Linz has six institutions in our catalogue, and every one of them handles admission itself. There is no central application portal. If you want to study in Linz, you apply to the institution, meet its deadlines, and sort out your paperwork from there.
This guide walks you through what's in the city, what it costs, and the deadlines you need to watch.
Institutions in Linz
The OeAD lists three universities in Linz: Johannes Kepler University Linz (JKU), the University of Arts Linz, and the new IT:U Interdisciplinary Transformation University Austria.
There are also two private universities in Linz: Anton Bruckner Private University and the Catholic Private University Linz. Separately, the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria has campuses in Hagenberg, Linz, Steyr and Wels, so Linz is one of its four locations.
Our own catalogue counts six institutions in Linz: JKU and the University of Arts as public universities, Anton Bruckner Private University as a private university, IT:U as a public university, and two university colleges of teacher education, the Private University of Education, Diocese of Linz, and the University of Education Upper Austria. You can see the full list on our universities in Linz page.
If you want to compare Linz with the rest of the country, our all universities in Austria page lists 65 higher education institutions.
What you can study
Across Austria, our catalogue lists 589 programmes with English among their languages of instruction, 455 taught in English only, and the rest in German and English. That's the national picture, not a Linz-only count, so check each institution's own programme list to see what's offered in the city.
The mix in Linz is broad: a large public university in JKU, an arts university, a new interdisciplinary university in IT:U, two private universities, and two teacher-education colleges. Programmes and fees in our catalogue come from the Austrian national register (BMFWF open data and studienwahl.at) as of October 2026. Confirm the details with the institution before you apply.
How to apply
Admission is organised by each institution, not centrally. The OeAD does not handle study applications, and there's no central application portal.
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 check with the institution you're applying to.
Start early. You'll need to gather documents, possibly sit an entrance exam for arts programmes, and if you're from outside the EU/EEA, apply for a residence permit. Build in time for each step.
Fees and costs
The student union fee (ÖH-Beitrag) is EUR 26.20 per semester and compulsory for all students. At public universities, EU/EEA students pay no tuition within the standard duration of the programme plus two semesters. Most other students pay EUR 726.72 per semester. These figures are as listed in the Austrian national register, confirm them with your institution, because they can change.
Living costs: the OeAD's average monthly estimate for a student in Austria is about EUR 1,300, and it varies by study location. Linz is not Austria's most expensive city, but you should still budget carefully. Our cost of living guide breaks down what you'll spend on rent, food, transport and everything else.
If you're from outside the EU/EEA or Switzerland and staying more than six months, you 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. We can't give legal or immigration advice, so check migration.gv.at and oesterreich.gv.at for the current rules.
Accommodation
Linz has student halls and private flats. Start your search as soon as you know you're coming, rooms near the JKU campus go quickly. Our accommodation guide covers the options and what to expect.
Don't sign anything you haven't seen, and be wary of deposits paid before you've viewed a place. If you're arriving from abroad, temporary accommodation for the first few weeks is a good idea.
Practical steps
- Choose your programmes. Use the institution websites and studienwahl.at to find what fits.
- Check deadlines. Public universities: 5 September for winter, 5 February for summer, for most bachelor's programmes. Others may differ.
- Apply directly to the institution. There is no central portal.
- Sort out your permit. If you're from outside the EU/EEA, apply for the Residence Permit, Student. For current details, see oesterreich.gv.at and migration.gv.at.
- Budget. The ÖH fee is EUR 26.20 per semester. Tuition depends on your situation. Living costs average about EUR 1,300 a month.
- Find housing. Start early, and use our accommodation guide.
Sources
- OeAD, institutions directory
- OeAD, living costs
- OeAD, application and admission
- oesterreich.gv.at, admission of foreign students
- oesterreich.gv.at, residence permit for students
- Austrian national register (BMFWF open data and studienwahl.at)
Frequently asked questions
How many universities are there in Linz?
Our catalogue lists six institutions in Linz: Johannes Kepler University Linz, University of Arts Linz, Anton Bruckner Private University, IT:U Interdisciplinary Transformation University Austria, the Private University of Education, Diocese of Linz, and the University of Education Upper Austria. The OeAD also names the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria, which has a campus in Linz.
What is the application deadline for universities in Linz?
At public universities, the general 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 check with the institution you're applying to.
How much does it cost to study in Linz?
All students pay the ÖH student union fee of EUR 26.20 per semester. 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. These figures are as listed in the Austrian national register, confirm them with the institution. Living costs in Austria average about EUR 1,300 per month, according to the OeAD, though this varies by location.
Do I need a visa to study in Linz?
If you're from outside the EU/EEA or Switzerland and staying more than six months, you 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; check migration.gv.at and oesterreich.gv.at for current rules.