Austria has actually become a popular international trainee center– for excellent reasons. Located in Central Europe, the nation ranks 9th in the QS Best Trainee Cities 2027 ranking. Set that with an estimated living cost of 1,300 euros (US$ 1,479), and it’s little surprise why numerous pick to study in Austria.
Tuition charges in Austrian universities are inexpensive, too.
Like the majority of European nations, Austrian trainees, nationals of the European Union (EU), and European Economic Area (EEA) member countries usually do not pay tuition charges at public universities till they go over the assigned duration of their programme. Even then, there’s still a “tolerance” of 2 terms provided before fees need to be paid.
On top of that, all students, despite citizenship, should pay 2,520 euros (US$ 2,867) per semester, which covers the student union subscription charge and mishap insurance.
The catch? Most Austrian universities will require you to have a specific degree of German efficiency– so be prepared to consider an extra year of language learning before you make the most of the country’s affordable academic offerings.
TL; DR? Here’s the summary:
- Public universities charge around 727 to 753 euros (US$ 827 to US$ 857) per semester for many non-EU worldwide students, while EU/EEA trainees pay little to no tuition under regular study period.
- Many undergraduate programs require B2 or C1 German efficiency, so you may need to spend time learning the language previously registering.
- Economical universities consist of the University of Vienna, University of Salzburg, JKU Linz, TU Wien, Academy of Fine Arts Vienna, University for Continuing Education Krems, BOKU University, University of Klagenfurt, and TU Graz.
- Numerous universities also provide English-taught master’s and chosen undergraduate programmes, offering worldwide trainees more research study choices.
Study in Austria: Most affordable universities for global trainees
1. The University of Vienna
The University of Vienna is called among the oldest universities in Europe. It lies in the heart of the city of Vienna and is the country’s best-ranked higher education institution, according to the QS World University Rankings 2027.
At its core, the university promotes variety through research study. There’s something for everybody here, consisting of over 50 undergraduate programmes and more than 100 postgraduate ones. The university’s ranking by topics has been steadily climbing up the ranks too– as of 2026, they rank # 13 for interaction and media research studies and # 22 for theology, divinity, and religious research studies.
German understanding on the C1 level is an admission requirement for all bachelor and diploma programs. Most undergraduate and certain postgraduate programmes are taught in German, though a handful of master’s degrees are performed in English.
Tuition for students who are people of the EU or EEA countries is 389.56 euros (US$ 443) per semester, while non-citizens pay 752.92 euros (US$ 856) per semester.
2. University of Salzburg
Nestled in architecturally awesome buildings in Salzburg’s city centre, the University of Salzburg– also referred to as Paris Lodron University Salzburg– is Salzburg’s biggest university.
The university is home to six faculties, consisting of the Faculty of Catholic Faith, Professors of Cultural Sciences, Faculty of Digital and Analytical Sciences, Faculty of Law, Business and Economics, Professors of Natural and Life Sciences, and Faculty of Social Sciences. It also provides a comprehensive teacher’s training programme where trainees can integrate a series of 26 subjects.
A lot of bachelor’s programs here need a German language proficiency of at least B2. A few of the master’s programs, like Data Science, Medical Biology, and Government, are taught in English, while the majority of the others are performed in German.
EU and EEA students surpassing the designated period of the programme pay costs of 389.56 euros (US$ 443) per semester. Non-EU and EEA students pay 752.92 euros (US$ 856) per term.
Beyond getting a first-rate education while you study in Austria, you’ll also be able to witness and experience its different picturesque landscapes. Source: Lina Sutton through Pexels
3. Johannes Kepler University Linz
Johannes Kepler University Linz (JKU)– previously known as the University of Social and Economic Sciences– is among Austria’s younger universities. Situated in Linz, the 3rd biggest city in Austria, JKU sets itself apart by having all its mentor in one area.
The university has four faculties (Engineering and Natural Sciences, Business and Social Sciences, Law, and Medicine) throughout six schools (Linz Institute of Innovation, Linz School of Education, Company School, Kurt Rothschild School of Economics and Stats, Linz Institute for Transformative Modification, and School of Social Sciences and Liberal Arts).
JKU is among the locations you can study in Austria in English. Here, they provide a range of English-taught programmes and dual-language degree programmes that are normally used in German.
EU and EEA trainees who exceed their designated program period will require to pay 363.36 euros (US$ 413) per semester. Other worldwide students pay a charge of 726.72 euros (US$ 826) per term.
4. Technische Universität Wien
Technische Universität Wien, commonly referred to as TU Wien, is Austria’s second-best university, ranking # 191 in the QS World University Rankings 2027. The university has a long history, specifically as the first University of Innovation in contemporary German-speaking Europe.
As a university carrying out research study, mentor and learning under the motto “Technology for individuals,” the school’s best-ranked programmes are in the topics of architecture and constructed environment and computer technology and information systems.
Do note that the bachelor’s programmes at TU Wien are normally provided in German, so you have to prove adequate understanding of the language to be admitted into the degree programme. Luckily, the majority of their master’s programmes are delivered in English.
EU and EEA students who go beyond their designated program period will need to pay 363.36 euros (US$ 413) per semester. International trainees from other countries pay a cost of 726.72 euros (US$ 826) per term.
5. Academy of Fine Arts Vienna
For those inclined towards the arts, the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna positions a specific emphasis on arts-based research study and mentor. The academy’s offerings span painting and sculpture to photography, video, efficiency, and conceptual art, as well as architecture, stage style, conservation, and restoration.
While the academy just boasts a student body of around 1,500 students, it has turned this into a strength with the global credibility of its mentor personnel and the diversity of its students, who come to Vienna from over 50 countries. Beyond that, the academy actively collaborates worldwide with other universities as well as with art and cultural institutions, and encourages and supports its trainees to get international experience as part of their studies.
Having at least a German language efficiency skill at B2 will be perfect as most of the programmes here have that requirement.
EU and EEA students who surpass their designated programme duration pay 363.36 euros (US$ 413) per term. International trainees, on the other hand, pay a fee of 726.72 euros (US$ 826) per term.
6. University for Postgraduate Work Krems
Working specialists looking for to upscale themselves while studying in Austria think about the University for Continuing Education Kerms– formerly referred to as Danube University Krems. Here, the typical age of students is 39, and the global student body is made up of those from 99 various nations.
The university includes three professors: Health and Medication, Organization and Globalisation, and Education, Arts and Architecture. The research study model here is oriented toward the particular requirements of adult learners in all phases of life and particularly to the requirements of working professionals.
Most of the programs here are conducted in German.
Residents and EU homeowners can study totally free. For international students, tuition costs begin with US$ 432 annually.
7. BOKU University
If you’re interested in farming and specialising and hope to study in Austria, then BOKU University is the place to be. Having actually started in 1872 as a small university with those subject specialities, it is now among the most contemporary 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 also, including but not limited 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 semester.
When you study in Austria, you get the possibility to delight in the sights and experiences, like its Christmas markets. Source: Helena Jankovičová Kováčová via Pexels
8. University of Klagenfurt
Located in Carinthia, the University of Klagenfurt is the largest academic institution and a center for the whole of the Alps-Adriatic area in terms of knowledge acquisition, exchange, and transfer. You’ll find around 20% of international trainees originating from 100 nations in the university’s four professors– Arts, Humanities & Education, Management, Economics & Law, Social Sciences, and Technical Sciences– and 33 departments.
The university provides a selection of English-taught undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. On the other hand, it’s suggested you have at least a B2 in German language proficiency if you select to pursue a program in the language.
EU and EEA students who surpass their designated program period will need to pay 363.36 euros (US$ 413) per semester. International students from other nations pay a charge of 726.72 euros (US$ 826) per term.
9. Technische Universität Graz (TU Graz)
Technische Universität Graz (TU Graz) is one of the most cost effective universities in Austria.
It ranks 409th in the QS World University Rankings 2027 ranking and is identified for its strong focus on engineering, technology, and innovation.
What makes TU Graz stick out is how useful and hands-on the learning is. Trainees get to work on real projects, utilize advanced laboratories, and even team up with leading market partners. By the time you finish, you will currently have valuable experience.
The tuition costs for EU students are around 363.36 euros (US$ 413), while non-EU trainees pay around 726.72 euros (US$ 826) per term, which is more economical compared to most other countries.
Often asked questions
Do you require IELTS to study in Austria?
English-taught programs in Austria normally need 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, experienced employee visa candidates, including those looking for the Red-White-Red Card, might require standard English efficiency at CEFR B1 or B2 level, or an IELTS rating of around 5.5.
Are Austrians friendly?
Making regional buddies in Austria might take a bit more effort. According to the Expat Expert 2026 survey, just 38% of expats explained Austrians as normally friendly, compared with 63% worldwide. Just 33% found locals friendly towards immigrants, well below the international average of 61%.
Nevertheless, bear in mind that making friends with locals can likewise be tough if you don’t speak German. Therefore, think about brushing up on the fundamentals before you show up.
Is it less expensive to study in Austria or Germany?
Most public universities in Germany and Austria charge little to no tuition for EU and non-EU trainees. Nevertheless, trainees should still pay a term charge for costs such as administration, student union subscription, and regional public transport. This usually ranges from 200 to 500 euros (US$ 227 to US$ 569) in Germany, compared with around 726.72 euros (US$ 826) per semester in Austria.
Which tasks remain in demand in Austria?
The leading 10 in-demand tasks in Austria consist of engineers for agricultural equipment, graduate nurses, expert power engineers, train drivers, doctors, expense accountants, roofers, motor vehicle mechanics, special fitters, and medical innovation professionals.
Can I stay in Austria after I graduate?
Yes, non-EU graduates can stay and work in Austria through the Red-White-Red Card. It is a main immigration permit that provides competent employees from outside the EU the right to live and operate in Austria. It utilizes a points-based system tied to a particular company and lasts for 24 months.
Disclaimer: This post was last upgraded on July 24, 2026.