# Proof of Funds for an Austrian Student Visa (2026)

> Updated June 2026. How much money you need for an Austrian student residence permit in 2026: EUR 722.58/month under 24, EUR 1,308.39/month at 24+. Accepted formats, rent top-up, scholarships, and Haftungserklaerung explained.

Updated: June 7 2026 · By Jules de Bruin · URL: https://www.how-to-austria.com/blocked-account/student-visa

Updated June 2026. For an Austrian student residence permit in 2026 you must show **EUR 722.58/month** if you are under 24 or **EUR 1,308.39/month** if you are 24 or older, usually for **12 months** in advance (**EUR 8,670.96** or **EUR 15,700.68** for the year). Mobility and Erasmus students show **24 months**. Rent above **EUR 386.43/month** is added on top. A personal account in your name accessible from Austria, a scholarship, or a **Haftungserklaerung** all count. A blocked account is optional, not required.

## How much money do you need for an Austrian student visa in 2026?

The Austrian authorities base the minimum monthly subsistence threshold on the **Ausgleichszulagenrichtsatz** (equalisation supplement reference rate). For 2026, students under **24** must show **EUR 722.58/month**; students aged **24 or older** must show **EUR 1,308.39/month**. The full-year totals are **EUR 8,670.96** and **EUR 15,700.68** respectively. Dependent family members raise the total further.

Note: the [migration.gv.at](https://www.migration.gv.at) English page currently shows **EUR 777.58** for students under 24. This appears to be an outdated figure carried over from a prior year. The correct 2026 rate is **EUR 722.58**, matching the official equalisation supplement schedule. Always verify directly with your nearest Austrian embassy.

| Situation | Monthly | 12-month total |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Student under 24 | **EUR 722.58** | **EUR 8,670.96** |
| Student aged 24 or older | **EUR 1,308.39** | **EUR 15,700.68** |
| Additional spouse | **EUR 2,064.12** (combined) | Varies by age bracket |
| Each dependent child | **EUR 201.88** extra | Per child, per month |
| Rent top-up (if rent exceeds EUR 386.43) | Difference added on top | See rent section below |
Source: [migration.gv.at](https://www.migration.gv.at) and Austrian equalisation supplement schedule, June 2026.

## What proof of funds do students need to submit?

You must show funds equivalent to the full period of your intended stay, typically **12 months** for a regular student permit. Mobility and Erasmus students are usually required to show **24 months**. The account must be in your name and **accessible from Austria**, meaning you can withdraw or transfer funds while residing in Austria.

Personal bank account statement

A statement from the last **3 to 6 months** showing the required balance consistently, not just a recent deposit. The account must be in your name. Austrian and EU-based accounts are straightforward; non-EU accounts are accepted but the embassy may request a certified translation or a bank confirmation letter.

Scholarship letter

An official letter from the awarding body (university, government, or foundation) stating the monthly or annual grant amount, the duration, and that funds will be paid directly to you in Austria. Scholarships from **OeAD** ( [oead.at](https://oead.at)) are among the most readily accepted.

Haftungserklaerung (sponsor declaration)

A legally binding declaration from a sponsor (often a parent or employer) who commits to covering your costs while you study. The sponsor must demonstrate their own financial capacity. See our guide at [/blocked-account/sponsor-declaration](/blocked-account/sponsor-declaration).

Blocked account (optional)

A blocked account (Sperrkonto) is accepted but not required. See the section below for more detail.

## Do you need a blocked account as a student?

No. Unlike Germany, **Austria does not require a blocked account** (Sperrkonto) for student visas or student residence permits. A regular personal bank account showing the required balance, a scholarship, or a **Haftungserklaerung** are each individually sufficient. A blocked account is one accepted option if you prefer to ring-fence funds for visa purposes, but it is not a condition of the application.

If you do want to use a blocked account, you can [set up a blocked account yourself](/blocked-account/diy-setup), read our comparison of providers at [/blocked-account/providers](/blocked-account/providers), or see our general overview at [/blocked-account/do-i-need-one](/blocked-account/do-i-need-one).

## How does rent change the amount you must show?

The base subsistence threshold includes a housing component of **EUR 386.43/month**. If your actual rent exceeds that amount, you must show the difference on top of the base rate. This means students in Vienna, where average single-room rents regularly exceed **EUR 600/month**, need to budget significantly more than the headline figure.

Vienna example (student under 24)

- Base monthly requirement: **EUR 722.58**
- Built-in housing component: **EUR 386.43**
- Actual Vienna room rent: **EUR 650/month**
- Rent top-up required: **EUR 650 minus EUR 386.43 = EUR 263.57/month**
- Adjusted monthly total: **EUR 986.15** (EUR 722.58 + EUR 263.57)
- Adjusted annual total: **EUR 11,833.80**

Use our calculator to find your exact figure: [/blocked-account/calculator](/blocked-account/calculator). Enter your age, intended rent, and number of dependants to get the personalised total.

## What about scholarships and sponsors?

A scholarship letter from an accredited body satisfies the proof-of-funds requirement as long as it covers the required amount for the full permit period and names you as the recipient. Scholarships from **OeAD** ([oead.at](https://oead.at)), the **Ernst Mach Grant**, the **Erasmus+ programme**, or national government scholarships are all accepted by Austrian immigration authorities.

If a parent or another person is sponsoring you, they must submit a **Haftungserklaerung**. This is a formal legal document declaring that the sponsor will cover your living costs for the duration of your studies. The sponsor must attach proof of their own income (recent payslips, tax returns, or bank statements) to demonstrate capacity to pay. The declaration must be signed and often notarised depending on the issuing embassy. Full details are at [/blocked-account/sponsor-declaration](/blocked-account/sponsor-declaration).

You can also combine sources: for example, a partial scholarship covering **EUR 500/month** and a bank account covering the remaining **EUR 222.58/month** (for a student under 24) together satisfy the requirement.

## How and when do you apply?

Non-EEA students must apply for a **Visa D** (national visa) at the Austrian embassy in their home country before travelling. The Visa D is valid for up to **6 months** and allows entry while your full student residence permit application is processed at the local immigration authority (Bezirkshauptmannschaft or MA 35 in Vienna) after arrival.

[Migration.gv.at](https://www.migration.gv.at) states that proof of accommodation is not required for the initial application. However, **OeAD** housing is often requested in practice, and having at least **3 months** of confirmed accommodation (such as a student dormitory confirmation from [OeAD](https://oead.at)) significantly speeds up processing. Prepare accommodation evidence even if the checklist does not strictly require it.

For renewals, you must show both **fresh proof of funds** at the current thresholds and academic progress of at least **16 ECTS credits per year**. Apply for renewal at least **6 weeks before** your current permit expires. Sending money from abroad to fund your account? Use [Wise](https://wise.com) for low-cost international transfers with the mid-market exchange rate.

Calculate your exact amount

Enter your age, rent, and number of dependants to get your personalised proof-of-funds total.

[Open the calculator →](/blocked-account/calculator)Want a ring-fenced account? [Compare blocked account providers](/blocked-account/providers). For international transfers to fund your account, use [Wise](https://wise.com).

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Does the amount change if I am 24 or older?

Yes. Students under **24** must show **EUR 722.58** per month (**EUR 8,670.96** per year). Students aged **24 or older** must show **EUR 1,308.39** per month (**EUR 15,700.68** per year). The higher rate applies from the day you turn 24, not just for renewals.

### Can I use a joint account or a parent's account?

No. The account must be **in your name** and **accessible from Austria**. A joint account in which you are the sole named holder may be accepted, but a **parent’s account in their name alone** is not. If a parent is sponsoring you, they must sign a **Haftungserklaerung** (sponsor declaration) instead.

### Is a blocked account mandatory for Austrian student visas?

No. **Austria does not require a blocked account** (Sperrkonto) for student visas. A regular personal bank account with sufficient funds, a scholarship letter, or a **Haftungserklaerung** from a sponsor all satisfy the requirement. A blocked account is one option among several, not a prerequisite.

### How many months of bank statements do I need?

Most Austrian embassies ask for **3 to 6 months** of bank statements to show that funds are stable, not a recent lump deposit. For a **Visa D** (national visa), **3 months** is typically sufficient. For the full residence permit, show **12 months** of funds in the account or a scholarship covering the period.

### What is the 16 ECTS rule for renewals?

When you renew your student residence permit, you must show academic progress of at least **16 ECTS credits per year** (or an equivalent measure of study hours for programmes not using ECTS). You must also provide **fresh proof of funds** at the same thresholds. A failed year without documented medical or personal circumstances can lead to non-renewal.

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Source: https://www.how-to-austria.com/blocked-account/student-visa
Last updated: Updated: June 7 2026
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