Universities in Austria International Students Can’t Stop Loving

Article Summary

• Universities in Austria offer affordable, high-quality education for international students, with public universities like the University of Vienna, TU Wien, and University of Graz charging around EUR 1,000–1,500 per year and providing English- and German-taught programmes across disciplines.
• Top universities in Austria attract international students with strong academics and career-focused learning, including industry-linked engineering at TU Wien and TU Graz, research excellence at the University of Vienna, and specialised medical training at the Medical Universities of Vienna and Graz.
• Studying in Austria is accessible due to clear eligibility, manageable costs, and strong support systems, covering student visas, scholarships like the Ernst Mach Grant, part-time work options, and moderate living expenses averaging EUR 300–650 monthly for accommodation.

With affordable tuition fees, a wide range of English-taught programmes and a strong job market, universities in Austria offer a balanced study experience. From the historic University of Vienna to the technology-focused Vienna University of Technology, Austria provides high-quality education across disciplines. If you are planning to study in Austria, you will love these universities accepting international students.

Best Universities in Austria for International Students

Austria is one of the most student-friendly countries in Europe. Universities in Austria combine high-quality education with affordable tuition, making them perfect for international students. Students are drawn not only to the academics but also to the lifestyle and part-time work. No wonder so many international students are obsessed with universities in Austria. Do you want to know which ones those epic universities are? Let’s take a look at them. 

University of Vienna

The University of Vienna is the largest and oldest university in Austria, founded in 1365. It is famous for its research excellence, wide range of courses and diverse international student community. International students love it because it offers programs in English and German, and the campus is located in the heart of Vienna, giving students easy access to cultural events, libraries and a lively city life. The university also has strong support for international students, making it easier to settle in and thrive academically.

Popular Courses	Business, Law, Computer Science, Arts, Social Sciences
Tuition Fees	EUR 1,500 per year
Tuition Fee Range	EUR 1,000 to EUR 1,500 per year
City	Vienna
Type	Public University
Language	English & German
International Student Support	Yes, scholarships and advisory services

Vienna University of Technology (TU Wien)

Vienna University of Technology, or TU Wien, is Austria’s go-to place for engineering and tech. International students love it for its hands-on approach and strong links with industries, which makes internships and jobs much easier to get. The campus vibe is dynamic, attracting students who want to mix tech skills with actual experience. Programs in English are available, especially at the master’s level, which makes it a perfect choice for international students aiming for careers in engineering, IT, or science.

Popular Courses	Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering
Tuition Fees	EUR 1,452 per year
Tuition Fee Range	EUR 1,200 to EUR 1,500 per year
City	Vienna
Type	Public University
Language	English & German
International Student Support	Yes, scholarships & counseling services

University of Innsbruck

The University of Innsbruck is Austria’s alpine gem, combining top-notch academics with breathtaking mountain views. Students from around the world are drawn here for its strong programs in natural sciences, medicine, and social sciences, along with research opportunities that actually matter. International students appreciate the affordable living and English-taught programs at master’s level, making it easy to integrate and thrive. Beyond academics, Innsbruck offers a vibrant student community and outdoor adventures, so you can study hard and explore harder.

Popular Courses	Natural Sciences, Medicine, Social Sciences, Humanities
Tuition Fees	EUR 1,452 per year
Tuition Fee Range	EUR 1,200 to EUR 1,500 per year
City	Innsbruck
Type	Public University
Language	English & German
International Student Support	Yes, scholarships and student services

Graz University of Technology (TU Graz)

Graz University of Technology, or TU Graz, is Austria’s hotspot for engineering and technology lovers. International students flock here for its learning approach and cutting-edge labs with strong industry connections, which help with internships and future jobs. The campus is modern yet cosy, and students love the city of Graz for being affordable and vibrant. With a mix of English and German programs, TU Graz makes it easy for global students to thrive academically while enjoying Austrian culture.

Popular Courses	Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Industrial Engineering
Tuition Fees	EUR 1,452 per year
Tuition Fee Range	EUR 1,200 to EUR 1,500 per year
City	Graz
Type	Public University
Language	English & German
International Student Support	Yes, scholarships and advisory services

Johannes Kepler University Linz (JKU)

Johannes Kepler University Linz, or JKU, is Austria’s modern research powerhouse, attracting international students who want innovation, business and tech all in one campus. Students love it for its applied learning approach and strong research culture. The city of Linz is compact and affordable, giving students a perfect balance of study and lifestyle. English-taught programs are available, so international students can jump straight into their fields without language barriers.

Popular Courses	Business, Computer Science, Engineering, Law
Tuition Fees	EUR 1,452 per year
Tuition Fee Range	EUR 1,200 to EUR 1,500 per year
City	Linz
Type	Public University
Language	English & German
International Student Support	Yes, scholarships and the international office

Paris Lodron University of Salzburg

Paris Lodron University of Salzburg is Austria’s cultural and academic gem, attracting international students with its strong programs in humanities, social sciences and law. The campus blends historic charm with modern facilities. English-taught programs are available at bachelor’s and master’s levels, making it easy for international students to jump into academics while exploring Austrian culture. This university is perfect for students who want a mix of serious learning and a lively city vibe.

Popular Courses	Humanities, Social Sciences, Law, Education
Tuition Fees	EUR 1,452 per year
Tuition Fee Range	EUR 1,200 to EUR 1,500 per year
City	Salzburg
Type	Public University
Language	English & German
International Student Support	Yes, scholarships and student advisory

University of Graz (Karl-Franzens-Universität Graz)

The University of Graz is one of Austria’s oldest and most prestigious universities, attracting international students with its strong programs in arts, sciences and social sciences. Students love it for the friendly campus environment and affordable living. With a mix of English and German programs, international students can easily pursue their degree while experiencing Austrian culture firsthand. The university also offers excellent research opportunities and career support.

Popular Courses	Arts, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Law
Tuition Fees	EUR 1,452 per year
Tuition Fee Range	EUR 1,200 to EUR 1,500 per year
City	Graz
Type	Public University
Language	English & German
International Student Support	Yes, scholarships and advisory services

Alpen-Adria-Universität Klagenfurt

Alpen-Adria-Universität Klagenfurt is Austria’s modern and student-friendly university, popular for its strong programs in business, IT and media studies. Students love it for the compact campus and friendly community, making it easy to focus on studies and social life. English-taught programs are available at bachelor’s and master’s levels, so international students can jump straight into learning without language hurdles. 

Popular Courses	Business, IT, Media Studies, Engineering
Tuition Fees	EUR 1,452 per year
Tuition Fee Range	EUR 1,200 to EUR 1,500 per year
City	Klagenfurt
Type	Public University
Language	English & German
International Student Support	Yes, scholarships and career services

Medical University of Vienna

The Medical University of Vienna is Austria’s top destination for future doctors and researchers. Students love it for the training opportunities and strong hospital partnerships. With English-taught programs available for certain master’s courses, international students can dive into medical studies while gaining global exposure. Living in Vienna also gives students access to affordable healthcare and a rich culture, making it a complete package for aspiring medical professionals.

Popular Courses	Medicine, Dentistry, Biomedical Sciences, Health Sciences
Tuition Fees	EUR 1,452 per year
Tuition Fee Range	EUR 1,200 to EUR 1,500 per year
City	Vienna
Type	Public University
Language	English & German
International Student Support	Yes, scholarships and student advisory

Medical University of Graz

The Medical University of Graz is a top choice for international students who want medical training and research exposure. Known for its strong programs in medicine, biomedical sciences and health research, the university attracts students looking for quality education. International students appreciate the English-taught master’s programs and affordable city life. Graz is also student-friendly and culturally vibrant, giving students the perfect balance of study, social life, and career-building opportunities in Austria.

Popular Courses	Medicine, Dentistry, Biomedical Sciences, Health Sciences
Tuition Fees	EUR 1,452 per year
Tuition Fee Range	EUR 1,200 to EUR 1,500 per year
City	Graz
Type	Public University
Language	English & German
International Student Support	Yes, scholarships and advisory services

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What are the Eligibility Requirements for Universities in Austria?

To study at universities in Austria, you need to finish your secondary school and meet the basic academic requirements. You must have good grades and show right language skills for your course. Some programs may ask you to take an entrance test or submit a portfolio. Here is a full breakdown of eligibility requirements in 2026:

• Completed secondary education or a bachelor’s degree for master’s programs.
• Proof of English proficiency or programs taught in English. German proficiency for programs taught in German.
• Valid passport and student visa.
• Minimum academic grades as required by the chosen course or university.
• Motivation letter or personal statement.
• CV or resume for some master’s or research programs.
• For certain programs like medicine or engineering, additional entrance exams or aptitude tests may apply.

Pro Tip: Universities in Austria, including the University of Vienna, Austria and Vienna University of Technology, value students who actively engage in extracurricular activities or research, so highlight those in your application.

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Cost of Studying in Austria for International Students

Studying in Austria is one of the big wins for international students without insane price tags. Many of the best universities in Austria, like the University of Vienna and Vienna University of Technology, charge very low tuition fees. 

Public universities usually charge a semester fee plus a modest tuition fee for international learners, while private institutions and applied sciences universities cost more. Add living costs like rent, food, transport and insurance, and you get a full picture of what student life here actually costs, so you can plan like a pro before you move. Here is the cost breakdown. 

Cost Category	Average Cost
Public University Tuition Fees	EUR 726.72 per semester
University of Applied Sciences Tuition Fees	EUR 363 to EUR 726 per semester
Private University Tuition Fees	EUR 3,000 to EUR 23,000 per year
PhD/Doctoral Tuition Fees	EUR 726.72 per semester
Student Union or Admin Fees	EUR 20 to EUR 25 per semester
Accommodation	EUR 300 to EUR 650 per month
Food & Groceries	EUR 200 to EUR 350 per month
Transport (Student Pass)	EUR 30 to EUR 60 per month
Health Insurance (Mandatory)	EUR 60 to EUR 80 per month
Phone & Internet	EUR 20 to EUR 40 per month
Books & Study Materials	EUR 30 to EUR 100 per semester
Personal or Leisure	EUR 100 to EUR 200 per month

Visa to Study in Austria for International Students

International students who want to study in Austria must apply for a student visa before entering the country. For courses longer than six months, non-EU and non-EEA students need a Visa D and a Residence Permit for Study Purposes. The visa application is submitted through the Austrian embassy or consulate in the home country. The Visa D fee is around EUR 150, and the residence permit fee is usually around EUR 120, excluding service charges. Students should apply early because visa processing takes time.

Once you receive your official admission letter from an Austrian university, you can begin your visa application. After entering Austria, students must complete local registration and collect their residence permit to legally continue their studies. But to apply for a visa to study in Austria, international students usually need the following documents:

• An official university admission letter from an accredited Austrian institution.
• A valid passport with sufficient validity beyond the intended stay.
• Proof of financial means showing you can cover living expenses, generally around EUR 8,000+ per year.
• Valid health insurance that is accepted in Austria.
• Proof of accommodation, such as a rental agreement or student housing confirmation.
• Completed visa application forms and recent passport-size photographs.

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Scholarships for International Students in Austria

Austria offers several international scholarships that help with living costs, tuition, research stays, or part-time funded study visits. Most of these are funded by the Austrian government (through OeAD) and sometimes include help with accommodation or insurance. Here is the list of some major scholarships available. 

Scholarship	Level	Coverage  Amount	Details
Ernst Mach Grant – Worldwide	Postgrad & Research	EUR 1,150 to EUR 1,300 per month	Supports study or research stays of 1 to 9 months, helps with living costs and tuition
Ernst Mach Grant – Applied Sciences (FH)	UG/Graduate	EUR 1,300 per month	Supports 4 to 10 months study at Austrian Universities of Applied Sciences, covers living costs and sometimes travel
Ernst Mach Follow‑Up Grant	Postdoc & Researchers	EUR 715 per month	For previous OeAD scholarship holders returning for research or teaching
Franz Werfel Fellowship	Researchers	EUR 1,200 to EUR 1,500 per month	Supports research and teaching in German language and literature
Richard Plaschka Fellowship	Researchers	EUR 1,200 to EUR 1,500 per month	For historical sciences research stays at Austrian universities.
University‑Specific Scholarships	All Levels	EUR 1,000 to EUR 8,000 per year	Merit or need-based awards for tuition reduction or monthly support, offered directly by universities

Exams You Might Need for Universities in Austria

No matter if you want to study at the historic University of Vienna Austria or the tech-savvy Vienna University of Technology, knowing the required exams in advance makes the process smooth. Here are the exams you might need to prepare for: 

Exam Type	Notes for International Students	Typical Score Requirement
English Proficiency Tests	Required if your program is in English	IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL 90+ (iBT)
German Language Tests	Required if your program is in German	TestDaF, DSH, Goethe-Zertifikat B2 or C1
Entrance or Aptitude Tests	Medicine, Dentistry, some Engineering programs may require	Varies by university
Matriculation or Equivalent Certificates	International students must show completion equivalent to Austrian Matura	Pass required
University-Specific Assessments	Some programs at University of Vienna or Vienna University of Technology	Varies per course

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Universities in Austria are springboards for your career. Pick your university and make the most of this Austrian advantage. Keep learning and stay connected with Learn English page on Leverage Edu for more helpful and student-friendly blogs. And if this helped you, don’t forget to share, rate, and drop a comment. Your support helps more students find the good stuff.