What non-EU students pay
At public universities such as the University of Vienna and TU Wien, students from outside the EU/EEA pay a tuition fee of €726.72 per semester from their first semester, plus the students' union (ÖH) fee, €26.20 at the University of Vienna. That is about €1,500 a year, a fraction of tuition in the UK, the Netherlands or North America.
Application fees
The University of Vienna charges an application fee in one case only: €50 for bachelor's and diploma programmes with an entrance exam or aptitude test. Programmes that share the same test are grouped, and you pay once per group. Its other programmes, including master's, have no such fee.
Compare other countries in our guide to universities with no application fee.
The least-developed-country exemption
Citizens of countries on Austria's list of least developed countries (about 45 countries, including Afghanistan, Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, Bhutan, Nepal, Yemen and Zambia) are exempt from tuition and pay only the ÖH fee for their whole degree. If you are from one of these countries, Austria is one of the most affordable places in Europe to earn a degree.
Some non-EU citizens with certain Austrian residence permits are also treated like EU students.
Deadlines come earlier for non-EU applicants
Austrian universities set special, earlier deadlines for applicants from outside the EU. At TU Wien, non-EU applications for the summer semester 2027 are open until 15 January 2027; the winter 2027–28 dates are not published yet. At the University of Vienna, non-EU applications for winter 2026–27 closed on 3 August. Programmes with entrance exams or selection procedures take applications only once a year, in spring.
Language and living costs
Most bachelor's programmes are taught in German; many master's programmes, especially in engineering and science, are taught in English. Vienna is consistently rated one of the world's most liveable cities, but rents have risen. Budget carefully, and remember the residence permit requires proof of funds.
Proof of funds for your residence permit
Students from outside the EU need a Residence Permit – Student, and must prove they can support themselves for twelve months in advance. For 2026 the amounts are €722.58 a month if you are under 24 and €1,308.39 a month from the age of 24. If your rent is more than €386.43 a month, you must show additional funds to cover the difference.
The money can be in a bank account or savings book in your name that you can use from Austria; a confirmed scholarship or a declaration of guarantee can also count. Health insurance is compulsory as well.
Working and staying after graduation
With a student residence permit you can get a work permit for up to 20 hours a week. When you finish your degree, you can apply to renew the permit for another 12 months to look for a job or set up a business in Austria.
Common questions
Is university free in Austria for international students?
For EU/EEA students, nearly: at the University of Vienna they pay only the €26.20 students' union fee each semester for the standard length of their degree plus two extra semesters. Non-EU students pay €726.72 a semester in tuition from their first semester, plus the same union fee, unless they are citizens of a country on Austria's list of least developed countries, who pay only the union fee.
Do Austrian universities charge an application fee?
At the University of Vienna, only bachelor's and diploma programmes with an entrance exam or aptitude test charge one: €50. Tuition for non-EU students is €726.72 a semester, and citizens of the least developed countries are exempt.
How much does it cost a non-EU student to study in Austria?
Usually €726.72 a semester in tuition plus the students' union fee, at public universities such as the University of Vienna and TU Wien. Citizens of the countries on Austria's least-developed-countries list pay no tuition.
How much money do I need to show for an Austrian student residence permit?
For 2026, €722.58 a month if you are under 24 and €1,308.39 a month from 24, for twelve months in advance, plus more if your rent is above €386.43 a month.
Can I work in Austria as a student?
Yes, up to 20 hours a week once you have a work permit, which your employer applies for.
Can I stay in Austria after graduating?
You can renew your residence permit for another 12 months to look for a job or set up a business.