With its low tuition fees, high quality of education and quality of life, Austria is one of the most attractive countries in Europe for a master's degree. The semester fee paid by non-EU students at public universities is very low compared with many countries in Western Europe. Master's degrees from Austria are recognized in the EU and around the world.
Unlike bachelor's programs, a significant share of master's programs in Austria are taught in English, so students who do not speak German can also do a master's degree in Austria. Another advantage for Turkish students is that the YKS requirement for bachelor's applications does not apply to master's applications.
The biggest advantage of doing a master's degree in Austria is earning a respected degree at a low cost. Fees at public universities are much more affordable than in countries such as the USA, the UK and the Netherlands.
Vienna is home to many international organizations, such as the United Nations, the OSCE and OPEC. This offers unique internship and career opportunities, especially to master's students in international relations, economics and public policy. As a gateway to Central and Eastern Europe, Austria is also where many international companies have set up their regional headquarters.
Vienna is consistently named one of the world's most livable cities, and Austria's safe, well-organized way of life offers master's students a peaceful learning environment.
Master's programs in Austria usually carry 120 ECTS credits and last two years. Depending on the field, programs award a Master of Science (MSc), a Master of Arts (MA) or, at technical universities, the Diplom-Ingenieur (Dipl.-Ing.) title. A master's thesis is completed in the final semester.
Public universities offer research-focused master's programs, while universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen) offer practice-based, career-oriented programs. Some Fachhochschule programs are also offered with evening and weekend classes for working professionals.
In addition, the continuing education units of universities offer fee-paying master's programs such as MBAs and LL.M.s, which usually require work experience.
Austrian universities are known for their long academic traditions and strong research infrastructure. In addition to classes, master's students follow an intensive academic program of seminars, projects and research. Many programs include joint projects with companies and internship opportunities.
At public universities in Austria, students largely plan their own courses and exam schedules. This flexible system helps students develop independent study skills and a sense of responsibility. Fachhochschulen, on the other hand, offer more structured programs and small classes with close supervision.
The University of Vienna, TU Wien (Vienna University of Technology) and the University of Innsbruck are among Austria's highest-ranked institutions in international rankings such as QS and THE. Graz University of Technology and Johannes Kepler University (JKU) in Linz also offer strong master's programs in engineering, computer science and artificial intelligence.
The Vienna University of Economics and Business (WU Wien) holds some of the world's most prestigious business school accreditations and regularly appears in the Financial Times master's rankings. The Diplomatic Academy of Vienna is a long-established institution in international relations.
Economics, finance, business and international management are among the most popular master's fields for international students in Austria. Computer science, data science, artificial intelligence and electrical engineering are also in high demand at Austria's technical universities.
International relations, public policy and European studies stand out thanks to the international organizations in Vienna. Tourism management, architecture, music and the arts are other master's fields in which Austria is strong.
Vienna is home to the country's largest universities, international organizations and corporate headquarters, making it the strongest option for master's students both academically and in terms of careers. Graz, with its technical university and lively student life, stands out in engineering.
Innsbruck attracts students with its location at the foot of the Alps and its strong university, while Linz stands out for its programs in artificial intelligence and computer science. Salzburg and Klagenfurt are also good options for master's students looking for a quieter life.
To do a master's degree in Austria, you need a bachelor's degree in a field related to the program you are applying to. If your bachelor's degree does not fully match the program, the university may admit you on the condition that you take additional courses. Unlike bachelor's applications, master's applications do not require a YKS result.
English-taught programs usually require IELTS or TOEFL, while German-taught programs require an advanced German language certificate. Your application includes your bachelor's diploma, transcript, CV and motivation letter. Competitive programs and Fachhochschulen may also hold interviews or selection procedures.
In Austria, master's programs mostly admit students for the winter semester starting in October, while some programs also admit students for the summer semester starting in March. For many international programs, application deadlines fall between January and May.
Application deadlines at Fachhochschulen are usually earlier, and places are limited. Since preparing documents and the residence permit process take time, it is recommended that you start preparing at least a year in advance.
Austria offers hundreds of master's programs taught in English. These programs are concentrated especially in economics, business, computer science, data science, engineering and international relations. WU Wien, TU Wien, the University of Vienna and JKU are among the universities with the most English-taught master's programs.
Students in English-taught programs are not required to speak German. However, learning German is a big advantage for daily life and finding a job after graduation. Universities offer international students affordable German courses.
At public universities in Austria, non-EU master's students pay a low tuition fee per semester, plus a small contribution to the students' union (ÖH) each semester. These fees are very affordable compared with many countries in Western Europe.
Fees at Fachhochschulen vary by program. Programs such as MBAs and LL.M.s offered by continuing education units, as well as programs at private universities, charge much higher fees. When planning your budget, you should also take into account accommodation, health insurance and living expenses in addition to tuition.
Scholarships for international students in Austria are coordinated by the OeAD (Austria's Agency for Education and Internationalisation). The OeAD scholarship database is the most comprehensive resource for researching master's scholarships in Austria.
Universities also offer high-achieving master's students performance scholarships and student assistant positions in research projects. Erasmus Mundus programs with Austrian partner universities provide fully funded master's opportunities.
Turkish students who will do a master's degree in Austria need a student residence permit (Aufenthaltsbewilligung Student). The application is made to the Austrian missions in Türkiye before traveling to Austria. The application requires a letter of admission, a passport, health insurance, proof of accommodation and proof of funds.
Once the residence permit is approved, you are issued a visa to enter Austria, and you collect your permit in Austria. The residence permit is renewed every year, and you are expected to show a certain level of academic progress for renewal.
International students doing a master's degree in Austria can work within a set weekly limit of hours during their studies. Student assistant positions at universities, internships at international organizations and part-time jobs at companies help students gain experience in their field.
International students who complete a master's degree in Austria can extend their residence permit for a set period to look for work. Graduates who find a job in their field can continue working in Austria with the Red-White-Red Card (Rot-Weiß-Rot-Karte).
At NGGlobal, we assess the profiles of students who want to do a master's degree in Austria, identify suitable programs and support them every step of the way, from their application to their residence permit.
No, the YKS requirement only applies to bachelor's applications. For master's applications, a bachelor's degree in a related field is sufficient.
Yes, Austria offers hundreds of English-taught master's programs. However, it is recommended that you learn German for daily life and finding a job.
At public universities, non-EU students pay a low tuition fee per semester. Continuing education programs such as MBAs and private universities charge higher fees.
Master's programs in Austria usually last two years, with a master's thesis completed in the final semester.
Yes, graduates can extend their residence permit for a set period to look for work. Graduates who find a job can continue working in Austria with the Red-White-Red Card.
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