You apply directly to the institution you want to attend: the university, the university college of teacher education or the university of applied sciences. There is no central application portal in Austria, and the OeAD does not handle study applications. The trick is simple: pick your programmes, check each one's admission page, send your documents early, and keep copies of everything.
Choose your programme first
You cannot apply properly until you know what you are applying to. Start with find programmes on this site, where you can search our catalogue of 589 programmes with English among their languages of instruction. That count comes from the Austrian national register as of October 2026: 455 are taught in English only, and the rest in German and English. For over 2,500 degree programmes in total, including German-taught ones, use studienwahl.at; the English-taught ones have their own list at studienwahl.at/programmes-in-english.
When you have a shortlist, browse universities to see each institution's profile and get a feel for the place. If you want the whole landscape at once, all universities in Austria gives you the full list from our catalogue.
Check each institution's admission rules
Admission is organised by each institution, not centrally. For detailed information on eligibility, the admission procedure or the application requirements, contact the admission office of the institution you are applying to. They are the ones who decide, and their word is final on whether you get a place.
Most universities let you register your data online, then send specific information by email. Application forms are usually downloadable from the university's website. If a form or portal does not exist, call or email the admission office and ask how they want your application sent.
Prepare your documents properly
Foreign documents such as transcripts have to be presented in the original and in photocopy, and they have to be legalised. If they are not in German or English, legalised translations must be added. Translations done abroad also have to be legalised. This is the part that catches people out, so budget time for it.
For many programmes, proof of proficiency in German is necessary. If you already have a certificate, include it in the application documents. If you do not, ask the admission office what they accept and whether you can submit it later.
Because reviewing foreign documents can take longer, the OeAD recommends submitting your application as early as possible. Do not wait for the deadline to creep up on you.
Watch the deadlines
At public universities the general application deadline for most bachelor's programmes is 5 September for the winter semester and 5 February for the summer semester. Other programmes and applicants from outside the EU/EEA can have different deadlines, so always check with the institution.
If you are coming from outside the EU/EEA or Switzerland and staying more than six months, you will also need a Residence Permit, Student. The application fee on oesterreich.gv.at is EUR 218, and the authority decides within 90 days. The residence authority decides on permits; the institution decides on admission. Keep those two processes separate in your head.
Budget for fees
The student union fee (ÖH-Beitrag) is EUR 26.20 per semester and is compulsory for all students. At public universities, EU/EEA students pay no tuition within the standard duration plus two semesters; most other students pay EUR 726.72 per semester. Those figures are current as listed in the Austrian national register as of October 2026, so confirm them with your institution.
| Item | Amount | Who pays |
|---|---|---|
| ÖH-Beitrag | EUR 26.20 per semester | All students |
| Tuition at public universities | No tuition within standard duration plus two semesters | EU/EEA students |
| Tuition at public universities | EUR 726.72 per semester | Most other students |
| Residence Permit, Student application fee | EUR 218 | Students from outside EU/EEA and Switzerland staying more than six months |
Fees and rules change, so treat the table as a starting point and check the current figures with the institution or on studyinaustria.at.
After you arrive: enrol and register
On arrival in Austria you enrol and register for your courses. This often involves visiting administrative offices in person, so plan your first week around it. Bring your documents, your admission letter and your passport, and be ready to queue.
If anything about your permit or enrolment is unclear, ask the institution's admission office and the residence authority. They are the ones who can give you a definitive answer, not a guide like this one.
Sources
- OeAD, application and admission
- OeAD, find your programme
- oesterreich.gv.at, admission of foreign students
- oesterreich.gv.at, residence permit for students
- OeAD, tuition fees
- Austrian national register (BMFWF open data and studienwahl.at)
Frequently asked questions
Is there a central application portal for Austrian universities?
No. Admission is organised by each institution, and the OeAD does not handle study applications. You send your application and documents directly to the university, university college of teacher education or university of applied sciences you want to attend.
What is the deadline for applying to an Austrian public university?
For most bachelor's programmes, the general deadline is 5 September for the winter semester and 5 February for the summer semester. Other programmes and applicants from outside the EU/EEA can have different deadlines, so check with the institution.
Do I need to translate my documents into German?
Foreign documents have to be in the original and in photocopy, and they have to be legalised. If they are not in German or English, you need legalised translations; translations done abroad also have to be legalised.
How much does it cost to apply for a student residence permit?
The application fee for the Residence Permit, Student is EUR 218, as stated on oesterreich.gv.at, and the authority decides within 90 days. The residence authority decides on permits; the institution decides on admission.