Taking that step to study abroad comes with multiple benefits which will influence your professional and personal growth. You get the opportunity to experience different cultures, perspectives, enhance your network, and learn a new language. As well as learning, you get the opportunity to travel and explore the world. If you are set on studying in Europe and have no clue which European country to be your next learning study destination then Austria is the place.
Why study in Austria?
Austria is located in the central part of northern Europe and shares a border with Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Italy, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. Austria is recognized around the world for its reputation for having a long tradition of academic achievement and good quality of education. With a thriving country and employment ratio, career opportunities for graduates after studies are endless. Apart from being highly ranked internationally for providing good quality education, Austria is known for its touristy attractions and modern cities. The cost of studying in Austria for international students is very affordable compared to other countries in Europe. International students can expect to pay a median of €1,452 at public universities including €20 per semester for student union membership fee. International students are advised to purchase health insurance to be able to stay in Austria throughout their studies.
6 cheap universities in Austria for international students
Although, Austria is often viewed as an expensive tourist destination; Vienna. It offers favourable tuition fees for international students at their public institutions and world-class facilities.
Without further ado here’s a list of low tuition-free universities in Austria for international students:
- 1. Universität Vienna
- 2. Universität Klagenfurt (Alpen Adira Universität)
- 3. Universität Salzburg
- 4. Karl Franzens Universität Graz
- 5. Universität Innsbruck
- 6. Universität Linz (Johannes Kepler Universität Linz)
Related: 15 Scholarships in Europe for African Students
1. Universität Vienna
The oldest public research university located in Vienna, Austria was founded in 1365. Vienna is a city rich in artistic history monuments such as Saint Stephen’s Cathedral, Hofburg Palace, and the Sisi Museum. Original architecture from the Romanesque, Baroque, and Art Nouveau movements line many of the city’s narrow streets. Universität Vienna is home to a wide range of faculties from the law, business, and economics, computer science, historical-cultural studies, psychology, social science, etc. Most programs at the university are taught in English, Universität Vienna is amongst the cheapest university in Austria for international students. The cost of living ranges from $690-$1306/month. Tuition Fees for international students studying for Bachelors $1730per yr. and Masters$1730 per year. According to The Qs world university ranking 2021, Universität Vienna is ranked 61 in the EU and 150 in the world. While Times Higher School World University of Rankings 2021 ranked Universität Vienna 730 in the EU and 164 in the World. Vienna is a very liveable city for students with good access to affordable public transport, accommodation, and affordable education.
2. Universität Klagenfurt (Alpen Adira Universität)
Klagenfurt is an 800-year-old town one of Austria’s historic town centers, Located in lake Wörthersee one of Europe’s largest and warmest Alpine lakes. Klagenfurt is a city with a Mediterranean climate, pleasant summer days, winter, autumn and mild springs. Universität Klagenfurt is a federal Austrian research university and the largest research institution in the state of Carinthia. The Innovative University is located at the intersection of 3 diverse cultures and its Campus near Lake Wörthersee in the city of Klagenfurt one of the safest cities in Austria. Universität Klagenfurt offers international students various study programs like; Cultural, Literature, Linguistics, Law, Sciences, Economics, Social Sciences, & Technical Sciences.
3. Universität Salzburg
Also known as Paris Lodron, the capital of Salzburg Bundesland (federal state) north-central Austria. Salzburg is known for its architecture, music, and magnificent settings. It is also home to the legendary Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The largest institution in Salzburg offers a wide spectrum of educational programs for undergraduate, diploma courses, master’s degree, and doctoral studies. International students should expect to pay Bachelor $1677 Masters $1677 per year. The cost of Living in Salzburg costs $693-$1,278 per month.
4. Karl Franzens Universität Graz
Located in the southeast of the country called the green heart of Austria. It is close to Vienna and Salzburg and close to Croatia, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic. Universität Graz is the largest and oldest university in Styria, it has 6 different faculties and approximately 120 study courses. It is home to around 31,500 students 12% of which are international students. It was named European Capital of Culture in 2003 and City of Design in 2009. International students can expect to pay tuition fees for Bachelors ($1677) and Masters $1677. The cost of living ranges from $605-$1103 per month.
5. Universität Innsbruck
A public university located in Innsbruck capital of the Austrian federal state of Tyrol. It is one of the largest educational facilities in the Austrian Bundesland of Tirol and the third largest in Austria behind Universität Vienna and Universität Graz. It focuses on research and development, teaching, and continuing professional education and training. The cost of tuition for international students studying Bachelors $1677 and master $1677. Living expenses ($705-$1367). Universität Innsbruck Ranking according to the QS world university ranking 2021 world (265) and EU (111). The Times Higher school world university ranked Universität Innsbruck 351 in the World and 164 in the EU.
6. Universität Linz (Johannes Kepler Universität Linz)
JKU Linz is Located in Linz, Austria. It is famous for its many churches, museums, and cultural activities. Universität of Linz is a Cutting-edge institution, known for offering various courses such as; sciences, academics, business, and the community. It has over 23,000 students made up of local and international students from across the world. According to the QS world university ranking 2021, Universität Linz is ranked 165(EU) and 362(World). Times Higher Educating World University Ranking 2021 cost ranked Universität Linz 601(World) and EU (268). Fees for international students at Universität Linz €363.36 per semester
7 Free Universities in Austria for International Students
As one of the most livable countries in the world, Austria is heralded as one of the best locations for education. This claim is strengthened by so many things, most notably the nation’s intellectual history. After all, its universities have produced the likes of Sigmund Freud and Erwin Schroedinger, to name a few.
If you want to join the ranks of these bright minds, then you should try to apply to Austrian universities. More than just being world-renowned, some of them are quite affordable too. Listed below are some of the cheapest universities in Austria for international students.
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
Can You Study in Austrian Universities in English?
Yes. At the FH Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences, one semester of undergraduate education is taught in English. Some of its Master’s degree courses are delivered in English as well.
At the University of Vienna, students can take hold of Master’s degrees that are fully taught in English. Some other courses are taught in English as well.
Cheap Universities in Austria
1. FH Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences
- Undergraduate Tuition Fees: EUR 20.70 (USD $25) Per Semester
- Graduate Tuition Fees: EUR 20.70 (USD $25) Per Semester
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
- Undergraduate Tuition Fees: EUR 360 ~ EUR 730 (USD $390 ~ USD $790) Per Semester
- Graduate Tuition Fees: EUR 360 ~ EUR 730 (USD $390 ~ USD $790) Per Semester
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
- Undergraduate Tuition Fees: EUR 20 ~ EUR 750 (USD $20 ~ USD $815) Per Semester
- Graduate Tuition Fees: EUR 20 ~ EUR 750 (USD $20 ~ USD $815) Per Semester
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
- Undergraduate Tuition Fees: EUR 750 (USD $815) Per Semester
- Graduate Tuition Fees: EUR 750 (USD $815) Per Semester
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.
5. University of Salzburg
- Undergraduate Tuition Fees: EUR 750 (USD $815) Per Semester
- Graduate Tuition Fees: EUR 750 (USD $815) Per Semester
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
- Undergraduate Tuition Fees: EUR 750 (USD $815) Per Semester
- Graduate Tuition Fees: EUR 750 (USD $815) Per Semester
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
- Undergraduate Tuition Fees: EUR 750 (USD $815) Per Semester
- Graduate Tuition Fees: EUR 750 (USD $815) Per Semester
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
Although the University of Applied Arts Vienna only has 1,800 students, 15% of them come from 70+ countries all around the world. These students are given the opportunity to major in Bachelor’s degrees such as Art Education, Cross-Disciplinary Strategies, Language Arts, and TransArts. Available Master’s degrees include that of Architecture, Social Design, and Arts & Culture Studies.
Cheap Universities in Austria
- FH Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences
Tuition Fee For Undergraduate Programs: EUR 20.20 (~$25) per semester
Tuition Fee for Graduate Programs: EUR 20.20 (~$25) per semester
Undergraduate Tuition Fee Link
Graduate Tuition Fee Link
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.
- University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences
Tuition Fee For Undergraduate Programs: EUR 20.20 (~$25) for students of designated developing countries to EUR 726.72 (~$875) per semester
Tuition Fee for Graduate Programs: EUR 20.20 (~$25) for students of designated developing countries to EUR 726.72 (~$875) per semester
Undergraduate Tuition Fee Link
Graduate Tuition Fee Link
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 bachelor’s 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.
- University of Vienna
Tuition Fee For Undergraduate Programs: EUR 20.20 (~$25) for students of designated developing countries to EUR 746.92 (~$900) per semester
Tuition Fee for Graduate Programs: EUR 20.20 (~$25) for students of designated developing countries to EUR 746.92 (~$900) per semester
Undergraduate Tuition Fee Link
Graduate Tuition Fee Link
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 $900 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.
- Medical University of Vienna
Tuition Fee For Undergraduate Programs: EUR 20.20 (~$25) for students of designated developing countries to EUR 746.92 (~$900) per semester
Tuition Fee for Graduate Programs: EUR 20.20 (~$25) for students of designated developing countries to EUR 746.92 (~$900) per semester
Undergraduate Tuition Fee Link
Graduate Tuition Fee Link
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.
Despite 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.
- University of Salzburg
Tuition Fee For Undergraduate Programs: EUR 20.20 (~$25) for students of designated developing countries to EUR 746.92 (~$900) per semester
Tuition Fee for Graduate Programs: EUR 20.20 (~$25) for students of designated developing countries to EUR 746.92 (~$900) per semester
Undergraduate Tuition Fee Link
Graduate Tuition Fee Link
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.
- TU Wien
Tuition Fee For Undergraduate Programs: EUR 20.20 (~$25) for students of designated developing countries to EUR 746.92 (~$900) per semester
Tuition Fee for Graduate Programs: EUR 20.20 (~$25) for students of designated developing countries to EUR 746.92 (~$900) per semester
Undergraduate Tuition Fee Link
Graduate Tuition Fee Link
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.
- University of Applied Arts Vienna
Tuition Fee For Undergraduate Programs: EUR 20.20 (~$25) for students of designated developing countries to EUR 746.92 (~$900) per semester
Tuition Fee for Graduate Programs: EUR 20.20 (~$25) for students of designated developing countries to EUR 746.92 (~$900) per semester
Undergraduate Tuition Fee Link
Graduate Tuition Fee Link
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.
University Of Innsbruck
Founded in 1669, the University of Innsbruck looks back to a long and variable history. The University has always been a supporting pillar of the Tyrolean society and has influenced the region tremendously. The importance of its status as a research and educating institution can be seen in the numerous award winning alumni and current and former scientists teaching and researching at the University. Many scientific cutting-edge discoveries have been made at this institution.uibk.ac.at
This is a selection of study programmes at the University of Innsbruck. Additional listings will be added shortly.
- Master’s
programmes - Doctorate
programmes
Masters at the University of Innsbruck
Business & Management (3) Computer Science & IT (2) Humanities (1) Natural Sciences & Mathematics (1) Other subjects (4)
Rankings
The University of Innsbruck belongs to the top 250 universities in the world and the top 100 universities in Europe.
Ranking | Year | Rank (in the world) | Rank (in Europe) |
---|---|---|---|
QS World University Rankings | 2021 | 265 | 111 |
Times Higher Education World University Rankings | 2021 | 351 | 164 |
Shanghai Jiao Tong Academic Ranking of World Universities | 2020 | 201 | 78 |