As you plan to study in austria january intake 2026 requirements, you’ll need to navigate application deadlines, prepare your academic documents, secure funding and meet visa criteria. Austria attracts over 87,000 international students each year with top‐ranked programmes in fields from business to computer science. This ultimate guide covers every step from selecting your programme to arriving on campus so you can secure your spot for the January 2026 intake.
Select target programmes
Find English‐taught options
Many Austrian universities now offer full degree programmes in English, especially at the master’s level. For example:
- Vienna University of Economics and Business (WU) offers an MSc in International Management/CEMS taught in English [1].
- University of Vienna lists numerous English‐language master’s degrees in fields like Psychology and Digital Humanities.
Check programme restrictions
Some disciplines impose additional admission hurdles, such as entrance exams or portfolio reviews within your first semesters. Commonly restricted fields include Architecture, Biology, Business, Computer Science, Medicine, Dentistry and Psychology [2]. Verify requirements with your chosen institution early to avoid surprises.
Understand intake timeline
Key deadlines overview
- Austrian Government Scholarships 2026-27 deadline: January 6, 2026 [3].
- Winter semester (January intake) application deadline for most universities: September 5, 2025 [4].
- University of Graz registration window for limited‐place programmes: March 2 to May 4, 2026 [5].
- WU priority deadlines: three batches for most programmes; final cutoff for the MSc in International Management/CEMS is January 8, 2026 [1].
You should also review the full list of dates at 2026 university application deadlines europe international students to plan your timeline effectively.
Meet admission requirements
Academic qualifications
- Bachelor’s programmes: valid secondary school leaving certificate or equivalent.
- Master’s programmes: relevant bachelor’s degree with at least 180 ECTS credits.
Language proficiency
German requirement
If your programme is taught in German, you must submit certified proof such as TestDaF, DSH or ÖSD at the required level [4].
English requirement
For English‐taught degrees, provide an official certificate like IELTS, TOEFL or Cambridge with scores meeting your university’s threshold. Check each course page for exact requirements.
Prepare application documents
Legalized documents
- Originals and authenticated copies of transcripts and diplomas legalized by your country’s education ministry or Austrian diplomatic mission.
- Sworn translations into German or English if originals are in another language.
Application submission
- Complete the university’s online application form.
- Upload or mail all required documents to the Admissions Office by the deadline.
- Pay any non-refundable application fee if applicable.
Confirm submission receipt and track your application status via each institution’s portal.
Secure scholarship funding
Austrian government scholarships
Austria’s federal scholarships cover tuition, living allowance, travel costs and health insurance for undergraduates, master’s and PhD candidates under ADC programmes. Deadline: January 6, 2026 [3].
University scholarships
- Abertay University Austria master’s and PhD awards: £3,000 paid in two instalments [6].
- Webster Vienna Private University: up to €21,000 per academic year.
- Helmut Veith Stipend for female MSc students in Computer Science at TU Wien: €7,000 annually, tuition waived.
- Vienna International Postdoctoral Program: gross salary €70,040 per year plus full health insurance and child allowances.
External funding resources
Explore European programmes like Erasmus+, foundations in your home country and industry‐sponsored grants to supplement your budget.
Navigate visa process
Visa overview
Non-EU students enrolling for January intake must apply for a Type D national visa at their local Austrian embassy or consulate.
Required documents
- Valid passport with at least six months’ validity beyond your planned stay.
- Official admission letter from your university.
- Completed visa application form.
- Proof of financial means (~€6,630 per year or equivalent in local currency).
- Health insurance covering emergencies and repatriation.
- Biometric data (fingerprints, photo) at your consulate appointment [7].
Refer to austria student visa checklist 2026 for a detailed breakdown.
Timelines and fees
- Submit your visa application three to six months before departure.
- Processing normally takes 15–30 days, up to 45 if additional checks are needed.
- Visa fee approx. €75.
- After arrival, convert your visa into a Student Residence Permit within three working days.
Residence permit
Once in Austria, register at the local immigration office (Bezirkshauptmannschaft or Magistrat) to obtain your permit for the full duration of your studies.
For long-term stays, review schengen student visa long stay europe what you need to know.
Arrange health insurance
Coverage requirements
Your policy must cover medical emergencies, hospital treatment, repatriation and meet minimum sums insured as specified by your visa conditions.
Insurance providers
EU citizens can use EHIC cards; non-EU students typically choose private insurers or Austrian public schemes. Compare plans via international health insurance students europe january intake to find the best fit.
Find accommodation options
On-campus housing
- Dorm rooms range from €250 to €400 per month.
- Application windows fill quickly
- submit your request as soon as you receive admission confirmation.
Private housing
- Shared apartments (WGs) on platforms like WG-Gesucht and ImmobilienScout24.
- Monthly rent varies by city: see student accommodation costs europe january intake cities for benchmarks.
Plan arrival logistics
Travel arrangements
Book flights to Vienna, Graz or Innsbruck early to secure lower fares. Consider low-cost carriers but factor in luggage and transit times.
Local registration
Within three days of arrival, register your address at the municipal registration office (Meldeamt). You will need your passport and rental agreement.
Bank account and phone
- Open an Austrian bank account for fee payments and everyday expenses.
- Obtain a local SIM card or eSIM for reliable connectivity.
Orientation and networking
Attend university orientation, sign up for campus tours and join student clubs to build your social and academic network from day one.
Explore post-study options
Work permit extension
After graduation, you can apply for the Red-White-Red Card – Job Seeker to remain in Austria while you look for employment. Learn how to transition from your student visa at how to transition from student visa to work permit in europe.
EU Blue Card
If you secure a qualifying job with a salary above the set threshold, you may be eligible for an EU Blue Card. Review criteria at europe blue card eligibility for non eu nationals 2025.
Permanent residency
Long-term residents can pursue permanent status after meeting residency, language and integration requirements. See how to obtain permanent residency in europe after work permit for details.
Key takeaways
- Select programmes that match your language skills and admission profile.
- Track all application deadlines and submit paperwork early.
- Secure scholarships at national and university levels to ease financial burden.
- Navigate the Type D visa process well in advance of departure.
- Arrange compliant health insurance and suitable housing.
- Plan arrival tasks: local registration, bank account, orientation.
- Explore work permits and residency options to maximize your post-study prospects.
Following these steps will put you on the fast track to successfully enrolling and thriving in Austria’s January 2026 intake. Good luck with your application!
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