Student Life in Austria: Balancing Quality Education at a Low Cost

Kasturika Samanta,

Updated On September 25, 2023

Besides the top-quality education at a low cost, Austria’s captivating art, culture, intellectual history, and stunning nature attracts more than 60,000 international students (or 26% of the student population in the nation) to pursue their education in Austria.

To make things easy for aspiring candidates who need guidance, in this article, popular doubts like ‘Is education in Austria free’, the cost of education in Austria, etc. will be discussed to provide some clarity on why aspirants should choose Austria as their educational destination.

How Can You Receive Quality Education at Low Cost in Austria?: Breakdown of the Facts

While students from EU/EEA countries can study free of cost (no tuition fees), non-EU/EEA students have to pay around 1,452 EUR/academic year. All students must still pay about 20 EUR/semester for student union membership and accident insurance expenses.
However, many public Austrian institutions do not charge tuition to foreign students from developing nations, India, Turkey, the Philippines, Bhutan, Vietnam, etc. So, check the university or study program page while applying.
Tuition fees for the Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS) are entirely up to the discretion of the respective university.
All enrollees in the University of Applied Sciences are required to pay the student union and insurance costs for inclusive education in Austria, which is the only cost incurred.

Here’s a list of universities that offer low tuition fees & free education to the foreign students.

Are You Aware That You Can Study in Austria Without IELTS? Know How!

Overseas students can indeed study in Austria without IELTS. But they have to meet the requirements listed below:

One should have an outstanding grade in their most recent academic course or degree.
Other language proficiency exams, such as PTE, C1 Advanced, etc., are also acceptable.
One has the option of enrolling in a German-taught course, for which they need to pass a German language test like the TestDaf or DSH.

4 Major Benefits of Schooling in Austria

From the ages of six to fifteen, or first to ninth grade, education is mandated nationwide in the Republic of Austria's free and public school system.
However, basic education doesn't end with the Polytechnical School (Polytechnische Schule) in Austria.
Students have around 250 apprenticeship training programs to choose from, and they span between three and four years.
Their profession is simultaneously learned in school and on the job. Following a final exam, these students will graduate as either skilled technicians or craftsmen.

Some Popular Part-Time Jobs For Students in Austria

When studying in Austria, there are numerous work opportunities available to students. Yet, students should keep in mind that efficient communication requires both German and English skills when looking for a job.

Internships: In Austria, there are many internship opportunities. These not only pay well, but they also aid in developing a good resume for the future.
Education Industry - The job prospects are favorable in the education sector in Austria, and the pay is likewise fair. Most postgraduate students who apply are chosen to work as teaching or research assistants in the departments they are enrolled in.
Jobs on Campus: Many students have the opportunity to work right on their university campus, like the university's international students' branch, the faculty administration, the department library, and even the campus cafe.

How can Education in Austria Benefit You & Your Spouse?

In Austria, there are general and vocational colleges, technical institutions, and evening university courses for working people.

Young people and adults residing in Austria, regardless of their place of birth or level of education, have access to free basic skill acquisition under the Adult Education Initiative (IEB).
In case you or your spouse cannot complete their education and want to pursue further, they can make use of the second chance education.

What is Second Chance Education?

Future Prospects of Education in Austria

Many international students in Austria decide to stay after completing their degrees. This is because they frequently succeed in landing jobs with their Austrian credentials. So, to assist with this, the majority of institutions have career sections and employment fairs.

Also, to help with this, immigrants are granted a year following graduation to pursue employment, i.e., after graduating from college, they are granted a one-year residency visa to work or open their own businesses.

You can then submit an application for a permanent Red-White-Red Card or Graduates residence card if you have met the conditions satisfactorily.

Plan to Experience Austria’s Quality Education at a Reasonable Cost

Austria is among the safest and most sought-after European nations for immigrants to settle in due to its high academic standards, affordable tuition, student-centered classrooms, and teaching techniques.

So, if you are planning to move to Austria, register with GetGIS as these immigration experts offer a wide variety of facilities, which are discussed below in detail, to help immigrants settle into their new life in Austria.

Thinking of Moving Abroad? Here's How We Can Help

Point calculation: In GetGIS, we calculate your points on your behalf to eliminate any chances of rejection or failure.
Visa application: GetGIS helps you to complete your visa application properly and we even train you for your visa interview process, to make your immigration journey easier.
Preparation for Language Test: GetGIS offers you expert guidance for your preparation for language tests like IELTS/PTE/CELPIP.
Expert guidance for each step of your immigration: With GetGIS, you rest assured about your immigration journey. We help you to take every step in the right direction to make your immigration journey smooth.
Job Search assistance: At GetGIS, you receive complete job search assistance, from CV optimization, to mock interviews everything is covered by GetGIS. And we won’t leave you alone until you get your job in your dream country.

So don’t waste your time thinking about the best time to visit Austria. Start your career in Austria with GetGIS by booking a free consultation today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is education in Austria free?

All EU and EEA citizens are entitled to free tuition at public universities in Austria; tuition for out-of-country students is only about 1,500 EUR each academic year. However, if you belong to one of the listed developing countries, you do not have to pay tuition fees.

Do I have to take the IELTS to study in Austria?

It is not compulsory. But you have to fulfill some other language criteria, like a high score in any recent course, taking other alternative language exams, like TOEFL, PTE, etc., or having proficiency in German.

What are the different types of scholarships available in Austria?

Global students can take advantage of a number of study grants and scholarships in Austria, like ones available on the Grants.at website from various institutions, OeAD scholarships, and scholarships from specific Austrian universities.

When will I be qualified to submit a scholarship application - after being accepted or after reaching the Austrian university?

The process for applying for a scholarship differs depending on the scholarship program. While some scholarship programs demand that you obtain an admissions letter first, other programs allow you to apply for scholarships without doing so. So, it is recommended that you look for scholarship requirements since they can be helpful.

When and how can I submit an OeAD scholarship application?

In order to obtain a list of potential scholarship programs for overseas students desiring to study in Austria, you should first check the database at www.grants.at. You can find all the necessary details about the application procedure, such as the application deadline and a list of the required documents. A selection committee will review your application, which you must submit online.

As an immigrant, am I allowed to study while working in Austria?

All international students who are studying abroad in Austria are permitted to work. However, your country and immigration status will determine how many hours you can work and what licenses are necessary.