Are you planning to enroll in a university in Austria? well, you are on the right track as the country is an excellent choice for pursuing higher education. Moreover, the country is known for providing a high quality of life and social security, particularly in its capital city, Vienna. You might also feel joyfully compelled to travel, with its perfect location at the center of Europe. You will be able to experience the transformation of its stunning landing that changes every season.
Studying in Austria provides numerous academic and career opportunities to international students – the opportunity to enroll in renowned universities, avail funding options, low-cost education, and more. To date, it has 1,200+ currently enrolled foreign learners in Austrian institutions and colleges.
Along with receiving a top-notch education, you might also have the chance to study in Austria for free. This article will provide valuable information on the cost-free education options available to international students in Austria. Let’s explore below!
Are there Opportunities for International Students to Study in Austria?
Renowned academic institutions in Austria can be found in charming Austrian places like Salzburg, Graz, Innsbruck, and Vienna. These universities welcome prospective students promising to transform their lives by providing high-quality education. Institutions in Austria offer a wide array of academic degrees at all levels – from undergraduate to graduate levels. With that said, you are undoubtedly making a wise decision if you are considering studying higher education in Austria.
A vibrant society and exciting student experiences are only two of the many things this place has to offer. Austria is home to over 74 institutions and colleges, so there are plenty of options for you to explore and look for programs that best suit your interests.
How Much is the Annual Academic Cost in Austria?
The cost of living is very high in Austria, making it one of the most costly places to live. For families and overseas students, academic finance is a big concern. Potential applicants must have the support they need upon moving here to maintain their daily lives. Tuition for an international or non-EU student may cost, on average, 750 euros per semester; in a lot of cases, the entire yearly cost, including housing and other costs, may range from 4,000 to 25,000 euros.
To lower the academic costs, international applicants can apply for an extensive number of scholarships. Some public universities grant tuition waivers to students from underdeveloped nations.
How to Study in Austria for Free
We’ll talk about the application process in this part for overseas students wishing to study in Austria. There are a few measures you need to take to fulfill your dreams of being accepted into an Austrian university.
1. Prepare all the necessary requirements including supplementary documents
The admissions committee will first look into your submitted documents. They will then verify and evaluate each document to know if you are suitable for the program. Aside from providing all the requirements, students can include a few extra or supplementary credentials. You might want to include a certificate of German language competency in your application. Some colleges require German language ability equivalent to level B2, but it would be best to aim for a better score than settling for the minimum.
When it comes to submitting your application, the earlier you do it, the better your chances of getting noticed. Along with sending your application early, make sure that all documents attached are free of errors. Create a checklist of all the things you need to accomplish so you won’t miss anything. If you are applying to multiple universities, organize the requirements lists and be sure to submit them before the deadline.
2. Apply for a scholarship
The only thing that will help you survive in this expensive nation is by applying for a scholarship. In Austria, students from European Union countries are exempted from paying tuition fees, as part of the government’s move to encourage higher education participation. However, if you are from a non-European Union country, you might be required to pay tuition, unless you have a sponsorship or scholarship.
The good news is that Austria provides significant financial support each year to foreign students. Many fully funded scholarships are available to help you pay for your expenditures. For example, international students who are pursuing Computer Science can apply for the Helmut Veith Stipend at TU Wien. Additionally, scholarships are available from the Austrian Development Cooperation to support students from developing countries.
Austria has several universities that offer fully-funded scholarships to international students. Make sure to check these out before paying for registration fees and sending your application.
3. Find an affordable university
Austria is an expensive country, as previously stated, so being able to attend an affordable institution could significantly help in lowering your academic expenses. You may opt to apply to as many public universities as possible as those are the ones that offer low-cost education. TU Wien, also known as the Vienna University of Technology, for example, charges a tuition fee of around €750 per semester for non-EU nationals.
Some of the country’s affordable universities are the University of Vienna, the Medical University of Graz, and the University of Linz. These are also some of Austria’s top schools, guaranteeing you a world-class education at low costs. Applying to affordable universities along with winning several scholarships can help you study in Austria for free.
Check Also: Programs in Europe for International Students
Tuition-free Options for Bachelor’s Studies in Austria
In several courses in Austria, bachelor’s degrees are available without charge. FH Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences is one of the few universities that does not charge tuition. In the hopes that the talented brains can gradually improve society, FHV waives the collection of tuition fees.
Tuition-free education is available to students in the EU or EEA at the University of Salzburg, the Medical University of Vienna, the University of Vienna, and a few additional institutions. Some of these universities have reduced their tuition rate for students from developing nations.
Tuition-free Options for Master’s Studies in Austria
Austria has a high percentage of postgraduate students since many foreign students have recently stated a desire to relocate there to pursue doctoral studies.
If you intend to finish your MBA in Austria, applying to the WU Executive Academy will enable you to be considered for a significant scholarship. Vienna University of Technology lists several grants on its website, including study grants, performance and support grants, foundation grants, and graduation scholarships.
The Central European University provides CEU Master’s Scholarships to its successful applicants. It covers the tuition costs, health insurance, and a monthly stipend of up to €1,000 monthly. Also, the University of Klagenfurt offers Technology Scholarships to international students from selected countries. Aside from a tuition fee exemption, awardees also receive a monthly stipend of €800 and a one-time lump sum travel allowance up to €660.
When compared to other European nations, master’s degrees are quite affordable in Austria.
Tuition-free Options for Ph.D. Studies in Austria
Prospective students have a fantastic opportunity to participate in research in Austria at no cost. International students planning to pursue full-time Ph.D. or doctoral degree programs in Austria can apply for Austria Scholarships 2024. High-achieving applicants are encouraged to apply for fully supported, two-year postdoctoral fellowships through the International Postdoctoral Program (IST-BRIDGE).
The Central European University offers its Doctoral Scholarships. Awarded for up to 48 months, successful applicants will receive full tuition coverage, health insurance, and a monthly stipend of €1,350 to cover living and housing costs.
It can be challenging to find a fully funded study program in Austria since only exceptional students are offered scholarships. However, if you thoroughly research all the scholarship opportunities and affordable universities, you are sure to find something that works for you. We hope that this article has given you valuable information about studying in Austria. Make sure to also check out the Programs in Europe for International Students to know more information!
