Overview
Both countries offer excellent public universities and low tuition. Austria is smaller, often faster to navigate bureaucratically in Vienna, and has lower non-EU fees at many institutions. Germany has more programmes and cities but fiercer competition in popular fields.
Last updated: 28 June 2026
Germany abolished tuition at most public universities (semester contributions only). Austria charges non-EU students ~€726/semester, still very affordable. Private options in both countries cost more.
Choose Austria for liveability, smaller cohorts, and Central European location. Choose Germany for maximum programme variety and industry scale. Many students apply to both.
Lectures typically start early October; arrive in September for orientation.
Smaller programme intake than winter at many faculties.
Confirm on each university portal, medicine and arts often close earlier.
Not all programmes admit for summer semester.
Apply after admission; embassy forwarding adds 6–12 weeks.
