The monthly amounts you need for 2026
As of 2026, the OeAD lists the following monthly amounts for the Austrian student residence permit: EUR 722.58 for students under 24, EUR 1,308.39 for students aged 24 and over, EUR 2,064.12 for couples and EUR 201.88 for each child. These are the figures the authority works with when checking that you can support yourself.
You need to prove that you have this money for the whole year, not just for your first month. The purpose is simple: to show that you can finance your stay without relying on Austrian social welfare. That's why a bank statement with a few hundred euros won't cut it.
What proof looks like in practice
The OeAD says you have to prove the funds for twelve months in advance. The usual way is a savings book or a bank account in your own name that you can access from Austria. So the money has to be sitting there before you apply.
There are alternatives if a savings account isn't practical. A declaration of guarantee from a person living in the EU works. So do travellers cheques or a confirmation that you've been awarded a scholarship. Each has its own paperwork, so check with the authority what they'll accept.
For a full walkthrough of the permit process, see our residence permit guide.
When your rent pushes the amount up
The monthly figures above assume your accommodation costs stay within a certain limit. As of 2026, if your rent exceeds EUR 386.43 a month, you must show additional funds. You also need to prove you have the money for health insurance. This catches people out: a flat in a city centre can easily push your required amount higher.
So when you're calculating your proof of funds, add up your rent and insurance first. If your rent is above that threshold, you'll need to show more than the standard monthly figure.
Where the money came from: the authority can ask
Having the money in your account is one thing. The authority may also ask where it came from. You can show this with a declaration, a bank statement covering the last six months, or employment documents from you or your sponsor. If a relative transferred a lump sum, have that paper trail ready.
One thing that doesn't work: proof of social benefits that would only exist once you have the permit, such as social assistance. The authority wants to see that you can support yourself independently.
How this fits with your application
Proving sufficient means is part of the residence permit application, not the university application. Admission is handled by each institution, not centrally. The OeAD doesn't process study applications, and there is no central portal. So you'll apply to your university first, then deal with the permit.
For the permit itself, students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland need a Residence Permit, Student for stays over six months. As of the oesterreich.gv.at page, the application fee is EUR 218 and the authority decides within 90 days.
Our site lists 65 Austrian higher education institutions and 589 programmes with English among their languages of instruction. You can browse them all in our list of universities in Austria. That gives you a starting point for comparing where you want to apply, but remember that each institution sets its own deadlines and admission rules.
Don't forget tuition and the student union fee
Your proof of funds is meant to cover living costs, but you'll also need to pay tuition if it applies. At public universities, EU/EEA students pay no tuition only within the standard duration of the programme plus two semesters. Most other students pay EUR 726.72 per semester, as listed in the Austrian national register. All students pay the student union fee (ÖH-Beitrag) of EUR 26.20 per semester.
These fees are separate from the proof of funds, so budget for them on top. For a detailed look at supporting yourself, see our page on supporting yourself.
Tips for getting the proof right
- Open a bank account in your name early. The money must be accessible from Austria.
- If your rent is above EUR 386.43 a month, add the extra to your proof of funds.
- Keep six months of bank statements if you think the authority might ask about the source.
- Have your insurance documents ready; you need to show you can pay for health insurance.
- Check the current figures with the institution or on studyinaustria.at before you apply. The amounts are updated each year.
Sources
- OeAD, residence permit for students (no mobility)
- oesterreich.gv.at, residence permit for students
- OeAD, FAQ entry residence third-country students
- studyinaustria.at, application and admission
- oesterreich.gv.at, admission of international students
- studyinaustria.at, tuition
- National register open data (BMFWF and studienwahl.at)
Frequently asked questions
How much money do I need to show for an Austrian student visa in 2026?
As of 2026, the OeAD lists EUR 722.58 a month for students under 24 and EUR 1,308.39 a month for students aged 24 and over. For couples it's EUR 2,064.12 a month, and EUR 201.88 for each child. You must prove these amounts for twelve months in advance.
What counts as proof of funds for the Austrian student residence permit?
The standard proof is a savings book or bank account in your name that you can access from Austria. Alternatives are a declaration of guarantee from someone living in the EU, travellers cheques, or a confirmation of a scholarship award. The authority may also ask for the origin of the funds, so keep bank statements or employment documents.
Do I need extra money if my rent is high?
Yes. As of 2026, if your accommodation costs exceed EUR 386.43 a month, you must show additional funds. You also need to prove you have the money for health insurance. So factor in your rent and insurance when calculating your proof of funds.
Can I use social welfare benefits as proof of funds for the Austrian student permit?
No. Proofs of social benefits that would only exist once the permit is granted, such as social assistance, are not suitable. The purpose of the proof is to show that you can finance your stay without support from the Austrian social welfare system.