If you are looking for the most affordable universities in Austria, you have landed in the right place. Austria is one of the best kept secrets in European education. Public universities here charge non EU international students just €726.72 per semester in tuition, which works out to roughly €1,453 per year. That is a fraction of what you would pay in the UK, USA, or even many other Western European countries. On top of that, EU and EEA students often pay nothing at all in tuition during their standard study period. When you pair these low costs with world class education, a safe environment, rich culture, and access to the heart of Europe, it becomes very clear why thousands of international students choose Austria every single year. The most affordable universities in Austria are not cheap in quality. They are cheap in cost, and that is a big difference.

This guide gives you a full, honest, and up to date picture of the most affordable universities in Austria for international students in 2025. You will find tuition fee tables, city by city comparisons, cost cutting tips, step by step application guidance, and answers to the most common questions people search online. Whether you are from Asia, Africa, Latin America, or anywhere else in the world, this article will help you find the right affordable Austrian university for your goals and your budget. Let us get started.

Affordable Universities in Austria Overview Table

The table below gives you a quick snapshot of the most affordable universities in Austria and their approximate annual tuition fees for non-EU international students.

Why the Most Affordable Universities in Austria Are Worth It

Affordability and quality rarely go hand in hand in higher education. Austria is one of the rare exceptions. The most affordable universities in Austria are public institutions that receive strong government funding. This means they do not need to charge sky-high fees to deliver excellent education. Here is why studying at an affordable Austrian university is genuinely worth it.

World-Class Academic Rankings

The QS World University Rankings 2025 places the University of Vienna at 152nd globally and TU Wien at 197th. These are genuinely top-tier institutions. You are not paying less and getting less. You are paying less and still getting a globally respected degree. For any international student looking for affordable universities in Austria, this combination is hard to beat.

Very Low Tuition Compared to Other Countries

At approximately €726.72 per semester for non-EU students, Austrian public universities are among the cheapest in all of Europe for international students. By comparison, UK universities charge an average of £22,000 per year, and US universities often cost over $35,000 annually. The most affordable universities in Austria give you a European education at a cost that is realistic for students from developing countries and middle-income families.

Free for EU, EEA, and Some Developing Countries

EU and EEA students pay absolutely nothing in tuition during their standard programme duration, paying only a small student union fee of about €25.20 per semester. Even better, BOKU University and some other institutions grant full tuition waivers to students from the world’s least developed countries. This makes Austria one of the few places where studying at a top university can literally cost nothing.

Manageable Living Costs

Outside of Vienna, cities like Graz, Linz, and Klagenfurt offer very affordable student living. According to MastersPortal, students in Graz and Linz can manage on around €900 to €1,000 per month, covering accommodation, food, transport, and personal expenses. Even Vienna, the capital, is cheaper than London, Paris, or Zurich.

Part-Time Work is Allowed

International students in Austria can work part-time for up to 20 hours per week during the semester and full-time during semester breaks. This can significantly offset your living costs and give you valuable European work experience at the same time.

Scholarships and Grants Available

The Austrian government and its universities offer several scholarships for international students, including the OeAD Ernst Mach Grant (oead.at), which provides a monthly stipend of around €1,050. Many universities also offer their own merit-based awards. These further reduce the already low cost of studying at the most affordable universities in Austria.

10 Most Affordable Universities in Austria for International Students

Here is a detailed breakdown of the 10 most affordable universities in Austria for international students in 2025, with key facts about each institution and what makes it worth considering.

1. University of Vienna

Founded in 1365 and ranked 152nd globally in QS World University Rankings 2025, the University of Vienna at univie.ac.at is the oldest university in the German-speaking world and one of the most affordable prestigious universities you will find anywhere. Non-EU international students pay just €726.72 per semester, while EU/EEA students and students from developing countries pay nothing in tuition. The university offers over 50 bachelor’s programmes and more than 100 master’s programmes across fields like humanities, law, natural sciences, social sciences, and theology. Most undergraduate programmes are taught in German, but a growing number of master’s programmes are fully in English. For international students searching for the most affordable universities in Austria, the University of Vienna combines global prestige, a central location in one of Europe’s most livable cities, and some of the lowest tuition fees on the continent.

2. TU Wien (Vienna University of Technology)

TU Wien at tuwien.ac.at is Austria’s second-best university overall, ranking 197th globally in QS 2025, and it is the oldest technical university in the German-speaking world. It is an outstanding choice for students interested in engineering, computer science, architecture, and technology-related fields. Non-EU students pay €726.72 per semester, putting the annual cost at approximately €1,453. While bachelor’s programmes are primarily in German, a large number of master’s programmes are delivered in English, making TU Wien very accessible to international students. TU Wien also has strong ties with major tech companies like Siemens and Bosch, offering industry scholarships and research positions. This makes it not just one of the most affordable universities in Austria but also one of the best for career outcomes in STEM fields.

3. University of Graz

Established in 1585, the University of Graz at uni-graz.at is Austria’s second-oldest university and one of the most student-friendly destinations in the country. Located in Graz, a UNESCO World Heritage city and Austria’s second-largest city, it offers a beautiful setting with a much lower cost of living than Vienna. The university ranks in the top 400-500 globally and is especially strong in humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, law, and environmental studies. Annual tuition for non-EU international students is around €1,453. Graz itself is known for having very affordable student accommodation, with monthly living costs ranging from just €900 to €1,000. If you want a top Austrian university experience without the higher price tag of Vienna, the University of Graz should be at the top of your list of affordable universities in Austria.

4. Graz University of Technology (TU Graz)

TU Graz at tugraz.at ranks among the top 413 universities globally in QS 2025 and is Austria’s leading technical university outside of Vienna. What sets TU Graz apart is its extremely hands-on approach to education. Students work on real industry projects, use cutting-edge labs, and collaborate closely with top companies. This makes graduates highly employable. Non-EU international students pay €726.72 per semester (about €1,453 per year), making it one of the most affordable universities in Austria for engineering and technology students. Many master’s programmes are offered in English, which makes it very welcoming for students from outside the German-speaking world. The city of Graz also keeps living costs low, making the total cost of studying here very manageable.

5. University of Innsbruck

The University of Innsbruck at uibk.ac.at is one of Austria’s largest universities, with over 28,000 students, nearly 50% of whom come from outside Austria. It sits at around 230th globally in QS rankings and offers a stunning Alpine setting that attracts students from all over the world. Non-EU international students pay approximately €7 26 per semester. The university is particularly well known for alpine research, law, natural sciences, and theology. Innsbruck gives students a unique blend of outdoor mountain life and vibrant urban culture. Monthly living costs in Innsbruck are roughly €1,000 to €1,200, still much lower than most Western European capitals. This makes the University of Innsbruck a genuinely great pick for anyone looking at affordable universities in Austria for international students.

6. University of Salzburg (Paris Lodron University Salzburg)

The University of Salzburg at plus.ac.at, officially known as Paris Lodron University Salzburg, was founded in 1622 and sits in one of the most beautiful cities in all of Europe. Salzburg is the birthplace of Mozart, surrounded by Alpine scenery, and steeped in culture. The university ranks in the top 500-600 globally and is especially recognized for communication and media studies, natural sciences, theology, and law. Non-EU students pay around €726 per semester. The student union fee is €25.20 per semester, consistent with other public universities. Salzburg’s living costs are moderate, though slightly higher than Graz or Linz. For international students who want an affordable university in a stunning, historic European city, the University of Salzburg stands out as one of the best options among affordable universities in Austria.

7. BOKU University Vienna (University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences)

BOKU University at boku.ac.at was founded in 1872 and is one of Europe’s most respected life sciences universities. It is a true pioneer in areas like green economy, biotechnology, sustainable agriculture, and environmental science. Non-EU students pay €726.72 per semester, but students from the world’s least developed countries receive a full and permanent tuition fee waiver. This includes countries like Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Nepal, Uganda, and many others. Even with the standard fee, BOKU remains one of the most affordable universities in Austria for international students. The university is located in Vienna, giving students access to the capital’s career opportunities and student life. Many of its master’s programmes, including Biotechnology, Mountain Forestry, and Green Chemistry, are taught in English.

8. Johannes Kepler University Linz (JKU)

JKU Linz at jku.at was founded in 1966 and has grown into a strong research university with a reputation for business, technology, law, and social sciences. It is located in Linz, Austria’s third largest city, which is also one of the most affordable student cities in the country. Monthly living costs in Linz sit at around €900 to €1,000, lower than Vienna or Salzburg. Non-EU international students pay the standard €726.72 per semester. JKU is particularly well regarded for its partnerships with local industry and technology companies, offering students strong internship and employment networks. The university also has performance-based scholarships available for business and engineering students. For budget-conscious international students who want solid career prospects alongside low tuition, JKU Linz is one of the most affordable universities in Austria worth serious consideration.

9. University of Klagenfurt (Alpen-Adria-Universitat)

The University of Klagenfurt at aau.at, also known as Alpen-Adria Universitat or AAU, was established in 1970 and is one of Austria’s more modern universities. It is located in Klagenfurt, a small and very affordable city in southern Austria near the Slovenian border. The university offers programmes in education, management, technical sciences, humanities, and arts. Annual tuition for non-EU international students is around €1,453. Klagenfurt is consistently rated as one of the most affordable places to live in Austria, with lower rents and food costs compared to Vienna or Salzburg. AAU also ranked 48th in Times Higher Education’s Young University Rankings, showing it punches well above its weight for a younger institution. It is a hidden gem among affordable universities in Austria for international students.

10. FH Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences

FH Vorarlberg at fhv.at stands out among the most affordable universities in Austria for one remarkable reason: it charges no tuition fees at all, for any student, regardless of nationality. Founded in 1989, it offers practical, career-focused bachelor’s and master’s programmes in business, design, engineering, and social work. The university is located in Dornbirn, in the Vorarlberg region in western Austria, close to the borders with Germany, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. This gives students easy access to the wider European job market. FH Vorarlberg is also known for its long list of scholarships and financial grants. Class sizes are small, teaching is hands-on, and graduates have very strong employment rates. For students who want a tuition-free university in Austria with a genuinely practical education, FH Vorarlberg is the top choice.

Tips for Cutting Costs at the Most Affordable Universities in Austria

Even at the most affordable universities in Austria, smart budgeting can make your student life much more comfortable. Here are the best practical tips to reduce your costs further.

• Choose a City with Lower Living Costs
• Apply for OeAD and University Scholarships Early
• Live in Student Dormitories
• Use the Student Card for Discounts
• Work Part-Time
• Cook at Home and Use Student Canteens
• Check for Tuition Waivers for Developing Countries

Steps to Apply for Affordable Universities in Austria

Applying to the most affordable universities in Austria is a straightforward process, but you need to plan well in advance. Here are the steps to follow.

• Research and choose your university and programme: Explore options on studyinaustria.at, the official portal for studying in Austria. Check whether your chosen programme is taught in German or English and whether tuition waivers apply to your nationality.
• Check the admission requirements: Most bachelor’s programmes require proof of a completed secondary school education equivalent to the Austrian Matura. Master’s programmes require a relevant bachelor’s degree. Some programmes have entrance exams or portfolio requirements.
• Check language requirements: Most bachelor’s programmes require German at B2 or C1 level. English-taught master’s programmes typically require IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 88. Check the specific requirement for each programme.
• Prepare your application documents: See the full list in the Documents Required section below.

Documents Required for Application

When applying to the most affordable universities in Austria, you will generally need the following documents. Always check the specific requirements on your chosen university’s official website, as they can vary by programme and nationality.

• Completed application form submitted through the university’s online portal
• Valid passport copy of the biographical data page
• Secondary school leaving certificate for bachelor’s, or bachelor’s degree certificate for master’s, officially translated into German or English
• Academic transcripts with grades from all previous educational institutions
• Language proficiency certificate: German (TestDaF, OSD, or Goethe Institut) for German-taught programmes, or IELTS/TOEFL for English-taught programmes
• Motivation letter for most master’s programmes and some bachelor’s
• CV or resume in Europass format, which is recommended
• Letters of recommendation, usually two, particularly for master’s and doctoral programmes
• Portfolio required for art, design, and architecture programmes
• Proof of financial means, such as a bank statement showing you can support yourself, required for visa application
• Health insurance certificate or proof of application
• Passport-sized photographs
• Document equivalency recognition from OeAD (oead.at) or the ANABIN database, if required

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)