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:
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.
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 14th 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 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
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:
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
Can international students become permanent residents in Austria after completing studies in Austria?
As a national from a developing country, if you have successfully completed your studies in Austria, you can renew your residence permit for a period of 12 months to look for employment opportunities or start your business, provided you fulfill the general requirements pertaining to adequate means of subsistence.
How much are the accommodation costs in Austria?
Though Austria offers overall affordable living, the accommodation costs are generally a little high. The average national rent for a one-bedroom apartment is EUR 720 (INR 68,686 approx.) while for a three-bedroom apartment it is EUR 1,330 (INR 1,26,880 approx)
Can I change my field of study while studying in Austria?
Yes, you can change your field while studying in Austria. The process is usually a little cumbersome if you’re applying to the same university. If you’re changing universities too, then you should have a detailed discussion with the university you’re switching to.
What is the success rate of student visas in Austria?
Though little is known about the exact success rate, your visa approval will depend on the completeness and accuracy of your application. Missing documents and discrepancies in information can significantly lower your chances of cutting.
Which documents do I need for admission?
You must furnish your ID proof, high school or Bachelor’s diploma, and documents of your professional experience if you have applied at a university of applied sciences, IELTS, TOEFL certificates, and a certificate of special qualification for university studies.
From where can I get a postgraduate degree in Austria?
There are several universities in Austria where you can earn your postgraduate degree. The University of Vienna, the University of Salzburg, the University of Innsbruck, and Graz University of Technology are a few top names.
Are there English-taught programs available in Austria?
Yes, there are English-taught programs in Austria, and this is exactly why you have to furnish your IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic, and Cambridge Certificates. Make sure you’re researching the minimum scores required by you to make the cut.
What are the living costs for students in Austria?
The living costs in Austria range from EUR 900 (INR 85,858 approx) to EUR 1,300 (INR 1,24,018 approx.) per month. Costs may vary slightly depending on the city you’re living in and your personal needs.
Can international students work part-time while studying in Austria?
Yes, international students can work part-time while studying in Austria. Your employer is allowed to apply for a work permit on your behalf if you want to complete a part-time internship for not more than 20 hours a week.
What is the Red-White-Red Card, and how can students benefit from it?
The Red-White-Red card is a type of Austrian visa that combines a residency and employment permit, facilitating your work and stay in the country for a specified duration under well-defined eligibility guidelines.
Are Austrian degrees recognized internationally?
Yes, the Austrian degrees are recognized globally thanks to the presence of numerous accredited universities backed by high academic standards, curricula designed to boost industry-readiness, globally respected faculty members, and international collaborations.
upGrad Abroad Editorial Team |4574 articles published
We are a dedicated team of study-abroad experts, ensuring intensive research and comprehensive information in each of our blogs. With every piece written, we aim at simplifying the overseas education ...
Refer Your Friend & Earn upto ₹15000
Help your friend upgrade to a Global Career and earn rewards together.
