Why Study in Austria - Top Reasons, Universities & More

Austria is home to some of the top-ranking universities in the world, namely the University of Vienna, the Vienna University of Technology, and the University of Salzburg, among others. What’s more? Studying in Austria is quite affordable as well.

Did you know? As of April 2025, Austria has successfully attracted more than 60,000 international students (who account for 26% of the country’s entire population), and the reasons are not hard to find. 

But why study in Austria? Are the top universities and affordability the only reasons why international students are flocking to the country? Not really. You’ll get to know as we walk you through our comprehensive guide highlighting top reasons to choose Austria, a list of top-ranked universities, popular courses, scholarships, and student life, along with the visa and post-study options. 

Why Study in Austria?: Top 10 Reasons

Austria boasts a long academic tradition backed by an open-minded ambience, innovation, creativity, and highly rewarding career opportunities. Here’s a glimpse of the top 10 reasons why it’s fast emerging at the forefront of academic destinations attracting international students. 

High Quality Education

As an international student, the first thing that strikes you about Austria is the plethora of academic opportunities it presents to you, regardless of your area of interest. The country has 6 types of universities offering higher education:

• Universities of the Arts
• Medical Universities
• Technical Universities
• Universities of Applied Sciences
• University Colleges of Teacher Education
• Private Universities

The country is known to deliver high-quality education, with several of its universities ranked among the top 500 universities in the world. 

A Chance to Learn German

Though German is not exactly the most widely spoken language in the world, knowing this language does help when you start looking for a job, especially in the following industries:

• Finance
• Textiles
• Automotive
• Engineering
• Mechanics

Most of the universities in Austria will encourage you to take German classes as a part of your semester credits, so it becomes easier for you to get a grasp on the language. 

Overall Affordability

Austria is touted as an affordable place to study abroad, and that’s not without reason. Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect:

• If you’re looking for overall affordability, target cities like Salzburg
• Housing may seem a little expensive
• Be on the lookout for affordable but quality food like wine just for EUR 5 (INR 476 approx) or kebabs worth EUR 2 (INR 190 approx)
• Individual train prices are usually cheaper than one-country passes
• Cheap bus services are running within the city as well 
• Tuition fees are usually lower compared to most other European countries

The overall cost of living may vary depending on which city you choose to settle in, but the country is still considered more affordable than most Western European countries. 

Also read: Cheapest Country to Study Abroad for Indian Students in 2025 

Strong Economy

With a thriving economy, Austria is in a great position to invest in technology, research, and innovation. This remains one of the top reasons why international students want to pursue university education in the country.

Graduates hailing from top Austrian universities, as such, secure an obvious competitive advantage in the job market, leading to a very low unemployment rate in the country as well. 

Cultural Richness

The birthplace of stalwarts like Mozart, Haydn, and Beethoven, Austria’s intellectual history, and cultural richness have acted as magnets for students hailing from an Arts background. Here’s just a glimpse of what you get to “absorb” daily during your stay in the country. 

• Amazing architecture
• Museums 
• Glorious balls
• Music 
• Opera
• Galleries

As an international student settling down in the country, it wouldn’t take you long to realize that there’s never a dull moment there.

Central Location in Europe

Life becomes easier when you’re settled in a strategically located country, and Austria offers you just that:

• It’s located right at the center of Europe
• Backed by a near-flawless train system
• Students have access to inexpensive flights while traveling within the country as well

Regardless of whether you’re traveling to your university or taking short leisure trips, exploring the country remains a breeze, thanks to its location. 

Introductory Programs for International Students

The universities in Austria run special introductory programs for international students to help them acclimate. They help with:

• Making new friends
• Learning local customs
• Find your bearings in the country

As an international student, settling in Austria remains relatively easier since it has a diverse student body. The progressive ambience adds to this ease. 

Low Crime Rate

Austria boasts the lowest crime rate in the entire Europe, which means students are free to explore whichever part of the country they want to. The country has a high safety index – i.e., 71.97, according to Numbeo. 

Quality of Life

Vienna is globally acknowledged for its quality of living. It grabbed the top spot in Mercer’s Quality of Living survey for the tenth year in a row! The several factors considered were:

• Standards of schools
• Recreation options
• Crime Levels
• Climate

While Vienna took the 14^th Spot in the QS Best Student Cities index, the rest of Austria is great for students too!

Outdoor Activities

Austria throws open a world of opportunities for students inclined towards outdoor adventures:

• Explore ski resorts like Zell am See and Alpbach, tucked away in the mountains
• Hit the City Hall for an unforgettable ice-skating experience
• Jog around Stadspark

A bustling city life, breathtaking mountains, and museums steeped in history – Austria has something for everyone!

Top Universities in Austria

Now that you are aware of the top reasons why international students choose Austria to pursue higher studies, let’s take a look at the top Austrian universities and key programs offered by them. 

Do take a look to decide which one aligns with your interests and career goals: 

Top Universities in Austria	QS World University Ranking 2025	Key Programs Offered
University of Vienna	#137	Applied Economics Botany Cognition, Behavior, and Neurobiology
Vienna University of Technology	#190	Cartography Business Informatics Computational Science and Engineering
University of Innsbruck	#309	Strategic Management and Innovation  English and American Studies Pharmaceutical Sciences – Drug Development and Regulatory Affairs
University of Graz	#413	Geosciences English and American Studies Environmental Systems Sciences- Climate Change and Transformation Science
Johannes Kepler University Linz	#472	Management General Management – Double Degree Program ESC Troyes – JKU Linz Industrial Mathematics
University of Salzburg	#601-610	Applied Geoinformatics  Human-Computer Interaction  Geographic Information Science & Systems (UNIGIS)
University of Klagenfurt	#611-620	Worlds of English  Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity  Informatics
Medical University of Vienna	Not Ranked	Applied Medical Aesthetics Clinical Research Clinical Dentistry Endodontology
University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna	Not Ranked	Horticultural Sciences Animal Breeding and Genetics Applied Limnology
Central European University	Not Ranked	Master of Arts in Critical Gender Studies Master of Arts in Cultural Heritage Studies - Track: Cultural Heritage Management and Policy

Austrian Courses Popular Among International Students

The universities of Austria have different academic structures catering to diverse academic goals. Traditional universities like the University of Vienna offer a wide range of academic disciplines to align with varied areas of interest. 

The University of Applied Sciences, on the other hand, focuses on medical and technical courses. 

Sharing a quick look at the most popular Austrian courses among international students:

• Artificial Intelligence Courses: Focus on the fundamentals of AI and the ethical, social, and legal impact of its use
• Business Management Courses: Designed for students aiming to make it big in the corporate world, be it through leadership, strategizing, or change management roles
• Data Science Courses: Aim at helping students grab highly acclaimed research and specialization opportunities spanning a range of scientific disciplines
• Courses on Natural Sciences: Span a variety of disciplines including horticulture, animal breeding and genetics, organic agriculture, and forestry, among others
• International Business Courses: Cover a wide range of topics, including global economy, digitization of economy, marketing, and finance

The course curriculum may vary slightly based on the choice of university. You’re advised to research program details thoroughly while applying. 

Cost of Studying in Austria

The cost of studying in Austria varies with the type of university. Before delving into details, please remember that non-EU/EEA (European Union/European Economic Area) students usually have to pay more than EU/EEA students. 

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• EU/EEA students enrolling for full-time degree courses or exchange programs don’t have to pay anything except EUR 20 (INR 1,907 approx) per semester. 
• The non-EU/EEA students, on the other hand, have to pay an average of EUR 726.72 (INR 69,328 approx) as a tuition fee every semester in addition to EUR 20. 

Note: Several public universities in the country do not charge tuition fees to international students from developing countries. You can check with them accordingly while applying. 

The private universities are more expensive than the public ones. Depending on the program you have chosen, be prepared to pay something between EUR 3,000 (INR 2,86,195 approx) to EUR 23,000 (INR 21,94,165 approx) every year.

International students who have enrolled in universities of Applied Sciences have to pay tuition fees worth EUR 727 (INR 69,354 approx) - EUR 7,500 (INR 7,15,488 approx). 

Other costs to consider:

• Transport costs - EUR 30 (INR 2,861 approx) – EUR 50 (INR 4,769 approx) per month 
• Utilities/Health - EUR 425 (INR 40,544 approx) per month 

Also read: Cost of Studying Abroad for Indian Students in Rupees

Scholarships and Financial Aid for Studying in Austria

Austria offers several scholarships and financial aid options for international students pursuing higher education. To maximize your chances, start exploring these opportunities well in advance of your university application. Here's a quick overview of some of the top scholarships:

Scholarship Name	Offered By	Eligibility & Focus
Partner University Scholarship	MCI – The Entrepreneurial School	For students from MCI’s partner universities; academic merit and international focus.
MCI Global Scholarship	MCI – The Entrepreneurial School	Open to high-performing international students with a global perspective.
Helmut Veith Stipend	Vienna University of Technology	For exceptional female students in computer science, especially logic/formal methods.
Support Grant	University of Klagenfurt	For academically strong students with financial need, including internationals.
Erasmus+ Grants	OeAD – Agency for Education (Austria)	Supports EU/non-EU students for mobility in Austria through partial funding.

💡 Tip: Start researching these scholarships at least 6–12 months in advance. Early planning helps align your academic goals with funding opportunities and ensures you meet all eligibility requirements and deadlines.

Student Life in Austria

Student life in Austria blends academic excellence with a vibrant cultural and social environment. As an international student, you’ll find yourself immersed in a well-balanced lifestyle that promotes both personal growth and relaxation.

Beyond world-class museums, historic palaces, and renowned ski resorts, Austria offers dynamic recreational and cultural experiences such as:

• Classical Music Concerts: Enjoy performances by world-famous orchestras and emerging talent in cities like Vienna and Salzburg.
• Open-Air Summer Festivals: Celebrate local music, food, and art under the open sky across Austria’s picturesque towns.
• Green Festivals: Join eco-conscious events that promote sustainability, music, and creativity.
• Palace Festivals: Witness majestic productions and performances in historical palace courtyards and royal theaters.
• Student Clubs & Campus Activities: Most universities offer student associations, sports clubs, and hobby groups to help you build friendships and networks.

Austria’s safe cities, efficient public transport, affordable student housing, and discounted student passes make daily life easy and enriching. Whether you're hiking in the Alps, sipping coffee in Vienna’s historic cafés, or attending a campus debate, Austria offers a student life that’s intellectually stimulating and culturally rewarding.

💡 Tip: Take advantage of student discounts at cultural sites, public transit, and festivals by using your university ID or the International Student Identity Card (ISIC).

Visa Process for Studying in Austria

You have to apply for a Schengen Visa to study in Austria. Sharing a quick look at the types of Visas:

• A Visa C allows Indian students to stay in Austria and the Schengen area for a maximum of 90 days 
• A Visa D lasts for 91 plus days to 6 months
• A resident permit allows you to stay for more than 6 months

You need the following documents to apply for an Austrian visa as an international student:

• An Indian passport with at least 6 months’ validity
• Travel insurance documents
• Recent passport-size photographs
• Proof of bank balance
• Flight tickets
• Accommodation details
• ID proof
• Residence proof 
• Visa application form receipt

As students, you will also have to furnish additional documents like a College Acceptance letter or an Enrollment letter to secure admission to an Austrian university. 

Post-Study Opportunities in Austria for International Students

A Master’s degree from a reputed university in Austria opens a plethora of lucrative job opportunities for international students. Take a look at the list of top jobs and the average salaries to make an informed decision: 

Top Job Opportunities in Austria	Average Salaries (Approx)
Doctors (Surgeons, cardiologists, etc.)	EUR 57,500 per year (INR 54,85,413 approx)
Finance (Investment bankers, Financial Managers, etc.)	EUR 70,000 per year (INR 66,77,895 approx)
Managing Directors	EUR 1, 57,500 per year (INR 1,50,25,263 approx)
IT Specialists	EUR 60,494 per year (INR 57,71,036 approx)

Source: Glassdoor 

How upGrad Can Help You Apply and Prepare for Courses in Austria

The prospect of studying in Austria might have got you excited, but it’s easy to get overwhelmed on occasions as well. Think about all the research and paperwork that the entire procedure involves. Here’s where upGrad steps in with all its expertise. 

Get in touch with us if you want us to help you with: 

• Choosing the right foreign university for you
• Studying online with a partner university in India while studying with us
• Taking you abroad to initiate your on-campus learning experience at a foreign university

Sounds impressive? Contact our advisors today!