The Austrian universities are famous for the quality of education and low tuition fees when compared to other neighboring countries. As a result, Austria is a favorite study destination for a lot of students from all over the world. German is the official language in Austria. But, this does not prevent studying in other languages, such as English, which is the most common language around the world.

So, studying the language opens many opportunities for the students regarding their professional future. Today, we will discuss how to study in English in Austria. In this article, we provide you with a list of universities in Austria where you can study in English, along with some programs taught in English.

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?

Are you interested in studying in Austria but concerned about the language barrier? Don’t worry, as many universities in Austria offer Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees taught in English, providing international students with the opportunity to pursue higher education in a bilingual environment. Whether you’re looking to study business, engineering, or the arts, there are plenty of English-taught programs available to choose from.

For international students looking to apply to English-taught programs in Austria, there are a few basic admission requirements to keep in mind. Typically, applicants will need to have a recognized secondary school diploma or equivalent, as well as proof of English proficiency through standardized tests like the TOEFL or IELTS. Additionally, some programs may require letters of recommendation, a personal statement, or a portfolio of work, depending on the field of study.

When it comes to the admission process for English-taught programs in Austria, each university may have slightly different procedures. It’s important to check the specific requirements and deadlines for the program you are interested in, as well as any additional documents or tests that may be required. Make sure to submit a complete application package and follow up with the university regarding any missing materials to ensure a smooth application process.

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

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

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

The best English-taught universities in Austria

Here are the best English-taught universities in Austria according to the latest QS Rankings by TopUniversities:

• University of Vienna
• Vienna University of Technology
• Graz University of Technology
• University of Innsbruck
• Johannes Kepler University Linz
• University of Klagenfurt
• Karl-Franzens-Universitaet Graz
• Paris Lodron University of Salzburg

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.

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)

Study in Austria

If you wander around the streets of any Austrian city, you’ll feel like you’ve gone back in time as you start to experience that fairy tale vibe. Austria has a unique charm making every visitor marvel at its beauty. As a student in Austria, you won’t just enjoy the country’s numerous beauties; you’ll also study at one of the universities offering excellent academic options.

One of the countless advantages of studying and living in Austria is being within one of the safest countries in the world and enjoying a high quality of life.

You can discover Austria’s incredible culture and history, if once you attend the diverse social events held in any of its major cities. From art exhibitions to concerts, theatre performances, and the famous balls – you can find pretty much anything.

Austria is also the perfect destination for outdoor sports fanatics. The Austrian Alps are the perfect setting for skiing, hiking and climbing.

The great number of high-quality education institutions, a long academic tradition and an open-minded learning atmosphere make Austria an easy choice for students who are seeking an international education.

Austrian universities, as well as Austrian cities, have a high multicultural environment; so it is easy for foreign students to adjust here. Study degrees are either research-focused or they include practical exercises in order to develop your problem-based learning skills. Austrian universities partner with many of the local research centres that conduct projects in quantum physics, biomedicine, nanotechnologies, communications, and environmental technologies.

Why study in Austria

1. It’s super affordable and in some cases free

Public universities in Austria are free for all EU and EEA citizens; international students only pay around 1,500 EUR per academic year. At universities of applied sciences (UAS), tuition rates vary between 365 and 7,500 EUR depending on the study programme and your nationality.

2. You’ll live in a safe and secure environment

Austria is one of the safest countries in the world, enjoying a low crime rate and a high standard of living and social security. In a world full of political and military tensions, armed conflicts, and violent protests, you won’t have many worries while living in Austria.

3. High quality of life

If you choose Austria, you’ll have the opportunity to study and live in Vienna, which has been ranked as the city with the highest quality of life for 10 years in a row! Everything from transport to accommodation, from student services to administrative support, from salaries to job outlook is excellent.

4. Austria is an artistic and cultural hub

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Franz Schubert, Egon Schiele, Gustav Klimt — do we need to say more? Austria also has a long list of museums and galleries which are a must-see for any visitor.

5. There’s a sport for everybody

If you’re into sports, you should feel right at home in Austria. There’s something for everybody! And if you haven’t found your preferred activity, don’t give up. You can choose from football, alpine skiing, hockey, swimming, mountain-biking, etc.

Studying in Austria and Universities in Austria

Why study in Austria? All you need to know about Universities in Austria!

Study in Austria and Universities in Austria! But why? 
Universities in Austria are one of the best in Europe and Austria itself is a wealthy, beautiful and safe country, with Vienna being voted the world’s most liveable city for ten years on the trot and the 2019 survey of quality of life placing Austria in the second position.

Virtually everyone on the planet has watched The Sound of Music, at least once, so we are all familiar with its snow-capped mountains overlooking fields of bright wild Alpine flowers and cowbells chiming in the neat, picturesque distant villages.

It is worth saying that Austria does actually look like that outside the main cities, and it would take a jaded heart not to be awestruck by the majesty and purity of the Alpine scenery which covers over 60 percent of the landmass.

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 Austria’s geographic position makes it a brilliant hub for discovering neighboring countries, with Italy, Slovenia, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Switzerland Germany, and Lichtenstein a short train ride away on Austria’s excellent transport networks.

Austria is a federal republic with nine states, and its population of just under ten million enjoy high employment, a great standard of living and a society which works: bureaucracy is efficient, health services are very good, the education system is well-funded and of high quality, the internet does not crash at regular intervals and the shops are full.

Although it is not perhaps the cheapest country in Europe, Austria is by no means the most expensive and students can survive on 1000 euros a month. And, of course, EU students can study for free since they are exempt from tuition fees!

Study in Austria: which are the highest ranked universities?

The QS global rankings for 2022 list the following  public Austrian Universities :

Atomic Number	Chemical Symbol
University of Vienna	151
Vienna University of Technology	180
Technical University of Graz	277
University of Innsbruck	281
Johannes Kepler University, Linz	354
University of Graz	651
University of Salzburg	801

There are 22 research universities in Austria as well as: six universities of the arts, which focus on music, performing and fine arts, drama, and applied arts; three medical universities and three technical universities; 21 universities of applied sciences and 16 private universities, where fees apply.

All form part of an open-minded and long academic tradition of education, going back to the fourteenth century.

A selection of Universities in Austria which teach in English

• Vienna University of Technology
• University of Vienna
• MCI Management Center Innsbruck
• IMC University of Applied Sciences, Krems

• Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences
• University of Applied Sciences Burgenland
• MODUL University Vienna
• Salzburg University of Applied Sciences

• Medical University of Graz
• Medical University of Innsbruck
• Upper Austria University of Applied Sciences
• University of Innsbruck

Universities in Austria – Most popular courses taught in English

• Master of Public Health
• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Education
• Bachelor of Engineering
• Bachelor of Laws
• Master of Laws

• Master of Business Administration
• Master of Science and Master of Art
• Master of Social Work
• Master of Engineering
• Bachelor of Arts
• Master of Engineering
• Bachelor of Fine Arts

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.

Top Reasons To Study In Austria

Austria offers one of the best study experiences in Europe, according to analysis of student testimonials on the world’s largest database of international student experiences. The results were part of the StudyPortals International Student Satisfaction Awards and were based on more than 7,000 students’ opinions, including more than 220 students who commented on their experience of what it’s like to study in Austria.

Applying to Study in Austria

Unlike many European countries, Austria does not have a centralized application process, and once you have chosen a course and a university -and Elab is here to help you with this – you need to apply directly to the university where you want to enroll. Each university has its own application forms, to download, and in addition, you will be asked for some or all of the following documents:

• a copy of your school diploma
• photographs
• ID document
• a police statement saying you are of good character
• school reports
• proof of English proficiency at C1 level

ImportantNB: It is important to bear in mind that many universities of the arts and medicine, as well as universities of applied sciences, may ask you to sit an entrance exam. Contact Elab if you wish to check whether this applies to you.×Dismiss alert

Applications must be in by 5 September for the spring term, and 5 February if you intend to start studying in the autumn term.

Once you have been offered a place and arrived in Austria, you have three days to register  with the municipality, who will wish to see a valid ID, proof of financial support and health insurance – this can be an EHIC card, although EHIC does not cover any routine medical appointments, merely acute conditions.

Once you have received confirmation of registration, you are allowed to stay in Austria for up to five years, after which you can, if you wish, apply for permanent residence.