Higher Education in Austria
Austria has a welcoming and relaxed student environment perfect for those looking to blend high-quality education with picturesque landscapes. With nearly 30% of all students coming from international backgrounds (according to the OeAD, Austria's Agency for Education and Internationalisation), Austria is becoming an increasingly popular destination for students seeking to study internationally.
The universities themselves offer students a blend of both research-focused and practical hands-on approaches through traditional universities and universities of applied sciences, respectively.
How to study in Austria as an International Student
To move to Austria as a full-time international student, you must first be accepted into a qualifying higher education program in Austria and obtain a student residence permit. Qualifying programs include full degree program studies (ordentliches Studium) at an Austrian university, university of applied sciences (Fachhochschule), accredited private university, or a public or private university college of teacher education.
The Skola database only contains universities that meet these requirements.
Why should you study in Austria?
The Pros and Cons of Studying in Austria
Pros
Low tuition fees
Students are permitted to work part-time while studying, with possibility to work more with approval
Wide variety of benefits and discounts for students, especially those under 26
Reliable and affordable public transport network
After graduation student can renew their visa for 12 months to look for a job or setup a business
Extremely high quality of life (top 10 highest quality of life according to world population review)
Cons
It can be difficult to get a job post-grad without speaking German
Learning German can be more difficult due to differences in various local dialects
Limited part-time jobs for students in English
Highlighted Universities
Who should study in Austria?
Deciding which country to study in can be a challenge. Students must balance their personal happiness, professional ambitions, academic opportunities, and financial standing to find a location which can grant them the ability to reach their long term goals.
If you would like to dive deeper into which countries are uniquely suited to you and your lifestyle, consider booking a consultation with one of our experts or purchasing a personalized Go Euro Guide. We will work with you one-on-one to set you up for success and explore the best universities and locations for you and your future.
On a less individualized level, a good starting point for deciding what country would be best for you is to look at the largest and most critical industries that are located there. These industries are not only indicators of what types of jobs will be available upon graduation, but also what subjects universities will specialize in.
Key Industries in Austria
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![People walking past a modern building with large glass windows and an illuminated red panel with German text.]()
Financial Services
Vienna is a hub for financial services in Central Europe, with the city hosting the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, and as the home of the Austrian Bank, Raiffeisen Bank.
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![Horse-drawn carriage with passengers and driver in front of a historic building with a large statue in an open square.]()
Tourism
Tourism plays an essential economic role in Austria. In 2023 alone, about 30.9 million foreign tourists visited the country.
Tourism is one of the most common industries for international students to work in due to the high availability of English-language jobs.
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![Person sitting on mountain with backpack, wearing yellow beanie and jacket, overlooking landscape under cloudy sky.]()
Textiles & Clothing
The Vorarlberg region is renowned for its expertise in the textile sector. In particular, the region specializes in technical textiles, high-performance materials, and sustainable production processes.
Local athletic clothing brands, such as Löffler, offer traineeships to students
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![Neon sign with two red bulls charging at each other and the words "Red Bull" in red below, with a yellow circle around the bulls.]()
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![A red train moving on a curved track over a stone arch bridge in a mountainous forest.]()
Mechanical & Steel Engineering
This sector is distinguished by its precision-driven manufacturing of machinery and structural components.
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![A black sports car parked outdoors with a sunset or sunrise in the background.]()
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![Close-up of a computer chip with colorful complex circuitry.]()
Tech & Electronics
High-tech production of electronic components and systems, such as Infineon’s semiconductor factory in Villach (a top employer of international students in the region), reflects the highly competitive microelectronics sector.
Discover more about studying in Austria
