Studying in Austria: public universities and the German language
Public universities with moderate fees, required German level, conditional admission with preparatory courses, medicine and the MedAT, residence permit and budget.
By Worldwide Studies team, Worldwide Studies teamPublished 4 min read
In the heart of Europe, Austria offers quality public universities at moderate fees, including for students from outside the European Union. Vienna is regularly ranked among the most liveable cities in the world. The main condition: a command of German, the language of most bachelor's programmes. Here is how to study in Austria from Tunisia.
Why Austria?
Moderate tuition fees at public universities.
Recognised universities: University of Vienna, TU Wien, WU (economics, Vienna), Graz, Innsbruck, Salzburg, Linz…
High quality of life and safety.
A central position in Europe.
A growing number of English-taught master's programmes.
Language: German or English?
Bachelor's programmes: the vast majority are in German. An advanced level (often C1) is required before starting the programme.
Master's programmes: a growing offer in English, with an English test (IELTS, TOEFL).
Conditional admission with German courses
Good news: if you do not yet have the required level of German, several universities can admit you conditionally and enrol you in preparatory German courses (in dedicated university programmes). You then start your degree once you have reached the level. This route is similar to the German Studienkolleg.
Is the Tunisian bac enough?
The university checks that your bac gives access to university studies in the chosen field. Depending on your bac section and the field, it may require:
additional exams in certain subjects;
a successfully completed first year of higher education in Tunisia in the same discipline;
proof that your bac gives access to this field in Tunisia.
Documents must be legalised or apostilled and translated into German or English.
Deadlines
For non-EU students, applications are generally made:
in spring (often until early autumn at some universities) for the winter semester;
in autumn for the summer semester.
Programmes with limited places and master's programmes have their own timelines and sometimes an admission test. Start early, especially as the residence permit takes time.
Medicine in Austria
Access to medicine is through a demanding national admission test, the MedAT, with a reduced quota of places for non-EU students. Classes are in German. This is a project to prepare well in advance, with a plan B. See also Medicine in Italy: the IMAT exam explained.
The residence permit
Non-EU students must apply for a student residence permit, generally at the Austrian embassy before departure. Usual documents:
admission letter;
proof of funds for the duration of the permit (monthly amount set according to age);
health insurance;
accommodation in Austria;
criminal record extract;
passport.
Documents often need to be translated and legalised. Processing can take several weeks: plan ahead.
How much does Austria cost?
Tuition fees at public universities: roughly a few hundred euros per semester for non-EU students, plus a small student union fee.
Preparatory German courses: specific fees.
Daily life: generally €900 to €1,300 per month, more in Vienna because of housing.
Working during your studies
Non-EU students can work part-time during their studies, within a weekly limit of hours and with the necessary authorisations. After graduation, a job-search period is possible under certain conditions.
Austria or Germany?
Germany: more universities, no fees at most public universities, but a blocked account and uni-assist.
Austria: moderate fees, conditional admission with German courses, high quality of life.
Typical timeline for the winter semester
Autumn – winter of the previous year: choice of universities and fields, check of access with your bac section, start of German courses.
Winter – spring: preparation of documents (legalisations or apostilles, translations), online application.
Spring – summer: admission decision (possibly conditional with German courses).
Summer: residence permit application at the embassy, housing.
Autumn: arrival, final enrolment, preparatory German courses if needed.
As the residence permit takes several weeks, the earlier your admission arrives, the calmer your departure.
How long does it take to reach the required German level?
Starting from beginner level, generally allow:
6 to 9 months of intensive courses for an intermediate level (B1-B2);
12 to 18 months for the advanced level (C1) required by most bachelor's programmes.
You can start in Tunisia (Goethe-Institut and language centres) and continue in Austria as part of the university preparatory courses. Accepted certificates include the ÖSD, the Goethe-Zertifikat and the TestDaF, depending on the university.
Choosing your city
Vienna: the largest university offer, a very rich cultural life, more expensive housing.
Graz: a very student-oriented city, renowned for engineering and sciences.
Innsbruck: in the heart of the Alps, ideal for mountain lovers.
Salzburg and Linz: human-scale cities, more affordable.
Documents to prepare in Tunisia
bac diploma and transcripts, apostilled or legalised;
official translations into German or English;
certificate that your bac gives access to the chosen field in Tunisia, if the university requests it;
valid passport;
criminal record extract (bulletin n° 3);
proof of funds and health insurance.
Additional costs to plan for
preparatory German courses;
semester student union fee;
health insurance;
residence permit;
deposit and first month's rent;
transport (advantageous student passes in most cities).
Our support
Worldwide Studies helps you check access with your bac, choose the university, organise German courses and prepare the residence permit. See also our page Studying in Germany.
👉 Admission requirements depend on your bac section: talk to an advisor to check your access to Austrian universities.