Finding the Top Universities in Austria is a must for international students planning to study abroad in 2026. Austria is one of the most popular destinations for quality education in Europe because tuition fees are affordable, most programs are taught in English, and there are many scholarships for international students that help reduce the cost of study and living. Public universities often charge non‑EU students around €726 per semester, which is lower than many European study destinations and gives excellent value for money for international students looking for high‑quality education and strong research.
Studying at the Top Universities in Austria also opens doors to world class research and global opportunities. Austria has institutions ranked in global rankings like QS and THE, including historic universities such as the University of Vienna and modern research centers like Graz University of Technology and Institute of Science and Technology Austria. These universities offer a wide range of bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD programs in fields like science, technology, engineering, arts, business, and more. Scholarships, grants, and government support help international students cover tuition fees and living costs so students can focus on academic success and career growth.
University Scholarships and Tuition Info Table
| University | Country | Approx. Annual Tuition (€) |
|---|---|---|
| University of Vienna | Austria | ~1453/year (non‑EU) |
| TU Wien (Vienna University of Technology) | Austria | ~1453/year (non‑EU) |
| Graz University of Technology | Austria | ~1453/year (non‑EU) |
| University of Innsbruck | Austria | ~1453/year (non‑EU) |
| Johannes Kepler University Linz | Austria | ~1453/year (non‑EU) |
| University of Graz | Austria | ~1453/year (non‑EU) |
| University of Salzburg | Austria | ~1453/year (non‑EU) |
| University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU) | Austria | ~1453/year (non‑EU) |
| Central European University | Austria | ~8000/year (private) |
| Medical University of Vienna | Austria | ~1453/year (non‑EU) |
| University of Klagenfurt | Austria | ~1453/year (non‑EU) |
| Alma Mater Europaea | Austria | Varies |
| Seeburg Castle University | Austria | Varies |
| Webster Vienna Private University | Austria | Varies |
| University of Applied Sciences Technikum Wien | Austria | Varies |
1. University of Vienna
The University of Vienna is one of the oldest and most prestigious academic institutions in Europe, dating back to 1365. It consistently ranks among the Top Universities in Austria with strong programs in humanities, science, law, and social sciences. International students benefit from its wide selection of English‑taught programs, scholarly research opportunities, and various scholarship options for excellent candidates. The university is also known for its vibrant academic community and global collaborations.
2. TU Wien (Vienna University of Technology)
TU Wien is a leading technical university in Austria and frequently listed among the Top Universities in Austria for engineering and technology. It offers a range of bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD programs in science, engineering, and technology fields. TU Wien also provides international scholarships like the Helmut Veith Stipend and excellence awards to support students pursuing high academic achievements.
3. Graz University of Technology
Graz University of Technology is one of the oldest technical universities in Austria with a strong focus on engineering, natural sciences, and technology programs. This institution is recognized as one of the Top Universities in Austria because of its international research collaborations, English‑taught graduate programs, and scholarship opportunities for international students.
4. University of Innsbruck
The University of Innsbruck is a major public research university known for its comprehensive range of academic fields. It is included among the Top Universities in Austria with strong offerings in sciences, humanities, and professional degrees. The campus in the Alps provides a unique environment for both academic study and outdoor lifestyle experiences.
5. Johannes Kepler University Linz
Johannes Kepler University Linz (JKU) is a modern research university recognized as one of the Top Universities in Austria. It offers programs across business, law, social sciences, and engineering. Scholarships at JKU are also available based on merit, helping international students reduce tuition and support academic success.
6. University of Graz
The University of Graz is one of Austria’s largest universities and frequently appears in lists of Top Universities in Austria for its wide range of programs and strong research culture. With programs in science, humanities, and social sciences, international students can also explore scholarship opportunities to support their studies.
7. University of Salzburg
The University of Salzburg is a respected public institution known for high quality research and academic programs. It remains among the Top Universities in Austria for students interested in humanities, natural sciences, and arts. Scholarships and funding are offered to international students based on performance and academic merit.
8. University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU)
University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU) is widely respected for programs in environmental science, agriculture, and biotechnology, ranking it among the Top Universities in Austria for international students focusing on sustainable development and life sciences. Its research‑oriented programs attract students globally.
9. Central European University (CEU)
Central European University is a private research university located in Vienna known for social sciences and humanities. As one of the Top Universities in Austria, CEU offers fully accredited English language degrees and a range of scholarships that help international students reduce the cost of study.
10. Medical University of Vienna
The Medical University of Vienna is one of Europe’s oldest medical institutions and part of the Top Universities in Austria for medical and health sciences programs. It offers advanced research opportunities and international exposure for students pursuing medical degrees.
11. University of Klagenfurt
The University of Klagenfurt is a dynamic public research university known for interdisciplinary programs in social sciences, management, and education. It is ranked among the Top Universities in Austria and offers several international scholarships.
12. Alma Mater Europaea
Alma Mater Europaea is an international university network based in Austria focused on leadership, humanities, and social sciences. It attracts students from various countries and provides an international study environment as one of the Top Universities in Austria.
13. Seeburg Castle University
Seeburg Castle University is a private university in Austria known for flexible and blended learning programs. It remains among the Top Universities in Austria for students seeking a mix of virtual and onsite academic options.
14. Webster Vienna Private University
Webster Vienna Private University is a private institution offering American‑style education in Austria. It is part of the Top Universities in Austria list that also provides generous scholarships covering tuition and living allowances for qualified international students.
15. University of Applied Sciences Technikum Wien
The University of Applied Sciences Technikum Wien is one of Austria’s largest applied science universities and included among the Top Universities in Austria for its practice‑oriented programs in technology and engineering. Exchange programs and partnerships with industry help create career opportunities for students.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What makes the Top Universities in Austria attractive to international students?
The Top Universities in Austria offer low tuition, strong research opportunities, English‑taught programs, and many scholarships that help international students cover fees and living costs.
Do the Top Universities in Austria offer scholarships for international students?
Yes, most Top Universities in Austria provide scholarships based on merit, need, and academic excellence, such as excellence awards, government grants, and specialized scholarships.
Are programs in English at the Top Universities in Austria?
Many programs at the Top Universities in Austria are offered in English, especially at the graduate level and in research fields.
How much do the Top Universities in Austria cost annually?
Tuition at the Top Universities in Austria is generally affordable for non‑EU students, with many public universities charging around €726 per semester.
Can international students work while studying at the Top Universities in Austria?
International students at the Top Universities in Austria can work part‑time during their studies, subject to visa rules and regulations in Austria.
What is required to apply to the Top Universities in Austria?
Applicants usually need academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency, a motivation statement, and sometimes recommendations to apply to the Top Universities in Austria.
