Student Residence Permit for Austria

Last updated: March 2026

As of March 2026, international students from non-EU countries need a student residence permit (Aufenthaltsbewilligung Studierender) to study in Austria for more than 90 days. You must prove financial means of EUR 1,217.96/month (under 24) or EUR 1,381.80/month (24 and older), carry health insurance at approximately EUR 65/month through the OeGK, and show at least 16 ECTS credits per year for renewal. Processing takes 8–12 weeks.

Who Needs a Student Residence Permit?

Citizens of countries outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland who wish to study at an Austrian university, Fachhochschule (university of applied sciences), or other accredited higher education institution for more than six months must apply for a student residence permit. EU/EEA citizens do not need a residence permit but must register their presence (see the EU Citizens guide).

For study programmes lasting less than six months, a Schengen visa (or visa-free entry for eligible nationalities) may be sufficient. However, if your programme is longer, you should apply for the residence permit before arriving in Austria.

How Do You Enroll at an Austrian University?

Before applying for a residence permit, you must secure admission to an Austrian institution. You can find programmes through Studienwahl.at, Study in Austria, and the OeAD. The general steps are:

1. Research programmes.Austria offers programmes in German and increasingly in English, especially at the Master's and PhD level. Major universities include the University of Vienna, TU Wien, University of Graz, University of Innsbruck, and WU Vienna.
2. Check admission requirements.Each institution sets its own requirements. You will typically need proof of your previous education (secondary school certificate or bachelor's degree), language certificates (German or English), and any programme-specific tests.
3. Apply through the university. Most Austrian universities accept applications through their own online portals. Some programmes also use centralised systems. Application deadlines are typically in February for the summer semester and September for the winter semester.
4. Receive your admission letter. Once accepted, you will receive a Zulassungsbescheid (letter of admission) that you need for your visa application.

What Are the Requirements for an Austrian Student Residence Permit?

• Proof of university admission: An admission letter (Zulassungsbescheid) from an accredited Austrian institution.
• Valid passport: Must be valid for the entire duration of your stay and at least six months beyond.
• Proof of accommodation: A rental contract, student dormitory confirmation, or a declaration from your host.
• Health insurance: Must cover all medical costs in Austria. Students can enrol in the Austrian student insurance scheme through the OeGK (Oesterreichische Gesundheitskasse) for approximately EUR 65 per month once they are registered.
• Proof of financial means: This is one of the most critical requirements (see details below).
• Criminal record certificate: From your home country, not older than three months, apostilled and translated into German.
• Passport-sized photographs: Biometric format (35 x 45 mm).
• Completed application form: Available from the Austrian embassy or the migration authority website.

How Much Money Do You Need to Study in Austria?

You must demonstrate that you have sufficient financial means to support yourself during your studies. The required amounts (as of 2024/2025) are:

You can demonstrate financial means through:

• A blocked bank account (Sperrkonto) with the full annual amount deposited
• A scholarship confirmation letter
• A formal letter of financial guarantee from parents or sponsors, accompanied by their bank statements and proof of income
• Proof of income from permitted part-time employment (if renewing)

How Do You Apply for an Austrian Student Residence Permit?

1. Apply at the Austrian embassy. Submit your application at the Austrian embassy or consulate in your country of residence. You must apply in person and provide biometric data.
2. Processing time. Allow at least 8 to 12 weeks for processing. Some embassies may take longer, so apply as early as possible after receiving your admission letter.
3. Receive your Visum D. If approved, you will first receive a national visa (Visum D) to enter Austria.
4. Register in Austria (Meldezettel). Within three days of arriving, register your address at the local registration office (Meldeservice).
5. Collect your residence permit card. Visit the immigration authority (MA 35 in Vienna or your local Bezirkshauptmannschaft) to collect your biometric residence permit card.

Can You Work While Studying in Austria?

Student residence permit holders are allowed to work part-time alongside their studies, but there are limits:

• Bachelor's students: Up to 20 hours per week
• Master's and PhD students: Up to 20 hours per week

Your employer must obtain a work permit (Beschaeftigungsbewilligung) from the AMS before you can start working. Some employers are experienced with this process, particularly larger companies and universities. Working more than the permitted hours can result in the loss of your residence permit.

How Do You Renew Your Austrian Student Residence Permit?

The student residence permit is initially issued for one year (or the duration of the programme if shorter) and can be renewed annually. To renew, you must demonstrate:

• Continued enrollment at your institution
• Adequate academic progress (at least 16 ECTS credits per academic year, or 8 ECTS per semester as a general guideline)
• Continued financial means
• Valid health insurance
• Valid accommodation

Apply for renewal at least six weeks before your current permit expires. Failure to demonstrate sufficient academic progress is one of the most common reasons for renewal denial.