Johannes Kepler University Linz

The Johannes Kepler University Linz is an Austrian public research university, founded in 1966 and based in Linz, Austria. Strong in academic and research areas of technology, natural sciences, business, economics, law, medicine, and interdisciplinary studies.

The university is an interdisciplinary unit in which research and teaching are integrated in fields of artificial intelligence, computer science, engineering, data science, digitalisation, business, law, and human medicine. It is also in close contact with companies, research institutions, and innovation networks in Upper Austria on its campus. 

This article covers Johannes Kepler University Linz rankings, acceptance rate, courses offered, eligibility and admission requirements, fee structure, costs, scholarships, application process, student visa, student life, and career opportunities.

Johannes Kepler University Linz Rankings

The Johannes Kepler University Linz ranking is based on the international academic profile, particularly in the areas of technology, business, computer science, and engineering. It is useful to note from recent QS and THE rankings that it holds a strong standing on the global level and in its subjects. 

Ranking Body	2025	2026
QS World University Rankings	#472 (tie)	#473 (tie)
Times Higher Education World University Rankings	#401-500	#401-500
U.S. News Best Global Universities	#932 (tie)	#932 (tie)

The Johannes Kepler University Linz QS ranking improved to 458 (tie) in the 2027 QS World University Rankings from 473 (tie) in 2026. 

Also Read: Top Colleges in Austria

Johannes Kepler University Linz Acceptance Rate

The Johannes Kepler University Linz acceptance rate is not officially available. The general assumption of 20%-30% may be used for general reference purposes, but is only a tentative estimate and should not be used as an official estimate of JKU. 

Key Indicators:

• Indian bachelor's applicants: 12 years of schooling and 70% or above in Class 12.
• Indian applicants below 70%: An additional 2 years of full-time higher education with at least 60% may qualify.
• Indian master's applicants: At least a 3-year bachelor's degree with 60% or above from a recognised state higher education institution.
• Computer Science: German B2 is required.
• Business Law: German C1 is required for applicants whose first language is not German.
• Human Medicine: Applicants must take the MedAT-H; JKU Linz has 330 Human Medicine places for 2026/27, with non-EU applicants eligible for a maximum of 5% of available places.
• English-taught programs: Applicants must meet the English proficiency level specified by the individual program.

Suggested Read: Why Study in Austria?

Courses at Johannes Kepler University Linz

The university has approximately 100 academic degrees available in medicine, law, engineering, computer science, natural sciences, education, social sciences, business and economics. Selected Programs and typical time to completion are shown below. 

Study Level	Popular Courses	Typical Duration
Diploma and Other Programs	Business Education, Law, continuing education and postgraduate programs	4-5 years or program-specific
Bachelor's	Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Business Informatics, Business Administration, Human Medicine	3-6 years
Master's	Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Data Science, Business Administration, Economics, Engineering	2 years
PhD	Engineering Sciences, Natural Sciences, Business, Economics, Law and Social Sciences	Around 3 years or program-specific

Eligibility and Admission Requirements for Johannes Kepler University Linz

The admission requirements differ from degree to degree, program to program, and from previous qualifications to the language of instruction at Johannes Kepler University Linz (JKU). Research the requirements of the program you want to apply for before you submit an application if you are an international student. 

Academic Requirements

• Undergraduate (UG): Indian applicants should have completed 12 years of schooling with 70% or above in Class 12. For a score of 70% or more, JKU requires a minimum of 2 years of full-time recognised higher education with a score of 70% or above.
• Master's (PG): Indian applicants must have a 3-year bachelor's degree from a recognized state higher education institution, and those who have taken the degree in a domain related to the field of study.
• PhD: Applicants must hold a relevant master's (or equivalent) degree and must meet the academic and research standards for the doctoral program selected. 
• Subject-specific requirements: Some programs have additional academic or selection conditions. Human Medicine requires the MedAT-H, while program-specific subject knowledge may be required for specialised degrees.

Language Requirements

These requirements vary according to the language in which the program is offered, German or English.

• German-taught programs: German A2, B2, or C1 level may be required depending on the program and the stage of the admission process. German B2 is required for Computer Science; German C1 is required for Business Law.
• Programs of instruction in English: JKU recognizes the certificates in English as valid, including IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic, and Cambridge English Test qualifications. 
• English B2 programs: Accepted evidence can include PTE Academic 70 or equivalent qualifications.
• English C1 programs: Accepted evidence can include IELTS Academic 7.0, PTE Academic 80, or equivalent qualifications.
• Language exemptions: Exemptions may be possible where applicants have completed previous education in the required language, subject to the program's rules. 

Other Requirements

• Statement of purpose or motivation letter, where required (check the correct SOP Format)
• Academic transcripts
• Degree and school certificates
• Passport copy
• CV or academic resume for selected programs
• Recommendation letters, where required (check the correct LOR Format)
• Entrance examination or interview, where applicable
• Portfolio or additional assessment for specific programs
• Research proposal for selected doctoral applications
• Certified or legalised documents, where required
• German or English translations of documents issued in other languages
• Program-specific application forms and supporting documents

Johannes Kepler University Linz Tuition Fees

Tuition fees at Johannes Kepler University Linz (JKU) depend on nationality and student status. Third-country nationals are generally subject to tuition, while Austrian and EU/EEA students can be exempt within the standard study period and applicable tolerance semesters.

Study Level	Approximate Tuition Fees (EUR/Approximately in INR)	Typical Duration
Bachelor's	EUR 726.72 per semester (approximately INR 79,300)	3-6 years
Diploma	EUR 726.72 per semester (approximately INR 79,300)	4-5 years
Master's	EUR 726.72 per semester (approximately INR 79,300)	2 years
PhD	EUR 726.72 per semester (approximately INR 79,300)	Around 3 years

Cost of Living in Linz for International Students

The main costs in Linz are housing, food, transport, and consumables. The table below is a useful example of an international student's monthly estimate.

Expense	Approximate Monthly Cost (EUR / Approximately in INR)
Accommodation	EUR 400-700 (approximately INR 43,650-76,400)
Food and groceries	EUR 250-350 (approximately INR 27,300-38,200)
Personal and study expenses	EUR 250-350 (approximately INR 27,300-38,200)
Transportation	EUR 50-100 (approximately INR 5,500-10,910)
Utilities and internet	EUR 50-100 (approximately INR 5,500-10,910)
Health insurance	EUR 70-80 (approximately INR 7,640-8,730)
Total monthly cost	EUR 1,070-1,680 (approximately INR 1.17L-1.83L)

JKU has several student residences close to the campus, with accommodation options for approximately 3,000 students. 

If you want to plan your budget more precisely, then read more about the cost of living in Austria.

Scholarships at Johannes Kepler University Linz

Scholarships available for international students include JKU academic awards, program-specific scholarships, Austrian government scholarships, and external scholarships. Scholarships may be used for tuition, living expenses, research, or study-related expenses, depending on the nature of the scholarship.

1. JKU Merit Scholarships

• Eligibility: High-achieving JKU students who meet the academic and program-specific scholarship conditions.
• Coverage: Financial support based on the applicable scholarship call.
• Application: Applications follow the university's current scholarship announcement and deadline. 

2. Macke Scholarship for MSc Studies

• Eligibility: High-achieving students applying for MSc Physics or MSc Biophysics at JKU.
• Coverage: EUR 800 (approximately INR 87,264) per month plus EUR 500 (approximately INR 54,540) for travel costs.
• Duration: 10 months, extendable for 10 months after the successful completion of the first year. 
• Application: The current scholarship call has a May 1 deadline. 

3. OeAD Scholarships and Grants

• Eligibility: Varies by the specific Austrian government or OeAD scholarship program and the applicant's country of origin, level of study, and intentions.
• Coverage: Different programs offer different coverage, which may cover study periods, research trips, or academic pursuits. 
• Application: Applications are submitted according to the individual call listed through OeAD or the grants database. 

Suggested Read: Scholarships in Europe for Indian Students

Johannes Kepler University Linz Application Process

Applications are made on the basis of the programme selected and the applicant's previous qualification. International students should apply early as paperwork or verification of documents for admission takes time.

• Step 1: Pick a Program

Research courses and requirements, Cost of studies, duration, language, and career opportunities.

• Step 2: Check Eligibility

Review admissions criteria related to the academic grade, general English, and program requirements.

• Step 3: Prepare Documents

Prioritise certificates, transcripts, passport, language scores, CV, motivation letter, and documents in order of priority.

• Step 4: Submit Application

Fill in the application via the compulsory application procedure for admission to JKU.

• Step 5: Get to the Selection Process

Sit entrance tests, interviews, or assessments (if required).

• Step 6: You will receive an Admission Decision

Check the admission result and fulfil university formalities.

• Step 7: Apply for Student Visa

After receipt of admission documents, apply for the appropriate Austrian student visa or residence permit.

At the moment, Johannes Kepler University Linz (JKU) is looking for students for the Masters, the dates of which differ for each individual programme, but in each case it is in the winter semester and summer semester. It is advised that candidates check the deadlines of the programme to which they have applied. 

Student Visa for Austria

International students who come to Johannes Kepler University Linz (JKU) for longer durations will need an Austrian Residence Permit - Student. The exact procedure will depend on the length of study and the applicant's nationality. 

Key documents generally include:

• Admission letter from JKU
• Valid passport
• Proof of sufficient financial means
• Proof of accommodation
• Health insurance
• Recent passport photograph
• Birth certificate, where required
• Criminal record certificate
• Legalised or certified academic and civil documents
• Additional documents requested by the Austrian authority

Students under 24 generally need to demonstrate EUR 722.58 per month (approximately INR 78,835), while students aged 24 or above generally need EUR 1,308.39 per month (approximately INR 1.43L) in financial means. OeAD recommends applying well in advance because residence-permit processing can take several months in some cases. 

Also Read: Student Visa for Europe

Student Life at Johannes Kepler University Linz

The Johannes Kepler University Linz, Austria campus provides an integrated environment for study, research, sports and student activities. Its park-like campus includes academic buildings, laboratories, libraries, sports facilities and student services.

Students can access:

• University library and study areas
• Research laboratories
• Digital and IT facilities
• Student support services
• Sports and recreational facilities
• Student clubs and organisations
• International student support
• Career services
• Nearby student residences
• Public transport connections to Linz city

Career Opportunities After Johannes Kepler University Linz

Graduates can pursue careers in technology, artificial intelligence, engineering, business, finance, law, data science, research, and healthcare. JKU also connects students with employers through career services, job opportunities, internships, thesis projects, and industry events.

The following table gives approximate annual gross salaries for selected career paths in Austria.

Job Role	Approximate Annual Salary (EUR / Approximately in INR)
IT Consultant	EUR 50,000-75,000 (approximately INR 54.54L-81.81L)
Project Manager	EUR 50,000-75,000 (approximately INR 54.54L-81.81L)
Research Scientist	EUR 49,000-66,000 (approximately INR 53.45L-72.00L)
Data Scientist	EUR 50,000-65,000 (approximately INR 54.54L-70.90L)
Business Analyst	EUR 48,000-65,000 (approximately INR 52.36L-70.90L)
Mechanical Engineer	EUR 44,000-63,000 (approximately INR 48.00L-68.72L)
Software Engineer	EUR 49,000-62,000 (approximately INR 53.45L-67.63L)
Data Engineer	EUR 48,000-62,000 (approximately INR 52.36L-67.63L)

Source: Glassdoor

Note: Actual salaries vary according to experience, employer, specialisation and location.

Top Recruiters

JKU has industry connections across technology, engineering, manufacturing, research and business. Examples of employers and organisations associated with JKU career and industry activities include:

• Dynatrace
• B&R Industrial Automation
• Fronius
• Palfinger
• Tractive
• ZKW Group
• Siemens
• voestalpine
• BMW Group
• KEBA
• Borealis
• Kontron

These are examples of major employers and industry organisations rather than a guaranteed campus-recruiter list. Internships, thesis projects, PhD opportunities, part-time and full-time job opportunities are all part of JKU's career activities.