Universities in Wien, Austria

Vienna, Austria's capital, had 2,040,914 inhabitants on 1 January 2026, according to the city's statistics office. It has large public universities alongside smaller private and specialised institutions, and a long academic history: TU Wien traces its roots to 1815 and the Diplomatic Academy to 1754.

For international students Vienna combines low tuition fees at public universities, English-taught programmes at several institutions and specialised universities for music, the arts, economics and international relations.

What the universities in Vienna offer

Public universities offer bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes, mostly in German, with some English-taught master's programmes. Private and specialised institutions add English-taught degrees in niche fields. Some examples:

• Universität Wien (University of Vienna): degree programmes covering more than 180 subject areas; some programmes have an entrance exam procedure
• TU Wien: technology, engineering and natural sciences, with bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes
• Wirtschaftsuniversität Wien (WU Vienna): economics and business, with 21,833 students, 36% of them international, and more than 240 partner universities
• mdw – Universität für Musik und darstellende Kunst Wien and the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna: music, performing arts, fine arts and architecture, with admission by entrance examination
• Diplomatic Academy of Vienna: postgraduate programmes in international affairs, such as the Master of Advanced International Studies (MAIS)
• MODUL University Vienna: a private university on the Kahlenberg hill that teaches all its programmes in English, accredited by AQ Austria, with programmes such as the BBA in Tourism and Hospitality Management

Costs

At public universities, students from the EU and EEA pay no tuition fee as long as they stay within the minimum duration of their programme plus two semesters. Students from other countries who hold a Residence Permit – Student generally pay €726.72 per semester (WU lists the same amount). All students pay the students' union fee (ÖH) of €26.20 per semester. Private universities set their own fees.

Study in Austria, the official portal of the OeAD, estimates average student living costs in Austria at about €1,300 a month, with €450 to €700 for a room in a student residence, and notes that housing in Vienna is more expensive than in smaller towns. A single metro or bus ticket costs around €3.20, and students are eligible for price concessions. Many universities have self-service student cafeterias (Mensa).

Practical tips

• Check the language of your programme: many bachelor's programmes at public universities are taught in German
• Music and arts programmes have entrance examinations with fixed registration dates; check them a year ahead
• Students from outside the EU apply for a Residence Permit – Student at the Austrian embassy or consulate; the authority has 90 days to decide, so apply early
• For 2026 you must show funds of €722.58 a month if you are under 24, or €1,308.39 a month from age 24, for twelve months in advance
• A course that serves only to learn a language does not qualify for this residence permit

Frequently asked questions

Is university free in Vienna?

For EU and EEA students at public universities it is free within the standard duration plus two semesters, apart from the €26.20 ÖH fee. Most other international students pay €726.72 per semester.

Can I study in English in Vienna?

Yes. MODUL University Vienna teaches all its programmes in English, and the Diplomatic Academy and the public universities offer English-taught postgraduate programmes.

How much does it cost to live in Vienna as a student?

The OeAD estimates about €1,300 a month for a student in Austria, and Vienna is more expensive than smaller towns, mainly because of rent.

Do I need a residence permit to study in Vienna?

Students from outside the EU need a Residence Permit – Student, applied for at the Austrian embassy or consulate, with proof of funds for twelve months.