Last reviewed: September 2026. Guidance for Sri Lankan applicants from our offices in Colombo, Graz and Hunzenschwil.
The short answer
Austria suits students who want low tuition (about €1,453 a year at public universities), strong technical and business programs, and a stable, rules-based system. Graduates can extend their stay to look for work, and permanent settlement follows after about five years of continuous residence.
Austria at a glance
| Tuition (public universities, non-EU) | About €726.72 per semester (roughly €1,453 a year) plus a small student-union fee of about €24.70 per semester. Some students from developing countries qualify for fee waivers. Universities of applied sciences and private universities are priced separately. |
| Language | Most Bachelor’s programs are taught in German. A growing number of Master’s programs are in English, especially in business, engineering and technology. |
| Work while studying | Generally part-time, up to about 20 hours a week during term, usually with a work permit. |
| After graduation | Graduates can apply for a Red-White-Red Card job-seeker extension to find a qualifying job. |
| Family | Family reunification is possible with proof of sufficient income and accommodation. The process is rule-based and predictable. |
| Path to permanent residence | About five years of continuous legal residence plus integration requirements (German language and sufficient income). |
Is Austria right for you?
Best fit for: Students who want low tuition, strong technical or business programs and a stable system, without needing the fastest possible route to family reunification.
- Free eligibility check: we tell you honestly whether Austria is realistic for your profile.
- University applications and document review, so nothing is rejected for a preventable error.
- Visa preparation and pre-departure guidance from our offices in Colombo, Graz and Hunzenschwil. See all services.
Our head office is in Graz, so we know Austria first-hand.
Talk to us about studying in Austria
Tell us about your background and goals and we will tell you honestly what is realistic.
Check your eligibility for Austria
Answer a few quick questions and we will contact you on WhatsApp or by phone within 1–2 business days.
Common questions about studying in Austria
How much does it cost to study in Austria as a non-EU student?
At public universities, non-EU students pay about €726.72 per semester (roughly €1,453 a year) plus a small student-union fee. Universities of applied sciences and private universities charge different fees, and some students qualify for waivers.
Can I study in Austria in English?
Yes, mainly at Master’s level. Most Bachelor’s programs are in German, while English-taught Master’s programs are growing in business, engineering and technology.
Can I work while studying in Austria?
Generally yes, part-time and up to about 20 hours a week during term, usually with a work permit.
Can I stay in Austria after graduating?
Graduates can apply for a Red-White-Red Card job-seeker extension to find a qualifying job. Permanent settlement follows after about five years of continuous legal residence plus integration requirements.
Official sources to check: Study in Austria (OeAD) · Austrian migration portal
This page is a summary to help you shortlist. Rules, fees and deadlines change, so please confirm current details with the official sources above or with us. It is general information, not legal advice.
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