If you’re a non-EU/EEA or Swiss student planning to study in Austria for more than six months, you’ll need a student visa and a residence permit. You can apply for these documents up to six months before your arrival.

 

For short-term stays of up to six months, you can enter Austria with a Visa D. However, if you plan to stay for longer than six months, you’ll need to apply for a student residence permit.

If you’re an EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen, you don’t need a student visa or residence permit. However, if you plan to stay for longer than three months, you must register with the Austrian authorities. To do this, you’ll need health insurance, proof of housing, and evidence of sufficient funds.

Here are the steps to apply for an Austrian student visa:

1. Pay any necessary enrollment fees or deposits to secure your spot at the university.
2. Schedule a student residence permit appointment at an Austrian embassy or consulate. You’ll need to provide your letter of admission, proof of finances, travel insurance, and passport.
3. Wait for a decision on your residence permit application. This can take up to three months.
4. Once you receive your residence permit, apply for a Visa D. Make sure to schedule your embassy or consulate appointment well in advance, as it can take six weeks to get an appointment.
5. Bring the visa application form, photo ID, passport, and travel and health insurance documents to your appointment.
6. Wait for a decision on your visa application. This can take up to four weeks.
7. Register with the municipal authorities within three days of arriving in Austria. You’ll need to provide your address and register your residence.

The entire process of obtaining a student visa for Austria can take several months, so it’s important to plan ahead.

If you’re bringing family members with you to Austria, they’ll need to apply for separate visa and residence permit applications. You’ll need to provide proof that you can financially support your dependents.

To apply for a visa or residence permit in Austria, you’ll need to provide the following documents:

* A signed visa application
* A signed residence permission application
* University enrollment letter
* Original white-background photos of your face
* Passport or travel documentation valid for three months after departure
* Proof of finances
* Health insurance
* Proof of €30,000 travel insurance
* A cover letter explaining your travel to Austria
* Flight numbers and arrival/departure dates

As a student in Austria, you’re allowed to work, but the terms and hours depend on your nationality. EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens can work without a permit, while non-EU/EEA citizens need a work permit. Your employer must apply for this on your behalf, and you’re limited to 20 hours of work per week.

If your visa application is denied, you can reapply if you forgot to attach documents or made other errors. You can also appeal the decision within four weeks if you believe the initial application was error-free. However, keep in mind that a second decision can take up to 12 months.