Why study in the Austria?

Reasons to Choose Austria for Your Studies

Austria's commitment to welcoming international students is evident through its reasonable tuition fees and a growing number of enrollments following recent reforms. By choosing to study in Austria, you not only gain access to globally ranked higher education institutions but also have the opportunity to learn the German language. German, spoken by 100 million people worldwide, opens doors to further study and employment prospects.

Austria boasts a rich history of exceptional higher education, with some of Europe's most prominent philosophers, scientists, and writers having lived and worked here. Vienna, in particular, has a strong tradition of academic excellence, being the birthplace of the Vienna Circle, a significant movement in Philosophy. In the 2023 QS World University Rankings, six Austrian universities rank within the top 500, with the University of Vienna leading at 151st place.

Why is studying in Austria the optimal choice? According to the Legatum Prosperity Index, which analyzed 167 countries globally, Austria ranks 4th in safety and security, 22nd in education, 5th in the natural environment, 11th in living conditions, and 14th in personal freedom. Moreover, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) confirms that Austria outperforms all other European countries in terms of well-being.

Austria, renowned as a premier tourism destination, offers stunning skiing landscapes in the Central Eastern Alps, picturesque mountains for summer hiking, and breathtaking lakes. The Austrian Alps extend across Switzerland, Italy, Liechtenstein, and Slovenia, encompassing Hohe Tauern, one of Europe's largest national parks.

For sports enthusiasts, Austria provides abundant opportunities, including popular national sports like football, alpine skiing, swimming, ice hockey, mountain biking, and cycling.

Once considered the capital of Europe during the Austro-Hungarian Empire's peak from 1867 to its post-World War I collapse, Vienna remains a cultural hub. Vienna was the center of arts, music, and culture throughout the 19th century and is still recognized as the world's capital of classical music.

The Austrian legacy in music continues with renowned composers like Mozart, Wagner, Strauss, and Schubert. The country also claims notable figures such as philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein, female ruler Maria Theresia, and actor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Over 60,000 international students, constituting 26% of the country's student population, have already chosen Austria as their study destination. They are captivated by the art, culture, intellectual history, unique architecture, and enchanting landscapes. Explore our Study in Austria Guide for more information.

Situated in the heart of Europe, Austria stands out as an exceptional country committed to delivering high-quality higher education. The well-established universities in Austria offer a fantastic educational experience. Moreover, Austria, with its picturesque landscapes, advanced infrastructure, and rich cultural milieu, serves as an ideal destination, particularly for international students looking to engage in exploration during their leisure time.

Regulations and Varieties of Part-Time Employment for Students

Part-time employment opportunities for students in Austria adhere to specific guidelines and rules. Here are key considerations:

• Work Hours: Students are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week during the semester, while full-time employment (40 hours per week) is allowed during semester breaks.
• Work Permits: EU/EEA citizens do not require a work permit, whereas non-EU/EEA students typically need one. However, the work permit is often integrated into the residence permit for non-EU/EEA students.
• Language: While German language proficiency is not universally mandatory, possessing such skills can significantly enhance job prospects, as many part-time positions necessitate fluency in German.
• Types of Jobs: Common part-time roles for students in Austria encompass positions in hospitality, retail, tutoring, research assistantships, or internships aligned with one's field of study.
• Internships: Unpaid internships are prevalent in Austria, regarded as valuable work experience.
• Minimum Wage: Austria has a stipulated minimum wage, and it is essential to ensure that your part-time job meets or exceeds this minimum wage.
• Taxes and Social Insurance: Students become subject to social insurance contributions if their monthly earnings surpass a specified threshold. Awareness of tax obligations is crucial.
• Job Search: Part-time job listings can be found on university bulletin boards, online job portals, and through networking.
• Student Job Centers: Some universities feature job centers that aid students in securing employment.
• Work-Life Balance: It is imperative to maintain a healthy work-life balance, ensuring that your part-time job does not adversely affect your academic pursuits. Many students primarily engage in part-time work during semester breaks.

More Insights into Studying Abroad in Austria

What makes studying in Austria the optimal choice for your academic journey? Austria seamlessly blends a rich academic tradition with an open-minded atmosphere, fostering creativity and innovation.

Austria boasts a diverse array of higher education institutions, encompassing 22 public universities, including 6 Universities of the Arts, 3 Medical Universities, and 3 Technical Universities. Additionally, there are 16 private universities, 21 universities of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschulen), and 14 University Colleges of Teacher Education (Pädagogische Hochschulen). This variety ensures that your study options are virtually limitless.

Affordability is a key feature of studying in Austria, particularly for European nationals who can enjoy nearly free education. The country hosts some of the world's best universities, including the prestigious University of Vienna (the oldest and most renowned in the nation), Vienna University of Technology, Innsbruck University, University of Graz, University of Salzburg, and Johannes Kepler University Linz, among others.

While proficiency in the German language is often required for most study programs, there's no need to be disheartened. Another compelling reason to choose Austria for your studies is the availability of numerous English-taught programs, especially at the postgraduate level. Additionally, you have the flexibility to take courses in the German language alongside your studies.

Ten Compelling Reasons to Choose Austria

1. Study in Austria: Austria offers exchange students specialized course tracks, providing a culturally rich and diverse academic experience. Foreign students consistently praise Austria for its exceptional cultural richness and unforgettable social encounters.
2. Quality of Life: Vienna, ranked as the city with the world's highest quality of life in 2019 by Mercer for the tenth consecutive time, reflects Austria's overall high quality of life. The country is known for offering an exceptional standard of living.
3. Social Security: Austria stands out with a low crime rate, high levels of social security, and an appealing recreational infrastructure, contributing to its exceptional quality of life.
4. Landscape: As a landlocked country, Austria boasts diverse landscapes, from the largest European lake (Lake Constance or Bodensee) to the highest mountain ranges of the Alps, expansive plains, and the steppe lake of Lake Neusiedler See. Each season presents a unique and captivating landscape.
5. Arts and Culture: Austria pulsates with vibrant culture and traditions. Museums, stunning architecture, glamorous balls, and sensory festivals showcase the rich diversity of Austrian culture.
6. Sports: Offering countless sports opportunities, Austria caters to various interests, with popular sports including football, alpine skiing, ice hockey, cycling, mountain-biking, and swimming.
7. Food: Reflecting Austria's historical blend of nationalities and food cultures, the diverse cuisine attracts visitors worldwide. From Wiener Schnitzel to Apfelstrudel, Austria offers a culinary journey.
8. Drink: Indulge in Austrian beverage culture, whether sipping coffee in a Viennese coffee house, enjoying beer with a strong cultural presence, or relishing the world's finest wines in a traditional "Heuriger" tavern.
9. Architecture: Austria's architectural landscape encompasses imperial buildings, art-deco marvels, and contemporary masterpieces. Architects like Otto Wagner and Josef Hoffmann have left a lasting impact on European architecture.
10. In the Center of Europe: Austria's central location provides a strategic base for travel adventures throughout Europe, making it an ideal hub for exploration.

Austria is not only located at the center of Europe - the country has also played an important role in European history, being an integral part in shaping the Europe we know today.

Austria itself is well-known for its magnificent winter sports scene in the Arlberg region, birthplace of modern Alpine skiing, and Innsbruck, in the foothills of the Alps. However, the whole of Austria is mostly mountainous which makes for stunning scenery and endless walking possibilities throughout the year.

The main cities like Vienna and Graz are home to many baroque castles, palaces and gardens, and museums charting the part Austria had to play in both musical history and psychology. Famous Austrian musicians and composers include Haydn, Mahler, Liszt, and of course Mozart, while Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis, was also born here.

Studying at a university in Austria

For such a small country, the excellence of Austria’s universities is recognised worldwide. Many of them rank highly in international university rankings, ensuring you of a good quality education should you decide to study here. As well as that, the bonus for students originating elsewhere in the European Union is that tuition at any of the public universities is free. Even if you are coming from a country outside the EU, the fees are very reasonable and lower than many in the rest of Europe - with around 1,500 EUR per year. The private universities can set their own rates which can be considerably higher, but there is so much choice for international students, you are sure to find one that suits your budget and your educational aspiration.

The University of Vienna is the oldest university in the German-speaking world as it was founded in 1365, and is perfectly placed in a town famous for its culture as well as nightlife. Associated with 15 Nobel Prize winners, and has nearly 200 different degree programmes to choose from, many of them taught in English.

Living in Austria as a student

Many international students have chosen to study in Austria for a Bachelors or Masters degree; on average, around 15% of the student body come from abroad, ensuring a diverse and multicultural study environment. Although the cost of living is moderate throughout Austria, the standard of living is among the highest in Europe. And students often also receive discounts for travel, entrance fees, and even sports activities.

There are many museums, musical venues, and theatres where you can soak up the culture, or if you prefer the outdoors, the Alps are right on your doorstep. There are an abundance of hiking trails in the beautiful countryside, and of course skiing and snowboarding in the wintertime. Perhaps a bustling nightlife is more to your taste, and Austria can accommodate this too. From coffee-shops to chic and underground nightclubs, it has all a budding student could wish for. Take a look at some of the courses you could study at the many universities, and see why Austria could be your next stop.

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