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Studies & Degrees in Austrian Studies

Austrian studies is the interdisciplinary study of Austria: its history, literature, language and culture, usually set in a Central European context. It is an area-studies subject, so it borrows methods from history, literary studies, linguistics, political science and cultural studies rather than having a method of its own. The scope reaches back well before the present republic. The yearbook Austrian Studies, published by the Modern Humanities Research Association, defines its field as the cultural traditions of the Habsburg Empire, the Austrian Republics and the period of German annexation, with a focus on Austrian culture from 1750 to the present.

Students read Austrian literature, study the country's cultural and political history, and look at how ideas of the nation and of identity have been built. German is the working language of most of the sources, and the Austrian standard variety of German is itself a topic of study.

Qualifications and levels

Few universities offer a full degree with this title. More often the subject is a specialisation within German studies, history or Central European studies, or a short course for visiting students.

  • Master's degree. The Universität Wien (University of Vienna) offers the master's programme Austrian Studies – Cultures, Literatures, Languages. It lasts 4 semesters, has 120 ECTS credits and leads to a Master of Arts (MA). German is an admission requirement, the curriculum is published only in German, and there is no fixed upper limit on places. The modules include Austrian Literature and Language (15 ECTS), Austrian Cultural History / Austria in Europe (23 ECTS) and Literatures of Central Europe (15 ECTS), together with a student placement in Austria and one abroad (10 ECTS each). Students also acquire a basic comparative understanding of at least one Central or Eastern European language and culture.
  • Short programmes. The Sommerhochschule of the Universität Wien runs a winter school for cultural-historical studies, The Discovery of Modernity - Vienna Around 1900, held in Vienna from 29 January to 12 February 2027. It covers the development of society, psychology, fine arts, music and literature in Vienna around 1900. Its summer school at Lake Wolfgang, from 10 July to 7 August 2027, offers courses in law, politics, economics, history, cultural studies and German.
  • Research. At doctoral level the subject is pursued within history, German studies or related departments. Outside Austria, bodies such as the Botstiber Institute for Austrian-American Studies support research on the historical relationship between the United States and Austria.

Where to study Austrian studies

Vienna is the natural centre for the subject. SpainExchange lists one active school under Austrian studies, the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna (Diplomatische Akademie Wien - Vienna School of International Studies). It is a postgraduate institution for graduates of all disciplines, and its programmes are in international affairs rather than Austrian studies in the narrow sense: a one-year Diploma Programme in the theory and practice of international relations, and the two-year Master of Advanced International Studies (MAIS), a joint master's degree with the Universität Wien. The MAIS has 120 ECTS credits and is taught in English, with some optional courses in German and French. The academy gives a tuition fee of EUR 32,800 for the 2026-28 programme.

Austria as a whole has 23 universities, 21 universities of applied sciences, 19 private universities and higher education institutions and 14 teacher education colleges, according to the official portal Study in Austria (checked October 2026). The portal states that international students make up 30% of the student population and that a growing number of programmes, particularly master's degrees, are offered in English. Austrian studies itself is taught mainly in German.

Language and entry

For a German-taught programme applicants must prove their German. The Österreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch (ÖSD) is the Austrian system of internationally recognised German exams. Each university publishes the certificates and levels it accepts.

Entry rules depend on nationality. According to the OeAD, Austria's agency for education and internationalisation, EU, EEA and Swiss nationals who stay more than 3 months need a confirmation of registration. Nationals of other countries need a visa for stays of up to 6 months and a student residence permit for longer stays. The details are on the OeAD website and at the Austrian embassy or consulate.

Careers

Austrian studies does not lead to a single profession. The Universität Wien says its master's gives practical skills relevant to a career in cultural organisation. Graduates of area-studies programmes also work in publishing, translation, education, museums and archives, journalism, tourism and international relations, and some continue to a doctorate. No official employment statistics are published for this subject on its own.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to speak German to study Austrian studies?

For the master's programme at the Universität Wien, yes: German is an admission requirement. Some short programmes and international programmes in Vienna are taught in English.

How long is the master's in Austrian Studies in Vienna?

It lasts 4 semesters and has 120 ECTS credits. It leads to a Master of Arts (MA).

Is Austrian studies the same as German studies?

No. German studies covers the language and literature of all German-speaking countries. Austrian studies concentrates on Austria and the former Habsburg lands and adds history, culture and Central European neighbours.

Do I need a visa to study in Austria?

EU, EEA and Swiss nationals do not need a visa but must obtain a confirmation of registration for stays of more than 3 months. Other nationals need a visa or, for stays over 6 months, a student residence permit, according to the OeAD.