15 best universities in Vienna 2024

Austria is famous for its high-quality higher education in German and English and interesting academic programs. Austrian universities do not lag behind the trends of modernity, therefore, only advanced methods are used in teaching, and educational institutions are equipped according to the best standards. Every year, the European country receives many foreign students who want to get a first-class education and a valuable diploma in order to successfully find a job in prestigious Austrian and international companies in the future.

Higher education institutions in Vienna provide high-quality academic education to students from different countries. Vienna universities accept applicants for many specialties without entrance exams. Some universities are loyal to the level of German language proficiency and even provide additional courses at the educational institution.

Vienna is celebrated for hosting some of Europe's most prestigious universities, including both large state and private institutions. The University of Vienna, established in 1365, stands as one of the oldest and most significant in Europe, with students from over 130 countries and nine Nobel laureates among its alumni. Notably, Erwin Schrödinger is an alumnus of this institution.

The Vienna Technical University, known for its contributions in economics, engineering, and physics, boasts a significant international student body. It counts Ferdinand Porsche and Josef Strauss among its graduates. The Vienna University of Economics and Business excels in business education and offers extensive exchange programs. The Vienna Medical University, where Sigmund Freud spent 35 years, and the Vienna University of Music and Performing Arts, the largest conservatory in Austria, are other notable institutions. Additionally, Vienna hosts a branch of the American Webster University.

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 enrollment in top Vienna universities, international students must prepare a set of documents, translating them into German or English. These documents need to be error-free, valid, and notarized. The application deadlines are October 1 for the winter semester and March 1 for the summer semester.

The required documentation includes:

• A completed application form from the university's website.

• Diplomas and academic certificates with a detailed record of grades and courses.

• A certificate from a higher education institution confirming eligibility for university admission.

• Proof of German language proficiency (ÖSD B2).

• Recommendation letters.

• A portfolio (if applicable).

• A motivation letter.

Entrance exam requirements vary by program and level of competition. Fields like medicine, psychology, law, and architecture typically require exams, while other departments may waive this requirement depending on the number of applicants.

EU citizens can attend state universities at no cost, while international students typically pay between $1,700 to $1,800 per year. Studying in German incurs lower costs, around $800 to $1,200 annually, while English-taught programs are more expensive, starting from $1,500 per year. Private universities charge between $1,000 to $45,000 annually, with rates varying based on the institution's prestige and location.

Additional expenses include:

• Registration fee: From 300€.

• Medical insurance: From 200€/month.

• Accommodation: From 500€/month.

Students should also budget for food, transportation, and personal expenses. Many universities offer on-campus dormitory options.

Managed by the Agency for International Cooperation in Education and Research (OeAD-Gmbh), funding and scholarships come from various sources including cultural foundations, national funds, government organizations, and international bodies like the UN and IAEA.

Nearly 1,700 grants and scholarships are available, with a concentration in areas like Biology, Medical Research, Chemistry, and Physics. Humanities funding is scarcer but present. Grants generally cover specific projects or research for short periods, rarely offering full support. Scholarship types vary, ranging from full tuition coverage to monthly stipends.

Doctoral programs often provide the most substantial funding, with eligible candidates receiving comprehensive support, sometimes up to 2,000-3,000 euros per month.

• Webster university
• Modul University
• Medical University of Vienna
• Technical University of Vienna
• Vienna University of Economics.