Studying at an Austrian University: Admission and Tuition Fees

EEA and Swiss citizens can generally apply to Austrian universities under the same conditions as Austrian students. In most cases, no tuition fee is charged, although every student must pay the student union fee (ÖH-Beitrag). This guide explains the admission requirements, possible entrance restrictions, payment deadlines and practical steps when moving to Austria for study.

Who can study in Austria?

To enrol as an ordinary student (ordentliche Studierende) at an Austrian university, citizens of EEA states and Switzerland generally need the following:

• Proof of higher education entrance qualification (Hochschulreife), meaning a school-leaving examination certificate.
• German-language skills: applicants whose first language is not German must usually prove their language skills during the admission process. B2 is generally sufficient.
• A successful admission procedure (Aufnahmeverfahren), where one applies to a programme that has such a procedure.

Which programmes may have admission restrictions?

Admission is not unrestricted for every programme. Access restrictions (Zugangsbeschränkung) may apply, among other areas, to:

• architecture and urban planning, computer science and business studies
• biology and biochemistry, including nutritional science, as well as pharmacy
• human medicine, dentistry, other medical programmes and veterinary medicine
• psychology
• some communication and media programmes in Vienna, Salzburg and Klagenfurt
• particularly popular programmes

For arts programmes, applicants must demonstrate their suitability in an entrance examination (Zulassungsprüfung). Physical aptitude may be assessed for sports science and teacher training in physical education. Teacher-training programmes and early-childhood education careers may also include an aptitude assessment.

What types of programmes are available?

• Bachelor: 6 semesters, 180 ECTS
• Master, Magister: 4 or 8 semesters, 120 or 240 ECTS
• Doctoral, PhD: generally 3 years

Universities also offer university courses (Universitätslehrgang) and extraordinary student status (außerordentliches Studium), which allows students to attend certain courses.

Universities of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschule) operate under a separate system. Places are limited by year group, so every programme has an admission procedure. Applicants for a Bachelor programme need a school-leaving examination certificate or suitable vocational qualification, usually with additional examinations.

How much is tuition in 2026?

As an EEA or Swiss citizen, you generally do not pay tuition if you have exceeded the prescribed programme duration by no more than two semesters. These two tolerance semesters (Toleranzsemester) apply to the entire Bachelor, Master and doctoral programme. For older-style diploma programmes, they are counted separately for each stage.

• EEA or Swiss citizen within the programme duration plus two semesters: no tuition fee, only the ÖH-Beitrag
• EEA or Swiss citizen exceeding the duration by more than two semesters: 363.36 euros per semester plus the ÖH-Beitrag
• Extraordinary student attending individual courses: 363.36 euros
• Third-country national studying with a student residence permit: 726.72 euros per semester plus the ÖH-Beitrag

If you are admitted to several programmes or universities, you only have to pay the tuition fee once.

When must the fees be paid?

Tuition fees and the ÖH-Beitrag must be paid in advance for each semester:

• Winter semester (Wintersemester): by September 5
• Summer semester (Sommersemester): by February 5

No tuition fee is payable for a semester in which you have officially taken leave (beurlaubt).

When can tuition be waived?

Tuition may be waived upon application if the required supporting documents are submitted. Possible reasons include:

• participation in an exchange programme, such as an EU mobility programme, or compulsory studies abroad
• receiving a study grant (Studienbeihilfe) in the previous or current semester
• being unable to study because of an illness lasting more than two months, pregnancy or caring for a child under seven
• a formally recognised disability of at least 50 percent

Other grounds may also be recognised. If you cannot submit the documents on time, you can apply for a refund of tuition already paid.

Moving to Austria for university

• Entry: no visa is required; you need a valid passport or identity card.
• Address registration (Meldezettel): this is compulsory within three days of moving in. Failure to register may result in a fine of up to 726 euros, or up to 2,180 euros in the case of a repeat offence.
• Registration certificate (Anmeldebescheinigung): if you stay for more than three months, you must apply within four months of entering Austria. For study-related residence, you need sufficient health insurance and financial means.
• Health insurance: insurance from your home country can provide cover in Austria. Bring your European Health Insurance Card. If you do not have insurance at home, discounted student self-insurance (studentische Selbstversicherung) may be available under certain conditions.
• Work: EEA and Swiss citizens may work without a permit. In 2026, tax is payable on gross annual income above 13,539 euros.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to pay tuition?

Not if you have exceeded the prescribed programme duration by no more than two semesters. The ÖH-Beitrag must still be paid.

What level of German is required?

You must prove your German-language skills during admission. B2 is generally sufficient.

How much is tuition after exceeding the permitted period?

For an EEA or Swiss citizen, the fee is 363.36 euros per semester, in addition to the ÖH-Beitrag.

Where can students find lower-cost accommodation in Vienna?

In Vienna, you can apply through the home4students system for affordable furnished student accommodation for one year. It may be extended if you achieve good academic results.

Practical steps before starting your studies

1. Choose a programme and check whether it has an access restriction or admission procedure.
2. Prepare your school-leaving examination certificate and proof of German-language skills, usually at B2 level.
3. Check the programme duration, the two Toleranzsemester and the applicable ÖH-Beitrag or tuition fee.
4. Submit any application for a tuition waiver with the required supporting documents.
5. Pay the fees by September 5 for the Wintersemester or by February 5 for the Sommersemester.
6. Arrange accommodation, bring your European Health Insurance Card and register your address within three days of moving in.
7. If your stay exceeds three months, apply for the Anmeldebescheinigung within four months of entering Austria.

Source: oesterreich.gv.at