Austria's student residence permit for non-EU/EEA nationals pursuing degree programs at Austrian universities. Features affordable public university tuition, strong research institutions, and a pathway to the Red-White-Red Card for graduates. Work hours are tiered by degree level (10 hours/week for bachelor, 20 hours/week for master).
Public university tuition: EU/EEA students EUR 363.36/semester if exceeding standard study duration, otherwise free. Non-EU students: EUR 726.72/semester (~EUR 1,453/yr). Austrian Student Union fee (OeH-Beitrag) of EUR 21.20/semester applies to all. Private universities (FH, private Uni) may charge significantly more.
Bachelor students: up to 10 hours/week. Master/doctoral students: up to 20 hours/week. Requires a work permit (Beschaeftigungsbewilligung) from AMS (Public Employment Service), which the employer must apply for. Processing takes 2-4 weeks. No work allowed during the first semester in some cases.
| Program | Type | Duration | Min Degree | Work | PR Path |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Job Seeker Extension (Aufenthaltsbewilligung Student - Arbeitssuche) | Job seeker | 12mo | Bachelors | 20hrs | No |
| Red-White-Red Card for Graduates | Work permit | 24mo | Bachelors | No | Yes |
| Test | Purpose | Language | Min Score | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OSD (Oesterreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch) | Admission | German | B2 | Required for German-taught programs. OSD B2 or C1, TestDaF TDN 4, or DSH-2 accepted. Vorstudienlehrgang (preparatory course) available for those needing to improve German. |
| IELTS Academic | Admission | English | 6.5 | Required for English-taught programs. Growing number of English master programs. TOEFL iBT 88-100 also accepted. |
| Fee | Type | Amount | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residence Permit Application Fee | Application | $252 | One time |
| OeH Student Union Fee | Registration | $25 | Per semester |
Apply at Austrian embassy/consulate abroad, or at MA 35 (immigration authority) in Vienna if already legally in Austria. Start preparation 6 months before arrival. Meldezettel (registration confirmation) required after finding accommodation. Requires 9 core documents including admission letter, proof of funds, and criminal record certificate. Study progress required for renewal.
- Austria Settlement Permit (Gainful Employment Excepted) (passive income)
- Austria Citizenship by Exceptional Merit (merit)
Last verified: Mar 21, 2026. Source