The Costs of Studying and Living in Austria: What to expect

There are many reasons that urge you to pursue studies in Austria, including the high-level academic environment in the Austria universities.

This is in addition to the fact that Austria is one of the most stable and safe European countries. Moreover, the tuition fees in the universities are fairly low, when compared to other universities in European countries. Today, we will discuss the costs of studying and living in Austria.

Check our article about the top ten universities in Austria.

Table of Contents

Tuition Fees in Public Universities

EU Students

Students from Austria or who belong to the European Union or European Economic Area do not have to pay any fees for their studies. They only pay around 18 Euros as student union fees every semester. After the two semesters of tolerance, they have to pay 363.36 Euros each semester.

Non-EU Students

As for the students from outside the European Union (after getting the residence permit), they have to pay 726.27 Euros each semester, in addition to the student union’s fees.

Participants in exchange programs and university partnerships and students from the least developed countries may be exempted from the university fees.

Exception

The University of Vienna pays the tuition fees of the international students studying master or PhD degrees in law or international relations, regardless of their nationalities.

Tuition Fees in Applied Sciences Universities

To join one of the universities of the applied sciences in Austria, you have to pay 363 Euros for each semester, in addition to the student union’s fees.

Tuition Fees in Private Universities

Tuition fees in the private universities differ according to the university and discipline as well. Fees range from 1,000 Euros to 40,000 Euros per year.

Tuition Fees in the Top-Ranked Austrian Universities

The University of Innsbruck: around 1,450 Euros per year
University of Vienna: between 1,500 and 11,000 Euros per year
Vienna University of Technology: start from 1,500 Euros per year
Graz University of Technology: start from 1,450 Euros per year.

Learn more by visiting the websites of the universities: the University of Innsbruck, University of Vienna, Vienna University of Technology, and Graz University of Technology.

Costs of Living in Austria for International Students

Prices and costs of living vary in Austria. Generally, we can say that they are reasonable when compared to the costs of living in other European countries.

In Vienna and Salzburg, the monthly budget ranges between 900 and 1,300 Euros to cover all your personal expenses (accommodation, food, social activities, and public transport).

In other cities, such as Linz or Graz, the costs of living range between 900 and 1000 Euros per month.

Accommodation

Prices of accommodation in Austria range between 200 and 500 Euros per month. The average price for any accommodation option stands at around 250-270 Euros per month.

On average, students who live alone pay around 356 Euros per month. Moreover, students who stay in a student housing pay around 260 Euros per month. Additionally, those who live with a partner pay around 370 Euros per month.

Moreover, if you live in big cities like Vienna, accommodation will be more expensive than others. The same goes if you live in the city center or close to it.

Read also our article on how to get student accommodation in Austria

Food

The average price of meals is between 5 and 7 Euros. Soup costs around 7 Euros, while you can pay only 4 Euros for the dessert.

In the tourist areas, prices range between 11 and 18 Euros for a main meal. A three-course meal in a mid-range restaurant would cost between 15 and 35 Euros per one person.

The supermarkets have very reasonable prices. You can spend between 165 and 200 Euros per month to get your groceries. The cheapest supermarket chains are Hofer, Spar, and Billa.

Transport

Students under 26 years can get a discount card that allows them to travel all over Austria for half the normal tariff.

In Graz, you can get this card from the main train station. This would cost you around 20 Euros. It is usually valid for one year.

Moreover, a metro or bus ticket for a single ride in the city is around 2.50 euros.

Additional Living Expenses for International Students in Austria

If you are renting a private apartment, you need to plan an additional cost of 100-200 Euros per month for utilities. This amount gets lower if you share a room with one or two other roommates.

Recreational activities as well as study material will cost you around 300 Euros. A cinema ticket costs around 9 Euros, while a ticket for a museum is about 8 Euros. But as a student, you may be eligible for some price concessions. To get these discounts, you have to show your student card.

Students who are not EU/EEA citizens have to purchase health insurance. Those who are eligible for student insurance will pay 60 Euros per month. Those who are not eligible can apply for insurance from a public Austrian insurance, that will cost them around 430 Euros monthly.