Republic of Austria · study

Student Residence Permit (Aufenthaltsbewilligung Studierender)

By Sam Parks · Last reviewed: 18 April 2026

Residence permit for international students at Austrian universities — includes part-time work rights and a dedicated post-graduation RWR Card pathway.

Requires employer sponsorshipDoes not lead to permanent residency1 year; renewable for the duration of studies.

Processing time: 4–8 weeks.
Government fees: €160 application fee.
Typical duration: 1 year; renewable for the duration of studies.
Sponsorship required: Yes
Leads to permanent residency: No

Reviewed 18 April 2026BMI ↗

Overview

Austria offers a student residence permit for non-EU nationals accepted at Austrian universities, Fachhochschulen (universities of applied sciences), and accredited private universities. Students can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year. A key advantage of studying in Austria: graduates can apply for the RWR Card under the "Graduates of Austrian Universities" category, which has no points requirement — only a qualifying job offer is needed. This makes Austria's post-study retention pathway one of the most accessible in Europe. Tuition at public universities is very low (approximately €727/semester for non-EU students).

Guidance by nationality

Specific information for applicants from these countries. Don’t see yours? The general eligibility criteria above apply to everyone.

Eligibility

Typical criteria

✓Unconditional acceptance at a recognised Austrian higher-education institution (university, Fachhochschule, or accredited private university).
✓Financial resources: approximately €1,200/month (€14,400/year) for living costs, plus tuition fees.
✓Health insurance covering Austria.
✓Accommodation in Austria.

Common blockers

!Insufficient financial evidence — Austrian authorities require proof of the full year's costs upfront.
!Institution not on the recognised list — only universities, Fachhochschulen, and accredited private universities qualify.

Typical evidence

·Acceptance letter from the institution.
·Bank statements or scholarship letter proving €1,200/month.
·Health insurance confirmation.
·Accommodation confirmation.

Application pathway

Secure admission
Accept an offer from an Austrian university. Apply through the institution's international admissions office.
Apply for student residence permit
Apply at the Austrian consulate or, if already in Austria on a valid visa, at the MA 35 (Vienna) or local Magistrat.
Study and work part-time
Work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year. No work-hour restriction during semester breaks.
Graduate and apply for RWR Card
After graduation, apply for the RWR Card under the "Graduates of Austrian Universities" category — no points required, just a qualifying job offer meeting collective-agreement standards. This is one of Europe's easiest post-study work-permit transitions.

Official application links

Where to actually go next

Government links only

These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.

Official guidanceApplicant
Use student residence guidance ↗
Check the official student residence-permit requirements before filing with the Austrian mission or local authority.
Federal Ministry of the Interior · verified 18 April 2026

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Related routes

Red-White-Red Card (Rot-Weiß-Rot-Karte)
Austria's points-based work and residence permit for skilled workers, key workers, and graduates of Austrian universities — 70 points required.

Frequently asked questions

Can I work while studying in Austria?+

Yes — up to 20 hours per week during the academic year. During official semester breaks, there is no hour restriction. No separate work permit is needed — work rights are included in the student residence permit.

How does the post-graduation RWR Card work for Austrian university graduates?+

This is one of Austria's strongest features: graduates of Austrian universities can apply for the RWR Card without meeting the standard 70-point requirement. The only requirement is a job offer from an Austrian employer meeting collective-agreement salary and conditions standards. No points calculation, no shortage-list requirement, no minimum salary above the collective agreement. This makes Austria one of the easiest countries in Europe for post-study work-permit retention.

How much does it cost to study in Austria?+

Very affordable by international standards. Public university tuition for non-EU students is approximately €727 per semester (€1,454/year). Some Fachhochschulen charge higher fees. Living costs are approximately €1,000–1,200/month in Vienna, less in smaller cities like Graz, Linz, or Salzburg. Compared to UK (£9,250+ tuition), US ($20,000+), or Australia (A$30,000+), Austria is exceptionally affordable.

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We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.

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Student Residence Permit (Aufenthaltsbewilligung Studierender)

By Sam Parks · Last reviewed: 18 April 2026

Residence permit for international students at Austrian universities — includes part-time work rights and a dedicated post-graduation RWR Card pathway.

Requires employer sponsorshipDoes not lead to permanent residency1 year; renewable for the duration of studies.

Overview

Eligibility

Typical criteria

✓Unconditional acceptance at a recognised Austrian higher-education institution (university, Fachhochschule, or accredited private university).
✓Financial resources: approximately €1,200/month (€14,400/year) for living costs, plus tuition fees.
✓Health insurance covering Austria.
✓Accommodation in Austria.

Common blockers

!Insufficient financial evidence — Austrian authorities require proof of the full year's costs upfront.
!Institution not on the recognised list — only universities, Fachhochschulen, and accredited private universities qualify.

Typical evidence

·Acceptance letter from the institution.
·Bank statements or scholarship letter proving €1,200/month.
·Health insurance confirmation.
·Accommodation confirmation.

Application pathway

Secure admission

Accept an offer from an Austrian university. Apply through the institution's international admissions office.

Apply for student residence permit

Apply at the Austrian consulate or, if already in Austria on a valid visa, at the MA 35 (Vienna) or local Magistrat.

Study and work part-time

Work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year. No work-hour restriction during semester breaks.

Graduate and apply for RWR Card

After graduation, apply for the RWR Card under the "Graduates of Austrian Universities" category — no points required, just a qualifying job offer meeting collective-agreement standards. This is one of Europe's easiest post-study work-permit transitions.