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Article Summary
- Masters in Austria for Indian students offer a highly affordable European education, with public universities charging around EUR 726.72 per semester and acceptance rates of roughly 40–60%, making Austria a practical, high-ROI destination in 2026.
- Top universities for Masters in Austria, including the University of Vienna, TU Wien, and the University of Innsbruck, are known for in-demand English-taught programmes in AI, Data Science, Engineering, and Business, aligned with Austria’s skill-shortage job market.
- Indian students pursuing a Master’s in Austria benefit from a 20-hour weekly work permit, manageable living costs of about EUR 10,000–14,000 annually, and a 12-month post-study stay via the Red-White-Red Card to seek employment or start a business.
For Indian students looking for a high-return, affordable European master’s degree in 2026, Austria is a smart and practical choice. Public universities for Master’s in Austria offer excellent education at very low tuition fees and a reasonable acceptance rate of 40–60%, making admission achievable with proper planning. Top universities such as the University of Vienna, TU Wien, and the University of Innsbruck are well known for in-demand programs like Data Science, AI, Mechanical Engineering, and Business Administration, helping students build strong global careers.
Beyond academics, students benefit from a 20-hour weekly work permit and a 12-month post-study visa via the Red-White-Red Card. Annual living costs remain manageable at EUR 10,000–EUR 13,000. In this blog, we provide a comprehensive guide on Masters in Austria, a step-by-step roadmap for Indian aspirants, from covering eligibility and preparing documents to understanding document legalization and smoothly applying for the Austrian Residence Permit–Student application process, so you can move forward with confidence at every stage.
| Number of Universities | 77 |
| Public Universities | 22 |
| Private Universities | 17 |
| Applied Sciences (FH) | 21 |
| Tuition Fees (Public) | ~EUR 700 – 750 |
| Tuition Fees (Private) | EUR 3,000 – EUR 23,000 per year |
| Average Living Expenses | EUR 10,000 – EUR 14,000 per year |
| Popular Courses | AI & Data Science Renewable Energy Mechanical Engineering Supply Chain Management |
| Part-time Work | During Semester: 20 hours/week During Breaks: Full-time |
| Post-Study Job Search | 12-month extension of Residence Permit |
| Student Visa D Cost | EUR 150 Required for entry |
| Residence Permit Fee | EUR 160 Applied for after/during entry |
This Blog Includes:
- Why Choose Austria for a Master’s Degree?
- List of Universities for Masters in Austria
- Popular Masters Courses in Austria
- Admission Requirements for Master’s in Austria for Indian Students
- Entrance Exams for Masters in Austria
- Cost of Studying Masters in Austria
- Visa Process for Studying Masters in Austria
- Scholarships and Funding Options for a Master’s in Austria
- Career Opportunities After Studying Masters in Austria
- How to Choose the Right University for a Master’s in Austria?
- FAQs
Why Choose Austria for a Master’s Degree?
Choosing masters in Austria is becoming a smart and popular choice for Indian students. Unlike crowded study destinations like the UK or the USA, Austria stands out by offering very low education costs along with a high-quality European lifestyle, making it both affordable and rewarding.
Here are some important reasons why choose Masters in Austria:
- Affordable Tuition: Public universities cost approximately EUR 700 – 750 per semester for Indian students, significantly cheaper than the UK, USA, or Australia.
- English-Taught Programs: Over 350 Master’s programs are available entirely in English, particularly in STEM, Business, and Arts.
- High Quality of Life: Vienna is consistently ranked as the world’s most liveable city, offering exceptional public transport, healthcare, and safety.
- Post-Study Work Visa: Graduates receive a 12-month “Red-White-Red Card” extension to find a job, with a clear path to long-term residency.
- Work While Studying: Indian students are permitted to work 20 hours per week, helping to offset living costs.
- Central European Location: Located in the heart of Europe, your student visa allows visa-free travel to 29 Schengen countries like Germany, Switzerland, and Italy.
- No “Blocked Account”: Unlike Germany, Austria often accepts standard bank statements as proof of funds, simplifying the visa process for Indian families.
- Academic Excellence: Home to world-class institutions like the University of Vienna and TU Wien, known for research and innovation.
List of Universities for Masters in Austria
Here is the comprehensive table of top universities and colleges for masters in Austria. This list includes public universities (lowest fees), Universities of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschulen), and top-tier private/specialized institutions suitable for Indian students.
| University Name | Institution Type | Approx. Tuition Fee (Per Year) |
| University of Vienna | Public University | EUR 1,500 |
| TU Wien (Vienna Tech) | Public University | EUR 1,500 |
| University of Innsbruck | Public University | EUR 1,500 |
| University of Graz | Public University | EUR 1,500 |
| University of Klagenfurt | Public University | EUR 1,500 |
| JKU Linz | Public University | EUR 1,500 |
| FH Upper Austria | Applied Sciences | EUR 1,500 |
| FH Salzburg | Applied Sciences | EUR 727 – EUR 1,500 |
| FH Campus Wien | Applied Sciences | EUR 1,500 |
| WU Vienna (Economics) | Specialized | EUR 1,500 |
| CEU Vienna | Private/Global | EUR 12,000+ |
| Modul University | Private/Global | EUR 12,000+ |
Also Read: MBBS in Austria for Indian Students
Popular Masters Courses in Austria
For Indian students, the most popular Master’s courses in Austria are those that align with the country’s shortage occupation list, ensuring better job prospects after graduation. The focus has shifted heavily toward STEM, Sustainability, and Digital Management.
| Field of Study | Popular Specializations (English-Taught) | Best Universities |
| IT & Computer Science | Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Software Engineering | TU Wien, JKU Linz, TU Graz |
| Engineering | Mechanical, Electrical, Renewable Energy, Automotive Engineering | TU Wien, TU Graz, FH Joanneum |
| Business & Management | International Management, Supply Chain, Quantitative Finance | WU Vienna, University of Vienna |
| Life Sciences | Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Biomedical Engineering | University of Vienna, TU Wien, BOKU |
| Environmental Science | Climate Physics, Sustainable Development, Environmental Tech | University of Innsbruck, BOKU |
| Specialized Tech | Petroleum Engineering, Mining & Tunneling | Montanuniversität Leoben |
Admission Requirements for Master’s in Austria for Indian Students
To secure admission to a Master’s in Austria for the 2026 intake, Indian students must fulfil both academic and legal requirements. The process is strict regarding document authenticity, particularly for “third-country” (non-EU) nationals.
- Undergraduate Degree: A relevant Bachelor’s degree (at least 3 years/180 ECTS) from a recognised Indian university.
- Academic Eligibility: You must be eligible to pursue the same Master’s program in India (often requires a certificate from your Indian university or a valid entrance exam score).
- GPA/Grades: Most competitive universities (like TU Wien or the University of Vienna) look for a minimum of 60–75% or a 7.0 CGPA.
- English Proficiency:IELTS: 6.5 or higher (minimum 6.0 in all bands).
- TOEFL iBT: 90–100.
- German Language: Only required if the course is taught in German (typically B2 or C1 level). For English-taught programs, German is not mandatory for admission.
- Europass CV & SOP: A resume in the standard European format and a strong Statement of Purpose.
The Legalisation Process (Mandatory for Indians)
Indian documents are not accepted by Austrian universities unless they undergo a specific “Apostille” chain. This is often the most time-consuming part of the application.
- University Verification: Getting transcripts and your degree verified by your issuing university.
- State HRD Attestation: Attestation from the Human Resource Development (HRD) department of the state where your university is located.
- MEA Apostille: Final legalisation stamp from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), India.
- Certified Translation: If your documents are not in English or German, they must be translated by a court-certified translator.
Mandatory Application Documents
- Passport
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Letters of Recommendation (LOR)
- Syllabus/Course Descriptions
Also Read: Cost of Living in Austria: Essential Expenses Guide
Entrance Exams for Masters in Austria
Entrance exams for Master’s programs in Austria are classified into three distinct categories. For most Indian students, the requirement for these tests depends entirely on the competitiveness of the field or whether the specific Bachelor’s degree from India is considered fully equivalent.
| Test Category | Specific Exam Name | Purpose for Indian Students |
| Global Standardized | GMAT / GRE | Primarily required for Business, Finance, and high-demand Economics programs to compare international applicants. |
| University Selection | Written Ranking Test | Triggered only if the number of applicants exceeds the available seats (common in Computer Science, AI, and Psychology). |
| Applied Aptitude | Aptitude Test & Interview | Standard for Universities of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschulen) to assess practical skills and professional motivation. |
| Subject-Specific | Zusatzprüfungen | Supplementary exams in specific subjects (like Mathematics or Physics) taken after arrival if your Indian degree had fewer credits in those areas. |
| Language Tests | IELTS / TOEFL / TestDaF | Mandatory to prove proficiency in the medium of instruction (English or German). |
Cost of Studying Masters in Austria
Studying for a Masters in Austria is highly cost-effective for Indian students compared to other European or English-speaking destinations. For the 2026 academic year, public university tuition remains subsidized, while living costs vary slightly by city.
| Category | Annual Cost (EUR) |
| Tuition (Public Univ) | EUR 1,453.44 |
| Tuition (Private Univ) | EUR 8,000 – EUR 31,500 |
| Living Expenses | EUR 11,400 – EUR 14,400 |
| Public Health Insurance | EUR 801.48 |
| One-time Visa & Setup | EUR 1,500 – EUR 2,500 |
| Total Annual Budget | EUR 14,000 – EUR 18,000 |
Visa Process for Studying Masters in Austria
For Indian students in 2026, the Austrian student visa process is a strategic two-step procedure. Since Master’s degrees are long-term, you apply for a Residence Permit – Student first, followed by an entry Visa D.
The 2-Step Application Roadmap
- Step 1: Residence Permit – Student (Long-term): Apply at the Austrian Embassy (via VFS Global) in India. The embassy sends your file to the local authority in Austria. This can take 2–4 months.
- Step 2: Visa D (Entry): Once the permit is approved in Austria, you receive a notification to apply for a Visa D. This 4-month visa allows you to enter Austria and collect your physical Residence Permit card.
Mandatory Document Checklist
- University Acceptance Letter
- Birth Certificate & Bachelor’s Degree
- 6 months of Bank Statements
- Proof of Accommodation
- Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) from India
- Travel Insurance (EUR 30,000 cover) for the initial entry period
Cost & Timeline
- Total Visa Fees: Approx. EUR 310 (Visa D: EUR 150 + Residence Permit: EUR 160).
- Processing Time: Start at least 5–6 months before your course begins to account for document Apostille and Permit approval.
Scholarships and Funding Options for a Master’s in Austria
Finding scholarships for a master’s in Austria for the 2026 intake requires early planning, as many deadlines fall between January and May 2026. While tuition is low, these funds are essential to cover living costs, which the Austrian government estimates at EUR 12,000–EUR 14,000 per year for visa purposes.
| Scholarship Name | Coverage & Benefits | Eligibility Criteria |
| Ernst Mach Grant (Worldwide) | EUR 1,300 monthly stipend + health insurance and housing assistance. | Indian postgraduates (max age 35) for a research stay of 1–9 months. Requires a host supervisor in Austria. |
| Austrian Development Cooperation (ADC) | Fully Funded: Tuition, insurance, monthly pocket money (EUR 205), and meals. | Students from developing countries (India included) for programs like Tourism/Hospitality. Age: 18–35. |
| Helmut Veith Stipend | EUR 7,000 annually for 2 years + Full Tuition Waiver at TU Wien. | Exclusively for Female students in Computer Science Master’s (AI, Data Science, etc.) at TU Wien. |
| University of Klagenfurt Tech Scholarship | EUR 800 monthly + travel allowance (up to EUR 1,100) + tuition waiver. | Indian students in STEM/Tech Master’s. Must secure admission to Uni Klagenfurt first. |
| FH Kärnten TECH Scholarship | EUR 8,400 for the first year + free German language course. | Outstanding graduates in Engineering, IT, or Civil Engineering applying to FH Kärnten. |
| Master’s Scholarship in Int. Relations | EUR 1,150 monthly for the duration of the degree. | For Master’s studies specifically in the field of International Relations (Republic of Austria Foundation). |
Also Read: Austria Student Visa Process: A Guide To Secure Your Spot
Career Opportunities After Studying Masters in Austria
After completing a Master’s in Austria in 2026, Indian graduates enter a robust job market where STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) and Business skills are in high demand. The transition to a professional career is facilitated by the Red-White-Red (RWR) Card, which requires a minimum gross salary of EUR3,465 per month.
| Industry Sector | Top Companies in Austria | Popular Job Roles | Average Starting Salary (Annual) |
| IT & Software | Microsoft, Dynatrace, Bitpanda, SAP, IBM | Software Engineer, Data Scientist, AI Specialist, Cyber Security | EUR 55,000 – EUR 75,000 |
| Engineering | Siemens, BMW, Magna, AVL, Infineon, Voestalpine | Mechanical/Electrical Engineer, Automotive Specialist, Mechatronics | EUR 52,000 – EUR 68,000 |
| Business & Finance | Red Bull, Erste Group, Raiffeisen Bank, Big 4 (Deloitte, PwC) | Supply Chain Manager, Financial Analyst, Marketing Manager, Consultant | EUR 48,000 – EUR 65,000 |
| Life Sciences | Takeda, Sandoz, Boehringer Ingelheim, AKH Vienna | Biotechnologist, Clinical Researcher, Biomedical Engineer | EUR 50,000 – EUR 62,000 |
| Energy & Env. | Verbund, OMV, Wien Energie | Renewable Energy Consultant, Sustainability Manager | EUR 48,000 – EUR 60,000 |
How to Choose the Right University for a Master’s in Austria?
Choosing the right university for a master’s in Austria for the 2026 intake involves balancing your academic background with your career goals. The most critical decision for Indian students is choosing between a research-heavy Public University and a job-oriented University of Applied Sciences (FH).
- University Type: Choose Public Universities for research and PhD tracks; choose Applied Sciences (FH) for practical, industry-linked training.
- H+ Verification: Confirm your Indian university is listed as H+ on the Anabin database to ensure your Bachelor’s is recognised.
- Direct Progression: Ensure your Master’s field matches your Bachelor’s field; Austrian universities rarely allow “branch switching”.
- Industry Hubs: Select Vienna for Finance/IT, Graz for Automotive/Mechanical, or Linz for Steel/High-tech manufacturing.
- English Quota: Filter for one of the 350+ English-taught programs on the official Studienwahl.at portal.
- Entrance Exam Status: Verify if your course requires a ranking test or GMAT/GRE, as these registration periods often close as early as May.
- Language Availability: Check if the university offers affordable German A1/A2 courses on campus to assist with local integration.
Studying for a Masters in Austria in 2026 is more than just an academic choice – it is a strategic investment in a high-quality, affordable future. By offering world-class education for approximately EUR 1,500 annually, Austria removes the financial barriers of European study while maintaining elite research standards. For Indian students, the combination of high acceptance rates and a 12-month post-study work visa makes it a standout destination.
Whether pursuing AI, Robotics, or Sustainable Engineering, Austria provides the essential tools and industry connections. With early planning for document legalization and scholarships, you can transform your European dream into a reality, ensuring long-term professional success in the heart of Europe.
Also Read: Can International Students Get PR in Austria in 2026?
FAQs
A Master’s degree at an Austrian public university for Indian students costs approximately EUR 700 – 750. Including the mandatory Student Union (ÖH) fee, the total annual tuition is roughly EUR 1,500. While not entirely free, this subsidized rate for “Third-Country Nationals” offers a world-class education at a fraction of the cost of the UK or USA, ensuring an exceptional return on investment.
Austria is a top-tier destination for Indian students, offering world-class education for just EUR 1,500 annually. With Vienna ranked as the world’s most liveable city, students enjoy high safety, a 12-month post-study visa, and a direct path to the Red-White-Red residency card while exploring 29 Schengen countries.
For most public universities in Austria in 2026, the minimum CGPA for Indian Master’s students ranges from 2.5 to 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (approx. 60–70%). While competitive programs may prefer a 3.5 (75%+), many institutions like TU Wien prioritize “scientific relevance”, matching your Bachelor’s subjects to their curriculum, over your final score.
Yes, many universities in Austria offer a wide range of master’s programmes taught entirely in English, particularly in fields such as engineering, technology, business, and data science.
Yes, Indian students are allowed to work part-time during their studies, which helps manage living expenses and gain practical exposure alongside academic learning.
Related Reads
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