If you are considering studying in Austria, you will find that international students consistently rate their academic experience in the country as world-class. Key highlights include:
- The high standard of the academic environment at
- Student-centred classes and teaching methods
- Austria is one of the safest European countries
- Universities charge low tuition fees
The admission process to Austrian universities is highly transparent and compares favorably to other Western systems. However, securing your place is only the start of your journey. Read on for a comprehensive guide to tuition fees and the average cost of living in Austria for 2026.
1. Tuition fees for international students in Austria
Tuition fees for EU/EEA & Switzerland students
Public universities in Austria are exceptionally affordable; EU/EEA students pursuing a full-time degree or participating in an exchange program are generally exempt from tuition fees. You are only required to pay a nominal fee of approximately 20 EUR per semester, which covers your student union membership and mandatory accident insurance.
Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA students
Non-EU/EEA students should budget for an average tuition fee of 726.72 EUR per semester, in addition to the standard student union contribution.
Many public institutions offer tuition-free waivers for students from specific developing nations. To determine if you qualify for these exemptions, please review the current policy on your prospective university's official website.
Tuition fees at Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS)
Universities of Applied Sciences maintain their own fee structures. While EU/EEA students typically pay 363 EUR per semester, costs for non-EU/EEA students can range from 727 EUR to 7,500 EUR per semester depending on the program.
Tuition fees at private universities
Private institutions command higher tuition fees than public counterparts. Depending on the institution and course, international students can expect to pay between 3,000 and 23,000 EUR annually, with specialized professional programs potentially exceeding 35,000 EUR per year.
Discover more essential information regarding tuition fees in Austrian universities to better manage your budget.
Universities we recommend in Austria
Explore the top-rated institutions in the region according to the latest global university rankings.
2. Student living costs in Austria
Austria offers an exceptional quality of life at a relatively affordable price point. While the cost of living may be slightly higher than in neighbouring Hungary, costs remain reasonable and vary significantly depending on the city or region you choose.
For major urban centers like Vienna and Salzburg, we recommend a monthly budget of 900 to 1,300 EUR to cover housing, sustenance, leisure activities, and transportation.
In other popular student hubs such as Linz or Graz, you can comfortably manage your monthly expenses with a budget between 900 and 1,000 EUR.
Accommodation costs in Austria
Expect monthly accommodation costs to range between 200 and 500 EUR. Naturally, rental prices in cities like Vienna are higher, especially for central locations or those in close proximity to the university campus.
On average, students living independently spend roughly 400 EUR per month on rent, while those in managed student housing pay approximately 260 EUR. Students sharing accommodation with partners or housemates typically spend about 370 EUR per month.
Gain insights from the real-world experiences of recent international graduates in Austria:
Food costs in Austria
Lunch is considered the most significant meal in Austrian culture, prompting many restaurants to offer budget-friendly midday menus. Chinese restaurants are often the most economical choice, while a traditional 'Gasthaus' or 'Gasthof' provides an authentic, high-quality Austrian dining experience at a fair price.
At local, casual eateries, you can find meals starting from 7 to 10 EUR. Enjoy a hearty bowl of goulash soup for about 7 EUR, with traditional desserts typically priced around 4 EUR.
Dining in tourist-heavy districts will reflect premium prices, with main dishes costing between 12 and 18 EUR and drinks around 6 EUR. A standard three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant is generally priced between 20 and 30 EUR per person.
Groceries are quite affordable; most students spend between 200 and 250 EUR per month. Budget-conscious shoppers frequently visit popular supermarkets like Hofer (the local Aldi affiliate), Zielpunkt, Spar, and Billa.
Transportation in Austria
Austria’s public transport network, including trains, buses, and trams, is exceptionally efficient. A single fare is roughly 2 EUR, while monthly passes range from 30 to 50 EUR. Don't forget to utilize your student ID to access significant transit discounts.
You can further research specific living expenses by visiting the Numbeo website for up-to-date data on regional pricing.
Extra costs
- Utilities: 100 - 200 EUR/month. This extra cost only applies if you live in a privately rented flat. They’re usually lower if you live with 1 or 2 flatmates.
- Study materials and leisure activities (books, culture, recreation): around 300 EUR
- Non-EU/EEA citizens have to pay for health insurance. If they qualify for student insurance, they pay around 60 EUR/month. If they don’t qualify, they can still apply for insurance from a public Austrian insurance provider, but it costs 427 EUR/month.
To ensure students have access to comprehensive coverage, Online Result partners with Aon, a leader in insurance solutions. Aon provides global protection, multilingual support, and an intuitive online management portal. Get expert advice tailored to your study abroad requirements: Get free advise now.
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