While German is the primary language of instruction at most Austrian institutions, you will be pleased to find an increasing number of English-taught Bachelor’s degrees and Master’s programmes available to international students.
But which Austrian universities offer programmes taught in English? And what are the essential application requirements you need to meet?
Let’s dive into everything you need to know.
How many English-taught universities are there in Austria?
While there isn't a single official database tracking the exact number of English programmes, based on current academic listings, you can discover a wide variety of opportunities:
As shown in the list above, there are plenty of high-quality academic options available for English-speaking international students.
Here are some of the top-ranked universities we recommend for your studies in Austria:
How do I know if an Austrian university teaches in English?
Start your search by filtering for English-taught programmes on our portal. We also recommend verifying the specific English language proficiency requirements for each individual degree.
Individual universities and colleges in Austria may list additional English-taught programmes directly on their websites. If you find a course that interests you, take a moment to confirm its language of instruction or reach out to the university's admissions office for clarification.
To apply at English-taught academic institutions in Austria, you will generally need to provide proof of proficiency through one of these widely recognized language tests:
- TOEFL iBT
Learn more about the differences between IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE Academic to choose the best option for your application.
Is English enough to live and study in Austria?
While English is sufficient for your studies, integrating into daily life may require more. Statistics indicate that approximately 70-75% of Austrians speak English, though this proficiency varies by region.
For smoother shopping, travel, and social interactions, learning basic German phrases is highly recommended. Explore these free resources to begin your language journey:
The best English-taught universities in Austria
Below are the top English-taught universities in Austria, as featured in the latest QS World University Rankings:
Check out other study programmes to broaden your search.
Affordable English-taught universities in Austria
In Austria, you can pursue your degree at either traditional universities or universities of applied sciences (UAS), depending on your career goals.
Compared to other European destinations, Austrian tuition fees are remarkably affordable for both EU/EEA and many non-EU/EEA students. Here is an overview of the typical costs at public universities:
- regular universities: free for students from the EU/EEA and Switzerland
- regular universities: around 730 EUR per semester for non-EU/EEA students
- UAS: around 365 EUR per semester for EU/EEA students
- UAS: between 730–7,500 EUR per semester for non-EU/EEA students
If you are considering private institutions, please note that tuition fees are significantly higher, generally ranging from 3,000 to 35,000 EUR per academic year.
To manage your study expenses in Austria, we encourage international students to explore available scholarships and grants.
Application requirements at English-taught universities in Austria
Key application requirements for English-taught programmes in Austria typically include the following:
- Previous diplomas: high-school, Bachelor’s, or Master’s
- Academic transcript of records or grades
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal essay or statement
- Copy of ID or passport
- Up to 4 passport-size photos
- Proof of financial support (if required)