Checklist · Austria
Documents you need to study in Austria
What Austrian universities typically ask for — Bachelor's or Master's, from application to registration. Tick items off as you go; your progress stays in this browser. Requirements differ by university and programme, so compare with your programme's own list. Each item links to the official source.
Checked against official sources: October 2026
0 of 18 done
Before you apply
0/3In Austria you apply to each university through its own online system — there is no central portal.
Source: OeAD
At public universities the general closing dates are 5 September for the winter semester and 5 February for the summer semester. Applicants from outside the EU often have earlier deadlines — at the University of Vienna 7 January 2027 for the summer semester 2027 (for the winter semester 2026/27 it was 3 August).
Source: OeAD · Universität Wien
German-taught programmes require proof of German; English-taught programmes require proof of English. Each university sets the level and the certificates it accepts.
Source: OeAD
Application documents
0/6Your school-leaving certificate (and your degree for a Master's) with transcripts, as the university requests them.
Source: OeAD
Foreign documents usually need certification and a translation by a sworn and court-certified interpreter. Some countries' documents need an apostille.
Source: OeAD
The German or English certificate your programme accepts.
Source: OeAD
Part of almost every application, and needed again for the residence permit.
Source: OeAD
If requested
Motivation letter
Often required for Master's programmes and programmes with admission procedures. Austrian committees expect a formal, factual letter, much like in Germany.
Only if it applies to you
Often asked for Master's programmes.
After admission: residence permit and money
0/7Only for students from outside the EU, the EEA and Switzerland.
Usually at the Austrian embassy or consulate in your country, before you travel — at least three months ahead, six recommended. Nationals who can enter Austria without a visa may apply in Austria instead. A decision usually takes up to 90 days.
Source: OeAD
For 12 months in advance, in an account in your name: €1,308.39 a month from the age of 24; a lower amount applies if you are younger — see the official table. Add proof of where the money comes from, such as six months of bank statements.
Source: OeAD · migration.gv.at
From your country of residence, not older than three months, certified and translated.
Source: OeAD
A lease or dormitory contract for at least three months.
Source: OeAD
Full health insurance at the latest when you collect the permit. Students can take out the Austrian student self-insurance for €78.84 a month (2026).
Source: OeAD
€218, paid when you apply and not refunded.
Source: OeAD
At public universities €726.72 per semester plus the student union fee (ÖH fee, about €26). Some nationalities pay less.
Source: Study in Austria · Universität Wien
After arrival
0/2Everyone, whatever their nationality, registers their address at the registration office within three working days of moving in.
Source: OeAD · oesterreich.gv.at
Only if it applies to you
If you stay longer than three months, apply for it within four months of arrival — missing the deadline can cost a fine.
Source: OeAD
Questions
Do EU citizens need a residence permit?
No. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens register their address within three working days and apply for a registration certificate within four months if they stay longer than three months.
How much does studying in Austria cost?
At public universities, non-EU students pay €726.72 per semester plus the ÖH fee; EU students usually pay only the ÖH fee within the standard study period. For the residence permit you also show financial means for 12 months.
Is this list complete for my programme?
No list can be. Some programmes have entrance exams or aptitude tests. Always compare with your programme's own requirements.