Study in Austria: 9 most affordable options to consider

Austria has become a popularinternational student hub; the country ranks9thin the QS Best Student Cities 2027 ranking.Tuition fees in Austrian universities are cheap, too.Like most European countries, Austrian students, nationals of the European Union (EU), and European Economic Area (EEA) member countries generally do not pay tuition fees at public universities until they go over the allocated duration of their programme. Even then, there’s still a “tolerance” of two semesters provided before fees must be paid.

On top of that, all students, regardless of nationality, must pay 2,520 euros (US$2,867) per semester, which covers the student union membership fee and accident insurance.The catch? Most Austrian universities will require you to have a certain degree of German proficiency — so be prepared to factor in an additional year of language learning before you take advantage of the country’s affordable educational offerings.

TL;DR? Here’s the summary:

• Public universities charge around 727 to 753 euros (US$827 to US$857) per semester for most non-EU international students, while EU/EEA students pay little to no tuition under normal study duration.
• Many undergraduate programmes require B2 or C1 German proficiency, so you may need to spend time learning the language before enrolling.
• Affordable universities include the University of Vienna, University of Salzburg, JKU Linz, TU Wien, Academy of Fine Arts Vienna, University for Continuing Education Krems, BOKU University, University of Klagenfurt, and TU Graz.
• Several universities also offer English-taught master’s and selected undergraduate programmes, giving international students more study options.

Not interested in studying in Austria? Check out our Germany, Italy, and France country pages

To know more about affordable study options in Europe, head to our guides on the cheapest European countries and tuition-free universities in Europe for international students

Study in Austria in 2026: Cheapest universities for international students

1. The University of Vienna

The University of Vienna is known as one of the oldest universities in Europe. It is located in the heart of the city of Vienna and is the country’s best-ranked higher education institution, according to the QS World University Rankings 2027

At its core, the university promotes diversity through research. There’s something for everyone here, including over 50 undergraduate programmes and more than 100 postgraduate ones. The university’s ranking by subjects has been steadily climbing up the ranks too — as of 2026, they rank #13 for communication and media studies and #22 for theology, divinity, and religious studies

German at the C1 level is an admission requirement for all bachelor’s and diploma programmes. Most undergraduate and certain postgraduate programmes are taught in German, though a handful of master’s degrees are conducted in English

Tuition for students who are citizens of the EU or EEA countries is 389.56 euros (US$443) per semester, while non-citizens pay 752.92 euros (US$856) per semester

2. University of Salzburg

Nestled in architecturally breathtaking buildings in Salzburg’s city centre, the University of Salzburg — also known as Paris Lodron University Salzburg — is Salzburg’s largest educational institution

The university is home to six faculties, including the Faculty of Catholic Theology, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Faculty of Digital and Analytical Sciences, Faculty of Law, Business and Economics, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, and Faculty of Social Sciences. It also offers a comprehensive teacher’s training programme where students cancombine a range of 26 subjects

Most bachelor’s programmes here require at least B2 proficiency in German. Some of the master’s programmes, such as Data Science, Medical Biology, and Political Science, are taught in English, while most others are taught in German

EU and EEA students going beyond the designated duration of the programme pay fees of 389.56 euros (US$443) per semester. Non-EU and EEA students pay 752.92 euros (US$856) per semester

Beyond getting a world-class education while studying in Austria, you’ll also be able to experience its picturesque landscapes

3. Johannes Kepler University Linz

Johannes Kepler University Linz (JKU) — formerly known as the University of Social and Economic Sciences — is one of Austria’s younger universities. Situated in Linz, the third-largest city in Austria, JKU sets itself apart by offering all its teaching in one location

The university has four faculties (Engineering and Natural Sciences, Business and Social Sciences, Law, and Medicine) across six schools (Linz Institute of Technology, Linz School of Education, Business School, Kurt Rothschild School of Economics and Statistics, Linz Institute for Transformative Change, and School of Social Sciences and Humanities)

JKU is one of the places where you can study in English in Austria. Here, they offer a range of English-taught programmes and dual-language degree programmes that are generally offered in German

EU and EEA students who go beyond their designated programme duration will need to pay 363.36 euros (US$413) per semester. Other international students pay a fee of 726.72 euros (US$826) per semester

4. Technische Universität Wien

Technische Universität Wien, commonly known as TU Wien, is Austria’s second-best university, ranking #191 in the QS World University Rankings 2027. The university has a long history, especially as the first University of Technology in present-day German-speaking Europe

As a university conducting research, teaching, and learning under the motto “Technology for people,” the school’s best-ranked programmes are in architecture and the built environment, and in computer science and information systems

Do note that the bachelor’s programmes at TU Wien are generally delivered in German, so you have to prove sufficient knowledge of the language to be admitted into the degree programme. Fortunately, most of their master’s programmes are delivered in English

EU and EEA students who go beyond their designated programme duration will need to pay 363.36 euros (US$413) per semester. International students from other countries pay a fee of 726.72 euros (US$826) per semester

5. Academy of Fine Arts Vienna

For those inclined towards the arts, the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna places a particular emphasis on arts-based research and teaching. The academy’s offerings span painting and sculpture to photography, video, performance, and conceptual art, as well as architecture, stage design, conservation, and restoration

While the academy boasts only a student body of around 1,500, it has turned this into a strength through the international reputation of its teaching staff and the diversity of its students, who come to Vienna from over 50 countries. Beyond that, the academy actively collaborates worldwide with other universities as well as with art and cultural institutions, and encourages and supports its students to gain international experience as part of their studies.

Having at least a German language proficiency skill at B2 will be ideal, as most of the programmes here have that requirement

EU and EEA students who go beyond their designated programme duration pay 363.36 euros (US$413) per semester. International students, on the other hand, pay a fee of 726.72 euros (US$826) per semester

6. University for Continuing Education Krems

Working professionals seeking to upskill themselves while studying in Austria consider the University for Continuing Education, Krems — previously known as Danube University Krems. Here, the average age of students is 39, and the international student body is made up of those from 99 different countries

The university consists of three faculties: Health and Medicine, Business and Globalisation, and Education, Arts and Architecture. The study model here is oriented toward the specific requirements of adult learners in all phases of life and especially to the needs of working professionals

Most of the programmes here are conducted in German

Locals and EU residents can study for free. For international students, tuition fees start from US$432 per year

7. BOKU University

If you’re interested in agriculture and specialising and hope to study in Austria, then BOKU University is the place to be. Having started in 1872 as a small university with those subject specialities, it is now one of the most modern life sciences universities in Europe

All of BOKU’s undergraduate programmes are taught in German. They offer German-taught master’s programmes too, but have a range of English-taught options as well, including but not limited to Biotechnology, Mountain Forestry, and Green Chemistry

EU and EEA students going beyond the designated duration of the programme pay fees of 363.36 euros (US$413) per semester. Non-EU and EEA students pay 726.72 euros (US$826) per semester

When you study in Austria, you get the chance to enjoy the sights and experiences, like its Christmas markets

8. University of Klagenfurt

Located in Carinthia, the University of Klagenfurt is the largest academic institution and a hub for the whole of the Alps-Adriatic region in terms of knowledge acquisition, exchange, and transfer. You’ll find around 20% of international students coming from 100 countries in the university’s four faculties — Arts, Humanities & Education, Management, Economics & Law, Social Sciences, and Technical Sciences — and 33 departments.

The university offers a selection of English-taught undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Meanwhile, it’s recommended you have at least a B2 in German language proficiency if you choose to pursue a programme in the language

EU and EEA students who go beyond their designated programme duration will need to pay 363.36 euros (US$413) per semester. International students from other countries pay a fee of 726.72 euros (US$826) per semester

9. Technische Universität Graz (TU Graz)

Technische Universität Graz (TU Graz) is one of the most affordable universities in Austria

It ranks 409th in the QS World University Rankings 2027 and is recognised for its strong focus on engineering, technology, and innovation

What makes TU Graz stand out is how practical and hands-on the learning is. Students get to work on real projects, use state-of-the-art labs, and even collaborate with top industry partners. By the time you graduate, you will already have valuable experience

The tuition fees for EU students are around 363.36 euros (US$413), while non-EU students pay around 726.72 euros (US$826) per semester, which is more affordable compared to most other countries

Frequently asked questions

Do you need IELTS to study in Austria?

English-taught programmes in Austria generally require an IELTS score of 6.0 to 6.5 for undergraduate programmes and 6.5 to 7.5 for master’s and PhD programmes. Meanwhile, skilled worker visa applicants, including those applying for the Red-White-Red Card, may need basic English proficiency at the CEFR B1 or B2 level, or an IELTS score of around 5.5

Are Austrians friendly?

Making local friends in Austria may take a little more effort. According to the Expat Insider 2026 survey, only 38% of expats described Austrians as generally friendly, compared with 63% worldwide. Just 33% found locals friendly towards foreigners, well below the global average of 61%

However, keep in mind that making friends with locals can also be difficult if you don’t speak German. Therefore, consider brushing up on the basics before you arrive

Is it cheaper to study in Austria or Germany?

Most public universities in Germany and Austria charge little to no tuition for EU and non-EU students. However, students must still pay a semester fee for expenses such as administration, student union membership, and local public transport. This typically ranges from 200 to 500 euros (US$227 to US$569) in Germany, compared with around 726.72 euros (US$826) per semester in Austria

Which jobs are in demand in Austria?

The top 10 in-demand jobs in Austria include engineers for agricultural machinery, graduate nurses, specialist power engineers, train drivers, physicians, cost accountants, roofers, motor vehicle mechanics, special fitters, and medical technology specialists

Can I stay in Austria after I graduate?

Yes, non-EU graduates can stay and work in Austria through the Red-White-Red Card. It is an official immigration permit that gives qualified workers from outside the EU the right to live and work in Austria. It uses a points-based system tied to a specific employer and lasts for 24 months

Disclaimer: This article was last updated on August 24, 2026

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Source: studyinternational.com