Pharmacy in Austria is a regulated study path, so you should start by checking both the university rules and the legal rules for your nationality. Most students begin with a degree in pharmacy at a public university, then move into further training or specialisation later. English-taught options exist more often at master level than at bachelor level, so plan carefully.
What pharmacy study looks like in Austria
In Austria, pharmacy is usually studied as a university subject that leads to a professional path in the health sector. The exact structure can change by university, but the common path is:
- bachelor-level studies or an integrated first degree, depending on the university
- master-level studies or a final degree stage
- possible later professional registration or supervised practice, depending on your career goal
Not every university offers the same format. Some programmes are mainly in German and are built around a single long study track. Others may offer parts in English, especially for exchange or graduate study. Always check the programme page of the university you want.
Typical entry requirements
For a bachelor's or first-cycle pharmacy programme, universities usually want a secondary school leaving certificate that gives access to higher education in your home country. For a master's, they usually want a relevant bachelor's degree.
Typical requirements include:
- proof that your previous school or degree is recognised
- German language proof for German-taught programmes
- English language proof for English-taught modules or programmes
- passport or ID
- sometimes a motivation letter, CV, or entrance test
If your documents are from another country, the university may ask for translations or legalisation. The official admissions page is the best place to check exactly what they want. If you are a non-EU student, also check the immigration rules on the Austrian national immigration authority website.
Language: German is usually the key
Most pharmacy programmes in Austria are taught in German. That means German is often the biggest requirement, even if your school grades are strong.
What to expect:
- German-taught programmes often ask for B2 or C1 level, but the exact level depends on the university
- some universities accept common tests or their own language proof process
- English-taught options are more common in research or master-level areas than in entry-level pharmacy study
If you are not yet ready in German, look for foundation or preparatory options, but check carefully whether they lead to the pharmacy programme you want. Do not assume every preparatory course is accepted by every university.
Cost: tuition and living expenses
Tuition in Austria depends on your citizenship, the university, and the programme. Public universities often charge little or no tuition for EU or EEA students within normal study time, but small semester fees are common. For non-EU students, tuition is often higher, but the exact amount changes by institution and study status.
To stay safe, use these ranges as a planning guide only:
- EU or EEA students: often low semester fees, sometimes only administrative or student union fees
- non-EU students: typically several hundred euros per semester at public universities, sometimes more depending on the case
- private universities: usually much higher tuition, often far above public university levels
Living costs are separate. In cities like Vienna, Graz, Innsbruck, or Salzburg, budget for housing, food, transport, insurance, and study materials. A realistic monthly budget is often around 900 to 1,300 euros, depending on the city and your lifestyle. Always check current housing prices before you apply.
Timeline and how to apply
Start early. For international students, the process can take months because of document checks, language proof, and visa or residence steps.
A practical timeline looks like this:
- 9 to 12 months before start: choose universities and check admission rules
- 6 to 9 months before start: gather transcripts, translations, and language proof
- 3 to 6 months before start: apply and follow up on missing documents
- after admission: apply for visa or residence permit if needed
Apply directly to the university through its admissions office or online portal. Some universities have fixed application windows. Others review documents in rounds. If you need a visa, check the Austrian national immigration authority and your local Austrian embassy or consulate for the current process.
How universities find candidates
Many universities and admissions offices search for students before they receive a formal application. They look for people who already match the programme they offer.
They usually search by:
- field of study, such as pharmacy, chemistry, or life sciences
- education level, such as high school, bachelor's, or master's
- language level, especially German or English
- country and document type
If you want to be found, keep your profile clear and complete. Show your study background, the subjects you want, your language level, and the documents you already have. That helps admissions teams decide whether to contact you.
Common questions
Can I study pharmacy in Austria in English?
Sometimes, but not usually at bachelor level. Many pharmacy programmes are mainly in German. Check the exact programme page to see which parts are in English and what language proof they need.
Do I need a very high school grade?
Not always, but pharmacy is competitive in many countries and universities may check your grades closely. Some programmes also have extra selection rules. Read the university admissions page carefully.
Can I work while studying?
Many students work part-time, but your right to work depends on your residence status and nationality. Check the Austrian immigration rules and your university's student support page before you rely on any job income.
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 time and help universities contact you when your profile matches their pharmacy or related science programmes.
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.