Study in Austria

Types of higher education institutions
Universität –
institution that offers academic courses on all the three levels
Fachhochschule -
higher education institution offering technical courses
Hochschule für Musik und Kunst -
university of the arts

Structure of university studies
Academic year in Austria starts on October 1 and ends on September 30 of the following year. There is a one month vacation semester in February and three month summer vacation. The language of instructions is German, some postgraduate courses are instructed in English.

1st level
Undergraduate studies lead to the Erste Diplomprüfung exam
2nd level
- graduate studies
Studies get more specialized and after passing the Zweite Diplomprüfung student is awarded with Diplom (technical studies) or Magister (others). These titles are equivalent to Master degrees.
The 1st and 2nd level studies require at least 4 years of study
3rd level – doctoral studies
At least two more years of study and research leading to Doktor

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Application procedures
- all foreign students are urged to apply directly to the universities
- proof of German proficiency is required
- in case of starting the first year of undergraduate studies, a secondary school leaving certificate and certificate documenting that student has passed university qualification examinations in his/her home-country are required
- deadline for the applications is September 1 for the winter semester and February 1 for the summmer semester
- student who has spent part of his/her studies at a university outside Austria can ask the Bundesministerium für Wissenschaft, Forschung und Kunst for transfer of credits
- advisory services (information on study programs, exchange programs such as Aktion, SOCRATES, CEEPUS etc., or studentships) are offered by Österreichischer Akademischer Austauchdienst (ÖAD)

Financing of university studies
- tuition at the Austrian universities is ATS 4000 for a semester. This requirement is waived for students who are citizens of EU/EEA member states
- the living expenses in Austria are about ATS 9, 500 for a month
- the student unions at all Austrian universities (Österreichische Hochschülerschaft) can help students with finding an accommodation.
- contact your home Ministry of Foreign Affairs for information on scholarships

Health insurance
Students can insure themselves with regional insurance agencies (Gebietskrankenkassen) after enrolling in full-time degree programs. Students from EU must consult the agency responsible for insuring them in their country of residence, request and complete the form 'E-128', and submit this with their application for selfinsurance in Austria. The health insurance fee is currently ATS 224 per month. Contact the Austrian National Union os Students for further information.

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Visa
Students from the EEA member states only need a valid passport (ID card is sufficient). Students from all other states need a valid entry visa (Einreisetitel) or a residency permit (Aufenthaltstitel) for the purpose of studying in Austria

Important addresses
Bundesministerium für Wissenschaft, Forschung und Kunst (BMWF)
Minoritenplatz 5
Wien A 1014
tel. +43 (1) 531 200
fax +43 (1) 531 150

Österreichischer Akademischer Austauschdienst (ÖAD)
Dr. Karl Lueger-Ring 1
Wien A 1010
tel. +43 (1) 427 72 81 01
fax +43 (1) 4277 9281

Österreichischer Akademischer Austauschdienst (ÖAD)
Alserstrasse 4/1/15/7
1090 Wien
tel. +43 (1) 427 72 81 86
fax: +43 (1) 427 72 81 94

Österreichisches Ost- und Südosteuropa-Institut
Josefsplatz 6
Wien A 1010
tel./fax +43 (1) 512 1895

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Ökista - Mobility line
Edita Moro
Garnisongasse 7/Top 22
A-1090 Wien
Tel.: +43 (1) 401 48 44 44
Fax: +43 (1) 401 48 88 00
E-mail: edita.moro@oekista.co.at

Useful publications
title: Das Österreichische Bildungswesen
published: Bundeskanzleramt 1994
title: ‘98 Universitäten/Hochschulen
published: Bundesministerium für Wissenschaft, Verkehr und Kunst 1998
title: Information für Ausländische Studienbewerber
published: Österreichischer Akademischer Austauschdienst (ÖAD)
title: Wegweiser - Studien & Berufs Informations Messe
published: Bundesministerium für Wissenschaft und Verkehr 1996

Internet addresses
http://oead.ac.at - Austrian Academic Exchange Service
http://www.bmwf.gv.at - links to all Austrian universities
http://www.ac-info.ac.at - information on study in Austria, links to all universities
http://www.oeh.ac.at - Austrian National Union of Students
http://www.grantsdb.oead.ac.at - Grants-Database
http://www.oekista.co.at - information on different matters concerning Austria

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