Study in Austria for Ukrainians

Austria has a well-developed system of higher education that opens up wide opportunities for foreigners, including Ukrainians. Academic freedom is highly valued here, and students can choose their field of study, pace, and even change their major in the process. At the same time, there are many nuances that you should know before applying.

Higher education in Austria is provided by different types of educational institutions:

• Universities (Universitäten ) - focused on academic activities and research.
• Universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen, FH ) are practice-oriented and work closely with business.
• Pedagogical universities (Pädagogische Hochschulen ) - train future teachers.
• Private universities (Privatuniversitäten ) - operate autonomously, often have an individual approach and English-language programs.

Education is divided into three main levels:

• Bachelor's degree (3-4 years),
• Master's degree (1-2 years),
• Doctoral studies (PhD) - 3 or more years after the master's degree.

The language of instruction is mainly German. To apply for German-language programs, you need to provide a certificate of language proficiency of at least B2-C1.

Some universities offer English-language programs, especially at the master's level in IT, economics, and engineering. Often, IELTS or TOEFL is required for enrollment in English-language programs.

For those who do not yet have the required language level, universities offer preparatory language courses (Vorstudienlehrgang ), which usually last one semester or one year.

Are Ukrainian certificates and diplomas recognized?

Yes, in most cases, Ukrainian documents are recognized automatically, especially when applying for a bachelor's degree. But in some fields, such as medicine, pedagogy, and law, nostrification (official recognition) may be required. The procedure takes a few weeks and is carried out either directly through the university or through a special institution ENIC NARIC Austria.

What else you should know:

• In Austria, there is a concept of “free access” to most specialties, i.e. admission without entrance exams. However, some areas (e.g. medicine, psychotherapy, art) are subject to a system of limited access (Zulassungsbeschränkung), which requires a competition.

• Usually, there is no need to pass entrance exams for bachelor's degree programs, but it is important to confirm that the applicant is eligible to study at a university in his or her home country (i.e., has a complete secondary education in Ukraine or is already a student).

• Some Austrian universities require a certificate from the Ukrainian university that the applicant has the right to study in the same specialty (the so-called “Nachweis der Studienberechtigung”).

The process of applying to Austrian universities is quite structured, but not too complicated - the main thing is to understand the requirements of a particular university and prepare the documents correctly. Most universities accept foreign students on general terms, but there are some nuances that are important for Ukrainians to consider.

What do you need for admission?

The standard package of documents for applying to an Austrian university usually includes

• a certificate of complete secondary education or a bachelor's/master's degree (depending on the level of study)
• translation of documents into German (or English), notarized;
• a certificate from a Ukrainian university confirming the right to study in a similar specialty (the so-called “Nachweis der Studienberechtigung” is required by many universities);
• motivation letter - important for some specialties;
• CV or autobiography - especially for master's programs;
• language certificate - German (usually B2-C1) or English (if the program is in English).

Additionally, you may need:

• portfolio (for creative specialties);
• health certificate (rarely);
• proof of funds (at the stage of visa or residence permit).

When to apply?

Most state universities have 2 admission waves:

- for the winter semester: documents are submitted from April to July;

- for the summer semester: from November to January.

However, the deadlines differ depending on the university and program. Be sure to check the information on the website of a particular university.

How do I submit my documents?

There is no universal application platform in Austria. The process takes place:

• via the online portal of a particular university;
• or by mail (some universities require physical copies at the initial stage);
• less often - in person, upon arrival in the country (if the student is already in Austria on another visa).

Usually, the submission of documents is accompanied by the creation of an account in the Studierendenportal system, where the status of the application is tracked.

Nostrification: when is it needed?

Nostrification is the official recognition of a Ukrainian diploma or certificate. It is not always mandatory, but:

- it is required for specialties with regulated access (medicine, law, pedagogy);

- sometimes required for master's programs if the basic education was obtained in another country;

- it may also be required if the university cannot assess your level of education.

The procedure is carried out through:

• the university itself (if you are applying there),
• or through ENIC NARIC Austria.

Key points for Ukrainians:

• If you have already studied in Ukraine in the chosen field of study, prepare a certificate from the university confirming your right to study in this specialty.
• If you plan to apply for a German-language program, start preparing for the language exam in advance. Austrian universities accept certificates from ÖSD, Goethe, TestDaF, telc Deutsch, etc.
• English-language programs require IELTS, TOEFL, or Cambridge.

Housing is one of the most important issues for an international student in Austria. Although there are many possibilities, it is worth considering that it is better to take care of finding options in advance, because student dormitories fill up quickly, and renting a house on the free market can have nuances.

Student dormitories (Studentenheim)

Most Austrian cities with universities have a developed network of student dormitories. But unlike in Ukraine, a dormitory is not provided automatically - you need to submit a separate application for it, in advance and independently.

The main operators of student dormitories:

• OEAD Housing is the state organization with the largest coverage;
• STUWO - a large non-governmental organization with dormitories all over Austria;
• WIHAST - affordable student housing in Vienna and some other cities.

Conditions:

• Usually, accommodation is in a room for 1 or 2 people, with kitchen and bathroom facilities shared.
• Some dormitories offer fully equipped rooms, while others offer basic facilities.
• Often there are laundry facilities, bicycle parking, Wi-Fi, and common areas.

Prices:

• From 250 to 450 euros per month, depending on the city, type of room and dormitory.
• The cost in Vienna is usually higher (350-500 euros/month), in smaller cities it is cheaper.
• An additional deposit (Kaution) may be required - usually the equivalent of one or two months of accommodation.

Renting a house (apartment, room)

If there are no places in the dormitories, or if the student wants more freedom, it is possible to rent accommodation on the free market.

Options:

• WG (Wohngemeinschaft) is the most popular option among students. This is an apartment that is rented by several people (everyone has their own room, kitchen/bathroom is shared).
• Rooms are often rented from private individuals or through platforms.
• Garconnière - small studios with everything you need.

Prices:

• Room in a WG: from 350 to 550 euros per month.
• A separate apartment: from 600 to 900 euros per month in Vienna, cheaper in other cities.
• Additional fees for utilities, internet, and sometimes heating are paid on average 50-150 euros per month.

Do I need to apply for a residence permit?

Yes, you do. If a student stays in Austria for more than 6 months, he or she must apply for a temporary residence permit for the purpose of study (Aufenthaltsbewilligung - Student).

It is issued after receiving confirmation of enrollment from the university and subject to the availability of accommodation, financial security and health insurance.

Application process:

• either through the Austrian Consulate in Ukraine (if the student is not yet in the country),
• or directly at the magistrate's office at the place of residence (if the student is already in Austria on another basis).

Is it mandatory to have insurance?

Yes, health insurance is a prerequisite for living in Austria.

Even if a student is eligible for temporary protection, a valid insurance policy covering

• visits to doctors
• treatment and diagnostics
• hospitalization;
• emergency medical care.

📌 On our website, you can take out international insurance that is suitable for studying in Austria and meets the requirements of the migration service.

Education in Austria is considered quite affordable compared to other EU countries. Especially in state universities, where there is a clear system of fees, and some categories of students (including Ukrainians) are provided with fee waivers or discounts.

How much does it cost to study?

At public universities:

Austria does not charge full tuition fees in the usual sense. Instead, there is a semester fee (Studienbeitrag), which is divided into two components:

1. Administrative fee to the university (Studienbeitrag):

• approx. €363.36 per semester;
• may be completely waived for some groups of students (see below).

2. Student union fee (ÖH-Beitrag):

• is mandatory for all students and amounts to about €22.70 per semester;
• It is paid even if the student is exempt from the basic fee.

In total, the standard tuition fee is approximately €385-400 per semester, or €770-800 per year.

These rules apply to public universities (Universitäten). At Fachhochschule (universities of applied sciences), the conditions may differ and the amount is often higher.

In private universities:

Here, tuition is much more expensive. The cost is determined by each institution separately and can be

• from €3,000 to €12,000 per year;
• some programs (MBA, medicine, international law) - more than €20,000/year.

Before applying, you need to check the exact amount on the website of the chosen university.

What is free for Ukrainians?

Against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine, most Austrian universities temporarily exempt Ukrainian students from the semester fee (€363) if

• the student has a temporary protection status in Austria (Aufenthaltstitel “Vertriebenen”);
• or submits an official statement of hardship (z. B. finanzielle Notlage);
• or came on an exchange program.

However, the student union fee (€22.70) is paid in any case.

You need to check the rules of dismissal at the university itself, as decisions are made at the university level.

Additional expenses

Even if tuition is free, students should be prepared for other expenses:

On average, a student needs between €800 and €1,200 per month to live comfortably in Austria.

Insurance is a mandatory part of the cost

In order to obtain a residence permit and continue studying in Austria, a student must have a valid health insurance that covers

• basic medical services

• visits to the doctor;
• hospitalization
• ambulance services;
• emergency treatment.

You can apply for an insurance policy on the Visit Ukraine website at this link.

Although education in Austria is already relatively affordable, Ukrainian students can receive additional financial support in the form of scholarships, grants, or tuition waivers. Some of the programs are general, while others are created specifically for Ukrainian citizens due to the war.

Special scholarships for Ukrainians

In 2022-2024, Austria launched support programs for students from Ukraine. They continue to operate with some updates.

🔹 Ernst Mach Grant - Ukraine

State scholarship for Ukrainian students, postgraduates and researchers who are temporarily unable to continue their studies in Ukraine.

More details on the OeAD website

🔹 Scholarships from universities

Many Austrian universities have introduced internal scholarship programs for Ukrainian students.

They are usually awarded on a competitive basis or automatically upon enrollment.

What they can offer:

• exemption from semester fees;
• monthly financial support (from €200 to €800);
• one-time assistance for accommodation or meals;
• vouchers for language courses.

You need to check directly on the university's website or in the international department after enrollment.

Pan-European programs:

🔹 Erasmus+.

Erasmus+ allows Ukrainians to study at Austrian universities on an exchange or full-time basis if the institution has a suitable program.

• It covers the cost of tickets, accommodation, and meals.
• You can go for 1-2 semesters from a Ukrainian university or enroll directly in Austria.
• Suitable for both bachelor's and master's degrees.

🔹 Grants for researchers, PhD and master's programs

If you are planning to study for a master's degree or PhD, pay attention to scholarships:

• Marietta Blau Grant - for research mobility;
• Doctoral Programs at Austrian Universities - competitive programs for full funding;
• CEEPUS - a regional scholarship program for Central European countries.

Catalog of all current scholarships: https://grants.at/en/

Is free education possible?

Yes, it is. Under certain conditions, Ukrainians can study in Austria without paying tuition fees if they

• have temporary protection status (Vertriebenenstatus);
• study under a state program (for example, Erasmus or Ernst Mach);
• apply for financial hardship.

In this case, the student pays only the mandatory fee to the ÖH student union - about €22.70 per semester.

How to look for scholarships?

The official platform with all grants and scholarships in Austria: https://grants.at/en - there are filters by level of education, country, and field of study.