Last updated: October 2026 · Official sources linked
The short answer in 30 seconds
- Means of subsistence 2026: €722.58 per month up to age 24, €1,308.39 from age 24. The money must be available for the entire duration of the permit.
- Working: with an employment permit (Beschäftigungsbewilligung), up to 20 hours a week without a labour market test.
- Academic progress for renewal: for example 16 ECTS or 8 semester hours per week in the last academic year.
- Fee 2026: €218. Decision within 90 days at the latest.
Studying is often the start of a long journey in Austria. Our founder came to Austria as a student in 2011. We know this path first-hand. For a smooth start, you should know the rules of the “Residence Permit – Student” (Aufenthaltsbewilligung – Student) well.
Who is this route for?
This route is for people from countries outside the EU, the EEA and Switzerland. Different rules apply to EU and EEA citizens.
You need admission to a degree programme. This can be a regular degree programme. It can be at a university, a university of applied sciences (Fachhochschule), a private university or a university college of teacher education (Pädagogische Hochschule) (oesterreich.gv.at). A university course with at least 40 ECTS may also be sufficient. A language course alone is not enough.
Requirements
1. Admission to a degree programme. You need a letter of acceptance or admission from the university.
2. Secure means of subsistence. The amounts for 2026 according to the City of Vienna:
| Group | Amount per month 2026 |
|---|---|
| Students up to age 24 | 722,58 € |
| Students from age 24 | 1.308,39 € |
| Married couples in total | 2.064,12 € |
| additionally per child | 201,88 € |
| Allowance for rent and other fixed costs | 386,43 € |
The amounts for adults and children are also confirmed by oesterreich.gv.at. If rent and other fixed costs exceed €386.43, you need the difference on top. Savings count; the authority divides them by twelve. An account abroad only counts if you have access to it at any time from Austria. You must explain where the money comes from. A declaration of liability (Haftungserklärung) from another person is also possible.
3. Health insurance. It must cover all risks and pay out in Austria. Travel insurance is not enough. In 2026, student self-insurance (Selbstversicherung für Studierende) costs €78.84 per month. One of the conditions is an income below €15,000 a year. Certain private insurance policies are also accepted.
4. Accommodation. Students do not need proof of accommodation. However, housing costs are taken into account when calculating means of subsistence.
Worked example: how much money do I need?
The calculation follows the rules of the City of Vienna. Assumption: rent of €550 per month.
| Step | Aged 22 | Aged 26 |
|---|---|---|
| Base amount per month | 722,58 € | 1.308,39 € |
| Rent above the allowance (€550 minus €386.43) | 163,57 € | 163,57 € |
| Requirement per month | 886,15 € | 1.471,96 € |
| Requirement for twelve months | 10.633,80 € | 17.663,52 € |
If your rent is below €386.43, nothing is added. Then, up to age 24, you need €8,670.96 for twelve months. Also budget for tuition fees and insurance.
Checklist: what to prepare before you apply
- Admission or letter of acceptance from the university
- Deposit money for the entire period in an account in your name
- Collect evidence of where the money comes from
- Tenancy agreement or student residence contract to show housing costs
- Choose health insurance that covers all risks
- Check your passport: is it valid for long enough?
- Criminal record certificate, no more than three months old
- Clarify translations and apostille
Documents
For the first application according to oesterreich.gv.at and wien.gv.at:
- completed application form, in German or English
- valid travel document and a copy of the entire passport
- passport photo 45 x 35 mm, no older than six months
- proof of health insurance
- proof of means of subsistence, for example bank statements
- proof of housing costs, for example a tenancy agreement
- letter of acceptance from the university
- optional: declaration of liability
- criminal record certificate from your country of origin
For a renewal, you also need proof of academic progress (Studienerfolgsnachweis) and a current enrolment confirmation (Studienblatt). In Vienna, you also need a self-disclosure report from a creditor protection association, for example from KSV 1870.
Process and timeline, step by step
- Secure your place. Without admission, there is no application. Note the university’s deadlines.
- Submit the application. From abroad, in person at the embassy or consulate. There is no deadline for the application itself. Still, submit it early.
- Decision. The authority decides within 90 days at the latest.
- Visa D. If needed, apply for it within three months of the notification.
- Entry and collection. You collect the permit within a further three months. In Vienna, report to the MA 35 as soon as possible.
Applying in Austria: This is possible after lawful entry, for example visa-free. If no decision is made in time, you must leave the country. You then wait abroad for the decision (oesterreich.gv.at).
Costs and duration
- Application fee: €218 (as of 2026). In Vienna, you pay when you apply.
- Tuition fee: At public universities, students with this permit generally pay €726.72 per semester. There are exceptions. Ask your university.
- Insurance: student self-insurance €78.84 per month (2026).
- Validity: usually one year. Two years for mobility programmes or inter-university agreements.
- Renewal: at the earliest three months before expiry, at the latest before expiry.
Working while you study
You may work as long as your studies remain the main purpose of your stay. Every job requires an employment permit. This also applies to marginal (geringfügig) jobs. The employer applies for it at the AMS (oesterreich.gv.at).
- Up to 20 hours a week: permit without a labour market test.
- More than 20 hours a week: possible, but only after a labour market test.
- Compulsory internship as part of your studies: no permit needed. The employer notifies the AMS three weeks in advance.
If you work a lot and pass hardly any exams, you put your renewal at risk.
Competent authority
The authority at your planned place of residence is responsible. From abroad, you submit the application at the embassy or consulate (oesterreich.gv.at).
In Vienna, the MA 35 is responsible. First applications in Vienna are handled by Unit 1.2 (Referat 1.2). Renewals are handled by the branch offices 4.1 to 4.6. Your district of residence does not matter. You need an appointment.
After approval: the next steps
- Register your residence (Wohnsitzanmeldung): within three days of moving in. It is free of charge.
- Take out insurance: for example self-insurance with the Austrian Health Insurance Fund (Österreichische Gesundheitskasse).
- Pay the tuition fee: in advance, every semester.
- Plan your exams: earn enough ECTS every year for your renewal.
- Renewal: in good time before expiry. You may then continue to stay and study. To travel during this period, you need an emergency visa sticker (Notvignette).
- Report changes: If you discontinue your studies, report it as soon as possible.
Forms and online services
- BMI application forms and declaration of liability (Form B and the “Student” declaration)
- Calculating means of subsistence: explanation by the City of Vienna
- List of accepted private health insurers (Vienna)
- Appointment booking MA 35, first application Unit 1.2
Common pitfalls
- Forgetting the rent. An expensive flat raises the amount you need.
- Unclear source of funds. The authority will ask. Keep evidence ready.
- Travel insurance as a long-term solution. It is not sufficient for the permit.
- Too few ECTS. Without academic progress, renewal becomes difficult.
- Renewing too late. After expiry, the application counts as a first application.
Related routes
FAQ
How much money do I need for a student visa in Austria in 2026? Up to age 24, €722.58 per month; from age 24, €1,308.39. For twelve months, that is €8,670.96 or €15,700.68. High rent increases the amount.
How many hours may I work? With an employment permit, up to 20 hours a week without a labour market test. More is only possible after a labour market test.
How many ECTS do I need for a renewal? The City of Vienna requires at least 16 ECTS or 8 semester hours per week in the previous academic year.
Can my family come with me? Yes. Family members can receive a Residence Permit – Family Community (Aufenthaltsbewilligung Familiengemeinschaft). Your means of subsistence must then be sufficient for everyone.
What happens after graduation? You can extend the permit once by twelve months. This is for looking for a job or starting a business. More on this in Staying after your studies.
Sources and legal basis
- oesterreich.gv.at – Residence Permit – Student
- oesterreich.gv.at – General requirements, reference rates 2026
- oesterreich.gv.at – Studying and working for third-country nationals
- oesterreich.gv.at – Student self-insurance
- oesterreich.gv.at – Registering your residence
- wien.gv.at – Residence Permit – Student
- wien.gv.at – Calculating secure means of subsistence
- bmwet.gv.at – Tuition fees
- usp.gv.at – Employment permit for pupils and students
- Legal basis according to oesterreich.gv.at and bmwet.gv.at: § 64 NAG (students), § 11 NAG (general requirements), § 292 para. 3 ASVG (value of free board and lodging), §§ 91 and 92 UG (tuition fee)
- Settlement and Residence Act (Niederlassungs- und Aufenthaltsgesetz, NAG) in the RIS
- Foreign Nationals Employment Act (Ausländerbeschäftigungsgesetz, AuslBG) in the RIS
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