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Graz is a beautiful city located in the southeast of Austria. Generally known for its cultural heritage and architecture, the second-largest city in Austria is home to six universities, including the University of Graz, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Europe. The city offers much to international students, from world-class education to a lively social scene to affordable living expenses. This blog will guide you through the cost of living in Graz for students, covering basic expenses like food, accommodation, rent, etc. We will also discover the average tuition fees for international students, along with some tips to help you prepare to move to this Austrian paradise. Let’s go!
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Why Study in Graz?
Beyond its undeniable beauty, the cost of living in Graz for international students is low, around EUR 900/month. Compared to other European cities, it has relatively lower tuition fees and a high quality of education, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious students. With a significant international student population, Graz is also a melting pot of cultures, creating a welcoming and enriching atmosphere for studying and making friends. The Austrian city offers a safe and clean environment, excellent public transportation, and affordable healthcare, ensuring a comfortable and worry-free student life.
Cost of Living in Graz
Now, let’s delve into the nitty-gritty of expenses. The average monthly cost of living in Graz for international students ranges from €700 – €1000, depending on your lifestyle and spending habits. The following table provides a snapshot of typical monthly expenses:
| Category | Average Monthly Cost (€) |
| Living Accommodation | €250-€450 |
| Food | €200-€300 |
| Entertainment | €50-€100 |
| Utilities and Bills | €50-€100 |
| Transportation | €40-€60 |
Let’s explore each category in more detail:
Living Accommodation
| Accommodation Type | Monthly Rent |
| Student dormitories | €200-€300 per month |
| Shared apartments | €250-€400 per month |
| Studio apartments | €350-€500 per month |
Food
| Grocery Item | Price |
| Milk (regular), (1 litre) | €1.39 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | €2.03 |
| Rice (white), (1kg) | €2.38 |
| Eggs (regular) (12) | €3.62 |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | 17.21 € |
| Chicken Fillets (1kg) | 12.02 € |
| Apples (1kg) | 2.41 € |
| Banana (1kg) | 1.93 € |
| Oranges (1kg) | 2.34 € |
| Tomato (1kg) | 3.26 € |
| Potato (1kg) | 1.89 € |
| Onion (1kg) | 1.90 € |
| Lettuce (1 head) | 1.77 € |
| Water (1.5 litre bottle) | 0.88 € |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | 7.00 € |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 litre bottle) | 1.10 € |
| Imported Beer (0.33 litre bottle) | 1.75 € |
Entertainment
| Activity | Cost |
| Basic dinner out for 2 in a neighborhood pub | €31 |
| Museums and Art Galleries | €5-€10 admission fees |
| Cinemas | €10-€12 per ticket |
| 2 tickets to the theatre (best available seats) | €147 |
| Dinner for 2 at an Italian restaurant in the expat area ( with appetisers, main course, wine and dessert) | €44 |
| 1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml) | €3.92 |
| Cappuccino in expat area of the city | €4.25 |
| Clubs and Bars | €5-€10 for cover charges and drinks |
Utilities
| Utility | Monthly Cost |
| Internet | €20-€30 per month |
| Mobile Phone | €10-€20 per month |
| Electricity and Water | €50-€70 per month |
Transportation
| Mode of Transport | Cost |
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | €3 |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | €55 |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | €5 |
| Taxi 1 km (Normal Tariff) | €2 |
| Taxi 1 hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) | €30 |
| Gasoline (1 litre) | €1.67 |
Cost of Living in Graz: Average Tuition Fees
Tuition fee is another cost of living in Graz that students must plan for. It will vary with the university and program of study you choose. Public universities generally charge lower fees than private institutions. As a broad estimate, you can expect to pay between €4,000 and €20,000 per academic year for a degree program.
Things to Consider Before Moving to Graz
Before packing your bags for Graz, keep these points in mind:
- Although English is spoken in some academic circles, basic German proficiency will significantly enhance your daily life and integration into the community.
- Secure the necessary documentation and visas well before your arrival.
- Ensure adequate health insurance coverage for your stay in Austria.
- Plan your finances carefully and save enough to cover your cost of living in Graz during your studies.
FAQs
Absolutely! Saving on living costs in Graz is totally doable. Here are some tips:
1. Opt for shared apartments or student dorms instead of solo studios.
2. Cooking at home is cheaper than eating out. Check out discount supermarkets like Hofer and Lidl for groceries. Pack lunches for university to avoid expensive campus meals.
3. Explore free museums on specific days, attend open-air concerts or picnic in the city’s beautiful parks.
4. Invest in a student travel pass for unlimited rides on buses and trams. Walking and cycling are also great options for saving money and staying healthy.
You’ll definitely be able to get by with basic English in many situations, especially at universities and tourist areas. However, knowing some German will make your experience much smoother and richer.
Several options can help ease the financial burden of studying in Graz, such as:
1. University Scholarships
2. Government Scholarships
3. Private Scholarships
4. Work-Study Programs
We hope this blog gave you a complete overview of the cost of living in Graz for international students. Tune into Leverage Edu for daily updates like this on student life abroad. Thank you for reading!
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