus on Business, Design, Engineering, and Social Work.

FH Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences is a free tuition university in Austria, which attracts many international students. In addition, the university continues to attract international students with its long list of scholarships and financial grants.

2. University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences

The university, which is also known as BOKU, was founded in 1872 as a research center for renewable resources. Currently, it specializes in the fields of Engineering, Natural Science, Biotechnology, Economics, and Social Science.

The 11,200+ strong BOKU student population are immersed in the school’s 8 bachelors and 28 MSc programs. A good percentage comes from foreign backgrounds, who have taken hold of the school’s cheap tuition and many grant offerings.

3. University of Vienna

Known in German as the Universität Wien, this Vienna-based institution is the oldest in the German-speaking world. The University of Vienna is one of the cheapest universities in Austria for international students with a tuition fee of up to $815 per semester.

Founded in the year 1365 by Duke Rudolph, it is modeled after the prestigious Sorbonne University in Paris. Given its long and illustrious history, it is considered one of the most reputable European universities – especially in the field of Humanities.

To date, the university offers 55 bachelor’s, 110 master’s, and 13 doctoral programs through its 15 faculties. While most lessons are taught in German, some of them are offered in English to attract students from all around the world. This technique has been more than effective, with 28% of the university’s 32,000+ strong students coming from various parts of the globe.

4. Medical University of Vienna

The Medizinische Universität Wien, a free university in Austria, was established in 2004 as the successor of the University of Vienna’s Faculty of Medicine. Despite its year of founding, its roots make it the second-oldest medical faculty after the Charles University of Prague.

As one of the best medical schools in Europe, it is known for its competitive admission – accepting only about 9% of its 8,000 applicants to its programs. These are Medicine, Dentistry, MA in Medical Informatics, and a Ph.D. in Applied Medical Science.

https://836d44d1a40a58eeea248d46be976732.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-40/html/container.htmlDespite having only about 7,500 students, the Medical University of Vienna is home to a lot of foreigners. In fact, 30% of its population comes from various countries all around the world.

5. University of Salzburg

The University of Salzburg, which is based in the fourth-largest city in Austria, was founded in the year 1622. It is named after its founder, the Prince-Archbishop Paris Lodron.

Closed in 1810 and re-established in the year 1962, the university is home to around 18,000 students – 38% of which come from different countries across the globe. These international students are educated in the four faculties of the university, namely Law, Cultural & Social Science, Natural Science, and Catholic Theology.Find Open Programs for International Students

6. TU Wien

Technische Universität Wien, formerly the Vienna University of Technology, is a major institution founded in the year 1815. True to its’ name, the school is best known for its computer science, engineering, and natural science courses.

As with most Austrian universities, TU Wien is known for its conducive environment for international students. To date, 30% of the school’s 10,400+ students come from various foreign backgrounds.

7. University of Applied Arts Vienna

We end our list of free universities in Austria with the University of Applied Arts Vienna. Known colloquially as the Die Angewandte, the University of Applied Arts Vienna is an institution that specializes in the arts. Founded in 1867 and granted university status in 1970, the predecessor of the Vienna School of Arts & Crafts has produced many influential artists throughout the years.

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