6 affordable universities in Austria every international student should consider

Austria has become a popular international student hub — for good reasons. Located in Central Europe, the country ranks 16th in this year’s Best Student Cities ranking. Pair that with an estimated living cost of 1,200 euros, and it’s little surprise why many choose to study in Austria.

Tuition fees in Austrian universities are cheap, too.

Like most European countries, Austrian students, nationals of all European Union (EU), and European Economic Area (EEA) member countries, generally do not pay tuition fees at public universities until they go over the allocated duration of their programme. Even the, there’s still a “tolerance” of two semesters provided before fees must be paid. 

On top of that, all students, regardless of nationality, must pay US$27 (24.70 euros) per semester, which covers the student union membership fee and accident insurance.

This is our list of the most affordable places to study in Austria:

Study in Austria: Cheapest universities for international students

1. The University of Vienna

The University of Vienna is known as one of the oldest universities in Europe. It is located in the heart of the city of Vienna and is one of two institutions in Austria that is included in the QS World University Rankings 2024.

At its core, the university promotes diversity through research. There’s something for everyone here, including over 50 undergraduate programmes and more than 100 postgraduate ones. The university’s ranking by subjects has been steadily climbing up the ranks too — as of 2024, they rank #10 for communication and media studies and #24 for theology, divinity, and religious studies.

Tuition for students who are citizens of the EU or EEA countries pay US$429 per semester, while non-citizens pay US$803 per semester.

2. University of Salzburg

Nestled in architecturally breathtaking buildings in Salzburg’s city centre, the University of Salzburg — also known as Paris Lodron University Salzburg — is Salzburg’s largest educational institution.

The university is home to six faculties, including the Faculty of Catholic Theology, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Faculty of Digital and Analytical Sciences, Faculty of Law, Business and Economics, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, and Faculty of Social Sciences. It also offers a comprehensive teacher’s training programme where students can combine a range of 26 subjects.

EU and EEA students going beyond the designated duration of the programme pay fees of US$402. Non-EU and EEA students pay US$801.

Apart from a world-class education, Austria is home to various picturesque landscapes. Source: Vladimir Simicek/AFP

3. Johannes Kepler University Linz

Johannes Kepler University Linz (JKU) — formerly known as the University of Social and Economic Sciences — is one of Austria’s younger universities. Situated in Linz, the third largest city in Austria, JKU sets itself apart by having all its teaching in one location.

The university has four faculties (Engineering and Natural Sciences, Business and Social Sciences, Law, and Medicine) across six schools (Linz Institute of Technology, Linz School of Education, Business School, Kurt Rothschild School of Economics and Statistics, Linz Institute for Transformative Change, and School of Social Sciences and Humanities). 

EU and EEA students who go beyond their designated programme duration will need to pay US$402 per semester. Other international students pay a fee of US$803 per semester. 

4. Technische Universität Wien

Technische Universität Wien, commonly known as TU Wien, is the second of the two universities included in the QS World University Rankings 2024, placing at #190. The university has a long history, especially as the first University of Technology in present-day German-speaking Europe.

As a university conducting research, teaching and learning under the motto “Technology for people,” the school’s best-ranked programmes are in the subjects of architecture and built environment and computer science and information systems. 

Do note that the bachelor’s programmes at TU Wien are generally delivered in German, so you have to prove sufficient knowledge of the language to be admitted into the degree programme. Fortunately, most of their master’s programmes are delivered in English.

EU and EEA students who go beyond their designated programme duration will need to pay US$401 per semester. International students from other countries pay a fee of US$803 per semester. 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Academy of Fine Arts Vienna (@akbild)

5. Academy of Fine Arts Vienna

For those inclined towards the arts, the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna places a particular emphasis on arts-based research and teaching. The academy’s offerings span painting and sculpture to photography, video, performance, and conceptual art, as well as architecture, stage design, conservation, and restoration.

While the academy only boasts a student body of around 1,500 students, its turned this into a strength with the international reputation of its teaching staff 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 students to gain international experience as part of their studies.

EU and EEA students who go beyond their designated programme duration pay US$401 per semester. International students, on the other hand, pay a fee of US$803 per semester. 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Universität Krems (@unikrems)

6. University for Continuing Education Krems

Working professionals seeking to upscale themselves while studying in Austria consider the University for Continuing Education Kerms — previously known as Danube University Krems. Here, the average age of students is 39, and the international student body is made up of those from 99 different countries.

The university consists of three faculties: Health and Medicine, Business and Globalisation, and Education, Arts and Architecture. The study model here is oriented toward the specific requirements of adult learners in all phases of life and especially to the needs of working professionals.

Locals and EU residents can study for free. For international students, tuition fees start from US$422 per year.

Disclaimer: This article was last updated on September 4, 2024.