Study in Austria
Searching the globe for that perfect study abroad destination? Then there is just one place that is right for you; Austria. Present in the heart of Europe, Austria is home to one of the earliest and most delicate cultures on the European continent. The country is also fast becoming one country of choice for many foreigners looking for where to study.
Austria boasts of over 60 top-class higher institutions with a student population of more than 370,000 of which a good 25% of these students are from foreign countries around the world.
They adopt a university system that is a part of the Bologna Process as with many countries in Europe, which translates to the ease of movement within the European Union and the recognition that their degree provides.
Many of the programs across universities in Austria are taught in English and many of their faculty members are a mixture of both local and international scholars. There is also the availability of numerous scholarships and research grants to better facilitate a student’s academics in the country. Likewise, students equally benefit from the climate-award winning affordable accommodation present on campus.
The country is world-renowned for its excellent programs in the field of arts, theatre, and music. Austrian society is categorically huge on sustainability and protecting the environment and this reflects in their system of education and in every program that is offered.
Research students easily find that Austria has many modern facilities devoted to advancements in the field of science and technology.
Life in Austria is very safe and friendly, more so towards foreigners. The capital city, Vienna, typically rates very high as one of the most livable cities in the world.
The country also ranks high when it comes to public transportation, economic and social stability, and a cultural system that is envied all over the world.
Set out and explore all the in-depth opportunities that Austria has in store for you. Choose to study in Austria today and let RocApply guide you towards achieving your dreams and highlighting your future in beautiful Austria.
About Austria
This landlocked alpine area is situated in Central Europe and is famously known as the land of royalty, amazing natural scenery, and fantastic traditions.
Not to be lumped together with Germany or other German-speaking countries, Austria on its own is rich with history and has also played major roles in many diplomatic affairs.
Austria is a country that has it’s own unique story and has made its own contribution to the world. A place and people who have their own method of doing things significantly different from the rest of Europe.
Austria although similar to Germany has its own borders and land that stretches out to 83,879 km square making them the 113th largest country in the world by land area. Austrian society has its own unique rules and kinds of people.
The population of the people in Austria stands at over 8.8 million (from a 2018 estimate) ranking them at 96th in the world. They also have a population density of 104 people per square kilometer of land.
German is the official language of Austria, with a total of 88.4% speakers in the population and about 2.4% Serbian speakers, 2.3% Turkish speakers and 1.3% Croatian speakers and of course there are many other different languages under the 1%. The majority (about 81.1%) of the citizens of Austria, identify as original Austrians.
Austria is a very mountainous country with most of the country being a part of the alps, and only 32% of the country is under 1,640 feet above sea level.
On January 1st, 1995, Austria joined the European Union (EU) but are still not a part of the NATO agreement as is many of their neighbor counterparts. Austria today maintains a neutral stance when it comes to international matters as a way of dissociating themselves from their involvement in World War II.
Austria is divided into nine states, one of which is Vienna, the capital city which is also the largest city in the country. Vienna is located in the eastern part of Austria and is where one in every eight Austrian resides. The city is a wonderful assimilation of centuries-old buildings juxtaposing with a very modern and dynamic infrastructure.
Austria is a developed society and they adopt a parliamentary democratic system of government, they also adopt the European Euro (€) as their official currency of exchange. Austria is also one of the first members of the OECD and the Schengen Agreement.
About Austria Economy
The mighty Danube river that flows through the northern part of the country has contributed greatly to the economy and trade sector of Austria. The 1992 construction of the Rhine-Main-Danube River Canal brought the movements of trade ships from the North sea through Europe and the Balkans.
Austrians economy is heavily dependent on industry and the service sector. Specifically, engine and medication manufacturing. Additionally, the country ranks sixth in the world when it comes to economic complexity, the rake in about $141 billion in exports and $146 billion in imports.
An in-depth look into the economy of Austria shows that they are one of the few nations in the world that do not have a prime import or export quota.
The country imports and exports a bit of everything from automobiles to medicines to agriculture and services.
Automobiles have the highest percentage of imports in Austria coming in at 5.6% and of all their import-export activities, Austria still stands as one of the wealthiest nations in the world. In 2014, they ranked 21st in the globe on the human development index scale.
Austria's wealth has a lot to do with its history and position on the continent. They have a GDP of $477,672 billion and is the 14th richest country in the world in terms of GDP per capita, which stands at $53,764 (2019 estimate).
Its capital Vienna is the major economic hub of the country and has many trade associations with Germany. Austria also has the 31st freest economies in the world as of its 2019 index.
To better the business environment, the government of Austria has made working hours flexible and reduced the tax rates on corporate establishments in addition to all the favorable market reforms in the last few years.
The economic market is strong and globally centered that they now have a very competitive manufacturing market, a skilled labor force and a service industry that is unrivaled.
The service industry contributes to the majority of Austrian GDP, and the financial and legal corporations in Austria are some to the top partners of many EU member states.
Tourism is now increasingly becoming a contributor to Austria’s economy with a 10% income generated in the last few years. Austria attracts more than 20 million visitors every year, and the country is invested in the Tourism sector with every year that passes.
Why Study in Austria
International Exposure
Many foreign students find that the acceptance process in Austria is less tedious and the requirements are quite simple. There are no entrance examinations required for admittance.
Tertiary education in public universities is free for EU citizens in Austria, and they can study in the country with little to no payments at all. Non-EU students do however pay tuition, which is very affordable and realistic.
Additionally, there are so many scholarship and grant options available for international students, with most of them catering to the students' full program tuition and living expenses
Quality Education
Austria is home to some of the globally renowned tertiary institutions in the world. In Vienna, the nation’s capital, there are over nine high ranking universities that have international recognition and some of the best academic and cultural inputs.
The country keeps attracting smart foreign students from around the world who are devoted to achieving great feats with the assistance of the university system in Austria, that do not only encourage their skills and capabilities, they also promote these students to the eyes of the international community. A fourth of the student population in Austria all come from different countries.
Beautiful Country
Austria is a very peaceful country, where people’s safety and security are taken very seriously. Noteworthy, the country has one of the lowest levels of criminal activities, and is currently ranks a high score of 91% on the World Safety Index.
In the Heart of Europe: Austria’s position in the center of the continent makes it easy for students to see the rest of Europe. Either via a train, a plane or by a boat, the rest of Europe is closer and very accessible from Austria.
Weather
Austria is a beautiful country, with some of the best landscapes on the continent. The capital city, Vienna, has been voted as the most liveable city in the world.
Many major cities in Austria truly have all the markings of what you’d expect from metropolitan modern city life.
The cultural life is also very active and students enjoy the myriad of exciting student activities.
Scholarships in Austria
Higher education is free for students from countries in the EU/EEA and Switzerland. This is as a result of the binging laws and agreements that exist across the union.
Non-EU/EEA students will have to pay a nominal tuition fee of around €650 to 730 per semester. However, the fee is quite nominal compared to the quality of education, the stunning landscapes, the robust student life and the many vibrant cities that the country has to offer.
Thankfully, there are many scholarship schemes that are readily available for international students. These scholarships reward academic excellence, social achievements and even talents or skills.
Scholarships in Austria come in the form of partial or full tuition waivers, grants, stipends, job employment, and research funding.
Austria Student Visa
Students who are nationals of any EU, EEA country or Switzerland do not eat a visa to enter or reside in Austria for a period of 3 months. They enjoy the benefits of easy movement and domicile. The only document required is a valid passport, travel document or national identity card.
However, study periods are usually for more than one year, therefore they require an Austrian residence permit to continue staying in the country. Additionally, upon arrival, they will need to register at the registration office (Meldeamt) close to them or anywhere in the country.
Students who are nationals of other countries outside the EU or EEA, need a visa to gain entry into Austria or they need a student permit for study periods longer than 6 months to live and study in the country.
Some students need both the visa and the permit to come into the country and to pick up residence as a student in Austria. Students who are citizens of countries where a visa is required must apply for a D-Visa at the embassy or consulate in their home country.