What we will cover?
Quick Summary
| University | Tuition Fees | Highlights | Admission Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Vienna | Free for students from designated developing countries | Oldest university in Austria, diverse programs, 30% international students | Admission Link |
| University of Graz | Nominal fees for EU/EEA students, semester fee for international students | Historic university, wide range of subjects, lively student city | Admission Link |
| University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU) | Check website for updated fees | Focus on green economy innovation, blend of sciences and engineering | Admission Link |
| University of Innsbruck | €363.36 per semester (AUT, EU/EEA, CH), €726.72 for third countries | Great for outdoor enthusiasts, wide array of courses | Admission Link |
| University of Salzburg | Tuition waived, only union fee required | Rich arts and music heritage, diverse international community | Admission Link |
| University of Linz | €363.36 per semester | Young university with diverse programs from law to medicine | Admission Link |
| University of Klagenfurt | Check website for updated fees | Close-knit campus atmosphere, ranked 48 in Young University Rankings 2021 | Admission Link |
| Medical University of Vienna | Low tuition fees, check website for details | Highly competitive (9% acceptance rate), 30% international students | Admission Link |
| Graz University of Technology | Most students exempt from tuition fees | Strong focus on engineering and technology, 19 undergraduate and 35 postgraduate programs | Admission Link |
| University of Applied Arts Vienna | Varies based on program and citizenship | Ideal for arts and design, renowned alumni in the art world | Admission Link |
Austria is a beautiful place tucked away in the middle of Europe. It is famous for its towering mountains, amazing music, and a super chill vibe. Most interestingly, they have a good thing going with their economy, and people there know how to enjoy life. Hence, considering studying in Austria, it is already posed as the perfect destination where you can get a solid education without breaking the bank.
Austria has become a top study destination due to its diverse educational offerings, affordable tuition and living costs, and rich cultural experiences. While many programs are taught in German, over 200 English-taught courses are available. Additionally, Austria boasts world-class universities and numerous scholarships for international students.
Understanding Tuition Fees in Austria
Before we jump into the universities, let’s clear something up. Austria has a cool system where EU/EEA students often pay little to no tuition. But for international students, there’s usually a fee. Compared to some other countries, these fees are still reasonable.
Students from the European Union, the European Economic Area, and Switzerland benefit from significantly reduced tuition fees. For the initial standard study period plus one extra semester, there’s a nominal fee of approximately €22.70 per semester (as of the 2024/25 academic year). After this period, the regular tuition fee of €363.36 per semester applies.
Students from outside the EU/EEA typically pay a higher tuition fee of €726.72 per semester. Austria’s universities follow the same system as most of Europe, focusing on practical learning. This means their degrees are designed to get you job-ready. You can be admitted into different programs such as;
Bachelor’s Degree
To earn a bachelor’s in Austria, you’ll typically spend 3 or 4 years studying and collecting 180 ECTS credits.
Master’s Degree
Want to go further? Master’s programs in Austria take around two years and need 120 ECTS credits. You’ll need a bachelor’s to get in.
PhD
If you’re aiming for a PhD, you’ll need a master’s first. These programs usually take at least three years and don’t use the ECTS system.
Top 10 Cheap Universities in Austria
Whether you are looking for a bachelor’s or a Doctoral degree, these top 10 cheap universities should be on your list. Let us discuss them in detail.
1. University of Vienna
The first on our list is the University of Vienna. This is Austria’s oldest university, established in 1365, and one of the biggest. The prestigious university offers a wide range of programs, from bachelor’s to doctorate programs. Additionally, many courses are taught in English to cater to the growing international student body.
This multilingual approach has contributed to the university’s diverse community, with around 30% of students coming from outside Austria. If you are interested in studying at the University of Vienna, I have good news. You can access free tuition fees as a student from the European Union, the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and many developing countries.
Tuition Fees: Free for students from designated developing countries. More details here.
Official website: https://studieren.univie.ac.at/en/admission-procedure/
2. University of Graz
This is another historic and one of Austria’s cheap universities with a good reputation. Nestled in the city of Graz, Styria, Austria, this public university has a rich history that dates back to 1585. This place has a rich history and offers a wide range of subjects to study, from arts and humanities to science and medicine.
Graz is a lively city that is perfect for students. It provides a good balance of academic rigor and student life. Like Vienna, tuition fees are nominal for EU/EEA students, while international students pay a semester fee.
Tuition Fees: Students from Austria, EU- or EEA countries, as well as third Country citizens with an equal Status as EU/EEA citizens are exempted from paying tuition fees during tuition fee free period, more details here.
Official Website: https://studienabteilung.uni-graz.at/en/international-students/admission/
3. University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU)
University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, or BOKU for short, is a public research university located in the beautiful city of Vienna, Austria, and has been around since 1872. When it first started, it focused on agriculture, economics, and social sciences.
What makes BOKU special is its pioneering spirit in green economy innovation. It uniquely blends knowledge from social and economic sciences with natural sciences, engineering, and biotechnology. BOKU is a place to keep on your radar if you’re passionate about sustainable solutions and research!
Tuition Fees: for updated information on BOKU tuition fees, visit the tuition page on the school’s website here.
Official Website: https://boku.ac.at/en/universitaet-fuer-bodenkultur-wien-boku/studieren-an-der-boku/
4. University of Innsbruck
Next on our list of cheap countries is the University of Innsbruck. This public research university has a rich history, dating back to its founding in 1669 as the Akademisches Gymnasium Innsbruck. The university offers great sports and tourism programs. Excitingly, the University of Innsbruck is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
It boasts 16 faculties offering a wide array of undergraduate and postgraduate courses. You can get a cheap education here if you’re interested in architecture, science, theology, economics, education, law, humanities, or management.
Tuition Fees: University of Innsbruck tuition fees per semester amounts to € 363.36 (AUT, EU/EEA, CH). For citizens of third countries, it will cost € 726.72 per semester. For more details check here.
Official Website: https://www.uibk.ac.at/studium/anmeldung-zulassung/
5. University of Salzburg
Known for its rich arts and music heritage, Salzburg offers a unique student experience. The University of Salzburg, located in Austria’s fourth-largest city, was founded in 1622 and named after its founder, Prince-Archbishop Paris Lodron.
After being closed in 1810, it was re-established in 1962. Today, it welcomes thousands of students from all over the world. They come to study law, Cultural and Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, and Catholic Theology.
Tuition Fees: Tuition fees has been waived for all students all though they must pay a compulsory union fee. Check out more details about UoS union fees here.
Official Website: https://www.plus.ac.at/
6. University of Linz
Johannes Kepler University Linz is a relatively young university but has quickly made a name for itself. It started as a college focused on business and social sciences but has grown into a full-fledged university offering programs in everything from law to medicine. They’ve got a bunch of different institutes and faculties, so there’s something for everyone!
Tuition Fees: €363.36 per semester. For more details, click here.
Official Website: https://www.jku.at/en/degree-programs/prospective-students/register-to-enroll/
7. University of Klagenfurt
Smaller and cozier, the University of Klagenfurt provides a close-knit campus atmosphere. The University of Klagenfurt (AAU) is a public research university in Klagenfurt, Austria. It was founded in 1970 and reopened in 1993.
Undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs are available in the university’s arts, humanities, education, management, social sciences, and technical sciences. It is ranked 48 in the Young University Rankings 2021 by Times Higher Education.
Tuition Fees: For details about University of Klagenfurt fees click here.
Official Website: https://www.aau.at/en/study/studying-at-aau/applying/
8. Medical University of Vienna
If you want to study medicine, this is one of the best options in Austria. The Medical University of Vienna, established in 2004, is a relatively young institution with deep historical roots. As a spin-off from the University of Vienna’s renowned medical faculty, it carries the legacy of one of Europe’s oldest medical schools.
Known for its exceptional standards, the university attracts many applications. It’s highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of only around 9%. Programs offered include Medicine, Dentistry, Medical Informatics, and Applied Medical Science.
Despite its selective admissions, the Medical University of Vienna boasts a diverse student body. Approximately 30% of its students come from countries outside Austria, contributing to a rich international learning environment.
Tuition Fees: The tuition fees at Medical University of Vienna is quiet low, for more information about the tuition fees at MUN check here.
Official Website: https://www.meduniwien.ac.at/web/en/
9. Graz University of Technology
Another great option for engineering and technology programs. Another strong option for engineering and technology is Graz University of Technology, which offers a solid education. Tuition fees align with the general Austrian model. It all started when Archduke John of Austria decided to establish it, initially offering courses in physics, chemistry, astronomy, mineralogy, botany, and technology.
Fast forward to today, and Graz University of Technology has become one of Austria’s top universities. It now boasts 19 undergraduate and 35 postgraduate programs, catering to various academic interests.
Tuition Fees: Most students at TU Graz do not currently pay any tuition fees, as they are exempt from paying because of a general tuition fee waiver. More info on the school’s tuition fees click here.
Official Website: https://www.tugraz.at/en/studying-and-teaching/studying-at-tu-graz/prospective-students/
10. University of Applied Arts Vienna
If you’re into arts and design, this university is a dream come true. The University of Applied Arts Vienna is a top choice for creative minds. It offers a dynamic environment for aspiring artists and designers. It’s been around forever, shaping creative minds since 1867. Thanks to its super-talented alums, this place is a total legend in the art world. You know those big-name artists you admire? Chances are, they learned their craft here!
These are just a few examples. Many other universities in Austria offer affordable tuition. It’s always best to research specific programs and compare costs.
Tuition Fees: The tuition fee charges are determined depending on the type of study programme and the citizenship of the student. For more details please kindly click here.
Official Website: https://www.dieangewandte.at/admission
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Cheapest University in Austria for International Students in 2024
Determining the “cheapest” university depends on various factors, including your field of study and citizenship. However, public universities in Austria generally offer lower tuition fees than private institutions. It’s essential to consider living expenses and potential scholarships when making comparisons.
Why Should I Study in Austria As an International Student?
Tuition fees in Austria are relatively low compared to many other countries. For EU/EEA citizens, costs are minimal. International students typically pay a moderate tuition fee. However, this can vary depending on the university and chosen program.
What are the public universities in Austria that serve international students?
Austria has a strong public university system that offers many programs. Some of the well-known public universities include:
- University of Vienna
- University of Graz
- University of Innsbruck
- University of Salzburg
- University of Linz
Are the universities in Austria for international students studying English?
While German is Austria’s primary language of instruction, many universities offer programs entirely in English. This number has been increasing in recent years to accommodate international students.
Are there private Universities in Austria for International Students?
While less numerous than public universities, there are private universities in Austria. These institutions often have higher tuition fees but offer specific programs or a different learning environment. It’s essential to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.
Summary
Are you considering studying in Austria? Awesome choice! This beautiful country has a lot to offer students. While it’s not cheap, it’s a wallet-friendly option compared to many other places.
Remember, Costs can vary depending on your chosen field of study, living expenses, and any scholarships you might receive. It’s recommended to research specific universities and programs to find the best fit for your academic and financial goals.
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