Study in Austria: Student Visas & Permits

EU/EEA/EFTA National-Student Visa in Austria 

If you are a European citizen, you don’t need a visa to come to Austria. The only documents you will need during your stay is a valid passport or identity card, sufficient financial means to support yourself during your residence and a valid health insurance. However, if you plan to stay more than three months in Austria, you will need to register to the official municipal authorities (Magistrat, Bezirkshauptmannschaft) within four months of your arrival. 

Non-EU/EEA/EFTA National-Student Visa in Austria Requirements 

As an international student and if you plan to stay in Austria for studies less than six months, you will need to apply for a student visa in Austria at your nearest Austrian Embassy or Consulate of your country of origin. It is also compulsory for you to register with the municipal authorities (Meldeamt: Gemeindeamt, Magistratisches Bezirksamt) within three working days after entering the country. You will need a registration form which is available online or at the registration offices which must be completed by you and signed by your landlord.

For international students, there are two types of student visas in Austria:

• Visa C: Allows you to stay in Austria and all the Schengen countries for a maximum of 90 days (3 months) and is not necessary if you are allowed to enter the country without visa in the first place. 
• Visa D: Required for a stay of at least 91 days and up to 6 months. 

Since the majority of international students mostly aims to stay in Austria for more than 6 months for study purposes, what you need to do in that case is to apply for a student residence permit (Aufenthaltsbewilligung - Student) which will enable you to stay in the country for more than 6 months. Contact your nearest Austrian Embassy and also OeAD through this link for additional information. 

Student visa in Austria applications can be submitted before your arrival only in the official Austrian representations. You can find the closest one to you here. This authority is the only one responsible for issuing your visa/residence permit and it is important to apply as soon as possible, even 3 to 6 months before your estimated arrival. Keep in mind that renewals of student visas are not allowed in Austria. 

Overall, your student visa will be processed within 1-4 weeks depending on the volume of applications and will cost you around 100 EUR. 

Student Visa in Austria: The necessary documents 

• A fully completed and signed application form (available from the Embassy or Consulate or downloaded from the Internet. 
• Valid passport that needs to be valid for the whole duration of your stay in Austria.
• Passport-sized colour photographs. 
• Health insurance. 
• No objection certificate from your school or university. 
• Proof of enrolment to studies by your Austrian university.
• Proof of sufficient financial means to cover your living costs for 12 months at least. Could be provided for example by a savings book, bank deposits and account or a letter of guarantee from the person that finances you.  
• Proof of accommodation by providing a contract or rental agreement from the student services if you live in student accommodation or your landlord if you live in a private flat. 
• Receipt for paying the student visa fee. 
• Police clearance certificate.

The content of this Study in Austria guide has been developed by OeAD - Austrian Agency for International Cooperation in Education and Research.

About OeAD

OeAD is Austria’s leading non-profit-making service organization in the field of international cooperation in education and research. The activities of the OeAD embrace general, academic, and vocational education with – historically grown – specific focus on academic mobility.