All about the cost of living in Austria for students

Despite being condensed into a small area, Austria provides remarkable diversity, scenic beauty, tranquility, unrivaled quality of life, and rich culture. It is home to over 22 prestigious universities, which provide over 500-degree alternatives to aspiring students. Austria is becoming increasingly popular among international students due to its academic and living amenities. Continue reading this blog for additional information about tuition and the cost of living in Austria.

Living expenses in Austria for international students

Given the excellent standard of living in Austria, the living costs are relatively low. However, the prices and expenses may differ depending on where you go. A budget of 900 – 1,300 EUR per month can cover all of your costs in Vienna and Salzburg (accommodation, food, social activities, and public transportation). Other student locations, such as Linz or Graz, also have monthly living expenses ranging between 900 and 1,000 EUR.

Accommodation costs

The cost of housing in Austria is between 200 and 500 EUR per month. Some cities, such as Vienna, have higher prices than others. Prices are considerably greater if you reside in or near the city center.

On average, students who live alone pay roughly 400 EUR per month, whereas students who live in student housing pay around 260 EUR per month. Students who live with a partner or roommate must pay around 370 EUR per month.

The most popular accommodation options for international students in Austria are –

1. The OeAD student lodging

The OeAD provides housing for around 12,000 students in Vienna, Graz, Innsbruck, Linz, Salzburg, Leoben, and Klagenfurt. It is an excellent low-cost option and an approved partner of Austrian universities and institutes. 

2. Shared flat or Apartment (Wohngemeinschaften)

The most typical option after OeAD is to share an apartment or a flat with roommates, also known as a WG in Austria. This is one of Austria’s most inexpensive living options, with monthly payments ranging from 250 to 450 EUR. 

3. Living in a residence hall or dormitory

This is a viable alternative for overseas students. It comprised a variety of apartment options with shared facilities and social areas for students. More information on this sort of accommodation may be found at the Austrian Student Union. 

Food costs

Traditionally, lunch is the most important meal of the day for Austrians. Therefore, most restaurants offer inexpensive lunch menus around midday. The low-cost restaurants are mostly Chinese, but if you truly want to sample authentic Austrian cuisine, go to Gasthaus or Gasthof. These places provide traditional Austrian cuisine at affordable prices.

Meals at various small neighborhood taverns or cafes range from 7 to 10 EUR on average. For instance, a soup goulash costs around 7 EUR, while a dessert may cost around 4 EUR. However, you may expect to pay between 12 and 18 EUR for a full course meal and an additional 6 EUR for a drink in tourist areas.

A three-course supper at a mid-range restaurant will cost you between 20 and 30 EUR per person.

If you intend to cook your food at home, supermarkets in Austria are reasonably priced. You can expect to spend roughly 200 – 250 EUR each month on goods. Some of the cheapest markets in Austria are Hofer (Austria’s Aldi), Zielpunkt, Spar, and Billa.

Transportation in Austria

In Austria, public transportation, whether by rail, bus, or tram, is the most convenient and safest way to travel. A metro or bus ticket costs roughly 2 EUR, while monthly transportation passes range between 30 and 50 EUR. You can also save by using your student ID card.

Tuition fees: International students in Austria

EU/EEA & Switzerland students

EU/EEA students pursuing a full-time degree or participating in an exchange program at public universities do not have to pay tuition fees. They have to pay a semester fee of 20 EUR, which covers student union membership and student accident insurance.

Non-EU/EEA students

In addition to the 20 EUR each semester, students from non-EU/EEA countries will have to pay tuition of 726.72 EUR every semester on average. Many public universities provide tuition-free education to students from low-income nations.

Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS)

Students from the EU/EEA generally pay 363 EUR for each semester at universities of applied sciences. Every semester, students from non-EU/EEA countries will have to pay between 727 and 7,500 EUR.

Private university tuition costs

Private universities are more costly than public universities. While tuition expenses vary depending on the study program, overseas students could anticipate spending between 3,000 and 23,000 EUR each year. Some specialist programs charge tuition rates of 35,000 EUR or more each year.

Additional costs

Utilities cost around 100-200 EUR per month. This additional expense is only applicable if you reside in a privately leased flat. They’re generally lower if you share a room with one or two other people.

Additionally, you can expect nearly 300 EUR on study material and recreational activities (books, culture, recreation).

Citizens from non-EU/EEA countries must purchase health insurance. If they are eligible for student insurance, they will pay around 60 EUR each month. If they do not qualify, they can still apply for insurance from a public Austrian insurer, but it would cost them 427 EUR each month.

Top universities in Austria

• University of Central Europe 
• University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria
• Vienna University of Economics and Business

Key takeaways

If you wish to study in Austria or are thinking about it, you should know that many international students rated their ‘study abroad’ experience in this country as excellent. This is owing to the fact that –

• The academic atmosphere at Austrian institutions is of excellent quality.
• Courses and instructional practices that are focused on the students
• Austria is one of Europe’s safest countries.
• Tuition expenses at universities are modest.

Liked this blog? Read Schengen visa | 7 Things you need to know about this European visa

We hope you enjoyed reading this blog post. If you have any queries about studying abroad, feel free to reach out to us here.

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FAQs

Q1. Is it worthwhile to live in Austria?

Answer – Austria has an extremely high standard of living. In fact, according to a 2019 worldwide research, Austria ranks second in terms of quality of life. Furthermore, for the past ten years in a row, Vienna has topped the World’s Most Livable Cities list. Austria also ranks high in journalistic freedom, women’s rights, and human rights.

Q2. Is it costly for overseas students to study in Austria?

Answer – Austria is an excellent destination for international students. It offers low tuition prices compared to other popular study locations such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. 

Q3. Is there a Golden Visa program in Austria?

Answer – The Austrian Golden Visa is accessible to any foreign national in exchange for a considerable financial investment. Therefore, a minimum of €40,000 investment is required. Applicants must wait 1-3 months after submitting their Golden Visa application for approval.