Austria is world-renowned for its excellent network of universities, with around 400,000 students currently enrolled in higher education institutions around the country.
Many universities offer programmes in English, attracting students from around the world. But just how much money do you need to study in the Alpine nation?
READ ALSO: How do I stay in Austria after graduating from an Austrian university?
Tuition/semester fees at public universities
Studying in Austria is an affordable option for many people.
If you're an EU/EEA citizen, you can study for free at public universities provided you do not exceed the standard duration of study by more than two semesters.
The only mandatory payment is the ÖH (Student Union) fee of €26.20 per semester.
EU students who go over the standard duration of study plus the two grace semesters have to pay €363.36 per extra semester.
However, if you're a non-EU/EEA student, you generally have to pay semester fees.
Prices range depending on the institution. At public universities, the 2026/27 semester fee is €726.72, with the ÖH fee added on.
Tuition fees in Austria are regulated by the Universities Act of 2002, and the rates are set each year.
READ ALSO: Can I complete an English-speaking degree in Austria?
Fees for private universities
There's no restriction on how much private institutions can charge. Costs can range anywhere between €3,000 to €23,000 annually, although specialised programmes and MBAs can be significantly more expensive.
Fees are usually the same for both EU/EEA citizens and internationals.
Proof of financial support
Third-country nationals need to apply for an Aufenthaltsbewilligung Student – a special residence permit for students to be able to study in Austria.
And to get this, you need to pass a number of hurdles, including proving that you can support yourself financially.
Here's a look at how much you need to get the permit. Note that you have to prove these funds for 12 months in advance:
- Students under 24: €722.58 per month
- Students age 24 and above: €1,308.39 per month
- Couples: €2,064.12/month per month
- For each child additionally: €201.88 per month
Non-EU/EEA students also need to show they are enrolled at a recognised Austrian university, and that they have ÖGK health insurance or equivalent coverage.
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Average monthly costs
Rent will be the largest expense students face.
The cost of renting a room in a flat – known as a WG in German – varies depending on the region, but has been getting more expensive in recent years.
The Arbeiterkammer Tirol recently found an average shared room in Innsbruck set students back €495.34 per month in 2022 – but rose to €539.69 in 2025.
In Vienna, you might pay between €400 and €700 per month for a WG.
Health insurance is mandatory in Austria. The Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK) offers students discounted cover. It costs around €78.84 per month (as of 2026).
If you have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), you are covered for free during your studies, though many students choose to register with ÖGK to get convenient access to local doctors.
In general, the cost of living remains high in Austria. According to cost comparison site Numbeo, the estimated monthly costs for a single person living in large Austrian cities like Vienna, Linz and Innsbruck are roughly €1,000, excluding rent.
Scholarships
Austria offers a variety of grants and scholarship programmes, with most including a monthly stipend.
Check out this link to search for scholarships offered by the non-profit OeAD, Austria's Agency for Education and Internationalisation.
Public transport and other student discounts
Keep in mind that you can get various discounts if you're a student in Austria, including on public transport in some regions.
In Styria, students under 26 can purchase the "Top-Ticket for Students" for €193 per semester, which is valid throughout the province. A "Klimaticket Steiermark Youth" is also available for young people up to the age of 26, which costs €311 for a year.
Students over the age of 26 can purchase the "Klimaticket Steiermark Classic" for €414 (if their primary residence is in Graz) or €514 (if their primary residence is outside of Graz).
In Innsbruck, a semester transport ticket costs €176.70, while a Tirol-wide version costs €229. And Salzburg offers a semester Klimaticket for €170.
Meanwhile, people aged 26 and under in Vienna can purchase an annual youth travel pass for €294. This is for all young people regardless of whether they're studying.
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