If you’re comparing a university with a Fachhochschule (university of applied sciences) in Austria, the biggest practical differences are how you apply, when you apply, and what you pay. Universities of applied sciences usually run their own entrance procedure, often have different deadlines, and as a rule are entitled to charge tuition fees. Public universities use a general deadline of 5 September or 5 February for most bachelor’s programmes and charge EU/EEA students no tuition only within the standard duration plus two semesters.
Who does what: the institution decides
Admission in Austria is organised by each institution, not centrally. The OeAD does not handle study applications and there is no central application portal. So when you’re weighing up two institutions, you’re really comparing two sets of rules, their deadlines, their entrance requirements and their fees.
The OeAD’s directory lists 23 universities, 19 private universities, 21 universities of applied sciences, 14 university colleges of teacher education and two other post-secondary institutions. On this site you can browse universities and filter by type, because the type is shown for every institution.
Applying to a university of applied sciences
Admission to a Fachhochschule usually involves an online application and an entrance procedure that differs from programme to programme. In practice that often means written documents, written or oral tests, and an interview. You don’t just submit your school leaving certificate and wait, you prepare for a selection process.
To be eligible for a bachelor’s programme you need the general university entrance qualification or a relevant professional qualification. Some programmes also ask for proof of sufficient German. The exact requirements are set by each institution, so check the programme page before you apply. You can find programmes here and then confirm the details with the institution.
Applying to a public university
At public universities the general application period for most bachelor’s programmes ends on 5 September for the winter semester and 5 February for the summer semester. Some programmes, and applicants from outside the EU/EEA, can have different deadlines.
Universities of the arts, private universities, universities of applied sciences and university colleges of teacher education set their own deadlines. Many of them do not require the general or specific university entrance qualification but an entrance examination or a relevant professional qualification. That’s why the application timetable can feel completely different from one institution to the next.
Tuition fees and the student union fee
Universities of applied sciences are entitled to charge tuition fees. As listed in the Austrian national register, the figure is EUR 363.36 per semester for most programmes at universities of applied sciences. At public universities the fee depends on your status: EU/EEA students pay no tuition within the standard duration plus two semesters, while most other students pay EUR 726.72 per semester. Confirm the current fee with the institution before you budget.
On top of any tuition, the student union fee (ÖH-Beitrag) is EUR 26.20 per semester and is compulsory for all students at every institution. That fee applies whether you’re at a university or a Fachhochschule.
| What you’re comparing | Public university | University of applied sciences |
|---|---|---|
| Typical application deadline | 5 September (winter) / 5 February (summer) for most bachelor’s programmes | Set by the institution; often different |
| Entrance requirements | General or specific university entrance qualification for most programmes | General university entrance qualification or relevant professional qualification; some also require German |
| Entrance procedure | Varies by programme | Usually online application plus written documents, tests and/or interview |
| Tuition (as listed in the Austrian national register) | EU/EEA: no tuition within standard duration plus two semesters; most other students: EUR 726.72 per semester | EUR 363.36 per semester for most programmes |
| Student union fee | EUR 26.20 per semester | EUR 26.20 per semester |
What this means for your shortlist
If you want a clear, fixed application window and you’re an EU/EEA student who will finish within the standard duration plus two semesters, a public university can be the simpler financial choice. If you prefer a programme with a selection process that looks at more than your school grades, a Fachhochschule may suit you, but budget for the tuition fee.
This site lists 65 Austrian higher education institutions and 589 programmes with English among their languages of instruction, imported from the Austrian national register: 455 are taught in English only and the rest in German and English. You can see all universities in Austria and compare types side by side. Programme details and fees come from the register as of October 2026, so always confirm them with the institution.
Residence permit and practical checks
If you’re from outside the EU/EEA or Switzerland and you’ll stay 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, and the institution decides on admission, so keep those two processes separate in your planning.
Check the institution’s own pages for the exact entrance procedure and fee, and use studyinaustria.at, oesterreich.gv.at, oead.at or migration.gv.at for the official rules. The OeAD does not process applications, so don’t send your documents there.
Sources
- OeAD, application and admission
- OeAD, tuition fees
- OeAD, institutions directory
- oesterreich.gv.at, admission of international students
- oesterreich.gv.at, residence permit for students
- Austrian national register (BMFWF open data and studienwahl.at), as of October 2026
Frequently asked questions
Do universities of applied sciences in Austria charge tuition fees?
Yes, universities of applied sciences are entitled to charge tuition fees. As listed in the Austrian national register, the figure is EUR 363.36 per semester for most programmes. The student union fee of EUR 26.20 per semester also applies. Confirm the current fee with the institution.
What is the application deadline for Austrian public universities?
For most bachelor’s programmes the general application period ends on 5 September for the winter semester and 5 February for the summer semester. Some programmes and applicants from outside the EU/EEA can have different deadlines. Universities of applied sciences set their own deadlines.
Do I need a university entrance qualification for a Fachhochschule?
For a bachelor’s programme at a university of applied sciences you need the general university entrance qualification or a relevant professional qualification. Some programmes also require proof of sufficient German. The exact requirements are set by each institution.
How much is the student union fee in Austria?
The student union fee (ÖH-Beitrag) is EUR 26.20 per semester and is compulsory for all students at every institution. It is separate from any tuition fee.