Study in Austria: Tuition Fees & Living Cost
Among other study destinations in Europe, Austria is considered one of the most affordable options for both European and non-European nationals. The university fees in Austria differ, depending on the institution you choose to study and also the length of the studies.
You need to also keep in mind that depending on the program and institution, an application fee might be requested for your application to be reviewed and processed. If the fee is not paid on time, then the application will be withdrawn.
The currency used in Austria is the Euro (€).
Tuition fees in Austria will depend on more than one variable. One of these is where in the world you are from, and the other is whether you choose a public or private university. Public universities will charge considerably less than private universities. You should also expect to pay a higher tuition fee at a university of applied sciences as well.
If you are from an EU/EEA country, you are not required to pay tuition fees so long as you complete your course in its given timeframe, or within the additional two semesters allowed. If you do not finish your course in this time, you will need to pay a small tuition fee each semester you remain enrolled. This is usually around €363.36 per semester.
If you are from any other country, you are required to pay a tuition fee per semester. This is usually around €726.72 at a public institution. Both international and EU/EEA students will need to pay a student union membership fee, which is normally around €18 per semester.
Another cost that international students need to be aware of is health insurance. If you are from an EU/EEA country and hold an EHIC card, you will be able to access the same healthcare as Austrian citizens without taking out health insurance. If you are from certain other countries, like Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Turkey, you will also not need health insurance. You will however need to acquire an A3 form from your national health insurance provider, which can then be exchanged for an Austrian healthcare form. If you are from any other country, you will need to either purchase health insurance for your stay in Austria, or ensure that your current policy is valid throughout your studies.
In order to help to fund your studies, you might be able to apply for a scholarship, or get a part-time job. If you are from an EU/EEA country (excluding Croatia) and Switzerland, you will be able to work part-time with limited restrictions. Your institution may require you to only work a certain amount of hours per week however, to ensure that studies are your priority. If you are from any other country, you will need to apply for a work permit, which is subject to you holding a valid residence permit. If you are from Croatia, you will also need to apply for a work permit. This condition is part of the transition to EU membership, and will remain this way until 2020.
Although Austria is counted among the richest countries of the world, the general cost of living in Austria is not so high compared to other European countries.
Accommodation Options in Austria for Students and Professionals
In Austria, both students and professionals can explore diverse housing possibilities. Many students choose university-provided dormitories, which offer affordable and convenient lodging. Shared apartments, commonly known as "Wohngemeinschaft" or "WG," are also popular among students and young professionals, fostering a sense of community. For those desiring greater independence, numerous rental apartments are available in major cities such as Vienna, Graz, and Salzburg. However, prices can vary, especially during peak academic seasons, so initiating your housing search early is advisable.
Financial Considerations
An academic year in Austria typically consists of two semesters, each spanning around four or five months. When planning for a study program in Austria, it's essential to factor in the cost of living. Living expenses, including housing, can vary significantly based on the city of study. As a general estimate, monthly living expenses are approximately HK$8,000. To assist with living expenses and academic pursuits in Austria, various grants and scholarships are accessible through the provided database. Additionally, the OeAD-Housing Office allocates available residence places to international scholarship holders and exchange students at Austrian universities, colleges, and recognized private institutions. For eligibility and affordable housing options, applicants can check the OeAD website.
Scholarship Opportunities
Numerous scholarships are offered by the Austrian government, private institutions, and some universities to support students. The Austrian Exchange Service (OeAD - Österreichischer Austauschdienst) manages these scholarships, providing financial assistance for international students studying in Austria. Austrian private schools and universities also express interest in attracting students from around the world, offering diverse financial support options.
How Much Funding Will I Require?
Outlined below is an estimation of monthly living expenses for students in euros, serving as a general guide and not as a binding reference. The calculation is based on accommodation costs for a place in a student hall of residence.
Accommodation: Approximately 450 euros
- Costs vary depending on the chosen city, rent inclusions, and institutional arrangements. Housing in Vienna tends to be more expensive than in smaller towns.
Food (excluding luxuries and tobacco): Approximately 350 euros
- Austria benefits from discount supermarkets offering reasonably priced food. Many universities provide self-service student cafeterias (Mensa) with affordable meal options. Cooking your own meals is the most economical. Sample prices: a cup of coffee/tea in a café (3.50 euros), a sandwich at a bakery (4.50 euros), a dinner in a typical student restaurant (12 euros).
Studies and Personal Requirements (books, culture, recreation): Approximately 400 euros
- Transportation costs, such as a metro or bus ticket (around 2.50 euros for a single fare in the city), cinema tickets (approximately 10 euros), and museum tickets (about 14 euros) contribute to these expenses. Students often benefit from discounts at public transportation authorities, museums, cinemas, theaters, and cultural venues when presenting their student cards.
Total per month: Approximately 1,200 Euros
The average monthly living expenses for students in Austria hover around 1,200 euros. Variations may occur based on study location, with higher accommodation and living costs in cities like Vienna compared to smaller towns like Wr. Neustadt. Individual spending habits significantly impact the required budget, making it challenging to specify an exact amount needed for a student in Austria per month.
Study in Austria: Housing & Living Expenses
Are you in search of an excellent place to reside during your studies in Austria? Look no further! Austria's affordable living expenses attract not only international students but also Europeans eager to experience the allure of this Alpine nation. Despite being among the world's wealthiest countries, Austria maintains relatively moderate living costs compared to other European counterparts.
The overall cost of living is contingent upon factors such as your lifestyle, the choice between a private or public university, and, notably, the city you opt for. Expect higher expenses, particularly in the capital city, Vienna. Conversely, cities like Linz, Salzburg, and Innsbruck provide a more relaxed and economical student lifestyle.
Preferred accommodation choices for international students in Austria include:
1. OeAD Student Housing: Providing accommodation to approximately 12,000 students in Vienna, Graz, Innsbruck, Linz, Salzburg, Leoben, and Klagenfurt, OeAD Student Housing offers budget-friendly options. As an official partner of Austrian universities and institutions, they furnish fully equipped accommodations with the possibility of summer rentals.
2. Shared Apartments or Wohngemeinschaften (WG): A popular option after OeAD is sharing an apartment, known as WG in Austria. This choice significantly reduces living costs, ranging from 250 to 450 EUR per month. Shared bills, rents, and communal spaces with roommates allow you to have a personal room. Begin your search for shared accommodation here.
3. Halls of Residence or Dormitories: This alternative is available for international students, offering various apartment types with shared facilities and communal spaces. The Austrian Student Union provides further details on this accommodation type. Note that if you are an "ÖH-Beitrag" Austrian Student Union member, a fee of 20 EUR per semester is applicable, covering student accident insurance.
Before finalizing your student accommodation choice, ensure you sign a contract and thoroughly review its terms. Opt for a contract that encompasses additional living costs in Austria, such as internet, electricity, heating, or TV, for better expense management.
Concerning living expenses in Austria, including food, study materials, and accommodation, anticipate a total cost rise of around 1000 EUR, accounting for accommodation. Consequently, prudent financial planning is crucial. Austria is home to numerous discount supermarkets where food is economically priced.
Additionally, many universities operate Mensa, self-service student canteens offering affordable meals. As a student, you can benefit from discounted rates in transportation, museums, cinemas, theaters, and cultural events by presenting your student card.
Tuition Fee Regulations for Universities
Austrian students and those with equivalent status (i.e., nationals of EU and EEA member countries) who have not surpassed the minimum duration of their study program plus two semesters are exempt from tuition fees. Subsequently, following the two-semester grace period, a fee of 363.36 euros per semester is applicable.
For all other students from non-EU/EEA countries (holding a Residence Permit-Student), a standard fee of 726.72 euros per semester is generally required.
The mandatory student union membership fee, known as "ÖH-Beitrag," along with the student accident insurance fee, amounts to 20.20 euros per semester and is compulsory for all students.
Certain exemptions or full/partial tuition fee refunds may be applicable in specific cases, such as for scholarship recipients, participants in exchange programs and university partnerships, or students from designated countries. For detailed information, please refer to the respective university's website.
University of Applied Sciences
Universities of Applied Sciences have the authority to impose tuition fees. For precise details, kindly reach out to your chosen institution directly.
Private Universities and University Colleges of Teacher Education
Tuition fees vary among different institutions. Please contact the specific institution directly for accurate information regarding fees.
Don’t know what to do? Get free expert Guidance! Contact Us Today.