Processing Time
90 Days
The competent Austrian residence authority must generally decide on the application within 90 days. The actual processing period can depend on the individual case and whether all required documentation has been submitted.
🇦🇹 Austria
Student Residence
Study & Build Your Future in Austria
← Back to Austria
Austria offers a dedicated residence permit for third-country nationals who wish to pursue qualifying higher education or other eligible academic studies in Austria.
The Residence Permit – Student allows eligible international students to live in Austria for the purpose of their studies and, under certain conditions, to work alongside their education.
CETO Global Immigration Consulting & Partners assists international students in understanding the residence requirements and coordinates the immigration process together with qualified legal and immigration professionals.
Who Can Apply?
The Residence Permit – Student can be available to third-country nationals admitted to qualifying studies in Austria. Eligible studies can include:
- Regular Degree Studies at Austrian Universities
- Universities of Applied Sciences
- Private Universities and Private Higher Education Institutions
- Public or Private University Colleges of Teacher Education
- Certain University or Higher-Education Courses
- Certain Non-Degree Studies
- Certain Professional Training Following University Studies
The specific study program must satisfy the applicable Austrian requirements.
University Admission
Applicants generally need evidence of admission to a qualifying Austrian educational institution. Depending on the program, this may include:
- University Admission Confirmation
- University of Applied Sciences Admission
- Private University Admission
- Teacher Education College Admission
- Admission to Another Qualifying Higher-Education Program
The admission confirmation forms an important part of the residence application.
General Requirements
Applicants must generally demonstrate that they satisfy Austria's general residence requirements. These can include:
- Valid Passport
- Sufficient Financial Means
- Comprehensive Health Insurance
- Compliance with Public Security Requirements
- Admission to a Qualifying Educational Institution
For the Residence Permit – Student, Austria does not generally require proof of a legal entitlement to accommodation as a separate residence-title requirement, although housing costs are still relevant when assessing sufficient financial means.
Health Insurance
Students must have health insurance covering all risks in Austria. Depending on the circumstances, this may include:
- Austrian Student Insurance
- Statutory Austrian Health Insurance
- Qualifying Private Health Insurance
Simple travel insurance alone is generally not sufficient for the residence requirement.
Can International Students Work in Austria?
Yes – Under Certain Conditions
Third-country students may work in Austria provided that employment does not interfere with the primary purpose of their stay, which is education. The employer must generally apply to the Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS) for an employment permit.
For employment of up to 20 hours per week, an employment permit can generally be issued without a labour-market test. Employment exceeding 20 hours per week can be possible, but a labour-market assessment applies.
Up to 20 hours per week without a labour-market test
Study Remains the Primary Purpose
It is important that employment does not interfere with the student's education. The principal purpose of the Residence Permit – Student remains study in Austria. Employment is therefore supplementary to the academic purpose of residence.
Practical Training & Internships
For certain internships or professional placements required as part of an Austrian study program, a separate employment permit may not be required. The employer may instead need to notify the AMS before the internship begins.
Validity
The Residence Permit – Student is generally issued for one year. However, students participating in certain EU or multilateral mobility programs, or covered by qualifying agreements between higher-education institutions, may receive the permit for up to 2 years, subject to the applicable conditions.
Generally 1 year
Renewal
Students who wish to continue their studies in Austria must apply to renew their residence permit before it expires. A renewal application can generally be submitted no earlier than 3 months before expiry. The student must continue to satisfy the applicable requirements.
- Academic Progress
- Current Study Record
- Confirmation of Continued Enrollment
- Continued Financial Means
- Health Insurance
After Graduation
12-Month Job Search & Business Formation Period
One of the most important advantages of studying in Austria is the possibility for eligible graduates to remain after completing their studies. Qualifying graduates may apply for a one-time extension of their Residence Permit – Student for up to 12 months for the purpose of searching for qualified employment or establishing a business in Austria.
The applicable general residence requirements must continue to be satisfied.
One-time extension of up to 12 months
From Student to Red-White-Red Card
Eligible graduates who secure employment corresponding to their level of education may be able to transition to a Red-White-Red Card for Austrian Graduates. For this pathway, the job should correspond to the graduate's qualification level and provide remuneration customary for comparable Austrian graduates with comparable work and experience.
No separate labour-market test applies to this graduate RWR pathway.
Other Options After Graduation
Depending on qualifications and circumstances, graduates may potentially transition to other Austrian residence pathways, including:
- Red-White-Red Card
- EU Blue Card
- Residence / Settlement Permit for Researchers
- Business or Entrepreneur Immigration Pathways
Eligibility must be assessed individually.
Family Members
Family members of a holder of a Residence Permit – Student may, depending on the applicable requirements, qualify for a Residence Permit – Family Community. The appropriate residence status depends on the individual circumstances of the family.
Where Can You Apply?
From abroad: generally through the competent Austrian embassy or consulate responsible for the applicant's place of residence.
In Austria: after lawful entry and during lawful residence, an application can also be submitted to the competent Austrian residence authority. However, submitting a first application in Austria does not automatically allow the applicant to remain after the lawful visa or visa-free period expires while awaiting the decision.
For Vienna, the competent authority is generally MA 35
Required Documents
For renewal applications, additional documents generally include evidence of academic progress, a current study record and confirmation of continued enrollment.
- Valid Passport
- Recent Passport Photograph
- University or Higher-Education Admission Confirmation
- Proof of Comprehensive Health Insurance
- Proof of Sufficient Financial Means
- Additional Supporting Documents Requested by the Authority
Foreign documents may require certified translation, apostille or legalization depending on the applicable requirements.
Processing Time & Fee
Government Application Fee
€218
Additional expenses may arise for certified translations, apostilles or legalization, insurance, university documentation and professional services.
Our Process
- 01
Initial Consultation
We review your study plans, university admission and immigration circumstances.
- 02
Eligibility Assessment
We assess the applicable Austrian student residence requirements.
- 03
Documentation
The required residence, financial, insurance and university documents are coordinated.
- 04
Application
The application is submitted through the competent Austrian authority according to the applicable procedure.
- 05
Residence Approval
Following approval, the applicant completes the necessary entry and residence formalities.
- 06
Ongoing Support
Where required, we assist with renewals, post-graduation options and transition to other Austrian residence pathways.
Why Study in Austria?
- High-Quality Higher Education
- Internationally Recognised Universities
- Central European Location
- Access to an International Academic Environment
- Possibility of Limited Employment During Studies
- Post-Graduation Job Search Opportunities
- Pathways from Education to Employment
- Potential Long-Term Immigration Opportunities
Related Pathways
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Student Residence Permit valid?
It is generally issued for one year. Certain qualifying mobility-program students may receive a permit valid for up to two years.
Can I work while studying?
Yes. An employer can generally obtain an employment permit for up to 20 hours per week without a labour-market test.
Can I work more than 20 hours?
Potentially yes, but a labour-market assessment applies and studying must remain the primary purpose of residence.
Can I stay in Austria after graduating?
Eligible graduates can extend their Student Residence Permit once for up to 12 months to search for employment or establish a business.
Can I obtain a Red-White-Red Card after university?
Potentially yes. Eligible graduates with suitable employment corresponding to their qualification level can transition to the Red-White-Red Card for Austrian Graduates.
Can my family accompany me?
Depending on the applicable requirements, qualifying family members may apply for a Residence Permit – Family Community.
Start Your Studies in Austria
Turn Your Education Into an International Future
If you are planning to study at an Austrian university or other qualifying higher-education institution, CETO can help you understand the residence process and your long-term immigration options.