How to Get Study Visa in Austria: Requirements

To pursue studies in an Austrian university, you have to know first how to get a study visa in Austria. This is our topic for today.

Students from the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) do not need a visa to enter Austria. But, they have to register themselves at the migration office within three months from entering the country.

If you intend to stay in Austria for more than 6 months, you have to apply for a residence permit, after receiving the acceptance letter from the university.

Check our article about how to enroll in an Austrian university.

How can I get a student visa for Austria?

When applying for a study visa in Austria, you need to follow theses specific steps.

Confirm your acceptance in a university in Austria: deadlines for university applications in Austria are on September 5th for the winter semester and February 5th for the summer semester. Some universities require an acceptance exam, meaning that the application deadlines might be earlier than those dates.
Schedule a student resident permit appointment to the Austrian embassy or consulate of your country. You’ll have to provide your university letter of admission, a bank statement or any proof of sufficient funds, your travel insurance documents and your passport.
Book your student visa appointment, once your residence permit has been processed.
Attend your appointment while having any required document with you. You’ll probably be asked to sit for an interview and asked questions regarding the reasons why you want to study in Austria.
Receive your decision, prepare for leaving your country. Also, it is mandatory you register with the Austrian municipal authorities within 3 days after your arrival in the country. You will need to complete a registration form as well as report your address in Austria.

What type of visa do I need to study in Austria?

To study in Austria as an international student, you have the choice between a Visa C and a Visa D. Visa C is the short-term visa, which will allow you to stay in Austria for up to 3 months. A Visa D, on the other hand, is a long-term student visa that allows you to stay in Austria for up to 6 months.

Both Visa C and D are free of charge for students in Austria. Also, students from EU, EAA, or who are Swiss citizen don’t need to apply for a student visa nor a residence permit. You’ll also be exempt of visa if your home country has a visa agreement with Austria.

Requirements for a student visa

You have to submit your application at least three months before your arrival to Austria.
Download, fill and sign application form. It is available at the Austrian consulates, or you can download it from the Internet.
Your passport should be valid for the whole duration of your stay in Austria.
The issuance date of the passport should not exceed 10 years.
As for the minors who are willing to pursue secondary studies in Austria, they have to submit a signed commitment by a parent or guardian.
The passport shall include at least two empty pages.
Two passport-sized color photographs
Notification of admission of the Austrian educational institution
Health insurance that includes an insurance coverage inside both of Austria and the whole Schengen area.
A motivation letter indicating why you want to visit Austria and the course of your trip.
Documents that prove family ties in the home country, such as birth certificates, marriage certificate, death certificate, etc.
Proof of sufficient finances to cover the living expenses for 12 months:
students up to 24 years old: 426.57 EUR/month; over 24 years of age: 772.40 EUR/month (these amounts include the accommodation rent of up to 239.15 EUR.)
Certified copy of birth certificate
Certificate of good conduct
Students have to appear in person in the Austrian embassy or consulate to apply for the visa.
Austrian embassies and consulates do not accept visa applications sent via the post.
You have to pay the fees at the consulate when submitting the application.
Applications take at least one month to be processed, as they are sent to Austria.

Download your application from the following website.

Austria Study Visa Processing Time

Austria has a relatively short processing time for student visa (or any other kind of visa). But it’s always best to start the process earlier, especially if you apply during busy spells.

Depending on the number of appointment demands, it can take up to 6 weeks to get an interview appointment at an Austrian embassy. It may take then 1 to 4 more weeks to process the visa application. In total, you have to plan more than 2 months in advance to give yourself enough time.

The registration process to get a study visa in Austria is kind of similar to the registration process in other European countries. With the huge number of different disciplines offered by the Austrian for the students, it seems like the matter worth this effort after all.