If you want to study a master's in English in Austria, you have real options. English-taught programmes are common in some fields, especially at public universities, universities of applied sciences, and a few private institutions. Costs depend on your citizenship, the university type, and your study status, so always check the programme page and the university's admissions office.
How common English-taught master's programmes are
Austria offers many master's programmes in English, but not in every subject and not at every university. The number is higher at master's level than at bachelor's level, because many universities use English for advanced study and international intake.
- Business and management
- Engineering and technology
- Computer science and data fields
- Natural sciences
- Social sciences and international studies
You will also find English-taught options in economics, life sciences, environmental studies, and some design-related or interdisciplinary programmes. In many other fields, especially teacher training, law, medicine, and arts, German is still the main language.
Where to look for programmes
The best starting point is the university's own study catalogue. Search for master's programmes with filters for language, degree type, and campus. If you are not sure, contact the admissions office or the programme coordinator before you apply.
- University programme pages
- University of applied sciences programme search
- Private university study catalogues
- National study information portals, if available
Do not rely only on general ranking sites or old blog posts. Programme language and entry rules can change. The official programme page is the source to trust.
Typical tuition and other costs
Tuition in Austria depends first on whether you are an EU or EEA student, a Swiss student, or a non-EU student. It also depends on whether the university is public, applied sciences, or private. There is no single price for all English-taught master's programmes.
At public universities, EU and EEA students often pay little or no tuition in normal study periods, but they still pay a student union fee and may pay more if they study beyond the regular time. Non-EU students often pay tuition at public universities, usually in a higher range, but the exact amount varies by institution and programme. Private universities usually charge their own tuition, often much higher than public institutions.
- Public universities: often low tuition for EU and EEA students; higher fees can apply for non-EU students
- Universities of applied sciences: fees vary by provider and programme
- Private universities: usually the highest tuition
- Extra costs: student union fee, insurance, housing, books, and living costs
For current fees, check the university admissions page and the official programme page. If you want to know the real total cost, add tuition, housing, food, transport, and health insurance.
Language requirements
Even if the programme is taught in English, you may still need proof of English. Universities usually accept tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, or Cambridge English, but the accepted list and minimum score depend on the programme.
Some programmes also ask for German, especially if you will do an internship, project work with local partners, or a thesis with local data or supervision. In some cases, German is not required for admission but is useful for everyday life, part-time work, and admin tasks.
- Check the exact test types accepted
- Check the minimum score for each programme
- Check whether the test must be recent
- Check if the university accepts a previous degree taught in English as proof
Do not assume that all English-taught programmes use the same rules. The admissions office decides what counts as proof.
Admission documents and how to approach universities
Most master's applications ask for a bachelor's degree, transcripts, a CV, a motivation letter, and proof of English. Some programmes also want references, a portfolio, a statement of purpose, or proof of relevant coursework.
- Read the entry profile carefully
- Check whether your bachelor's degree matches the field
- Ask early if you need a recognition check
- Send short, clear questions to the admissions office
If you want to approach universities well, make a short message with your field, degree, grades, language level, and the programme you want. Ask whether your background fits and which documents they need. Keep the message polite and direct. Universities answer faster when they can see exactly what you studied and what you are asking.
Common questions
Can I study in Austria in English only?
Sometimes yes, for the programme itself. But daily life, housing, internships, and local admin are often easier with some German. For admission, the university may still ask for English test proof and sometimes German too.
Are English-taught master's programmes easier to get into?
Not necessarily. Some are highly competitive, especially in business, data, and engineering. Admission depends on your previous degree, grades, subject match, motivation, and documents, not only on language.
Where do I check the exact fee and deadline?
Always check the official university admissions page and the programme page. If you are unsure, write to the admissions office and ask for the current tuition, deadline, and document list for your nationality and study type.
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. You do not need to apply through Eduuro, and you stay in control of who you answer.
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.