How do I apply for a degree programme in Austria?
Planning to study in Austria? You’ve made a great choice!
Austria is known for its high-quality education, globally recognized universities, and affordable tuition fees — making it one of Europe’s top study destinations for international students.
But before packing your bags, you’ll need to go through the university application process.
In this article, we’ll guide you step by step on how to apply for a degree programme in Austria, what documents are required, and key tips to ensure your application is successful.
Step 1: Choose Your Degree Programme and University
The first step is to decide what you want to study and where.
Austria offers a wide range of programs in English and German at:
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Public universities (e.g., University of Vienna, Graz, Innsbruck)
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Universities of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschulen)
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Private universities
You can choose from bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD programs in fields such as Business, Engineering, Medicine, Humanities, and IT.
Visit your preferred university’s website to explore course options, admission deadlines, and language requirements.
? Tip: Use EuropeStudy.eu to browse verified Austrian universities and find programs that match your profile.
Step 2: Check Admission Requirements
Admission requirements vary depending on the university and degree level.
However, most Austrian institutions require:
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A recognized secondary school certificate (for bachelor’s programs) or bachelor’s degree (for master’s programs)
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Proof of language proficiency — German (B2/C1) or English (IELTS/TOEFL)
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A copy of your valid passport
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Academic transcripts and certificates
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A motivation letter or statement of purpose
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CV or resume (for postgraduate studies)
For certain programs, you may need to pass an entrance examination or submit a portfolio (especially for arts and design courses).
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Applications are usually submitted directly to the university — either online or by post.
Here’s how the general process works:
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Create an account on the university’s application portal.
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Fill out the application form with your personal and academic details.
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Upload scanned copies of all required documents.
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Pay any application or processing fee (if applicable).
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Submit your application before the deadline.
Once submitted, you’ll receive a confirmation email and further instructions.
Step 4: Wait for the Admission Decision
After reviewing your documents, the university will notify you of their decision — usually within 4–8 weeks.
If accepted, you’ll receive a Letter of Admission (Zulassungsbescheid), which you’ll need for your student visa or residence permit application.
If your documents require authentication, some universities might ask for notarized or legalized copies through the Austrian Embassy.
Step 5: Apply for Your Student Visa or Residence Permit
Once you receive your admission letter, you can apply for a student visa (Visa D) or Residence Permit – Student at the nearest Austrian Embassy or Consulate.
You’ll need:
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Your admission letter
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Proof of sufficient funds (approx. €12,000/year)
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Health insurance proof
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Accommodation details
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Valid passport
The visa process can take 6–12 weeks, so apply early to ensure you arrive before your semester starts.
Step 6: Prepare for Your Arrival
Before traveling to Austria:
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Arrange your accommodation (student dorm or private apartment).
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Buy health insurance valid in Austria.
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Register for German or English orientation sessions at your university.
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Keep all your original documents handy for registration after arrival.
Once you arrive, you’ll need to register your address at the local registration office (Meldeamt) within three days.
Application Deadlines in Austria
Most Austrian universities follow two main intakes:
| Intake | Application Period |
|---|---|
| Winter Semester (October start) | February – July |
| Summer Semester (March start) | September – January |
Always check specific deadlines on your university’s website, as private and applied science universities may have earlier application windows.
Language Requirements
| Language of Study | Minimum Level Required | Accepted Proof |
|---|---|---|
| German-taught Programs | B2 or C1 | Goethe/ÖSD/TestDaF/DSH |
| English-taught Programs | B2 | IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge, or equivalent |
If your program is in English, you don’t need to know German — but learning it will help with daily communication and part-time work.
FAQs
1. How do I apply for a bachelor’s degree in Austria?
You can apply directly through the university’s online portal, submitting your school certificate, passport, and language test results.
2. Can I apply to multiple universities at once?
Yes, you can apply to several institutions simultaneously — just ensure you meet each university’s requirements and deadlines.
3. Do I need to take an entrance exam?
Some programs, like Medicine or Arts, require an entrance test or portfolio. Others evaluate applications based on grades and documents.
4. How long does it take to get admission confirmation?
Usually between 4–8 weeks, but it may vary depending on the university and program.
5. Is studying in Austria expensive?
Public universities charge low tuition fees — around €726 per semester for non-EU students, plus living costs of €800–€1,000/month.
6. Can I apply for scholarships?
Yes, international students can apply for OeAD scholarships, university-specific grants, or international funding programs.
Conclusion
Applying for a degree program in Austria is a straightforward process — choose your program, meet admission requirements, submit your documents, and apply for a visa once accepted.
With world-class education, affordable tuition, and a welcoming international community, Austria is an ideal destination for students worldwide.
EuropeStudy.eu helps you find verified programs, prepare your application documents, and guide you through every step of the admission and visa process.
Apply now at EuropeStudy.eu to begin your academic journey in Austria.
