Overview
Student visas and education-based residence options in Austria. Requirements, eligibility criteria, and application processes vary depending on your specific situation, nationality, and the type of residence permit you're seeking.
Available Study Pathways
Austria Student Visa & Residence Permit
Austrian student immigration has a two-stage structure: Visa D (91 days to 6 months) followed by Residence Permit – Student for longer programmes. Students under 24 must prove €703.58/month; students 24+ must prove €1,273.99/month. Non-EU students can work up to 20 hours/week during term. After completing a degree, graduates can extend residence permit by 12 months to search for employment, then apply for RWR Card for Graduates without salary threshold or points test.
Eligibility
Accepted by recognised Austrian university, university of applied sciences, or accredited private university. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens need no visa. Third-country nationals need Visa D or Residence Permit – Student. Must be enrolled full-time. Language: German B2/C1 for German-taught courses; IELTS 6.0–7.0 for English-taught. Academic progress: 16 ECTS/year for renewals. Module 1 Integration Agreement (A2 German) required for renewal after 24 months.
Requirements
Valid passport; letter of admission/acceptance from Austrian university; proof of financial means (bank statements, scholarship letters, guarantee letter); health insurance valid in Austria – switch to ÖGK after arrival; proof of accommodation; academic transcripts; language test results; passport photo (45×35mm); birth certificate (translated); application fee ~€100–€160; register at local Meldeamt within 3 working days
Processing Time
Visa D: ~15–30 days at most consulates. Apply no more than 3 months before departure. Residence Permit – Student: 3–6 months from Austrian authorities. Apply after arrival on Visa D, before it expires.
Validity Period
Visa D: 91 days–6 months (cannot be extended). Residence Permit – Student: Initially 12 months, renewable annually. Renewals require 16 ECTS/year progress. After 3 years: may be issued for 3 years if Module 1 completed. Post-graduation: 12-month job search extension. After 5 years: eligible for Long-Term Residence – EU.
Last updated: 2/28/2026
Check Visa Entry Requirements
Before applying for immigration, check if you need a visa to enter Austria.
View Visa RequirementsAll Immigration Pathways
Explore all available immigration routes and residence options for Austria.
See All PathwaysFind Your Immigration Path
Use our interactive Path Finder to discover personalized immigration options based on your passport, destination, and goals.
Start Path Finder