If you want to study law in Austria, start by checking whether you want a bachelor's, a master's, or a full law programme that leads toward legal practice. Entry rules, language level, and fees depend on the university and on whether you are an EU or non-EU student.
What law studies look like in Austria
In Austria, law is often taught as a long, integrated programme rather than only as a separate bachelor-plus-master path. Some universities also offer related bachelor's and master's degrees in legal studies, business law, international law, or European law.
- Check whether the programme is a classic law degree, a bachelor's degree, or a master's degree.
- Check the language of instruction. Many law programmes are in German.
- Check if the degree is meant for academic study only or also for the legal profession.
If you want to become a lawyer, judge, or notary later, the programme must fit the professional rules in Austria. Always check the university page and, if needed, the Austrian legal profession rules.
Typical admission requirements
Universities usually ask for a secondary school diploma for bachelor's level or a finished bachelor degree for master's level. For law, they often also want good language skills and proof that your previous qualification gives access to university in your home country.
- Secondary school leaving certificate or bachelor's degree, depending on the level.
- Passport or ID.
- Proof of language level, usually German for many law programmes.
- Sometimes an entrance exam, a motivation letter, or extra documents.
If your documents are not in German or English, you may need certified translations. Some universities also ask for apostille or legalisation. The exact list is always on the admissions page of the university.
Language: German is the main route, but not the only one
Most law degrees in Austria are taught in German, because legal study needs a strong grasp of Austrian law and legal language. For this reason, many programmes ask for a B2 or C1 level in German, but the exact level depends on the university.
- For German-taught law, expect to show formal proof of German.
- For English-taught options, check the exact programme name and content carefully.
- Some international or comparative law master's programmes are taught in English.
Do not assume that an English-taught law degree will qualify you for legal practice in Austria. It may be more suitable for international law, policy, research, or business.
Tuition and fees: what to expect
Tuition in Austria is often lower than in many other countries, but the amount depends on your nationality, the university, and the programme type. Public universities usually have different rules for EU and EEA students than for many non-EU students.
- EU and EEA students often pay a low semester contribution, plus possible student union fees.
- Non-EU students often pay tuition per semester at public universities, but the exact amount varies by institution and status.
- Private universities usually charge much higher tuition than public universities.
Because fees can change, check the university's official admissions or fees page. For the most current numbers, use the programme page and the university's finance page, not old forum posts.
Living costs in Austria
Your main monthly costs will be housing, food, transport, health insurance, books, and phone bills. Costs are usually highest in bigger cities such as Vienna.
- Housing is usually the biggest cost.
- Food and daily life costs depend on your habits and city.
- You may need proof of enough money for your visa or residence permit.
A realistic student budget is often several hundred euros per month, and many students need more in larger cities. For visa and residence permit proof of funds, check the Austrian immigration authority and the Austrian embassy or consulate in your country.
Timeline: when to start
Start early, because law programmes can need language proof, certified copies, and sometimes an entrance process. A simple rule is to begin 9 to 12 months before the semester starts.
- 9 to 12 months before: compare universities and language requirements.
- 6 to 9 months before: prepare documents and translations.
- 3 to 6 months before: apply, if the university is open for applications.
- After admission: apply for housing and, if needed, a visa or residence permit.
Many universities have different deadlines for EU and non-EU applicants. Some programmes also have early deadlines for entrance tests or document checks. Always use the official admissions calendar.
How universities find candidates
Universities do not usually search random internet profiles. They look at applications, student databases, fairs, and matching platforms used by admissions teams. If you want to be found, your profile must clearly show your field, education, language level, and documents.
- Write the exact field you want, such as law, international law, or European legal studies.
- Add your latest education and grades if relevant.
- List your German and English level honestly.
- Upload the documents universities usually ask for.
Then admissions offices can see whether you fit a programme and contact you first if they are searching for students like you.
Common questions
Can I study law in Austria in English?
Yes, but English-taught options are usually more limited than German-taught ones. Many of them are master's programmes in international, European, or comparative law. Check the programme page for the teaching language and the career path.
Do I need German to study law?
For most law degrees, yes. The university usually asks for formal German proof because legal study uses technical language. Even if a programme is partly in English, German may still help with daily life and later work.
Can I work while studying?
Often yes, but rules depend on your residence status and nationality. Check the Austrian immigration authority and the university's international office for the current rules before you plan work hours.
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.
That can save you time when you are comparing law programmes in Austria and want universities to contact you directly.
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.