Study in Austria: Student Visas & Permits
EU/EEA/EFTA citizens
If you're a citizen of the EU, EEA, or EFTA, traveling to Austria for your studies is relatively straightforward. You don't need a visa, but there are some important requirements to keep in mind:
- Required documents: A valid passport or identity card, proof of sufficient financial means to support yourself during your stay, and valid health insurance.
- Long-term stay: If you plan to stay in Austria for more than three months, you must register with the local municipal authorities (Magistrat or Bezirkshauptmannschaft) within four months of your arrival.
Non-EU/EEA/EFTA citizens
If you're an international student from outside the EU/EEA/EFTA and plan to study in Austria for less than six months, you must apply for a student visa at the nearest Austrian Embassy or Consulate in your home country.
Additionally, you're required to register with the local municipal authorities (Meldeamt: Gemeindeamt, Magistratisches Bezirksamt) within three working days after entering Austria.
You must complete and sign the registration form (available online or at registration offices) with your landlord.
Types of student visas for short stays (up to six months):
- Visa C: For stays up to 90 days. It's not required if you're already allowed to enter Austria visa-free.
- Visa D: For stays of 91 days to 6 months.
For stays longer than six months:
Most international students plan to stay in Austria for more than six months. In this case, you need to apply for a student residence permit (Aufenthaltsbewilligung – Student), which allows you to remain in Austria beyond the six-month limit.
Contact your nearest Austrian Embassy and OeAD (Austria's Agency for Education and Internationalisation) for guidance.
Application process:
- Submit your application before arriving in Austria at an official Austrian representation (embassy or consulate).
- Apply 3 to 6 months before your intended arrival, as processing can take time.
- Student visa renewals are not possible within Austria, so it's important to plan accordingly.
- Processing time is typically 1–4 weeks, depending on application volume.
- The application fee is around €100.
📄 Necessary documents
- A fully completed and signed application form (available from the Embassy or Consulate or downloaded from the Internet.
- Valid passport that needs to be valid for the whole duration of your stay in Austria.
- Health insurance
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your school or university
- Proof of enrollment at your Austrian university
- Proof of sufficient financial means to cover your living costs for 12 months at least. Could be provided, for example, by a savings book, bank deposits, an account, or a letter of guarantee from the person who finances you.
- Proof of accommodation by providing a contract or rental agreement from student services or your landlord.
- Receipt for paying the student visa fee
- Police clearance certificate
Study in Austria - Overview
Over 60,000 international students choose Austria as their study abroad destination every year. Click here to learn why.
Education System
Want to learn about how the higher education system works in Austria? Austria is one of the popular destinations for a variety of students, given its diverse programs. Take a minute to find out more about the structure of the education system in Austria!
Housing & Living Costs
No matter where you study abroad, it’s important to create a budget in advance so that you’re prepared. Therefore, we’ve detailed average living and housing costs so that you can get a better idea of what you would be paying as a student in Austria.
Tuition Fees & Scholarships
Tuition fees for degree programs in Austria may vary. To cover the rest of the costs, there're some scholarship opportunities available.
Language & Culture
Austria is a country rich in history and culture. Find out more about what the country offers in terms of language, culture, and more!
Application Process
All countries have specific admissions requirements for students to gain acceptance into a university. Learn more about the ins and outs of admission to programs in Austria, and what you need to apply, depending on your citizenship.
Programs
Ready to look at education in Austria? Use our search engine to find and compare top programs in Austria today!
The content of this Study in Austria guide has been developed by OeAD - Austrian Agency for International Cooperation in Education and Research.
About OeAD
OeAD is Austria’s leading non-profit-making service organization in the field of international cooperation in education and research. The activities of the OeAD embrace general, academic, and vocational education with – historically grown – specific focus on academic mobility.
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