student visa in austria
Are you looking for a guide how to get a student visa in Austria? I know what you are going through, because I already went through the same process almost three years ago. I prepared a step-by-step guide so you can get your own visa successfully, without making many mistakes that I did.Do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or need help to make crucial decisions during your journey.
The aim of this article is to help students find answers to the issue they are facing while applying for a student visa in Austria. Our team of consultants has years of experience with processing applications in different authorities and embassies globally. They provide guidance on the entire student visa process and ensure the application is submitted with all the required documents. Get a personal consultation online and get answers to your questions on study abroad and student visas.
Austria is a highly sought after study destination thanks to the high quality of education it can offer, its closeness to other fun countries and the relatively low cost. There is a large number of institutions that provide higher education programs in Austria with an international flavor. Austria has a well-developed touristic infrastructure that welcomes millions of tourists every year. For many, the idea of the holidays in Austria conjures up the sparkling blue skies and winter sports on the snowy mountains. But did you know that Austria is also a leading country regarding scenic natural beauty and hiking opportunities?
The student visa in Austria is a residence permit for the purpose of studying. It is issued by the Austrian Foreigners’ Office (Ausländerbehörde). The required documents are a valid passport, proof of education and an application form. A student visa can be granted for up to one year at a time and can be renewed at least once. The visa is not limited to one place of residence in Austria.
The first step towards obtaining a student visa is to fill out an application form and provide it along with all necessary documents to the Austrian Consulate in your country of origin or residence. If you already have a valid residence permit in Austria or another Schengen country, you can submit your application directly at an Austrian Embassy or Consulate abroad. Fees vary from $65-$100 depending on your nationality, but they will not exceed $100 per application regardless of nationality or number of applications submitted simultaneously.
Once your application has been approved by the authorities, you will receive an official letter stating so which will include your date of arrival in Austria as well as contact information for further inquiries regarding your status as an international student in Austria (if applicable). This letter must then be presented upon arrival at any airport or border crossing with validity dates
The student visa in Austria is one of the most sought after. This country boasts of an excellent educational system, high-quality education and a well-developed network of universities offering a wide range of studies.
Austria is home to some of the best universities in Europe, such as Vienna University of Technology, University of Vienna, University of Graz and others. The Austrian Federal Ministry for Education, Science and Research (BMBWF) has introduced various measures to encourage international students to study in Austria.
The Austrian government offers scholarships for international students who are willing to pursue their education in Austrian universities. Students can also get financial aid from their home country’s embassy or consulate in Austria.
If you are planning to study abroad then you should also consider applying for an Erasmus scholarship or an exchange program which will help you get free tuition fees and living expenses during your studies.
Getting a student visa in Austria is a relatively straightforward process. You will need to complete the following steps:
- Apply for your visa at the Austrian Embassy or Consulate in your home country. You can find the contact information for embassies and consulates here: [link]
- Present proof of enrollment at an Austrian university or other educational facility, as well as proof of finances to cover tuition and living expenses while you are in Austria. This means having access to regular funds from somewhere—a bank account, scholarship, etc.—that will allow you to pay for school while in Austria.
- Present proof that you have health insurance coverage with an Austrian carrier that covers you during your time here (you may need to show proof of this coverage before being granted a visa).
- Submit an application form, passport photos, and fees to the embassy or consulate where you applied for a student visa once it has been approved by immigration authorities (usually within two weeks).
You’ll be exempt from an Austria student visa if:
- You are a resident from the EU/EEA or a student living in any country within the Schengen Area.
- You are from any country that has a visa agreement with Austria.
Keep in mind that students who can enter visa-free Austria must register for a ‘Certificate of Registration’ at the local registration office. This is only applicable if you plan on staying more than 90 days for your studies.
What Kind of Austria Student Visas Are There?
Generally speaking, there are two types of Austria student visas; a short-term visa and a long-term visa. You should apply for the type of visa which suits the length of your study program:
- Visa C (short-term). This is a short-term visa that allows you to stay and study in Austria for up to three months.
- Visa D (long-term). This is a long-term visa that is valid for up to six months, and which you can then switch to a Student Resident Permit. This is the type of visa you need if you will pursue higher education or long-term studies in Austria.
Both visas, C and D, are free of charge for students.
Austria Student Visa Requirements
In order to apply for a student visa for Austria, you need:
- Valid Passport. You have to make sure your passport has two empty pages and that it was issued sometime during the last decade and it won’t expire during your stay.
- Visa Application Form. You have to print out the visa application form and fill it. Make sure it’s filled in with all the correct information and signed.
- Travel Insurance. In order to receive an Austria student visa, you must have Schengen travel insurance. Your insurance must cover any type of emergency up to the amount of 30,000€.
- Identity Pictures. You must include recent identity pictures with your application. Please make sure to follow the Schengen visa pictures guideline.
- You have to include proof of your accommodation. This could be either proof that you are situated within campus housing, student dorm, or you’ve secured a rent agreement.
- Itinerary for your travel. This includes the correct flight dates, flight number, and departure date.
- Financial Means. You have to prove that you are capable of financing yourself during your stay for the duration of your study program. The amount required depends on the student:
- For students up to 24 years old: 552.53 euros/month.
- For students 24 years old and older: 1,000.48 euros/month.
- For couples (both): 1,578.36 euros/month
- For each child: 37 euros/month.
- Proof of admission. You must provide a letter of confirmation from the Austrian University you’ve applied to that proves your status as a student.
- Proof of paid tuition fee. You must provide a copy of the receipt/bank statement that your University fee has been paid.
- University records from your previous universities (if applicable). If you’ve attended a previous university you must also provide a copy of those records.
Visa processing times
Although Austria has a relatively quick visa process, it’s still best to give yourself plenty of time.
During busy spells, you might have to wait 6 weeks to get an appointment at an Austrian embassy. You’ll then need to submit your application and wait up to another 4 weeks for a decision. In total, the process can take over 2 months.
Visas for a student’s family members
If your family members are hoping to join you in Austria, they’ll need to apply for their own residence permits and visas. If you’re planning to move overseas with your spouse, you must both be at least 21 years old at the time of application.
You’ll need to prove that you have sufficient financial means to support your dependents before being awarded a visa.
Austria student visa requirements
The Austrian authorities are likely to ask for the following documents when you’re applying for a visa or residence permit:
- A completed and signed visa application form
- A completed and signed residence permit application form
- An enrollment letter from your university
- Original photographs of your face against a white background
- Passport or travel documents that are valid for at least 3 months beyond your departure date
- Proof of finances
- Proof of health insurance
- Proof of travel insurance with at least €30,000 of cover
- A cover letter stating your reason for visiting Austria
- Flight dates and numbers detailing your arrival and exit from the country
Working whilst studying in Austria
It’s possible to work whilst you study in Austria, but employment terms and the number of hours you’re allowed to work will depend on your nationality.
If you’re from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, you can work as much as you like and will not need a designated work permit.
However, if your home country is outside of the EU or EEA, your employer must apply for a work permit on your behalf. Your hours will be capped at 20 per week to ensure you’re paying sufficient attention to your academic studies.
If you complete unpaid internships and placements as part of your program, you won’t need a work permit and the hours won’t contribute to your weekly limit.
What to do if your student visa is denied
Receiving a visa rejection letter is disappointing, but it doesn’t mean you have to instantly abandon your study abroad plans.
If you made some mistakes in your first application, like failing to attach the required documents, you can make these corrections and apply again.
However, if you believe your initial application was error-free, you can appeal to the Austrian embassy within four weeks. Here’s a breakdown of everything your appeal letter should contain:
- Personal information: Name, address, nationality, contact details
- The date of your first application and your refusal letter
- The reason behind your visa refusal
- Why you believe the rejection was the incorrect decision (you’ll need to provide strong evidence for this)
- Your signature
Unfortunately, there’s no guarantee that your appeal will be successful, but it’s still worth a shot. It’s worth remembering that it can take a further 12 months for you to receive a second decision.
What are the financial requirements for a visa?
You have to prove sufficient financial means to finance your stay: students up to 24 years of age have to prove that they have at least 515,30 Euros per month ; students of 24 years of age or older have to prove that they have at least 933,06 Euros per month [as of 2019] – these amounts have to be proved for a maximum of 12 months – e.g. by means of a savings account or a bank account (the account has to be accessible from Austria); a Declaration of Guarantee from a person living in Austria; proof of purchase of traveller’s cheques for the necessary amount; or a confirmation of the award of a scholarship/grant. If the costs for accommodation exceed 294,65 euros/month [as of 2019], you will have to prove additional funds.
What is valid proof of personal income to finance my stay in Austria that I can show the embassy?
This proof of financial means can be provided in different ways, for example, a savings book or deposits in a bank (the account has to be accessible from Austria), proof of purchase of traveller’s cheques, or a letter of guarantee from a person living in Austria or an institution domiciled in Austria. You may have to provide proof of the origin of your fundings.
Can I renew my residence permit?
Only residence titles (residence permits – Aufenthaltsbewilligung) and settlement permits (Niederlassungsbewilligung) can be renewed in Austria. You have to apply for a renewal before expiry of the original permit. Until a decision about the renewal has been taken you may – even after expiry of your original permit – stay in Austria. To find out more about the admission process, please check the information on the OeAD website.
Does the OeAD help in processing applications?
Please note that the OeAD cannot help you in processing your visa application. We cannot enquire or intervene on your behalf. We only inform about entry requirements and procedures. If you have general questions concerning the application process, please write to us (info@oead.at).
Conclusion
If you’re a non-EU/EEA or Swiss national planning on studying in Austria for over six months, you’ll need to apply for a student visa and a student residence permit.
Student visas, known as Visa Ds, entitle you to study for up to six months at an Austrian university or college. However, student residence permits allow you to extend your time abroad. You should apply for these documents at least six months before you intend to arrive.
If you’re an EU, EAA, or Swiss citizen, you won’t need a student visa or residence permit. You’ll still need to register with the Austrian authorities if you plan on staying for more than three months, but this is quick and easy. As long as you have suitable health insurance, proof of accommodation, and robust financial reserves, you’re good to go.