Study abroad in Austria
Visa, costs, healthcare and the best cities for exchange students in Austria.
Capital
Vienna
Languages
German
Academic Year
Winter semester: October 1 to January 30. Summer semester: March 1 to June 30. Each followed by an exam window. Christmas and Easter breaks observed.
Population
9,170,000
Typical Budget
EUR 950 - 1,400/month
Overview
Alpine quality of life and central European access: Vienna's world-class universities, near-free public tuition for EU students, exceptional public transport, and one of Europe's strongest student support infrastructures.
Country Overview
What student life feels like in Austria.
Austria hosts approximately 75,000 international degree students and around 7,000 incoming Erasmus+ exchange students per year. The Austrian higher education system is anchored by world-renowned public universities (University of Vienna, founded 1365, is the oldest in the German-speaking world) plus a dynamic network of universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen) and specialised art and music universities. Public university tuition is free for EU/EEA students and very low for non-EU (~EUR 727/semester).
The German-speaking academic environment is the norm, but Vienna, Graz, and Innsbruck universities now offer dozens of full-English master's programmes, particularly in business, IT, biotech, and political science. Living costs are mid-tier European: EUR 950-1,400/month including rent. Vienna is consistently ranked the world's most liveable city (Mercer, EIU).
Public transport is outstanding — the Klimaticket Jugend gives under-26s nationwide annual unlimited rail/bus/metro for EUR 821. Bureaucracy is efficient by European standards but precise: Anmeldung (residence registration) within 3 days of arrival is non-negotiable. ESN sections are highly active in all five university cities, and Austria's central location puts Munich, Prague, Budapest, and Bratislava all within 3 hours by train.
Country Framework
What shapes student life in Austria.
Use this page to understand the legal context, budget baseline, safety feel, and everyday rhythm before comparing cities or universities.
Safety Snapshot
Austria ranks among the world's safest countries (Global Peace Index top 5). Vienna in particular is notably safe at all hours. Petty theft on touristed routes (Stephansplatz, Mariahilfer Strasse, Westbahnhof) is the only persistent concern.
Before You Land
A few practical setup details students usually sort before arrival
Connectivity, insurance, and secure public WiFi are the boring things you only notice when you need them. Keep them on your checklist, but keep the guide itself front and centre.
Arrival Connectivity
Sort an eSIM before you land
Maps, ride apps, 2FA codes, and WhatsApp are usually the first things students need from the airport.
Coverage Check
Confirm your travel insurance
Even when the university gives guidance, students usually need to double-check what is covered before departure.
Public WiFi
Have a backup for shared networks
Campus halls, airports, and cafés are convenient, but many students prefer an extra privacy layer when they first arrive.
Safety & Cost Indices
Source: Numbeo crowdsourced data. Lower crime = safer. Higher safety = safer.
Crime Index
Low
World avg: 44.7
Safety Index
Very safe
World avg: 55.3
Cost of Living
Expensive
EUR 950 - 1,400/month
Crime factors measured
Big Cities vs Small Towns
Big Cities
- Vienna is one of the world's most liveable cities — exceptional public transport, subsidised student culture (museums, opera standing tickets), and a safe, orderly environment.
- Strong English-language university programmes (WU, TU Wien, Boku) attract international students; city is highly international.
- Higher rents than other Austrian cities but still far cheaper than Zurich or London.
- Vienna's cultural calendar is world-class; opera, concerts, and museums are accessible on a student budget.
Small Towns
- Graz, Innsbruck, and Salzburg all have respected universities with lower living costs than Vienna.
- Innsbruck is the choice for outdoor sports lovers — skiing and hiking minutes from campus.
- Smaller student communities mean faster local integration; Austrians in smaller cities are more approachable than Viennese.
- Graz has a growing tech and startup scene and is often ranked among Europe's most student-friendly cities.
Culture
Social Norms
- Greetings: 'Gruss Gott' (formal), 'Servus' (casual, very Austrian) or 'Hallo'. 'Auf Wiedersehen' on leaving.
- Punctuality is taken seriously. Arriving on time means arriving 5 minutes early for class and meetings.
- Use 'Sie' (formal) and 'Herr/Frau Doktor/Professor' until invited to switch to 'du'. Hierarchy in academic settings is strict.
- Coffee house culture (Wiener Kaffeehauskultur) is UNESCO-recognised — sitting for hours over one melange with a book is fully accepted.
- Tipping: 5-10% in restaurants, rounded up. Tell the server the total before they take payment ('Stimmt so' = keep the change).
- Quiet hours (Ruhezeiten) are legally enforced: 22:00-06:00 weekdays, all Sunday. No vacuuming, drilling, loud music.
Daily Rhythm
Local pace07:00–09:00
Morning
Austrians rise early. A proper breakfast — bread, cold cuts, cheese — is taken seriously at home or in a Kaffeehaus. Frühstück culture is strong.
12:00–14:00
Midday
Mittagessen (lunch) is the hot meal of the day. Many university canteens offer subsidised Menü deals. Shops and banks may close 12:30–13:30.
14:00–18:00
Afternoon
Focused work and study block. Jause (afternoon snack) around 15:00 is common — coffee and Kipferl. Streets quieter after 17:00 in smaller towns.
18:00–21:00
Evening
Dinner between 18:00–19:30. Restaurants fill early. Heuriger wine taverns open from 16:00 and are packed on warm evenings.
21:00–02:00
Night
Vienna's nightlife is vibrant; the U-Bahn runs all night on weekends. Smaller Austrian cities quieten significantly after 22:00.
Food Culture
Wiener Schnitzel + potato salad
EUR 14-22The classic. Veal version is the original; pork (Schnitzel Wiener Art) is cheaper and ubiquitous.
Mensa Wien chains offer schnitzel menus for EUR 6-8 with student card.
Wurstelstand (sausage stand)
EUR 4-8Late-night Austrian institution. Try Kasekrainer (cheese sausage) with mustard, bread, and a beer.
Bitzinger at Albertinaplatz and Leo Hillinger near MQ are the late-night Vienna icons.
Mensa lunch (university canteen)
EUR 5.50-8Subsidised by OEH; main course + soup or salad. Mensa.at runs canteens at all Austrian universities.
Mensa Bonus card gives ~EUR 0.80 off every meal.
Supermarket basics (Hofer, Billa, Spar)
EUR 40-60/weekHofer (Aldi) is cheapest. Billa Plus and Spar carry wider selections at slightly higher prices.
Sundays everything's closed except train station shops — stock up Saturday evening.
Kaiserschmarrn
EUR 8–14Shredded fluffy pancake dusted with powdered sugar, typically served with plum jam (Zwetschkenröster). A beloved Austrian dessert found in most traditional restaurants.
Order it as a dessert to split with friends — portions are very generous.
Tafelspitz
EUR 12–20Prime boiled beef served with horseradish and root vegetables — Vienna's most iconic traditional main course, a staple of Viennese cuisine for centuries.
Try it at a Beisl (traditional Austrian pub) rather than a tourist restaurant for authentic flavour at lower prices.
Dos and Don'ts
Do
Greet with 'Gruss Gott' or 'Servus' when entering shops, offices, or compartments.
Respect Ruhezeiten — quiet between 22:00-06:00 and all day Sunday.
Validate U-Bahn/tram/bus tickets if not using a Klimaticket — controllers fine EUR 105 for fare evasion.
Sit and stay — Austrian coffee houses welcome long lingers; one melange entitles you to hours.
Get a Klimaticket Jugend if under 26 — EUR 821/year for unlimited national transport pays itself in two months.
Apply for an OEH (student union) card — unlocks discounts, mensa rates, and legal/insurance support.
Complete Anmeldung at the Meldeamt within 3 working days of arrival — bring rental contract and passport.
Open a bank account (Erste Bank or N26) within the first week — needed for rent, OEH fee, and admin payments.
Register with OEGK (or activate EHIC) on arrival so you have a Hausarzt and health card before you need them.
Don't
Do not skip Anmeldung within 3 days of arrival — fines and visa complications follow.
Do not be loud after 22:00, on Sundays, or during midday quiet hours in residential blocks.
Do not jaywalk — Austrians wait at red lights even on empty streets, and police do fine pedestrians.
Do not call Austrians 'German' — Austrian identity is distinct and the topic is sensitive.
Do not assume English in administration outside Vienna — basic German is needed for most municipal offices.
Do not ride public transport without validating or holding a valid Klimaticket — EUR 105 fines on the spot.
Do not book accommodation through unverified platforms — housing scams targeting new students are common.
Do not stock up on groceries Saturday evening if you forgot — Sundays everything is closed except train station shops.
Do not use 'tu' / informal address with professors or administrative staff before being invited to do so.
Lifestyle & Travel
Vienna Opera standing tickets
Standing tickets (Stehplatz) at the Vienna Staatsoper cost EUR 4-10 — cheapest way to see world-class opera in the finest hall in the world. Queue 80min before.
Learn more
Hallstatt lake village visit
UNESCO village on a lake and one of the most photographed places in the world. Train+bus from Vienna in 3.5h or Salzburg in 1.5h.
Learn more
Viennese coffee house stay
UNESCO-listed cultural heritage. A single Melange (EUR 4-5) buys hours of newspaper reading in a 19th-century palace cafe.
Learn more
Alpine skiing
Student ski passes (Hochschuler ticket) available with university ID. Innsbruck has a city ski bus to slopes. Day pass EUR 35-55.
Learn more
Wachau Valley cycling
Flat 36km riverside trail through vineyards and monasteries. Rent bikes in Krems (EUR 18/day). Beer at local Heurigen wine taverns en route.
Learn more
Vienna museums (free under 26)
EU students under 26 get free entry to many MQ museums and the Kunsthistorisches Museum. One of the densest museum complexes in Europe.
Learn more
Salzburg day trip
Mozart birthplace, Sound of Music filming locations, Hohensalzburg fortress. OBB Sparschiene advance tickets Vienna-Salzburg from EUR 14.
Learn more
Vienna Christmas markets
Vienna Christkindlmarkt is one of Europe oldest and most atmospheric. Free entry, mulled wine (Gluhwein) EUR 3-4.
Learn moreFestival Calendar
hype
medium
medium
medium
chill
January 1
Vienna New Year Concert (free broadcast)
Rathausplatz outdoor screen, Vienna
Watch the Philharmonic New Year Concert live on giant outdoor screens at Rathausplatz with thousands of Viennese. Completely free.
Travel Tips
- OBB Vorteilscard Jugend (EUR 19/year, under 26): 50% off all Austrian rail. Pays for itself in 2-3 trips.
- Klimaticket Jugend (EUR 821/year): unlimited national rail/bus/metro — best deal in Europe for active travellers.
- Vienna-Munich, Vienna-Prague, Vienna-Budapest direct trains in 4-5 hours from EUR 19 (advance OBB Sparschiene).
- FlixBus covers cheap intercity routes from EUR 5-15.
- Student airfares from Vienna to most European capitals from EUR 25 return (Wizz Air, Ryanair). Book 2 months ahead.
Benefits & Scholarships
Personalize this layer
Add where you currently study in your profile to separate incoming support from outgoing scholarships.
Support is clearer once we separate incoming help from outgoing mobility money.
Useful either way
Support and discounts that still matter even if you are not in a strict incoming or outgoing case.
Klimaticket Jugend (national youth transport pass)
Under-26 students get unlimited public transport on all Austrian rail (OBB), regional buses, and city networks (U-Bahn, tram, bus) for EUR 821/year. Valid Vorarlberg to Vienna.
OBB and KlimaTicket Federal
Official sourceOEH student union services
OEH (Austrian National Union of Students) membership (EUR 22.70/semester, mandatory at enrolment) provides free legal advice, accident insurance, mensa discounts, and academic counselling.
OEH (Osterreichische Hochschulerinnenschaft)
Official sourceVienna semester ticket
Students under 26 enrolled in a Vienna university get an unlimited Wiener Linien semester ticket for EUR 75 (winter) or EUR 75 (summer) — covers all Vienna U-Bahn, tram, and bus.
Wiener Linien
Official sourceStipendium for non-EU students (OEAD)
OEAD scholarships (Ernst Mach, OEAD-Sonderstipendium, etc.) for non-EU exchange and degree students: monthly stipend EUR 1,150-1,500, tuition reimbursement, accommodation support.
OEAD (Austrian Agency for Education and Internationalisation)
Official sourceVisa Requirements
Difficulty: EasyNational ID card or passport
EU/EEA/Swiss students do not need a visa. Within 3 working days of arrival, complete Anmeldung at the Meldeamt (residence registration). For stays over 3 months, apply for an Anmeldebescheinigung (registration certificate) at the local immigration office (MA 35 in Vienna).
Aufenthaltsbewilligung Studierende (residence permit for students)
Non-EU students apply for a student residence permit at the Austrian embassy in their home country before travel — must apply in person and provide university acceptance, proof of accommodation, valid health insurance, and financial proof of EUR 752.94/month (under 24) or EUR 1,361.49/month (over 24) for the entire stay. Permit costs ~EUR 160. Allows up to 20h/week of work during semester.
DNI or Spanish passport
Spanish citizens enjoy full freedom of movement. Bring DNI plus passport, EHIC, proof of Erasmus+ enrolment. Mandatory: complete Anmeldung within 3 working days at the Meldeamt with rental contract or accommodation confirmation.
Application Checklist
9 steps-
1
Confirm visa requirement: EU/EEA/CH = none; non-EU = Aufenthaltsbewilligung Studierende.
-
2
Obtain Zulassungsbescheid (admission letter) from the Austrian host university — required for visa application.
-
3
Prepare financial proof: EUR 752.94/month (under 24) or EUR 1,361.49/month (over 24) covering full stay.
-
4
Secure accommodation contract before arrival — required for both visa and Anmeldung.
-
5
Apply for student residence permit at Austrian consulate at least 3 months before semester start.
-
6
On arrival, complete Anmeldung at the Meldeamt within 3 working days (free) — bring passport, rental contract, signed Meldezettel form.
-
7
Open a bank account: required for OEH student union fee, rent, and most administrative payments.
-
8
Register at the university (Inskription) within the official enrolment window — pay OEH fee (~EUR 22.70/semester) and any tuition.
-
9
Activate health insurance: enrol in Austrian student insurance (~EUR 71.65/month) if EHIC not applicable, or maintain home insurance if valid in Austria.
Regional Variations
Vienna (Wien)
Vienna's immigration office is MA 35, notorious for slow processing. Apply early. Vienna offers the broadest English-taught programme catalogue and the largest international student community.
No additional document but expect 6-12 week processing for residence permits.
Standard OEGK coverage; Vienna's Allgemeines Krankenhaus (AKH) is one of Europe's largest teaching hospitals.
Health & Healthcare
How It Works
Austria operates a mandatory public health insurance system (OEGK — Österreichische Gesundheitskasse). EU students with a valid EHIC card access public care at OEGK rates with no additional enrolment needed. Non-EU students must either enrol with OEGK student insurance (approximately EUR 71.65/month as of 2025) or hold equivalent private insurance accepted for visa and university enrolment purposes. Austria's healthcare quality is excellent — Vienna's AKH (Allgemeines Krankenhaus) is one of Europe's largest and most advanced teaching hospitals.
Student Needs
EU students: activate your EHIC before departure and register a Hausarzt (GP) from the OEGK practice finder within your first weeks — the e-card unlocks services without extra paperwork. Non-EU students: enrol with OEGK at any OEGK office (bring passport, Anmeldung confirmation, and student ID) or present a compliant private policy. Enrolment confirmation is required for university registration. OEH membership (~EUR 22.70/semester) includes accident insurance for campus activities at no extra charge.
Emergency vs Clinic
Call 112 for any emergency or 144 specifically for ambulance dispatch. Public hospital ERs (Notaufnahme) treat all patients regardless of insurance status. For non-urgent care, see your Hausarzt first — they handle referrals to specialists and pharmacies. Prescription medications carry a small co-pay (currently EUR 7.10/item) under OEGK.
Public Coverage Notes
OEGK covers GP visits, specialist visits (some need referral), hospitalisation, and most pharmaceuticals at low co-pay.
EHIC: EU students get full medically necessary care at OEGK rates. Long-stay EU students should still register an Austrian Hausarzt for continuity and GP referrals.
The AKH Vienna has an international patient service and English-speaking staff — useful for complex cases.
Emergency
112 (EU universal); 133 (police), 122 (fire), 144 (ambulance)Cities to Explore
Vienna
World's most liveable city and Austria's academic centre: nine major universities, 200,000+ students, world-class public transport, and the deepest English-taught programme catalogue…
Open City Guide
Graz
Austria's second-largest city and southern student capital: a UNESCO Renaissance old town, four major universities, lower rents than Vienna, and the warmest…
Open City Guide
Innsbruck
Alpine capital of Tyrol: Olympic-twice ski city wrapped around a Baroque old town, with a top research university and Europe's most ridiculous…
Open City Guide