Austria 2013/14 - student fees and grants

National student fee

EU students and those who are accorded the same rights do not have to pay tuition fees.

Austrian students, EU students and students with equal status at universities and Pädagogische Hochschule do not have to pay fees, but if they exceed the minimum study duration for more than a year, they have to pay EUR 363.36 per semester.

All other students at Pädagogische Hochschule have to pay fees (EUR 363.36 per semester).

Students at universities and Pädagogische Hochschule can be exempt from paying in cases such as studies or internships within transnational mobility programmes, illness, pregnancy and disabilities.

International students (i.e. non-EU and EEC students) at universities have to pay fees of EUR 726.72 per semester, with the exception of students from the least developed countries. Students from developing countries may be exempt from the fees according to a respective decision of the university.

Providers of the Fachhochschulen (universities of applied sciences) are entitled to charge fees up to the maximum amount of EUR 363.36 per semester. Additionally, the providers are entitled to charge cost-covering fees, which are usually higher than EUR 363.36 per semester, from third-country students.

Student grants

The federal student grants can systematically be divided into two sections: direct study financing received in cash, and indirect study financing which the student may receive by a transfer payment to the students’ parents, or through non-cash benefits.

Direct student support is paid out in monthly instalments up to EUR 8 952 per year. The amount is assessed on the basis of income and number of family members of the student, his/her parents and his/her spouse.

The grants need not be paid back except when proof of academic achievement is missing after the first two semesters.

Loans

No student loans.

Tax benefit for student's parents

Students' parents can receive family allowances (EUR 152.70 per month per child) and tax relief (EUR 58.40 per month per child) if the student is under 24 (in exceptional cases till 25 years of age) and is studying.

Family allowances

Students' parents can receive family allowances (EUR 152.70 per month per child) and tax relief (EUR 58.40 per month per child) if the student is under 24 (in exceptional cases till 25 years of age) and is studying.