Fee exemptions
- Tuition exemption for citizens of countries on Austria's list of least developed countries (the list runs from Afghanistan, Angola, Bangladesh, Benin and Bhutan to around 45 more). Exempt students pay only the ÖH fee.
- Non-EU citizens who hold certain non-student Austrian residence permits can be treated like EU students and pay only the ÖH fee.
What you will still pay
| Cost | Who pays |
|---|---|
| Tuition for non-EU/EEA students: €726.72 per semester, plus the students' union (ÖH) fee of €26.20, €752.92 in total | You, every semester, unless you are exempt |
| Living costs and the residence permit's proof of funds | You; the university pays no living allowance |
Who can apply
- Open to all nationalities with a school-leaving certificate (bachelor's) or degree (master's) recognised as equivalent.
- Most bachelor's programmes are taught in German; you need German at the level the programme sets before admission (a preparatory programme exists for those still learning). Several master's programmes are taught in English.
- Some programmes have entrance exams or a selection procedure with their own, earlier application windows.
Which nationalities can apply
Every nationality can apply.
How to apply
- Check your programme's page for its language of instruction and whether it has an entrance exam or selection procedure.
- Apply online through u:space and upload your documents, including certified copies and translations where required.
- Non-EU applicants: for winter semester 2026/27 the application period ran 22 June – 3 August 2026; for summer semester 2027 it runs 16 November 2026 – 7 January 2027.
- Master's programmes with a selection procedure take applications only once a year (2 March to 7 April 2026 for 2026/27) and bachelor's programmes with an entrance exam from 2 March to 4 May 2026.
- After admission, enrol and pay the semester fee before the admission period ends.
Before you apply: things to know
- Non-EU applicants face earlier deadlines than EU applicants; dates such as 5 September that circulate online are EU deadlines.
- Selective master's programmes and entrance-exam bachelor's programmes have one application window per year, in spring. Miss it and you wait a year.
- If you are from a least-developed country, check the annex list carefully; the exemption is worth over €1,400 a year.
A working timeline
Counting back from the next deadline (Jan 7, 2027). Steps marked NOW are already due if you start today.
Oct 15, 2026 · NOWResearch the route in depth: confirm eligibility, costs and every required document
Oct 29, 2026 · NOWAsk your referees (for a PhD, email potential supervisors with a short, specific pitch)
Nov 12, 2026Write the first full draft of your motivation letter or statement of purpose
Nov 26, 2026Order transcripts and certified translations · book any language test
Dec 10, 2026Second draft: get feedback from someone who reads critically
Dec 24, 2026Finalise every document and complete the online form
Dec 31, 2026Submit, but never on the last day
Jan 7, 2027Deadline