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Austria

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At a glance

Living index rating
Moderate
Monthly rent
€300 – €550 in student housing; €350 – €600 in a shared flat (Vienna)
Monthly food
€250 – €350
Other monthly expenses
€150 – €300 (student insurance ~€79, semester ticket, phone, personal)
Visa processing time
Up to 90 days after a complete application
Family allowed for students
Yes

Visa requirements

  • Residence permit 'Student' (Aufenthaltsbewilligung Studierender), usually applied for at an Austrian embassy before travelling; visa-free nationals can apply in Austria
  • Admission letter from an Austrian university, university of applied sciences or college
  • Proof of funds for 12 months: €722.58 a month if under 24, €1,308.39 a month if 24 or older (2026), plus more if rent is over €386.43 a month
  • Health insurance and a rental contract or proof of accommodation
  • Work up to 20 hours a week with a work permit your employer gets from the AMS

Work permit after studies

  • Your student residence permit can be extended once for 12 months to look for work or start a business after graduating (bachelor's, master's or PhD)
  • With a qualifying job you can switch to a Red-White-Red Card for graduates or an EU Blue Card

Citizenship route

  • Permanent residence (Daueraufenthalt – EU) after 5 years of residence; only half of the time spent studying counts
  • Citizenship usually after 10 years of continuous lawful residence, including 5 years with a settlement permit, with German at B1 and a citizenship test
  • You normally have to give up your other citizenship

Family details

  • Spouse/registered partner and children under 18 can get a 'Family community' residence permit to live with you
  • You must show enough income and suitable housing for them
  • Family members need a work permit to work

Universities in Austria

Top-ranked

All other universities and colleges (65), A–Z

This guide is for general information. Visa and immigration rules change often, so always check the official government website before you apply. Last updated 6 October 2026.