Guides · English-taught programmes

English-Taught Bachelor's Degrees in Austria

5 min read · 2026-10-21

If you want a bachelor's degree in English in Austria, you can find some options, but not as many as at master's level. They are more common in certain fields, and rules on tuition and language can differ by university, programme, and your nationality.

For the safest up-to-date answer, check the university's admissions page, the programme page, and Austria's official study and immigration sources. Do not rely on old forum posts, because tuition and entry rules can change.

How common are English-taught bachelor's programmes?

English-taught bachelor's programmes exist in Austria, but they are still a smaller part of the system. Many public universities teach most bachelor's degrees in German, especially in broad study areas like law, medicine, teacher training, and many social science programmes.

You are more likely to find English at:

  • technical universities
  • applied sciences universities
  • international business or management programmes
  • some natural science and engineering programmes
  • some private universities

It helps to search by field, not only by country. If you want English, look for programme titles and course pages that say "English-taught", "entirely in English", or "English as language of instruction".

Which fields offer the most options?

In Austria, English bachelor's options are usually strongest in practical and internationally oriented subjects. The number of programmes can change from year to year, so use the university's own programme list as your main source.

Fields that often have more English options include:

  • business and management
  • international business
  • computer science and IT
  • engineering and technology
  • natural sciences
  • tourism, hospitality, and related applied fields

If you are interested in arts, humanities, psychology, education, or health fields, you may still find English components, but full bachelor's programmes in English are less common. Sometimes the first year is in English and later parts require German, or the programme mixes both languages.

What does tuition usually cost?

Tuition in Austria depends on the type of university, your citizenship, and your study status. Public universities, universities of applied sciences, and private universities do not follow the same model.

In broad terms:

  • EU and EEA students often pay low or no tuition at public universities for the standard study period, but this depends on your exact status and can include a small student union fee.
  • Non-EU and non-EEA students at public universities often pay tuition after the free or low-cost period, and the amount is set by law or university rules.
  • Private universities usually charge much higher tuition for all students.

Because the exact amount can change, always check:

  • the university's fees page
  • the programme page
  • the Austrian federal study information site

Also check whether there are extra costs such as registration fees, semester fees, lab costs, or field trip costs. These are often separate from tuition.

What language level do you need?

Even if the degree is in English, universities usually ask for proof of English. The exact test, score, and accepted certificates depend on the programme. Common proof may include IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge certificates, or proof of previous study in English.

Some programmes also ask for German, even if classes are in English. This is more common when you need to do practical work, internships, or daily student administration in German. If a programme says German is not required, still learning basic German can help with life in Austria.

Typical language checks include:

  • minimum English score listed on the programme page
  • an accepted language certificate or previous English-medium education
  • sometimes an interview or entry test
  • for some fields, extra subject-specific tests

Do not guess your level. If the page says B2, C1, or a test score, follow that exact rule and check whether the score must be from a specific test provider.

How to find programmes and contact universities

The best way to search is to start with official programme databases and then move to the university page. Look for the exact language of instruction, entry requirements, and deadlines.

A simple search plan:

  1. Choose your subject.
  2. Search Austrian universities and universities of applied sciences in that field.
  3. Open the programme page and confirm the language of instruction.
  4. Check entry requirements for school certificates, English proof, and any German requirements.
  5. Check tuition and semester fees.
  6. Check the application deadline and whether you apply directly to the university or through an admissions platform.

If anything is unclear, contact the admissions office or the programme coordinator. Keep your message short. Say who you are, what you want to study, your school background, your English level, and ask for the correct application link.

Useful official places to check include:

  • the university's admissions page
  • the programme page
  • Austria's official higher education and study information pages
  • the Austrian immigration authority if you need a student residence permit

What international students should check before applying

If you are coming from outside the EU or EEA, do not stop at the admissions page. You also need to check visa or residence permit rules, health insurance, and proof of funds. These are handled by the Austrian immigration authority, not by the university alone.

Make sure you check:

  • whether your secondary school certificate is accepted in Austria
  • whether you need a recognition or equivalence check
  • whether you need original documents, certified copies, or translations
  • when the university wants documents and when immigration wants them
  • whether you need a visa before travel or a residence permit after arrival

It is normal if the process feels detailed. Austria is clear about documents, but each university can use slightly different rules, so the official page for your programme matters most.

Common questions

Are English-taught bachelor's programmes easy to find in Austria?

They are available, but they are not the majority. You will usually find more options in business, technology, and applied sciences than in many general humanities fields.

Can I study in English and never learn German?

Some programmes are fully in English, but daily life in Austria is easier if you learn at least basic German. Some universities also expect German for parts of the study or for local admin tasks.

How do I know the real tuition?

Check the university's official fees page and the programme page. If you are unsure, email admissions and ask for the fee that applies to your nationality and study status.

How Eduuro helps

Create a free profile with your field, education, English level and documents, and admissions offices that search for exactly that can find you and write first.

This saves time if you are comparing universities and want them to contact you with the right programme fit.

Rules, fees and deadlines change. Check the university's own admissions page and the official immigration site of the country before you act on anything here.

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