Study in Vienna - a complete guide for foreign students

Find out everything about enrollment, costs, scholarships and student life in Vienna. Experiences, tips and useful links in one place.

Why choose Vienna to study?

Vienna is one of the largest university centers in Europe. Only Universität Wien has over 90,000 students, and in the whole city there are more than 200,000. The quality of education, safety and multiculturalism make it a perfect place for foreign students.

What particularly delights is the attitude of the city towards students: cheap public transport, discounts in museums, rich cultural life and huge opportunities for practice and employment.

Types of universities and faculties in Vienna

Austria has different types of higher education institutions, depending on your interests and future career:

• Classical universities - Universität Wien, Technische Universität Wien, Medizinische Universität Wien
• Universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschule) - practical teaching and cooperation with companies
• Private universities - small number of students, individual approach
• Art academies - Universität für Musik und darstellende Kunst, Angewandte Kunst

The most famous universities in Vienna

Enrollment and conditions for foreign students

The enrollment process can seem complicated, but if if you start on time, everything can be completed without stress. Here are the basic steps:

1. Application via the university's online portal
2. Translated and certified documents (certificates, diplomas)
3. Proof of the right to enroll in the country of origin
4. Proof of language knowledge (German or English)
5. Admission exams - only for certain programs (e.g. medicine)

Deadlines: for the winter semester, applications last until July, and for the summer semester until January.

Costs of studying and living in Vienna

Austria has one of the most affordable tuition fees in Western Europe, and the cost of living is stable in compared to the quality that the city offers.

Study costs

• Tuition fees for non-EU students: around €726 per semester
• Student Union (ÖH Beitrag): ~€22
• Total: around €750 per semester

Average monthly living expenses

Accommodation for students in Vienna

The most common options are student dormitories and shared apartments (WG). Homes cost €280–€450, while rooms in WG go from €400 upwards. Popular organizations are OeAD Housing, STUWO and ÖJAB.

The most favorable districts are Vienna's 3rd, 5th, 10th and 15th districts - close to universities and public transport.

Administration and residence permit

If you come from Serbia, you need to apply for Aufenthaltsbewilligung – Student (residence permit for students). The conditions are:

• Certificate of registration
• Proof of financial resources (about €1,030 per month)
• Health insurance policy
• Apartment contract and registration of residence (Meldezettel)

Procedure it lasts on average 6–8 weeks, so it's best to go early.

Student life in Vienna

Vienna offers a fantastic student life: museums, concerts, cafes and parks are everywhere. Students often use discounts in cultural institutions, and many work part-time jobs in cafes, marketing or the IT sector.

Organizations like ESN and AIESEC help students to connect, travel and volunteering.

Scholarships and financial aid

The Austrian government and universities offer several scholarships for foreign students:

• OeAD - Austrian Office for International Cooperation
• Grants.at - central scholarship database
• Ernst Mach Stipendium – intended for students outside the EU
• Erasmus+ program – for exchanges and studies within the EU

What after studies?

After graduation, you can stay in Austria for up to 12 months to look for a job. If you find a job in the profession, you switch to Rot-Weiß-Rot Karte which enables long-term residence and employment.

Checklist before coming to Vienna

• ✅ Translated documents and confirmation of enrollment
• ​​ Accommodation or confirmation from home
• ✅ Health insurance
• ✅ Meldezttel (registration of residence)
• ✅ SIM card and bank account
• ✅ Confirmation of means of residence

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Author: Ramonda Digital | Source: beč.rs

Studying in Vienna - a complete guide for foreign students

Find out everything about enrollment, costs, scholarships and student life in Vienna. Experiences, advice and useful links in one place.

Why choose Vienna to study?

Vienna is one of the largest university centers in Europe, with more than 200,000 students. The quality of education, safety and multiculturalism make it an ideal place for students from all over the world.

Types of universities and faculties in Vienna

There are different types of higher education institutions in Vienna:

• Classical universities – theoretically oriented, like Universität Wien.
• Fachhochschule – universities of applied sciences, focused on practice.
• Private universities – smaller, with an individual approach to students.
• Art academies - art, music and design.

The most famous universities and faculties in Vienna