UK based Brits Studying in Austria

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UK based Brits Studying in Austria

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Question #

I live in the UK and want to study in Austria; where do I start and what should I consider?

Answer #

Austria is a lovely place to study with tuition fees which may be lower than the UK. However, please note that following Brexit, British Citizens are now Third Country Nationals and so different rules apply. If you are a dual national EU/UK, please apply as an EU Citizen. What follows is a brief overview of some the things to consider.

Official Resources #

There are 72 accredited higher education institutions offering more than 2000 degree course in Austria, most of which are taught in German but there are courses taught in English as well. OeAD is the official source for information regarding studying in Austrian.

Types of Visa/Residency Permit #

Student Visas are usually issued for courses up to 6 months and this takes the form of a Visa-D. Any course longer than that will require a Student Residency permit.

The Visa-D is applied for via the Austrian Embassy in London or the Austrian Consulate where you live. The student residency permit can be applied for via the responsible Austrian Consulate (e.g. London) or via the competent residence authority in Austria (ie where you plan to study).  You will not be allowed to exceed your 90 day Schengen Visa free allowance if you apply in Austria and the residency permit is not issued in time.

There are specific permits for researchers and other groups. Visa applicants should be aware that the Austrian Embassy in London has advised that when travelling between November and April winter sports insurance must be included in the travel insurance policy.

Residence Conditions #

If you are a British national you will need a Visa or Residency permit to study in Austria. Your student residence will be conditional on several things and that includes healthcare, proof of accommodation, and where appropriate proof of sufficient financial means to support yourself. Further details can be found on the OeAD website: 

Document Translation #

English documents might be accepted, but be prepared to get them translated. Ask the University at the earliest opportunity.

Accommodation #

Student accommodation is in short supply in Austria particularly in Salzburg, Linz and Innsbruck; where demand outstrips supply by a long way. You will need to plan early as proof of accommodation will be required as part of the Visa/residency permit process.

Be VERY wary of the accommodation scams that are doing the rounds. Try and view the accommodation beforehand. There’s guidance on the English Speakers in Austria website around this but do not hand over large amounts of money in advance, unless you are sure it is not a scam. The provincial English Speakers in Austria group may also be able to assist with local information.

*** ACCOMMODATION SCAMMERS: Buyer beware, especially on Social Media!

Healthcare #

Even though the UK Student GHIC (different process to normal GHIC) may provide you with medically necessary treatment in Austria, the Austrian Embassy in London has confirmed that the UK Student GHIC is NOT acceptable for a student Visa/Residency application. OeAD also do not list it as an acceptable form of Health Insurance. Coverage on the UK Student GHIC may also be an issue if you are working (students can work up to 20 hours per week)

For short courses (less than 6 months) you will be required to take out travel insurance with a minimum coverage of €30K and it needs to cover repatriation and Covid-19. This needs to be taken out for the duration of the course. There are products advertised as Schengen Visa Travel Insurance, which generally satisfy this requirement. If applying for a Visa during the winter, the Austrian Embassy in London has advised that Winter Sports coverage is also required.

For longer courses you need to take out travel insurance for at least a month and provide assurance that you will take out a more appropriate policy on arrival in Austria (eg. OeGK self-insurance for students)

The OeGK Self Insurance for students is currently €66.79 per month (2023) and provides the student with an e-Card which is easier to use in Austria, especially picking up prescriptions and recording vaccination details. The e-card is also good if you plan on staying in Austria after the course.

Private insurance is also available (see below for some examples), but the Austrian immigration authorities are very selective on healthcare insurance policies.

If the student wants to do skiing, snowboarding off-piste it is essential to get dedicated insurance to cover this as things such as helicopter rescue can be expensive and most health insurance policies do not cover this. Some British in Austria members purchase annual membership of the Alpenverein.

Working #

Holders of the “Residence Permit – Student” will be able to get a work permit for working for up to 20 hours/week. The employer will however need to apply for a permit at the AMS BEFORE the employee takes up the job.

Austria has a very highly regulated labour market; students and researchers who are considering doing additional freelance work should seek professional advice as they may need to be registered as self-employed and there may well be restrictions on this activity.  This needs to be done BEFORE taking up the freelance activity. There are free Welcome Services Austria and there is the Self Employed in Austria group who may be able to assist or point you in the right direction.

Residency Permit Renewal #

Leave plenty of time for the renewal of the student residency permit and you will need to provide proof of academic success from the previous year.

Useful Links #

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