Path to staying
- Study12 months, renewable
- Post-study workup to 24 months
- Permanent residencyafter 5 years
- Citizenshipafter 10 years
Overview
- Country
- Austria
- Visa name
- Residence Permit Student
- Local name
- Aufenthaltsbewilligung Student
- Status
- Active
- Duration
- 12 months
- Renewable
- Yes
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).
Tuition and costs
- Tuition policy
- Subsidized
- Tuition range
- $935 – $1,747/year
- Proof of funds
- $17,688/month
- Funds type
- Bank statement
- Scholarships
- Available
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.
Work rights during study
- Work allowed
- Yes
- Term hours
- 20 hrs/week
- Vacation hours
- Unlimited
- Permission
- Separate permit
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.
Post-study work options
| Program | Type | Duration | Min degree | Work | PR path |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Job Seeker Extension (Aufenthaltsbewilligung Student - Arbeitssuche) | Job seeker | 12 mo | Bachelors | 20 hrs | No |
| Red-White-Red Card for Graduates | Work permit | 24 mo | Bachelors | No | Yes |
Language requirements
| 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. |
Fees and costs
| Fee | Type | Amount | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residence Permit Application Fee | Application | $252 | One time |
| OeH Student Union Fee | Registration | $25 | Per semester |
Dependents and family
- Dependents
- Allowed
- Restriction
- Spouse and children. Must prove sufficient funds for the entire family.
- Spouse work
- Not allowed
- Conditions
- Spouse with student dependent permit needs separate work permit (Beschaeftigungsbewilligung) from AMS.
Long-term pathway
- Post-study visa
- Available
- Work permit
- Possible
- Permanent residency
- After 5 years
- Citizenship
- After 10 years
- Study time counts
- 50% credit
How to apply
- Method
- In person
- Processing
- 30-90 days
- Interview
- Not required
- Official site
- www.migration.gv.at
- Health insurance
- Required (buy separately)
Notes and caveats
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.
Also in Austria
Last verified Mar 21, 2026 Source