- Find your programme on Study in Austria's database of English-taught programmes and check the university's admission requirements.
- Apply directly to the university, university of applied sciences or private university; public university deadlines are 5 September for winter semester and 5 February for summer semester.
- Send legalised copies of your certificates and transcripts (with legalised translations if not in German or English) and sit any entrance exam the programme requires.
- Receive your letter of admission from the institution.
- Prepare proof of funds (EUR 777.58 per month if under 24, EUR 1,308.39 if 24 or over), health insurance covering all risks and a police certificate if requested.
- Apply for the Student residence permit at the Austrian embassy in Pakistan, ideally around three months before travel.
- Travel to Austria and register your address at the local registration office within three working days.
- Collect your residence permit, enrol at your university and pay the semester fees.
Study in Austria from Pakistan
Checked October 9, 2026 against official sources
Austria appeals to Pakistani students looking for a high-quality European education at modest public-university fees, in a peaceful country known for its quality of life and rich culture. It has universities, universities of applied sciences, private universities and university colleges of teacher education. Most programmes are taught in German, but the number of English-taught programmes keeps growing. Graduates can stay for 12 months to find a job and then switch to the Red-White-Red Card.
Money to show (visa)778 EUR / monthabout PKR 241,409
Work while studyingUp to 20 hours per week with an employment permit (Beschäftigungsbewilligung), which the employer applies for at the Public Employment Service (AMS) without a labour-market test
Work after graduationOne-time renewal of the Student residence permit for 12 months to look for work or start a business, then the Red-White-Red Card for graduates
Why Pakistani students choose Austria
- Public universities charge non-EU students about EUR 726.72 per semester
- A growing number of programmes taught in English
- Graduates can renew the student permit once for 12 months to look for work or start a business
- Red-White-Red Card for graduates without a labour-market test once you have a qualifying job offer
- Students can be granted employment permits for up to 20 hours per week
What it costs
| Means of subsistence for the Student residence permit (under 24) ASVG standard rate for pupils and students below 24 years |
778 EUR per month about PKR 241,409 |
|---|---|
| Means of subsistence for the Student residence permit (24 and over) ASVG standard rate for students aged 24 or over |
1,308 EUR per month about PKR 406,206 |
Living costs: Vienna (daily food, transport and rent estimates).
Work out the money to show in PKR →
Scholarships in Austria
All 1 →Student visa and English
- Most programmes at Austrian institutions are taught in German, but more and more are offered in English; Study in Austria has a database of English-taught programmes.
- You need health insurance covering all risks in Austria for the residence permit; regular degree students can take out student insurance with the Austrian health insurance fund (ÖGK) once legally resident, or use an equivalent private policy.
Steps to study in Austria
Frequently asked questions
How much money do I need for an Austrian student residence permit?
Austria's migration portal sets the standard rates at EUR 777.58 per month for students under 24 and EUR 1,308.39 per month for students aged 24 or over. You can't count social benefits that would only be paid once the permit is granted.
Is studying in Austria cheap for Pakistani students?
At public universities, students from outside the EU who hold a Student residence permit generally pay EUR 726.72 per semester plus the EUR 26.20 student union fee. Universities of applied sciences and private universities set their own fees. Study in Austria estimates living costs at about EUR 1,300 per month.
Can I work while studying in Austria?
Yes, but you need an employment permit, which your employer applies for at the Public Employment Service (AMS). Students can get permits for up to 20 hours a week without a labour-market test, as long as the work does not get in the way of your studies.
Can I stay in Austria after graduation?
Yes. After you graduate you can renew your Student residence permit once for 12 months to look for work or start a business. If you get a job offer matching your qualification and paying the usual graduate salary, you can apply for a Red-White-Red Card without a labour-market test.
Can my family join me in Austria?
Spouses, registered partners and unmarried minor children of Student residence permit holders can apply for family reunification. Spouses must be at least 21. They need a separate authorisation to work. Check the details on migration.gv.at.
Amounts in PKR use today's exchange rate. Rules change; always confirm on the official pages linked here before you apply.
Plan your application
Embassy & visa centres in Pakistan
- Embassy of Austria Islamabad
- VFS Global - Austria Visa Application Centre Islamabad
- VFS Global - Austria Visa Application Centre Karachi
- VFS Global - Austria Visa Application Centre Lahore
