Overview
University admission requirements in Austria
Each institution sets its own admission rules, but patterns exist: recognised prior qualifications, language proof, online application portals, and firm semester deadlines.
Last updated: 28 June 2026
- 77+Higher education institutions
- 2,000+Degree programmes indexed
- €726.72 / semesterNon-EU tuition (public universities)
- ~30% of enrolmentsInternational students in Austria
Key documents
Secondary certificate or bachelor's diploma with transcripts. Language certificate (German B2/C1 or English IELTS/TOEFL). Passport copy. CV and motivation letter where required. Nostrification via ENIC NARIC if your diploma is from outside the EU.
Deadlines
Winter semester (starts October): apply by early September at latest, many programmes close earlier. Summer semester (starts March): apply by early February. Highly selective programmes may have only one intake per year.
Key dates & deadlines
- Winter application deadline (many public programmes)5 September
Confirm on each university portal, medicine and arts often close earlier.
- Summer application deadline (many public programmes)5 February
Not all programmes admit for summer semester.
Official resources
Frequently asked questions
What is nostrification in Austria?
Official recognition that your foreign diploma equals an Austrian qualification. Required for some bachelor's admissions. ENIC NARIC Austria processes applications.