Austria has become a popular international trainee hub– for good reasons. Located in Central Europe, the country ranks 9th in the QS Best Trainee Cities 2027 ranking. Set that with an approximated living expense of 1,300 euros (US$ 1,479), and it’s little surprise why lots of choose to study in Austria.
Tuition charges in Austrian universities are low-cost, too.
Like a lot of European countries, Austrian trainees, nationals of the European Union (EU), and European Economic Area (EEA) member countries typically do not pay tuition costs at public universities till they discuss the allocated period of their programme. Even then, there’s still a “tolerance” of 2 terms offered before costs must be paid.
On top of that, all students, no matter citizenship, need to pay 2,520 euros (US$ 2,867) per term, which covers the trainee union subscription cost and accident insurance coverage.
The catch? Most Austrian universities will require you to have a particular degree of German proficiency– so be prepared to consider an additional year of language knowing before you benefit from the country’s budget-friendly academic offerings.
TL; DR? Here’s the summary:
- Public universities charge around 727 to 753 euros (US$ 827 to US$ 857) per semester for the majority of non-EU global trainees, while EU/EEA trainees pay little to no tuition under typical research study duration.
- Lots of undergraduate programs require B2 or C1 German proficiency, so you might need to hang out learning the language in the past enrolling.
- Economical universities consist of the University of Vienna, University of Salzburg, JKU Linz, TU Wien, Academy of Fine Arts Vienna, University for Postgraduate Work Krems, BOKU University, University of Klagenfurt, and TU Graz.
- A number of universities also provide English-taught master’s and selected undergraduate programmes, giving worldwide trainees more study options.
Research study in Austria: Least expensive universities for global students
1. The University of Vienna
The University of Vienna is called among the earliest universities in Europe. It is located in the heart of the city of Vienna and is the nation’s best-ranked college organization, according to the QS World University Rankings 2027.
At its core, the university promotes variety through research. There’s something for everyone here, including over 50 undergraduate programs and more than 100 postgraduate ones. The university’s ranking by topics has actually been progressively climbing the ranks too– since 2026, they rank # 13 for communication and media research studies and # 22 for faith, divinity, and spiritual research studies.
German understanding on the C1 level is an admission requirement for all bachelor and diploma programs. A lot of undergraduate and certain postgraduate programs are taught in German, though a handful of master’s degrees are performed in English.
Tuition for students who are citizens of the EU or EEA nations is 389.56 euros (US$ 443) per semester, while non-citizens pay 752.92 euros (US$ 856) per term.
2. University of Salzburg
Nestled in architecturally awesome structures in Salzburg’s city centre, the University of Salzburg– also referred to as Paris Lodron University Salzburg– is Salzburg’s largest educational institution.
The university is home to six faculties, including the Professors of Catholic Faith, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Professors of Digital and Analytical Sciences, Professors of Law, Service and Economics, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, and Faculty of Social Sciences. It likewise provides a thorough teacher’s training programme where trainees can integrate a variety of 26 topics.
A lot of bachelor’s programs here require a German language proficiency of at least B2. Some of the master’s programs, like Data Science, Medical Biology, and Government, are taught in English, while most of the others are performed in German.
EU and EEA students going beyond the designated duration of the program pay charges of 389.56 euros (US$ 443) per semester. Non-EU and EEA students pay 752.92 euros (US$ 856) per semester.
Beyond getting a world-class education while you study in Austria, you’ll also have the ability to witness and experience its numerous attractive landscapes. Source: Lina Sutton through Pexels
3. Johannes Kepler University Linz
Johannes Kepler University Linz (JKU)– formerly called the University of Social and Economic Sciences– is one of Austria’s more youthful universities. Located in Linz, the third largest city in Austria, JKU sets itself apart by having all its teaching in one place.
The university has 4 faculties (Engineering and Natural Sciences, Organization and Social Sciences, Law, and Medicine) across six schools (Linz Institute of Technology, Linz School of Education, Business School, Kurt Rothschild School of Economics and Statistics, Linz Institute for Transformative Modification, and School of Social Sciences and Liberal Arts).
JKU is among the places you can study in Austria in English. Here, they provide a series of English-taught programmes and dual-language degree programs that are typically offered in German.
EU and EEA students who go beyond their designated programme duration will need to pay 363.36 euros (US$ 413) per term. Other global students pay a charge of 726.72 euros (US$ 826) per term.
4. Technische Universität Wien
Technische Universität Wien, frequently known as TU Wien, is Austria’s second-best university, ranking # 191 in the QS World University Rankings 2027. The university has a long history, particularly as the very first University of Innovation in present-day German-speaking Europe.
As a university performing research, teaching and discovering under the slogan “Innovation for people,” the school’s best-ranked programmes remain in the subjects of architecture and developed environment and computer technology and info systems.
Do note that the bachelor’s programs at TU Wien are generally provided in German, so you have to prove sufficient understanding of the language to be admitted into the degree program. Luckily, the majority of their master’s programs are delivered in English.
EU and EEA students who surpass their designated programme period will require to pay 363.36 euros (US$ 413) per term. International trainees from other countries pay a charge of 726.72 euros (US$ 826) per term.
5. Academy of Fine Arts Vienna
For those likely towards the arts, the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna places a specific focus on arts-based research and mentor. The academy’s offerings span painting and sculpture to photography, video, efficiency, and conceptual art, in addition to architecture, stage design, conservation, and repair.
While the academy only boasts a trainee body of around 1,500 trainees, it has turned this into a strength with the global track record of its mentor staff and the variety of its students, who pertain to Vienna from over 50 countries. Beyond that, the academy actively works together worldwide with other universities along with art and cultural organizations, and encourages and supports its students to get worldwide experience as part of their studies.
Having at least a German language efficiency ability at B2 will be ideal as the majority of the programs here have that requirement.
EU and EEA students who surpass their designated programme period pay 363.36 euros (US$ 413) per term. International students, on the other hand, pay a cost of 726.72 euros (US$ 826) per semester.
6. University for Postgraduate Work Krems
Working specialists looking for to upscale themselves while studying in Austria think about the University for Postgraduate Work Kerms– previously called Danube University Krems. Here, the average age of students is 39, and the worldwide student body is comprised of those from 99 different nations.
The university consists of 3 professors: Health and Medication, Company and Globalisation, and Education, Arts and Architecture. The research study design here is oriented towards the particular requirements of adult learners in all phases of life and particularly to the needs of working experts.
Most of the programs here are conducted in German.
Residents and EU homeowners can study free of charge. For international students, tuition charges begin with US$ 432 each year.
7. BOKU University
If you have an interest in agriculture and specialising and hope to study in Austria, then BOKU University is the place to be. Having started in 1872 as a little university with those subject specialities, it is now among the most modern life sciences universities in Europe.
All of BOKU’s undergraduate programs are taught in German. They provide German-taught master’s programmes too, but have a range of English-taught options as well, including however not restricted to Biotechnology, Mountain Forestry, and Green Chemistry.
EU and EEA students going beyond the designated duration of the program pay charges of 363.36 euros (US$ 413) per semester. Non-EU and EEA trainees pay 726.72 euros (US$ 826) per term.
When you research study in Austria, you get the opportunity to take pleasure in the sights and experiences, like its Christmas markets. Source: Helena Jankovičová Kováčová by means of Pexels
8. University of Klagenfurt
Found in Carinthia, the University of Klagenfurt is the largest academic organization and a hub for the whole of the Alps-Adriatic region in regards to knowledge acquisition, exchange, and transfer. You’ll discover around 20% of global trainees coming from 100 countries in the university’s four professors– Arts, Liberal Arts & Education, Management, Economics & Law, Social Sciences, and Technical Sciences– and 33 departments.
The university offers a choice of English-taught undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. On the other hand, it’s advised you have at least a B2 in German language efficiency if you pick to pursue a program in the language.
EU and EEA students who surpass their designated programme period will need to pay 363.36 euros (US$ 413) per semester. International trainees from other countries pay a fee of 726.72 euros (US$ 826) per term.
9. Technische Universität Graz (TU Graz)
Technische Universität Graz (TU Graz) is one of the most budget friendly universities in Austria.
It ranks 409th in the QS World University Rankings 2027 ranking and is acknowledged for its strong focus on engineering, innovation, and innovation.
What makes TU Graz stand apart is how practical and hands-on the knowing is. Students get to work on real tasks, use cutting edge labs, and even work together with top industry partners. By the time you graduate, you will currently have valuable experience.
The tuition charges for EU students are around 363.36 euros (US$ 413), while non-EU trainees pay around 726.72 euros (US$ 826) per semester, which is more inexpensive compared to most other nations.
Frequently asked questions
Do you require IELTS to study in Austria?
English-taught programmes in Austria typically require an IELTS score of 6.0 to 6.5 for undergraduate programs and 6.5 to 7.5 for master’s and PhD programs. Meanwhile, competent worker visa candidates, consisting of those obtaining the Red-White-Red Card, may require fundamental English efficiency at CEFR B1 or B2 level, or an IELTS score of around 5.5.
Are Austrians friendly?
Making regional good friends in Austria might take a little bit more effort. According to the Expat Expert 2026 study, only 38% of expats described Austrians as usually friendly, compared with 63% around the world. Just 33% discovered locals friendly towards foreigners, well listed below the international average of 61%.
However, bear in mind that making good friends with residents can also be difficult if you do not speak German. For that reason, think about brushing up on the basics before you show up.
Is it less expensive to study in Austria or Germany?
A lot of public universities in Germany and Austria charge little to no tuition for EU and non-EU trainees. Nevertheless, students need to still pay a semester fee for expenditures such as administration, trainee union subscription, and regional public transportation. This normally varies from 200 to 500 euros (US$ 227 to US$ 569) in Germany, compared with around 726.72 euros (US$ 826) per term in Austria.
Which jobs remain in need in Austria?
The leading 10 in-demand jobs in Austria include engineers for agricultural equipment, graduate nurses, expert power engineers, train drivers, physicians, expense accountants, roofers, automobile mechanics, special fitters, and medical innovation professionals.
Can I stay in Austria after I graduate?
Yes, non-EU graduates can remain and operate in Austria through the Red-White-Red Card. It is a main immigration license that gives qualified employees from outside the EU the right to live and operate in Austria. It uses a points-based system tied to a particular company and lasts for 24 months.
Disclaimer: This article was last upgraded on July 24, 2026.