Austria Student Visa Guide
Austria is a popular destination for international students, and is known for its beautiful alpine scenery, rich cultural heritage, and musical legacy. The country boasts several respected universities and specialised higher education colleges that offer a wide range of programs in both German and English. Austrian higher education has a strong emphasis on research and innovation, and the country’s location makes it very appealing to international students who want to study in the heart of Europe.
Living in Austria as a student allows you to experience its vibrant cities, historical towns, and breath-taking natural landscapes. The country is renowned for its quality of life, efficient public transportation, and safe urban environments, providing an ideal setting for academic and personal growth.
How to Apply for a Student Visa
EU/EEA and Swiss nationals do not require a visa to study in Austria; however, they must register with the local authorities if they plan to stay longer than three months. For non-EU/EEA students, the process involves applying for a residence permit for study purposes (Aufenthaltsbewilligung – Studierender) before entering Austria, as Austria typically does not issue student visas for long-term stays.
If you are not exempt from visa requirements, you will need to apply for a residence permit from the Austrian embassy or consulate in your home country. Once it has been confirmed that you have been accepted for a residence permit, you can apply for a Visa D, which is valid for 6 months. This allows you to enter the country and collect your residence permit.
If you are exempt from visa requirements, you will need to apply for a residence permit at an embassy in Austria. This needs to be done within 4 months of your arrival in the country.
You should start the application process 3-6 months before you want to begin studying in Austria. This allows plenty of time for gathering documents, having them translated (if applicable) and the actual processing of your application.
Required Documents
- Valid passport (or equivalent travel document)
- Recent (within the last 6 months) passport sized photo
- Proof of sufficient funds (€672.64 per month for students under the age of 24) for at least 12 months of your stay in Austria
- Proof of valid health insurance (unless you are exempt)
- Copy of your passport (all pages)
- Police clearance certificate (not older than 3 months)
- Confirmation of admission to an Austrian higher education institution
You might be required to submit more documents, depending on your circumstances. The embassy or consulate will be able to inform you if this is the case.
It is recommended that you submit your documents in the German language.
Student Visa Costs for International Students
The fee for the residence permit application is approximately €160, but it’s recommended to check the most current fee with the Austrian embassy or consulate where you will be applying.
After arriving in Austria, you must register with the local registration office (Meldeamt) within three days. If your studies in Austria will exceed six months, you are required to apply for the residence permit within the first three months of your stay.
Austria Student Visa Work Rules
International students in Austria are allowed to work part-time while studying. Non-EU/EEA students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time. There are specific rules regarding the type of work and the necessary work permit (Beschäftigungsbewilligung), which can be obtained through your employer.
Working part-time can provide valuable work experience and help international students support themselves financially during their studies. After completing your degree, you may apply for a Red-White-Red Card, which allows graduates to stay in Austria and seek full-time employment, provided they meet certain criteria, including finding a job related to their field of study that meets the minimum salary requirements.