If you want to study for a master's degree in Austria, you usually need a recognised bachelor's degree, proof of language skills, and the right documents for the programme. Costs and deadlines vary by university and subject, so always check the university's admissions page and the official Austrian authorities for the latest rules.
1. Entry requirements for a master's in Austria
Most Austrian universities ask for a bachelor's degree or an equivalent qualification in a related field. Some programmes also want specific subjects from your previous studies, so the match between your past degree and the master's programme matters.
- A completed bachelor's degree, usually 180 ECTS or similar
- Transcript of records or full grade report
- Passport or national ID
- CV and motivation letter, if the programme asks for them
- Language proof in German or English, depending on the programme
Universities decide if your previous studies fit the programme. If your degree is from another country, the admissions office may ask for extra proof such as module descriptions, a diploma supplement, or certified translations.
2. Recognition of a foreign diploma
Your foreign bachelor's degree does not need to be "automatically accepted" everywhere. The university checks whether it is equivalent and whether it gives you access to the master's programme you want. This is a normal part of admissions.
For public universities, the decision is usually made by the university itself. If you need to prove the status of your school or degree, use official sources such as:
- The university's admissions page
- The Austrian national recognition or education authority, where relevant
- The ENIC-NARIC network or other official recognition body in your country
If your documents are not in German or English, many universities ask for certified translations. Some also want legalisation or an apostille, depending on where the documents were issued.
3. Language requirements
The language rule depends on the programme. Many master's degrees in Austria are taught in German, while a growing number are taught in English. Some programmes use both languages.
- For German-taught programmes, you often need a B2 or C1 level, but the exact level depends on the university
- For English-taught programmes, universities often ask for proof such as IELTS, TOEFL, or another accepted test
- Some programmes accept a previous degree taught in English, but this is not automatic
Do not guess here. Check the programme page for the exact test and score rules. If the page says "equivalent proof accepted," ask the admissions office what they accept before you apply.
4. Tuition and other costs
Tuition in Austria depends on your citizenship and the type of university. Public universities often have lower fees than private universities, but the exact amount can change and may depend on whether you are from the EU, EEA, or a non-EU country.
- EU and EEA students often pay lower tuition at public universities, or no tuition in some cases, but check the current rules
- Non-EU students often pay tuition at public universities, and the amount varies by institution
- Private universities usually charge higher tuition for all students
- Students also pay a semester fee or students' union fee at many universities
Living costs are separate from tuition. As a rough planning range, many students budget for housing, food, transport, study materials, and insurance. The total depends a lot on the city, with Vienna often costing more than smaller university towns. Check official university guidance and local housing pages for up-to-date cost estimates.
5. Application deadlines and when to apply
There is no single deadline for all master's programmes in Austria. Deadlines are set by each university and often by each programme. Some open many months before the semester starts, and some close earlier for students who need a visa or who must send documents by post.
- Applications for winter intake often open in late autumn or winter of the previous year, but this varies
- Deadlines can fall in spring, summer, or early autumn, depending on the programme
- Non-EU students should start early because visas, translations, and document checks take time
- Some programmes have extra steps like entrance tests, interviews, or document verification
Always check the programme page and, if relevant, the official immigration authority in Austria for visa timing. Do not wait until the last month if you need certified documents or a residence permit.
6. How to prepare a strong application
A good application is complete, clear, and close to the programme profile. Austrian universities usually want to see that you can follow the master's level content and finish the course in the normal time.
- Match your bachelor's subjects to the master's subject area
- Show your grades clearly and add translations if needed
- Write a short motivation letter that explains why the programme fits you
- Upload language proof and all requested scans in the correct format
- Check file names, deadlines, and whether originals or certified copies are needed
If the university asks for more documents later, reply quickly. Missing or unclear papers can slow down the review.
Common questions
Do I need to speak German for every master's in Austria?
No. Many programmes are in German, but some are in English. Check the programme page and the exact language test it accepts.
Can I apply if my bachelor's degree is from outside Europe?
Yes, often you can. The university will check if your degree is equivalent and if it fits the master's programme.
Is it expensive to study in Austria?
It can be affordable compared with some other countries, but costs depend on your university, your citizenship, and your city. Check tuition on the university website and living costs from official local sources.
How Eduuro helps
Create a free profile with your field, education, English level and documents. Admissions offices that search for exactly that can find you and write first.
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.