Study in Austria
Austria is known for its high quality of life and low tuition fees for many international students (especially non-EU/EEA residents pay a moderate fee). The main student permit is the **Settlement Permit - Student (Aufenthaltsbewilligung - Student)**. Students can work up to 20 hours per week, but their university must approve the job beforehand.
Application timeline
8-12 weeks (plus appointment time).
Living cost
€1,100 - 1,800/month (Vienna and Salzburg are most expensive).
Hourly wage
$12 - €18 EUR/hr (No statutory minimum wage, but strong market rates).
Study visa confidence
Our AI compares your grades, finances, and previous visas with real student approvals to predict how admissions officers will view your application for Austria.
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Student visa pathways
Processing times, work rights, required documents, and dependent rules for each permit route.
Settlement Permit - Student (Aufenthaltsbewilligung - Student)
Long-stay, Academic
Validity
1 year (renewable)
Processing time
8-12 weeks (processing time by authority in Austria).
Fee
€120 (Application + Issuance Fee)
Work rights
Yes, with limits and approval.
Documents required
Admission Letter, Proof of Funds, Health Insurance (full coverage), Accommodation Proof, Passport, Photo.
Dependents
Yes, spouse and minor children may apply for a Family Residence Permit. · Limited, spouse may get an employment permit if they meet certain criteria.
Top universities & flagship programs
Shortlist globally-ranked institutions with tuition benchmarks.
University of Vienna
Vienna · #1 (in Austria, varies globally)
Master of Science in Business Administration
2 years · €726.72/semester (for third-country nationals)
Graz University of Technology (TU Graz)
Graz · #2 (in Austria, varies globally)
Bachelors in Electrical Engineering
3 years · €726.72/semester (for third-country nationals)
Scholarships & exchange routes
Reduce tuition costs and build international exposure.
Scholarships
Merit + needs-based opportunities
Scholarship Foundation of the Republic of Austria (OeAD)
Monthly stipend (€1,050 - €1,250), travel allowance, accommodation subsidy.
Primarily for post-graduate and research students from developing and transition countries.
Ernst Mach Grant - Worldwide (OeAD)
Monthly stipend (€1,050 - €1,250) and health insurance.
High-achieving postgraduate and research students from non-European countries.
University Scholarships (e.g., TU Wien)
Up to €5,000 per semester.
High academic merit for Master's programs at specific institutions.
Exchange partners
1-2 semester mobility
ERASMUS+
1 semester or 1 year
Students from EU/EEA partner universities (and selected non-EU countries). High academic standing required.
CEEPUS (Central European Exchange Program for University Studies)
1 semester or 1 year
Students from Central and Eastern European countries at partner institutions.
Announcements & policy watch
Stay ahead of IRCC and embassy updates.
Tuition Fee Status Check
Non-EU/EEA students pay a fee of €726.72 per semester, though students from some developing countries may be exempt. Always check your specific fee status with the university.
Visa success playbook
Action items that consistently strengthen study permit approvals.
Ensure funds are secured for the full 12 months in a clear
accessible account; submit the application for the Residence Permit from *outside* Austria (D-Visa is usually for short pre-stay); learn basic German (A2/B1) for daily life.
Country fast facts
Key embassy + lifestyle data
Official language
German
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time zone
UTC+01:00
Visa portal
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Part-time work ideas
Average hourly wages
Student Helper (Studentische Mitarbeiter)
€13 - €18/hr (Minimum wage not statutory, but market rates are high)
Common part-time jobs within universities, often related to the field of study.
Restaurant/Cafe Worker
€12 - €16/hr + tips
Working in the hospitality sector (restaurants, cafes). Requires basic German.
Nearest embassies
Plan biometrics & interviews
Job market insights
Good. The **Red-White-Red Card** for job seekers allows graduates to stay for 12 months to find skilled employment, which is the pathway to a long-term work permit.