Different types of institution
Universities, universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen), arts universities and private universities use different procedures and selection criteria.
EUROPE / AUSTRIAApplying
Applying
to universities
in Austria
We check academic requirements, language and deadlines, prepare the application and support you through to enrolment.
In Austria admission is organised by the institutions themselves. Requirements differ from programme to programme, and some fields of study set examinations or run a selection procedure of their own.
Studying in Austria
The key features that shape the route to admission.
The language of the programme
Most programmes are taught in German, though some fields of study are taught in English.
Rules set programme by programme
Deadlines, the documents required, examinations and verification of your qualification are checked for each programme.
Universities in Austria
The types of institution and typical examples. Click a name to open the university card.
- Public universities
A traditional academic environment and a wide choice of subjects. The University of Vienna is the oldest in the German-speaking world.
- Technical and specialist universities
Engineering, the natural sciences, medicine and the life sciences.
- Business and applied sciences
Economics, business and Fachhochschule (university of applied sciences) programmes, practically oriented and with their own selection procedures.
- Arts universities
Art, design and music. Selection includes an artistic aptitude test or an audition.
The names open cards and link to the universities’ own websites. They map the academic landscape rather than form a ready-made list: the conditions of a specific programme are checked for the current year of entry.
How admission works
The application goes to the institution you have chosen, under that institution’s own rules. The university assesses your previous education, how well it matches the programme and whether the documents are complete.
Some degree programmes operate admission restrictions, entrance examinations, a portfolio or audition round, or an interview. At universities of applied sciences the procedure often includes the institution’s own selection process.
A favourable decision is not the end: the conditions for enrolment still have to be met. Applicants from outside the EU/EEA must also plan for the visa or residence permit procedure separately.
Entry requirements
The exact conditions depend on the programme you choose and on your documents.
Academic qualification
Undergraduate study requires a suitable school-leaving certificate; a master’s degree requires a relevant previous degree.
Language of instruction
The university decides which certificates it accepts and what level of German or English it requires.
Subject-specific conditions
The subjects you have taken, the subject content of the previous degree, a professional qualification or a portfolio may all be checked.
Entrance selection
Some programmes set examinations, tests, interviews or a multi-stage procedure.
Documents you may need
The exact set depends on the university and the programme.
- passport and the university’s application form
- school-leaving certificate (attestat) or degree certificate with its academic transcript
- certified translations and legalisation, where required
- proof of proficiency in the language of instruction
- CV and letter of motivation, where the programme requires them
- portfolio, letters of recommendation or evidence of experience, where needed
Tuition fees and funding
Fees depend on the type of institution, your nationality, the programme and each university’s own rules. We therefore check them on the university’s own page for that programme, for the current academic year.
We also budget for the compulsory student union membership fee (ÖH-Beitrag), accommodation, insurance, document translation and the costs attached to the visa or residence permit.
When to start preparing
Every programme has its own calendar. We bring the stages together into a single plan.
Assessment
We check your education, your language level and the type of institution.
Selection
We compare programmes, requirements, selection procedures and budget.
Preparation
We plan for certificates, translations and any additional examinations.
Submission
We track the university portal and keep the application complete.
Enrolment
We work through the conditions attached to the decision and the university’s formalities.
Residence
We prepare a plan for the visa or residence permit procedure.
What we take on
Strategy, a strong application and control of the process – applied to the admissions system of the country you choose.
Profile assessment
Before you apply, we check whether your education meets the programme’s requirements and what restrictions may apply.
Programmes and strategy
We select options by language, requirements, budget and what each one leads to.
Application and selection
We assemble the documents, manage the submission and prepare you for interviews or examinations.
After the decision
We support enrolment and prepare you for the visa or residence permit.
The university makes the final decision.
We strengthen everything that lies within our control.
Questions about applying to Austria
Sources and verification date
The admission requirements on this page were checked against primary official sources. Last verified on . Requirements and amounts change between admission cycles, so we check them again before an application is submitted.
- studieren.at
Overview of Austrian higher education institutions and programmes.
- oead.at
Entry, visa and residence rules for international students.
EDMONT / AUSTRIAStart
Start
with a strategy
Tell us about your education, your goals and your budget. We check your starting point and set out which options are worth considering.
From the first assessment to enrolment.