Studying in Austria can be an amazing experience, but it’s important to be well-prepared before you apply. Here are some key factors I wish I had been told earlier:
The German language is the predominant language of instruction across the majority of Austrian universities, emphasizing its important role in higher education within the country. For prospective students who do not possess fluency in German, the requirement to demonstrate proficiency becomes imperative. Typically, this proficiency is evaluated through recognized language tests from institutions such as the Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang (DSH), Österreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch (ÖSD) and Goethe Institute.
While German remains the primary medium of instruction, most Austrian universities offer a limited selection of English-taught programs to cater to international students and foster greater diversity within their academic communities. However, these English-taught programs are often limited in number and scope compared to their German counterparts. The existence of English-taught programs reflects Austria’s recognition of the globalized nature of higher education and the increasing demand for English-medium instruction.
Nevertheless, proficiency in German remains a valuable asset for international students aspiring to study in Austria, as it facilitates integration into the local community, enhances career prospects within the country, and opens doors to a broader range of academic opportunities.
Admission Requirements
Austrian university admissions requirements vary depending on the program and university, but they usually consist of basic requirements and additional materials to evaluate applicants in a more thorough manner. Firstly, candidates must be eligible and have a high school diploma or its equivalent, which certifies secondary education and serves as a basis for assessing applicants’ academic qualifications for tertiary education. Secondly, prospective students must meet any additional requirements set forth by the program or field of study they have selected. These requirements may include subject-specific qualifications, aptitude tests, or motivation letters. A statement of purpose or motivation letter enables applicants to articulate their academic aspirations, career goals, and motivations for pursuing the chosen program, and this helps provide admissions committees with valuable context to evaluate an applicant’s suitability.
Furthermore, depending on the level of program, especially for the Masters program, applicants may be required to provide additional supporting documents, such as a curriculum vitae (CV), transcripts from previous academic institutions, or evidence of relevant extracurricular activities or achievements, such as: Letters of recommendation from educators or mentors help offer insights into candidates’ character, academic abilities, and potential for success in higher education. Added to this requirement is the verification and legalization of all academic documents, especially for non-EU/EEA applicants. In order to get more information on the verification and legalization of documents, read my article on How to Navigate Austria’s Most Difficult Admission Process for non-EU/EEA Applicants
Application Fees
With the rise in the number of international applicants to Austrian universities, some institutions have implemented application fees to manage the increasing workload associated with processing these applications. These fees may take the form of either a one-time non-refundable fee or the requirement to pay tuition fees from the applicant’s home country.
Payment of Tuition Fees from your home country
In some circumstances, Austrian universities may require international applicants to pay their tuition fees from their home country before the application is considered complete. This requirement ensures that the university receives payment for tuition and related expenses upfront, reducing the risk of non-payment.
One-time, Non-refundable Fee
There are some Austrian universities that charge a one-time, non-refundable application fee. This fee is usually paid when submitting the application and is not refunded, regardless of the outcome of the application process. However, applicants should not be discouraged by these application fees but should view them as a necessary step toward securing valuable education and career opportunities.
