Study in Austria is becoming increasingly popular due to the country’s rich cultural heritage and world-class education system. Austria has emerged as a premier location for foreign students looking for excellent academic experiences in Europe. Particularly for students hoping to continue their studies in a calm and secure setting, the country presents an outstanding mix of cost and great academic standards. Many students are now deciding to study in Austria owing to well-known institutions, a wide range of English-speaking programs, and a friendly environment for international students. However, a major consideration for international students who wish to apply is the cost of study in Austria.
International students should be aware of the financial demands outside tuition expenses when making plans to study in Austria. Although Austria has a comparatively inexpensive educational system, other costs include housing, health insurance, and daily living help to make the total budget. Including tuition, living costs, and possible scholarships, this blog seeks to give international students a comprehensive picture of the whole cost of study in Austria. Knowing these expenses in advance helps students to prepare thoroughly for their academic path in Austria and to make wise judgments.
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1. Tuition Fees in Austria
Study in Austria offers affordability as a major advantage, particularly when it comes to tuition fees. These costs depend on the type of institution and your country of origin.
Undergraduate Programs:
- Public universities: EUR 726.72 per semester (for non-EU students)
- EU/EEA students often study for free or pay a nominal student union fee (~EUR 20)
- Private universities: EUR 5,000 – EUR 25,000 per year
Postgraduate Programs:
- Public universities: EUR 726.72 – EUR 1,500 per semester
- Private universities: EUR 7,000 – EUR 35,000 per year
Doctoral Programs:
- Public universities: EUR 726.72 per semester
- Many PhD programs offer full funding or stipends
2. Cost of Living in Austria
The cost of study in Austria goes beyond tuition and includes day-to-day expenses such as rent, food, transportation, and personal spending. These can differ greatly depending on your city and lifestyle.
Accommodation:
- University dormitories: EUR 250 – EUR 450 per month
- Shared apartments: EUR 300 – EUR 600 per month
- Private rentals: EUR 500 – EUR 900 per month (especially in Vienna)
Food:
- Groceries: EUR 200 – EUR 300 per month
- Occasional dining out: EUR 50 – EUR 150 per month
Transportation:
- Public transport pass (students): EUR 20 – EUR 50 per month
- Cycling is popular and economical in many cities
Utilities & Internet:
- Internet, heating, water, and electricity: EUR 100 – EUR 200 per month
Miscellaneous:
- Personal & leisure expenses: EUR 100 – EUR 200 per month
3. Health Insurance for International Students
The cost of study in Austria also includes mandatory health insurance. All students must have proof of adequate medical coverage.
- EU/EEA Students: Can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which is valid for necessary healthcare services during their stay.
- Non-EU/EEA Students: Must register with the Austrian national health provider (Österreichische Gesundheitskasse – ÖGK).
- Monthly Premium: Approximately €64.78 for self-insured students under a public scheme (as of 2025)
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4. Scholarships to Support International Students
The cost of study in Austria can be substantially reduced through scholarships. Austria offers generous funding to support international students at all academic levels.
University Scholarships:
- Offered by many Austrian institutions for international students
- Based on academic excellence or need
Government Scholarships:
- OeAD (Austrian Agency for Education and Internationalisation) scholarships cover tuition and living expenses
- Ernst Mach Grant for students from non-EU countries
External Funding:
- Programs like Erasmus+, DAAD, and bilateral agreements provide financial support
Part-time Jobs:
- Students can work 10–20 hours per week depending on visa type
- Common jobs include research assistants, waitstaff, or administrative roles
5. Part-Time Work Opportunities
To manage the cost of study in Austria, many international students opt for part-time jobs during their studies. Popular Jobs include Retail assistants, baristas, research assistants, tutoring, and hospitality roles.
- EU/EEA Students: Free to work in Austria without a work permit.
- Non-EU/EEA Students: Can work up to 20 hours/week with a student residence permit and sometimes need an employment permit for specific jobs.
- Average Pay: €8–€12 per hour, depending on the job sector and location.
6. Currency Exchange & Bank Accounts
Managing your money wisely while you study in Austria is key:
- Use online platforms like Wise or Revolut for lower exchange fees
- Open a local bank account (e.g., Erste Bank, Bank Austria) for easier transactions
- Some banks offer free student accounts with useful benefits
7. Tips to Minimize Costs While Studying in Austria
If you’re planning to study in Austria on a budget, a few clever strategies can go a long way:
- Live in student housing or shared flats to reduce rent
- Cook at home and buy groceries from discount chains like Hofer, Lidl, or Spar
- Apply for ÖBB Vorteilscard Youth for 50% discounts on trains
- Use semester public transport passes for commuting
- Join student unions or clubs as many offer discounts on books, food, and cultural activities
- Buy second-hand books or borrow them from university libraries
- Apply for multiple scholarships even if they seem small
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International students can find a cheap and fulfilling experience in Austria. It provides excellent education without great financial burden given low tuition prices, bearable living costs, and many scholarship possibilities. Austria offers quality education together with cultural richness whether you are pursuing academic goals or discovering lovely villages. Part-time job possibilities also help you to better balance studying and supporting yourself. Making the most of your time in this lovely European nation depends on an awareness of the total expenses and prudent budget planning. Austria is not only a place of study; it is also one of thriving, development, and adventure.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the average tuition fee for international students in Austria?
For non-EU/EEA students, public universities typically charge around EUR 726.72 per semester. Some students from developing countries may be eligible for fee exemptions.
Are there tuition-free options for international students?
Yes. EU/EEA students usually study for free (except for a small student union fee). Some public universities offer tuition waivers for students from developing countries or based on academic merit.
What are the most affordable cities to study in Austria?
Cities like Graz, Klagenfurt, and Innsbruck generally have lower living costs compared to Vienna and Salzburg.
Can I work while I study in Austria?
Yes. International students can work part-time (typically up to 20 hours per week during the semester). Full-time work is allowed during semester breaks.
Is German proficiency required to study in Austria?
Many bachelor’s programs are in German, but there are a growing number of English-taught master’s and doctoral programs. Knowing basic German is helpful for daily life.
