Austria 2016/17 - student fees and grants

National student fee

EU students and those who are accorded the same rights do not have to pay tuition fees at universities and Pädagogische Hochschule (University Colleges of Teacher Education). There are also no administrative fees. In case students exceed the maximum study duration by more than a year, they have to pay EUR 363.36 per semester. Exemption from fees may be given in cases such as studies or internships within transnational mobility programmes, illness and pregnancy, to students with disabilities.

Fachhochschulen (universities of applied sciences) are entitled to charge fees up to the maximum amount of EUR 363.36 per semester.

There is no short cycle programme in higher education in Austria.

International students (i.e. non-EU and EEA students) at universities generally have to pay fees of EUR 726.72 per semester. Students from developing countries may be exempt from these fees according to a decision of the university. Students from the least developed countries are exempt from fees. Fachhochschulen are entitled to charge cost-covering fees, which are usually higher than EUR 363.36 per semester on non-EU and EEA students.

Student grants

The federal student grants for 1st and 2nd cycle can systematically be divided into two sections: direct study financing received in cash, and indirect study financing. Indirect financing may be a transfer payment to the students’ parents (e.g. family allowances and tax relief), or non-cash benefits (e.g. health and accident insurance for students and tax benefits).

Direct student support is paid out in monthly instalments of up to EUR 9 492 per year on the basis of social criteria and of good academic performance. The amount is assessed on the basis of the income of the parents, the student and his/her spouse, and the number of family members. Students may only be required to pay back grants when proof of academic achievement is missing after the first two semesters.

Loans

No student loans.

Tax benefit for student's parents

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 158.90 per month per child).