Austria is one of the top countries where international students often go for further studies. It offers a calm and serene environment, low tuition fees as well as an affordable cost of living.
To study there, there are some steps to take which include getting an Austrian student visa. This article will provide important information and how to obtain a visa in your home country.
What to know about Austria Student Visa
It is a fact that International students need a Student visa to gain entrance and study in Austria but there can be exceptions if you are a citizen of a European Union country or from Switzerland.
As an EU citizen, all you need is a valid travel document such as a passport or ID card to visit or study there. Still, if you will be staying for more than 90 days, you will need to get in touch with a municipal authority within 4 months of your stay and register as a student on a long-term stay.
Foreign students from Non-EU countries are to follow the normal guidelines to acquire a student visa meant for studies in Austria.
Types of Austria Student Visa for International Students
There are two types of student visas available for students who want to study in Austria, they are:
Visa C type
All Non-EU-students who want to study in Austria for a period of less than 90 days will need Visa C. This can be taken advantage of by students who want to run a short course, training program, certificate program, workshop, or vocational training.
Visa D
Visa D is usually for a program or stays durations spanning 91 days or up to a maximum of 6 months. If you intend to stay for more or the duration of your program, you are to apply for a residence permit after gaining entry into the country.
Requirements for an Austria Student Visa
Below are the documents and requirements needed to apply for the Austria study visa:
- Visa Application Form.
- A valid passport.
- Airline reservation or itinerary.
- 2 colored Passport-sized photographs.
- Letter of offer or acceptance letter from an Austrian institution.
- Proof of accommodation in Austria.
- Proof of ties with the home country: This is just to confirm that you have a deep connection to your country and are only in Austria to study. Family, business, economics, spouse, or children can be used to prove it
- Travel health insurance: For entry into Austria with a visa, it’s generally required to have travel health insurance throughout your stay. The insurance should be valid in Austria, offering comprehensive coverage for health matters with a minimum coverage of 30,000 Euros.
- You are required to demonstrate adequate financial resources to support your stay: Students up to 24 years of age must verify possession of a minimum of 515.30 Euros per month. However, students aged 24 or older need to confirm access to a minimum of 933.06 Euros per month.
What is the cost of the Austrian student visa application?
For a Type C student visa, students are to pay €80 as an application fee while the Type D Student Visa goes for €160. Both fees once paid are non-refundable. What this means is that even if your student visa application is rejected, you will not get a refund.
How Do I Apply for an Austria Student Visa?
1. Get admission into a recognized university or college in Austria.
To be able to get a student visa for studies in Austria, you must first confirm yourself as a student there.
You will need to apply for admission to any of the Austrian-based universities. Students can apply for more than one if they wish but the most important thing is to get a letter of acceptance. The letter will signify that you have been given admission to study in Austria giving you a better chance to get the visa.
2. Apply for an Austrian Study Visa
Now that you have confirmed your place at the school, you can now proceed to apply for admission. During the application, all students must meet all requirements including paying for the application fee.
To begin your application, you will need to first search for details of the representative at the embassy or consulate in your country and make an appointment.
An Austrian student visa should be applied for at least three weeks before the intended departure date. The waiting time is between 2 to 4 weeks but you can always follow up with the embassy via email.
3. Get ready for an interview
An interview will take place. Parts of the reasons are to know why you want to go to Austria and your plans when it is over.
The interviewer will also know if you are genuinely going to Austria for studies, your sponsor, accommodation arrangement, and your strong ties to your home country.
In your own best interest, you should convince the interviewer that you plan to return home after your studies.
4. Entering Austria
If you will be spending more than 6 months, you will need to obtain a residence permit upon entering the country. Normally, the student visa only allows you entrance and stay for not more than 6 months, but a residence permit for study allows you to stay for more especially if you are running a degree program.
You are to register with the registration office at your place of residence within 3 working days of your arrival in Austria.
Will I be able to work with my Austrian Student Visa?
Yes, you are allowed to work provided you receive an employment permit to work up to 20 hours a week. You don’t need a labor market test for this.
The employer or the person who is interested in hiring you will be required to submit the application for your employment permit to the AMS.
