Are you dreaming of studying in Europe without breaking the bank? Austria offers world-class education, rich cultural heritage, and, most importantly, affordable or even free education for international students. In this guide, we’ll explore how to study in Austria for free in 2025, focusing on tuition-free public universities and government-funded scholarships.
🎓 Why Study in Austria?
Austria is becoming a top destination for international students due to:
Tuition-free or low-cost education
English-taught programs in top universities
High quality of life and safety
Central location in Europe, perfect for travel
Opportunities for part-time work during studies
🏛️ Tuition-Free Public Universities in Austria
One of the best ways to study in Austria for free is by applying to public universities, which charge little to no tuition fees, especially for EU/EEA students. Non-EU/EEA students may still pay nominal fees compared to other countries.
Top Tuition-Free or Low-Tuition Public Universities in Austria (2025)
| University Name | Estimated Annual Tuition Fee (Non-EU) | Language of Instruction |
|---|---|---|
| University of Vienna | €726.72 per semester + student union fee | German, some English programs |
| Graz University of Technology (TU Graz) | €726.72 per semester | German, English |
| University of Innsbruck | €726.72 per semester | German, English |
| Johannes Kepler University Linz | €726.72 per semester | German, some English |
| University of Klagenfurt | €726.72 per semester | English-taught Master’s programs |
💡 Tip: Student Union membership (about €20/semester) is required even if tuition is waived.
🎓 Government Scholarships for International Students – 2025
Austria offers fully funded government scholarships to international students through various programs. These scholarships can cover tuition, accommodation, health insurance, and even monthly stipends.
🔍 Key Scholarships to Study in Austria for Free
1. OeAD Scholarships (Austrian Agency for International Cooperation)
For: Undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students
Includes: Monthly stipend (€1,050+), accommodation support, insurance
Open to: Non-EU/EEA and EU students
Website: www.grants.at
2. Erasmus+ Program
For: Exchange students from partner universities
Covers: Tuition, travel allowance, and living costs
Available at most Austrian universities
3. Scholarship Foundation of the Republic of Austria
For: Undergraduates, graduates, postgraduates
Amount: €1,050/month for 4–10 months
Eligibility: International students from non-EU/EEA countries
4. Helmut Veith Stipend for Female Students in Computer Science
University: TU Wien (Vienna University of Technology)
For: Female Master’s students in computer science
Amount: €6,000 annually + tuition fee waiver
📌 Eligibility Requirements
A valid passport and student visa (Visa D or Residence Permit)
Proof of prior education (translated and certified)
Language proficiency (German or English depending on the course)
Motivation letter and recommendation letters (for scholarships)
Admission letter from the Austrian university
📝 How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
Choose your program: Use Study in Austria or university websites to explore courses.
Apply to universities: Apply directly to the university of your choice.
Apply for scholarships: Use grants.at to search for relevant scholarships.
Prepare visa documents: Once admitted, apply for an Austrian student visa.
Plan your stay: Arrange housing and travel plans before arrival.
💬 Language Requirements
German: Most undergraduate programs are taught in German.
English: Many Master’s and PhD programs are available in English. TOEFL or IELTS scores are usually required.
🛏️ Cost of Living in Austria (Monthly Estimate)
| Expense | Average Cost (€) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | 300 – 500 |
| Food | 200 – 300 |
| Transportation | 30 – 60 |
| Health Insurance | 60 – 70 |
| Miscellaneous | 100 – 150 |
| Total | €700 – €1,100 |
✅ With a part-time job (up to 20 hours/week), students can earn around €400–€800/month to cover living costs.
✅ Final Thoughts
Studying in Austria is a smart and affordable choice for international students in 2025. With tuition-free public universities, generous government scholarships, and a high standard of education, Austria opens doors to a bright future—without leaving you in debt.
Start your journey today and turn your dream of studying in Europe into reality!