Education System in Austria
44 Institutions·300+ ProgramsKey Takeaways
- Number of higher education institutions: 23 public universities, 21 universities of applied sciences, 17 private universities, 14 teacher education colleges
- Total higher education students: Over 390,000 students, with 30% international students
- Academic year: Runs from October to September
- Non-EU/EEA tuition fees (public universities): Approximately €726.72 per semester
- Estimated monthly living costs: €950 - €1,100 per month
Degree Structure and Progression
- Front-load: Austria uses higher education levels that align with European frameworks.
- Typical progression:
- Bachelor's level: undergraduate study leading to first degree.
- Master's level: postgraduate study common at many institutions.
- Doctoral level: research degrees awarded by universities.
- Data points available:
- 36,655 graduates from public universities in 2017/18.
- 14,380 graduates from universities of applied sciences in 2017/18.
- What the sources do not specify:
- Exact standard durations per degree (for example 3+2 years) are not listed in the provided material.
- Specific credit system details are not stated in the source material.
- Practical note:
- Many postgraduate programs are offered in English.
- Admission language requirements vary; most undergraduate programs require German.
Types of Higher Education Institutions and Examples
- Front-load: Austria has several institution types with official counts.
- Counts by type:
- Public universities: 23 institutions.
- Universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen): 21 institutions.
- Private universities: 17 institutions.
- University colleges of teacher education: 14 institutions.
- Named examples from the sources:
- Public university example: University of Vienna.
- The provided sources list counts only; they do not name other specific institutions for each category.
- What this means for applicants:
- You can apply to public universities, applied sciences, private universities, or teacher colleges depending on your goals.
- Check individual institutions for program language, tuition rules, and degree awarding.
Academic Calendar and Intakes
- Front-load: The academic year in Austria runs from October to September.
- Key points:
- Official academic year span: October to September.
- Winter semester activity and enrollment data are reported for the winter semester 2018 in the sources.
- Enrollment snapshot (source data):
- Winter semester 2018: 268,586 students in public universities; 53,401 students in universities of applied sciences.
- Mobility in winter semester 2018 for public universities: 4,280 incoming and 3,960 outgoing students.
- Admissions and intake timing (practical):
- Exact intake windows for programs vary by institution.
- Many universities run a main intake aligned with the October start.
- Ask each university for application deadlines and exact start dates.
Credit System and Grading
- Front-load: The provided sources do not list a specific credit scale or detailed grading table.
- Available data from sources:
- The materials list graduation and enrollment statistics but do not state credit values or grade descriptors.
- What you should check with universities:
- Credit value per course and total credits for each degree.
- Official grading scale and passing thresholds for each program.
- Where to look next:
- Check the individual university's study regulations.
- Ask the admissions office for specific conversion rules if you need to compare grades internationally.
How Austria Compares Internationally and Mobility
- Front-load: Austria hosts a large international student population and active mobility programs.
- International profile:
- Over 390,000 students in higher education; 30% come from abroad.
- Public university mobility (winter semester 2018): 4,280 incoming, 3,960 outgoing students.
- Scholarships and international programs:
- OeAD manages scholarships.
- Erasmus+ supports exchange students.
- Fulbright Austria offers grants for U.S. students and researchers.
- Safety and student well-being (source data):
- Austria ranked 4th for safety and security and 1st for well-being in Europe (OECD data cited in sources).
- Graduation output:
- 36,655 graduates from public universities in 2017/18 and 14,380 from universities of applied sciences.
- Practical comparison points:
- Austria's mix of public, applied, and private institutions supports mobility and exchange.
- Program language and credit details affect how degrees transfer; confirm with both home and host institutions.
Practical Steps for International Applicants
- Front-load: Prepare documents and checks early.
- Key application items to prepare:
- Proof of admission from the chosen institution.
- Health insurance that meets university or visa requirements.
- Evidence of financial means and accommodation for visa purposes (non-EU/EEA applicants).
- Language certificates: German for most undergraduate programs; English for many postgraduate options.
- Fees and costs:
- Non-EU/EEA students at public universities: approximately €726.72 per semester.
- Estimated living costs: €950 - €1,100 per month.
- Visa information:
- For non-EU/EEA students, visa rules require admission, insurance, funds, and housing; check visa guidance here: student visa for Austria.
- Funding and scholarships:
- Apply for OeAD scholarships where eligible.
- Consider Erasmus+ for exchange placements.
- Search each university for program-specific funding.
- Quick checklist before applying:
- Confirm program language and entry requirements.
- Request official transcripts and translations.
- Calculate semester fees and monthly budget.
- Apply for scholarships and housing early.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to study in Austria?
At public universities, non-EU/EEA students pay about €726.72 per semester. Estimated living costs are €950 to €1,100 per month. Exact program fees vary by institution.
When does the academic year start in Austria?
The academic year runs from October to September. Many institutions have a main intake aligned with the October start, but exact start dates and deadlines vary by university.
How many universities are there in Austria?
Austria has 23 public universities, 21 universities of applied sciences, 17 private universities, and 14 university colleges of teacher education. The sources list the University of Vienna by name.
What scholarships are available for international students?
Available funding includes OeAD scholarships, Erasmus+ exchange grants, and Fulbright Austria awards for U.S. applicants. Many universities also offer program-specific funding; check each institution.
How international is Austria's higher education system?
Over 390,000 students study in Austria and about 30% are international. Public universities reported 4,280 incoming and 3,960 outgoing exchange students in winter semester 2018.
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