collageAustria
All programmes in Austria
Few countries are as compelling for studying abroad as Austria. Austria lies in the centre of Europe with easy access to its neighbouring countries by air, road, or rail. With a population of 8.7 million Austria is a rather small country, but whether you enjoy the spectacular Alpine views or prefer the vibrancy of its cities, there is something to suit everyone.
The universities and higher education facilities are well respected throughout the world. With a thriving industry base and high employment ratio, the opportunities for graduates are many and varied. Vienna is the oldest and most well-known of Austria’s university cities, but you can also choose to study in Graz, Innsbruck, Linz or Salzburg; all of which benefit from the wonderful architecture and rich culture that Austria is famous for.
An introduction to Austria
Austria is not only located at the center of Europe – the country has also played an important role in European history, being an integral part in shaping the Europe we know today.
Austria itself is well-known for its magnificent winter sports scene in the Arlberg region, birthplace of modern Alpine skiing, and Innsbruck, in the foothills of the Alps. However, the whole of Austria is mostly mountainous which makes for stunning scenery and endless walking possibilities throughout the year.
The main cities like Vienna and Graz are home to many baroque castles, palaces and gardens, and museums charting the part Austria had to play in both musical history and psychology. Famous Austrian musicians and composers include Haydn, Mahler, Liszt, and of course Mozart, while Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis, was also born here.
Studying at a university in Austria
For such a small country, the excellence of Austria’s universities is recognised worldwide. Many of them rank highly in international university rankings, ensuring you of a good quality education should you decide to study here. As well as that, the bonus for students originating elsewhere in the European Union is that tuition at any of the public universities is free. Even if you are coming from a country outside the EU, the fees are very reasonable and lower than many in the rest of Europe – with around 1,500 EUR per year. The private universities can set their own rates which can be considerably higher, but there is so much choice for international students, you are sure to find one that suits your budget and your educational aspiration.
The University of Vienna is the oldest university in the German-speaking world as it was founded in 1365, and is perfectly placed in a town famous for its culture as well as nightlife. Associated with 15 Nobel Prize winners, and has nearly 200 different degree programmes to choose from, many of them taught in English.
Living in Austria as a student
Many international students have chosen to study in Austria for a Bachelors or Masters degree; on average, around 15% of the student body come from abroad, ensuring a diverse and multicultural study environment. Although the cost of living is moderate throughout Austria, the standard of living is among the highest in Europe. And students often also receive discounts for travel, entrance fees, and even sports activities.
There are many museums, musical venues, and theatres where you can soak up the culture, or if you prefer the outdoors, the Alps are right on your doorstep. There are an abundance of hiking trails in the beautiful countryside, and of course skiing and snowboarding in the wintertime. Perhaps a bustling nightlife is more to your taste, and Austria can accommodate this too. From coffee-shops to chic and underground nightclubs, it has all a budding student could wish for. Take a look at some of the courses you could study at the many universities, and see why Austria could be your next stop.
Universities in Austria
- Alpen-Adria-Universität Klagenfurt
- Carinthia University of Applied Sciences (CUAS)
- Central European University (CEU)
- Danube University Krems
- FH Joanneum
- Graz University of Technology
- IMC University of Applied Sciences Krems
Austria Masters Fees
If you plan or think about studying in Austria, you should know that many international students rated their study abroad experience in this country as excellent. The main reasons were:
- The high standard of the academic environment at Austrian universities
- Student-centred classes and teaching methods
- Austria is one of the safest European countries
- Universities charge low tuition fees
Keep on reading as we provide more details about tuition fees and living costs in Austria.
1. Tuition fees for international students in Austria
Tuition fees for EU/EEA & Switzerland students
At public universities, EU/EEA students who pursue a full-time degree or enrol for an exchange programme don’t have to pay any tuition fee. They only have to pay a fee of 20 EUR/semester, which covers the student union membership and the student accident insurance.
Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA students
In addition to the 20 EUR/semester, non-EU/EEA students will have to pay on average 726.72 EUR per semester for tuition fees.
Many public universities make exceptions for students from developing countries, who are not charged any tuition fees. To see if your country is on the list, check the information on the official university page.
Tuition fees at Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS)
Universities of Applied Sciences can decide how much they charge for their study programmes. EU/EEA students usually pay 363 EUR/semester. For non-EU/EEA citizens, costs range between 727 – 7,500 EUR/semester.
Tuition fees at private universities
Private academic institutions are more expensive than public universities. While tuition costs vary from one study programme to the next, foreign students should expect to pay anywhere between 3,000 – 23,000 EUR/year. Some specialised programmes demand tuition fees of 35,000 EUR/year or more.
Universities we recommend in Austria
- Central European University (CEU)
- University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria
- WU (Vienna University of Economics and Business)
2. Student living costs in Austria
Considering the high quality of life in Austria, one can say that living costs are quite affordable. Prices vary from one region to another.
In Vienna and Salzburg, you should prepare a monthly budget of 900 – 1,300 EUR to cover all your expenses (accommodation, food, social activities and public transportation).
In other student cities, like Linz or Graz, living costs range between 900 and 1,000 EUR/month.
Accommodation costs in Austria
Accommodation rates in Austria range between 200 – 500 EUR/month. Some cities, like Vienna are more expensive than others. Prices are also higher if you live in the city centre or very close to it.
On average, students that live alone pay about 400 EUR/month, students living in student accommodation pay around 260 EUR/month, while those who live with a partner/colleague spend around 370 EUR/month.
Check out the experiences of these students who graduated in Austria:
- Andrei’s story
- Omar’s story
- Sara’s story
Food costs in Austria
For Austrians, lunch is the most important meal of the day; for this reason, most restaurants offer cheap menus around noon. The cheapest are usually Chinese restaurants, but if you want to try out traditional Austrian food, go for a Gasthaus or Gasthof, which serve traditional food at reasonable prices.
The average price of meals at some inexpensive local pubs or restaurants is about 7 – 10 EUR. A soup goulash is around 7 EUR and the dessert would cost around 4 EUR.
In touristic areas, however, you should expect prices of about 12 to 18 EUR for the main meal and another 6 EUR for a drink. A three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant will cost somewhere between 20 to 30 EUR per person.
Supermarkets have pretty affordable prices, meaning you will spend around 200 – 250 EUR/month on your groceries. The cheapest supermarkets are Hofer (Austria’s Aldi), Zielpunkt, Spar and Billa.
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