Study in Austria: University Admission and Application

Austria is one of the most beautiful European countries. It is also an important study destination that attracts many students from all over the world. They visit it to complete their study path and enrich their balance of knowledge, in addition to obtaining certificates that promote their opportunities to enter the job market. If you are wondering about admission and application to a university in Austria, you have to follow the steps below:

Find a suitable university and know all the admission requirements.
Contact the admissions office to get an application form. You can also get it online, by downloading it from the university’s official website.
Students should submit all the required documents that prove their efficiency and meet all the enrollment requirements.
Students should submit all applications to the universities in Austria before the appointed application deadlines. There is no deadline extension.

Table of Contents

Required Documents for University Admission

Admission application form. As mentioned before, you can download it from the university’s official website or sent by the university.
Proof of nationality, together with a copy of both of the official ID and passport.
Copies of earned certificates. They should be translated to German or English.
Proof of proficiency in German, as it is the official language in Austria. You may also need a certificate of proficiency in English, such as TOEFL, IELTS, or CAE.

Learn our tips to succeed your IELTS

Austrian University Entry Requirements

Bachelor Degree

A secondary school graduation certificate that entitles the student to join a university.
German language proficiency (secondary school-leaving certificate confirming taking German lessons, a German language diploma, or similar documents).
For those who are willing to pursue studies in English, they have to submit an English proficiency certificate, such as TOEFL.
Choose a bachelor’s degree program in one of the authorized educational institutions in Austria and learn about all the details to study in it.

Master Degree

Successfully completing an internationally-recognized bachelor degree or an academic equivalent.
Studying a master program lasts for two years on a full-time basis.
The same language proficiency requirements that were mentioned before.

PhD Degree

Obtaining a master degree that is consistent to the selected PhD discipline.
The same language proficiency requirements that were mentioned before.
Studying a doctorate program lasts for two or more years, according to the selected discipline.
The best way to apply is through contacting the chosen university and inquiring about all the official and academic requirements. Some Austrian universities offer an online registration of personal information. After that, all the required information should be sent via email.

Austria enjoys a quiet atmosphere that encourages studying.

Moreover, professors are always ready to help students and provide them with all information and answer their queries.

This encourages the students to come to Austria to pursue their studies.

Admission to a University of Applied Sciences in Austria

Universities of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschul-Studiengänge) in Austria are institutions that offer professional-oriented higher education to their students through practical training and career-based internships as part of the programs they offer. Admission to this type of university is slightly different from a public university in Austria.

The requirements include a general university entrance qualification (equivalent to a secondary school completion certificate) or a relevant profession qualification. This is if you apply for a bachelor’s degree, along with a language proficiency in German if applicable. Depending on the study program, you might also have to undergo written or oral tests and take part in an interview.

To apply for a master in this type of institution, you need to have completed at least 6 semester study in a specialized, relevant bachelor program. Master’s degree in a Fachhochschul-Studiengänge will take two to four semesters to complete.

Language Requirements for University Admission and Studies in Austria

Language proficiency is necessary for any student who applies for admission in an Austrian university.

German is the language of instruction for undergraduate programs in the country. Students, then, have to present the results of their school examination if they studied German as part of their study program. Otherwise, they need to provide German language courses diplomas like the Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache für ausländische Studienbewerber– TestDaF.

Moreover, for postgraduate and research programs that are available to international students, proficiency in German language is not required. But you will need a proof of a good English level: a B1/B2 level according to the European language passport.

Austria Universities: Admission Deadlines

Universities in Austria usually have two intakes, with specific deadline according to the country you are from.

If you are from the outside of the EU/EEA, application deadlines are at the beginning of September for the winter semester and at the start of February for the summer semester.

For local Austrian students or EU/EEA/Switzerland students, you have until mid-October to apply for the winter semester and until mid-March for the summer semester.

Furthermore, if some spots remain free, students have until the end of November to submit their application for the winter semester and the end of April for the summer semester. Since this is not guaranteed, make sure to check the specific dates on your university’s website, so you don’t miss any deadline.

This was our discussion about admission and application in a university in Austria.