University preparation in Austria for international students

Higher education in Austria has always been prestigious and popular among foreign students from all over the world. Students get high-quality educational services, and the cost of studying is different from many university in Switzerland, United States, Great Britain with the same high quality. For international students, it should be remembered that the preparation for universities in Austria is very important. 

There are no restrictions on the number of students in most specialties: this is a feature of the Bologna system adopted here, thanks to which each student has the right to higher education. But with this availability, the annual number of graduates of Austrian universities is relatively small. This is due to the complexity and depth of studying, as well as a large number of independent work and strict requirements for attendance. Higher education in Austria will require students to maximize concentration and concentration, the ability to concentrate and learn hard and carefully, to work independently. The price of higher education in Austria is very low (it is either free or its cost does not rise above 1500-2000 euros per academic year), but only the most persistent and ambitious students are eligible for a prestigious and valuable diploma.

Most often, Austrian universities do not issue strict admission requirements and do not even organize entrance exams. Additional tests are expected only for students who claim the place of the most prestigious and popular specialties: medicine, architecture, journalism, psychology. In addition, you will not even need a certificate of knowledge of the German language: most universities provide a great opportunity to attend language courses after the beginning of studying. Of course, a good language level in any case will be an excellent help, but it is not strictly required, as, for example, in universities of the United States and Great Britain.

In order to enter undergraduate programme, only a certificate of secondary education will be required. If you are applying for a place in the Master's programme, Austrian universities will be more partial to the package of documents: you will need to prepare a Bachelor's degree and a resume or work experience in the specialty, letters of recommendation and feedback from employers.

Preparation programs for applicants from Austrian universities usually take no more than a year: they are designed for academic and linguistic development, as well as for adaptation to the national education system. Foreign students also can get an opportunity to enter a two-year course IB (International Baccalaureate) - this certificate gives a significant advantage on admission, allowing you to study deeply and profile the most priority and important subjects of the chosen specialty.

In general, there are several tips for foreign students planning to enter universities in Austria:

1) Have good command of German language - yes, it is not necessary, but will give you a strong competitive advantage and facilitate studying in the future. Of course, it is best to study the language in an atmosphere of language immersion - in Germany and Austria there is a huge amount language courses, schools and camps for international students.

2) Clarify the deadline for submitting an application, package of documents.

3) Specify if there are entrance examinations or tests in your specialty. If they are present, SMAPSE experts will pick up an effective preparation course, which will easily help you pass even complex testing. For example, if you are on the direction of medicine or journalism, we will offer you quality courses designed for six months or a year.

Remember that after graduating, students can expect to receive permanent residence and work permit in the country according to their specialty, so it is worthwhile to approach seriously the issue of preparation to the universities of Austria and to study directly. 

Please, don't hesitate to contact SMAPSE experts as they are always ready to answer all your questions. 

When it comes to gaining admission to prestigious universities in Austria, the landscape offers a unique advantage. Unlike many systems, the Bologna framework is embraced here, allowing each student the opportunity to pursue higher education. Austrian higher education institutions present an array of educational programs designed to prepare students for entry into local universities. Additionally, options are available for foreign applicants who wish to study after completing the 10th or 11th grade. However, the number of graduates from Austrian universities remains relatively modest due to the intricacy and depth of studies, alongside the demands of independent work and stringent attendance expectations.

Higher education in Austria demands utmost focus from students, necessitating the ability to concentrate, learn diligently, and work independently. The financial aspect is also noteworthy, as the cost of higher education in Austria is relatively low—either free or not exceeding 1,500 - 2,000 EUR per academic year. Yet, it's important to note that only the most determined and ambitious students achieve the honor of obtaining a prestigious and valuable diploma.

Typically, Austrian universities adopt a lenient approach to entry requirements and may even omit entrance exams. However, certain highly sought-after fields, such as medicine, architecture, journalism, and psychology, may involve additional tests. Furthermore, a certification of German proficiency is often unnecessary; most universities offer German language courses after the program begins. While solid language skills are advantageous, they are not as strictly mandatory as in universities in the USA and Great Britain.

For undergraduate programs, a secondary education certificate is the primary requirement. If the certificate is obtained from abroad, it needs to be translated and notarized before submission to the admission committee. Applying for a Master's program calls for a more comprehensive document package, including a Bachelor's degree, a resume or relevant work experience, letters of recommendation, and feedback from employers.

Sam Jones

Recruitment Director for Partnership with INTO Universities (Europe and Central Asia)

What firstly should be considered when choosing a university?

It depends on the student - everyone determines the most important criteria for himself. I would advise you to take several rankings and compare them with each other, plus take into account the cost of the course, the location of the university and its scale, the percentage of graduates' employment. See where graduates continue their studies or where they go to work.

For those aiming to enter Austrian universities, the following insights are offered by SMAPSE specialists:

• Language Proficiency: While not mandatory, a strong command of German provides a competitive edge and simplifies future studies. Immersive language learning is ideal, and numerous language courses, schools and camps are available in Germany and Austria.

• Application Deadlines and Document Requirements: It's crucial to confirm submission deadlines and the complete list of required documents for admission. SMAPSE experts can assist with this.

• Specialty-Specific Exams: Determine if your chosen field requires entrance exams or tests. If needed, SMAPSE can recommend effective educational preparation courses, even for challenging tests like those in medicine or journalism.

• Career Opportunities: After graduation, students often qualify for permanent residence and work permits in their specialized fields. Therefore, thorough preparation for Austrian universities and post-10th or 11th-grade studies is vital.

With SMAPSE's support, you'll uncover diverse career prospects and the potential to become a highly sought-after specialist. The educational portal's experienced specialists offer various options for preparing for universities abroad, Austrian universities, and post-10th or 11th-grade studies.

Feel free to explore the list of higher education institutions in Austria on this page, featuring courses for foreign applicants and detailed program descriptions, along with estimated tuition fees. SMAPSE's dedicated experts are ready to assist you with their extensive educational experience. Simply request a free consultation through the provided form, and we'll be in touch promptly.

Preparing courses for university in Austria can involve various types of costs and fees, particularly for international students who may not be familiar with the local educational system. One of the primary expenditures is tuition fees. As of our last update in September 2021, EU/EEA students usually enjoy lower or no tuition fees at public universities, but international students from non-EU/EEA countries are generally required to pay higher tuition fees that can range from €726.72 to €1,500 per semester depending on the university and the course of study. Private universities, which are an option for specialized courses, can cost significantly more, ranging from €3,000 to over €20,000 per academic year.

In addition to tuition fees, there are also administrative fees that cover the costs of student services and public transportation. These fees can vary but usually cost around €20 to €25 per semester. Then there are the costs for course materials such as textbooks, notebooks, and software licenses. Although these costs can vary significantly based on the course of study, they can add a few hundred euros per semester to the overall expense. Online courses may come with their own set of fees, including technology or e-learning platform charges, although they may offset other costs like transportation.

Living expenses are another consideration that should not be overlooked. Austria is known for its high standard of living, and the cost of living can be relatively high depending on the city. Living costs can range from €800 to €1,300 per month, including rent, food, transportation, health insurance, telephone, and leisure activities. All these expenses should be factored in when preparing courses for university in Austria as an international student. Careful financial planning is crucial to ensure that the overall cost of education and living is manageable during the period of study.

The main language of instruction at most Austrian universities is German. However, some universities and programs also provide education in English, especially in graduate programs. This makes studying accessible to international students, even if they do not speak German.

If you are planning to study in a program in German, you will usually need a certificate confirming your level of German proficiency. Typically a CEFR level of B2 or C1 is required. The level can be confirmed using exams such as TestDaF or Goethe-Zertifikat. For programs in English, you may be required to have IELTS or TOEFL certificates ranging from B2 to C1.

Application deadlines may vary by university and program, but typically start in February and end in July/August. To find out the exact deadlines, you need to check the website of the specific university and program you want to enroll in.

The cost of studying in Austria can vary greatly depending on your status. For citizens of member countries of the European Union and the European Economic Area (EEA), undergraduate and master's programs often include only small fees, but living costs must be taken into account. For international students from other countries, tuition fees can vary, but usually start from a few thousand euros per year. Exact prices also depend on the chosen program and university.

A bachelor's program in Austria usually lasts 3 years for most majors. However, there are some bachelor's programs that can last 4 years, such as in medicine and some engineering fields.

Yes, after successfully completing a bachelor's program in Austria, you can apply for a master's program, which usually lasts 2 years. Many students choose this path to deepen their knowledge and specialize in a particular field.

Austria provides good job opportunities after graduation. The country has a stable economy and a high level of development, which creates favorable conditions for finding work. The demand for specialists in the fields of information technology, medicine, engineering and tourism is especially high.

Universities in Austria often collaborate with companies and provide internship and internship opportunities for students. This can be a great way to gain hands-on experience in your chosen field.

In addition to tuition, consider the cost of room and board, books and other personal expenses. It's also worth considering that some universities may charge additional fees, such as application fees.

Studying in Austria may be culturally different from studying in other countries. Austrians tend to stick to strict schedules and value precision and reliability. It is also important to respect local customs and traditions.

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