Study in Austria – Universities, Scholarships & Tuition Fees Guide (2026)
Austria
Top Universities in Austria
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Austria is one of the most affordable European study destinations for international students in 2026. If you are coming from outside the EU, you can expect to pay around €726 to €751 per semester in tuition at public universities — one of the lowest non-EU rates on the continent. Students from EU and EEA countries usually pay no tuition at all at public universities in Austria.
This guide covers tuition fees at public and private universities, the top five universities to apply to, scholarships including OeAD and Erasmus+, monthly living costs, and the exact steps to apply for the 2026 October intake or the early 2027 March intake.
Austria at a Glance: Key Facts for 2026
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Non-EU Tuition (Public Universities) | €726 – €751 per semester |
| EU/EEA Tuition (Public Universities) | Free in most cases |
| Student Union Fee | ~€20 – €25 per semester |
| Monthly Living Cost | €950 – €1,100 |
| Main Intakes | October (Winter) and March (Summer) |
| Top Scholarship Programme | OeAD – Austrian Agency for Education |
| Official Study Portal | studyinaustria.at |
How Much Will You Pay to Study in Austria?
Austria splits universities into three types, and your tuition depends on which type you apply to. Public universities are the most affordable option for non-EU students. Private universities cost significantly more but offer specific programmes that may not be available at public institutions.
| University Type | Non-EU Tuition | EU/EEA Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Public Universities | €726 – €751 per semester (~€1,452 – €1,502/year) | Free in most cases |
| Universities of Applied Sciences | €363 – €726 per semester | Varies by institution |
| Private Universities | €3,000 – €20,000+/year | €3,000 – €20,000+/year |
Important: all students also pay a small student union fee of around €20 to €25 per semester on top of any tuition. Always confirm the exact fee on your chosen university’s official admissions page before applying.
Top 5 Public Universities in Austria for 2026
Austria has strong public universities across several cities. Below are five well-known options for international students. All are publicly funded and follow the affordable fee structure above.
- University of Vienna: Austria’s largest and oldest university, offering more than 180 programmes across arts, science, law, business, and more. Official site: univie.ac.at.
- TU Wien (Vienna University of Technology): one of Austria’s leading technical universities, strong in engineering, architecture, and computer science. Official site: tuwien.ac.at.
- University of Innsbruck: a comprehensive research university in the Alps, with strong programmes in natural sciences, law, and humanities. Official site: uibk.ac.at.
- Graz University of Technology: a technical university in Graz with a strong reputation in engineering, IT, and natural sciences. Official site: tugraz.at.
- Johannes Kepler University Linz: located in Upper Austria with a focus on business, law, social sciences, and engineering. Official site: jku.at.
You can explore all Austrian universities and filter by subject, city, and degree level at the official Study in Austria portal: studyinaustria.at.
Scholarships You Can Apply For in Austria
Austria does not have many fully funded government scholarships for international students, but several targeted funding routes can reduce your costs significantly. Below are the four main options worth researching before your 2026 application.
OeAD Government Scholarships
The OeAD (Austrian Agency for Education and Internationalisation) is Austria’s main scholarship body. OeAD scholarships are aimed at international students who meet academic and country-specific eligibility criteria. Funding can include a monthly stipend and health insurance support, though the exact amount depends on the specific grant and call.
You can browse all current OeAD scholarship calls at: studyinaustria.at/en/plan-your-studies/scholarships-funding.
Erasmus+ Programme
Erasmus+ is the European Union’s exchange scholarship programme. If your home university has a partnership with an Austrian university, you may be able to study in Austria for one or two semesters with a grant that covers tuition, travel, and a monthly living allowance.
Check with your home institution’s international office to see if an Erasmus+ partnership with Austria is available. The official programme site is: erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu.
grants.at — Austria’s Full Scholarship Database
grants.at is Austria’s central database of scholarships, grants, and research funding. You can filter by your country of origin, degree level (bachelor’s, master’s, PhD), and field of study. It includes both government and private funding routes that are not always listed elsewhere.
This is one of the most useful tools for international students searching for funding in Austria. Visit: grants.at.
University Merit and Performance Scholarships
Many Austrian universities offer their own internal scholarships based on academic performance, financial need, or research achievement. These are not always advertised widely, so you should check directly on the scholarships or financial aid page of each university you are applying to. The five universities listed above all have dedicated student support pages with funding information.
Cost of Living in Austria: What to Budget Per Month
Plan for around €950 to €1,100 per month in total living costs when studying in Austria. This covers the main expenses most students face:
- Accommodation: around €400 to €600 per month for student housing or a shared flat. On-campus accommodation is cheaper but limited.
- Food: around €200 to €300 per month if you cook regularly. University canteens (Mensa) offer subsidised meals.
- Transport: around €50 to €100 per month. Students can get discounted semester travel passes in most Austrian cities.
- Health insurance: required for your student visa. Costs vary, but budget around €50 to €80 per month if not covered by a scholarship.
- Books and materials: around €30 to €60 per month depending on your programme.
Vienna tends to be slightly more expensive than other Austrian cities. Graz, Innsbruck, and Linz are generally more affordable while still offering a high quality of life. Choosing a city outside Vienna can reduce your monthly costs by around €100 to €200.
When Can You Start? Austria 2026 and 2027 Intakes
| Intake | Start Month | Application Window |
|---|---|---|
| Winter 2026 (Main Intake) | October 2026 | Typically March – June 2026 |
| Summer 2027 | March 2027 | Typically September – December 2026 |
The Winter intake in October is the main academic start for most programmes. Some programmes only accept applications once per year for October. Always confirm the exact deadline directly on your chosen university’s admissions page, since each institution sets its own schedule.
How to Apply to an Austrian University — Step by Step
How to Apply
- Choose your programme and university. Confirm whether your course is taught in German or English, since requirements differ.
- Check the specific admission requirements on your chosen university’s official website, including minimum academic grades and any portfolio or entrance exam requirements.
- Prepare your documents: academic transcripts, degree certificates, proof of identity (passport), language certificate, and any programme-specific materials.
- Gather your language proof. German programmes typically require ÖSD, Goethe, or similar German certificates. English programmes usually accept IELTS or TOEFL.
- Apply through the official online admission portal of your chosen university. Confirm the exact deadline for your intake — do not rely on general estimates.
- After receiving your admission letter, apply for relevant scholarships: OeAD, Erasmus+, or any grants you found on grants.at.
- Apply for your Austrian student visa (Studierendenvisum) at the Austrian embassy or consulate in your country. Start this process as soon as you have your admission letter.
- Arrange your accommodation before arriving. On-campus spots fill quickly, so apply for student housing early or start looking for shared flats.
Why International Students Choose Austria in 2026
- Low non-EU tuition: around €726 to €751 per semester at public universities — far less than the UK, Australia, or the US.
- EU/EEA students study free at most public universities, with only a small student union fee to pay each semester.
- High-quality European degree: Austrian university degrees are widely recognised across Europe and internationally for career and further study.
- Central European location: easy access to Germany, Switzerland, Italy, and other European countries by train or short flight.
- Part-time work permitted: as an international student you can generally work during your studies, which helps offset living costs.
- OeAD and Erasmus+ support: multiple scholarship routes are available for eligible students, including stipends for research and exchange.
- Safe and student-friendly environment: Austria regularly ranks among the safest and most liveable countries in global quality-of-life indices.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to study in Austria as a Pakistani student?
At a public university, you pay around €726 to €751 per semester in tuition, plus a student union fee of around €20 to €25 per semester. This is on top of your monthly living costs of around €950 to €1,100. Private universities cost significantly more — up to €20,000 or more per year depending on the institution.
Is it free to study in Austria for EU students?
Yes, in most cases. Public universities in Austria do not charge tuition for EU and EEA students. You still pay the small student union fee of around €20 to €25 per semester, but there is no main tuition charge.
Do I need to speak German to study in Austria?
Not necessarily. Many master’s and some bachelor’s programmes at Austrian universities are taught entirely in English. However, a large number of programmes — especially at undergraduate level — are in German. Always check the language of instruction for your specific course before applying.
What is the OeAD scholarship and how do I apply?
The OeAD is Austria’s government education agency. It offers scholarship grants to eligible international students that can include a monthly stipend and health insurance. Applications are reviewed based on academic merit and country-specific criteria. Browse all open calls at studyinaustria.at/en/plan-your-studies/scholarships-funding.
Can international students work while studying in Austria?
Yes. Students on an Austrian student visa can generally work up to around 20 hours per week during the semester. This can help cover part of your living costs, though income alone is unlikely to cover the full monthly budget. Always confirm the exact work hour limits on your visa conditions.
Is the Winter 2026 intake still open for applications?
For the October 2026 intake, most Austrian universities accept applications between March and June 2026. Since this guide was published in March 2026, you are within the application window for most universities. Check each university’s admissions page directly to confirm whether their specific deadline has passed.