Austria has extended free tuition for Ukrainian students through 2026: what we know

Austria has extended the benefits for Ukrainian students, allowing them to study tuition-free at public universities. The decision remains in effect for the summer semester of 2026 and even provides for the refund of fees already paid. Learn more about the terms of study and important details

Legal advice on education and employment abroad for Ukrainians

BOOK A CONSULTATION

Ukrainian students can continue to study in Austria without paying tuition fees at public universities. The exemption, introduced after the outbreak of full-scale war, has been officially extended through the summer semester of 2026. This means that thousands of Ukrainians will retain access to education without a financial burden. According to the Austrian Ministry of Science, in 2025 alone, there were approximately 5,400 students from Ukraine studying in the country, most of whom chose public universities.

Do Ukrainians need to pay tuition in Austria in 2026?

In the summer semester of 2026, Ukrainian students are fully exempt from tuition fees at Austrian public universities.

If a student has already paid the standard fee for international students (approximately €751.92), these funds are subject to a refund. The costs are covered by the state, specifically by the relevant ministries of science and education.

Don't want to miss important updates and useful articles? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!

How does the tuition payment system work in Austria?

The payment system depends on the student’s citizenship and the type of university.

Students from Austria and EU countries generally do not pay tuition fees, provided they do not exceed the standard duration by more than two semesters.

In contrast, students from third countries must pay tuition starting from the first semester—on average around €751.92 plus a mandatory student union fee.

A separate exception has been made for Ukrainians, allowing them to study for free.

Do all universities offer this benefit?

The benefit applies specifically to Austria’s public universities.

Universities of applied sciences and private institutions are not required to follow the same rules. At the same time, some of them independently offer support for Ukrainian students, such as discounts or customized study conditions.

Are you planning to enter one of the world's leading universities in 2026? Visit Ukraine's educational lawyers will help you understand the document requirements, admission procedure, and legal stay abroad to ensure that your studies abroad are safe and legally correct.

Reminder! In 2026, Ukrainian graduates currently abroad will be able to sit the national multi-subject test and enrol at Ukrainian universities without having to return to the country. Special examination centres will be opened in various countries across Europe and the world for this purpose. Find out in which countries you can take the NMT in 2026 and how to choose a convenient location.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;

Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;

Visit Ukraine Tickets - book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;

Private Lawyer service - professional legal support on visa and migration issues;

Visit Ukraine Merch - buy patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.

© 2018-2026, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.

All rights reserved.