AUSTRIA · INNSBRUCK
University of Innsbruck
public · Founded 1669 · Languages: de, en
In short
The University of Innsbruck, founded in 1669, is a leading research university in western Austria, offering over 160 programmes in a scenic Alpine setting. It is known for quantum physics research and provides a vibrant international student experience.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1669
- Students
- 28,000
- International students
- 5,500
- Acceptance rate
- 75%
- Tuition (intl)
- €2–3k/yr
- Languages
- DE, EN
- Location
- Innsbruck, Austria
The University of Innsbruck, founded in 1669, is the leading research university in western Austria and one of the country's most respected institutions. Situated in the Tyrolean Alps, it combines a rich academic tradition with a spectacular mountain setting. With over 160 degree programmes and approximately 28,000 students, it excels in quantum physics, natural sciences, law, and humanities. Its membership in the Aurora European University Alliance and 350+ global partnerships make it an internationally connected hub for students and researchers.
Why study here
- World-renowned centre for quantum physics and quantum science research, offering direct involvement in cutting-edge experiments.
- Over 160 degree programmes including numerous English-taught master's degrees attracting students from 100+ countries.
- Compact Alpine city with affordable living costs, world-class skiing, hiking, and a vibrant student atmosphere.
- Member of the Aurora European University Alliance with Erasmus+ mobility to 350+ partner universities.
- Strong focus on sustainability and interdisciplinary research in the heart of one of Europe's most scenic regions.
Student life
Innsbruck is a compact, student-friendly city where roughly a quarter of residents are university students. The city offers a lively mix of cafes, cultural events, and nightlife alongside world-class outdoor recreation — ski resorts are reachable within 20 minutes, and alpine hiking trails begin at the city's edge. On-campus amenities include modern libraries, sports facilities, and student unions. International students are supported by a dedicated Welcome Centre and can access language courses, housing assistance, and social events. The Aurora Alliance and Erasmus+ networks create a genuinely international campus atmosphere.
Fees
InternationalApproximately EUR 1,500 per semester (EUR 726 semester fee + supplementary tuition for non-EU students). Many EU/EEA students pay only the semester contribution.
HomeEU/EEA students pay the standard semester contribution of approx. EUR 363 per semester (EUR 726/year).
LivingEstimated living costs EUR 900–1,200/month including rent, food, transport, and personal expenses.
Non-EU students exceeding the standard study duration are charged an additional tuition fee. Scholarships and Aurora mobility grants are available.
Admissions
Bachelor's programmesCompleted secondary school leaving certificate (Matura/A-levels/equivalent). Some programmes have entrance examinations.
Master's programmesRelevant bachelor's degree or equivalent from a recognised institution.
Doctoral programmesRelevant master's or diploma degree; supervisor agreement required.
IELTS6.0 overall (for English-taught programmes)
TOEFL iBT80+ (for English-taught programmes)
German (DSH/TestDaF)DSH-2 or TestDaF 4 for German-taught programmes
Rankings
QS World University Rankings 2024601
Times Higher Education 2024601
National (Austria)4
University scholarships
Aurora Short-Term Mobility GrantsPartial travel and subsistence support
Erasmus+ Study GrantsEUR 200–600/month depending on destination
University of Innsbruck Merit ScholarshipsVaries; awarded to outstanding students
Accreditation
Accredited by the Austrian Accreditation Council (Österreichischer Akkreditierungsrat); member of the European University Association (EUA) and the Aurora Alliance. Quality assurance conducted under the Austrian Universities Act.
Programs
a selectionUniversity of Innsbruck · Austria
Alpine Plants
The University of Innsbruck's Botanical Garden has a rich history in the cultivation of alpine plants, dating back to the work of Anton Kerner von Marilaun. The Alpinum section is dedicated to showcasing plants from high-altitude regions worldwide. Unlike a traditional rock garden, the Alpinum is organized geographically and geologically, featuring plants from major mountain ranges such as the Rocky Mountains, European mountains, the Caucasus, and Central Asia. The garden covers an area of over 2000m², offering a diverse collection of alpine flora arranged according to scientific principles. In addition to the outdoor Alpinum, the university also cultivates rare and sensitive mountain plants in specialized facilities. An alpine house provides a controlled environment with stable temperatures and specialized drainage to help plants from mountainous regions adapt to the lower altitude climate of Innsbruck. A sand bed, equipped with a roof and highly permeable soil, is used for plants that are hardy to temperature fluctuations but sensitive to excessive moisture, particularly during winter. These facilities allow for the preservation and study of a wide range of alpine species.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
University of Innsbruck · Austria
Bachelor of Science in Mechatronics
This Bachelor of Science in Mechatronics is a joint program between UMIT TIROL and the University of Innsbruck (LFU). Mechatronics integrates mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and computer science to develop advanced systems, processes, devices, and products. The program focuses on creating solutions with high functionality, efficiency, and performance by combining these disciplines. Students will gain a strong foundation in natural sciences (mathematics, physics, chemistry) and engineering principles. The interdisciplinary nature of mechatronics also emphasizes the development of social competencies, particularly teamwork. Graduates are well-prepared to tackle complex challenges in modern technology and drive product innovation across various industries.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
72 mo
Duration
University of Innsbruck · Austria
Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy
The Bachelor's degree in Pharmacy at the University of Innsbruck provides you with scientific knowledge and methods in the key areas of pharmacy, as well as in closely related fields. The core content focuses on the development, manufacturing, and quality control of medicinal substances and pharmaceuticals. This program aims to equip graduates with the fundamental theoretical and practical understanding necessary for qualified activities in the pharmaceutical industry, research institutions, or testing facilities.
Bachelor's
Level
Free
Tuition
72 mo
Duration
University of Innsbruck · Austria
Bachelor of Science in Tourism, Health and Sports Management
This Bachelor of Science program offers a comprehensive business education with a specialized focus on tourism. It integrates principles of business, economics, and management, specifically tailored to the needs of the tourism industry, with a particular emphasis on health and sports tourism in the alpine region. The curriculum is designed to equip students with theoretical knowledge, methodological skills, and practical experience, enabling them to contribute to the development and implementation of innovative and sustainable tourism concepts. Graduates will be well-prepared to understand and manage complex challenges in business and regional development within the tourism sector.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
72 mo
Duration
University of Innsbruck · Austria
Bachelor of Sociology
This Bachelor's program in Sociology provides you with a deep understanding of how societies function. Using sociological theories and methods, you will learn to observe, describe, analyze, and evaluate human actions, institutional structures, and processes of social change. The program equips you with knowledge of general and special sociology, empirical social research, and related fields, fostering a comprehensive understanding of the discipline.
Bachelor's
Level
Free
Tuition
36 mo
Duration
University of Innsbruck · Austria
Diploma Programme Law – Integrated Programme
This is a joint study program with the Universities of Padua and Trento, focusing on Italian law with instruction in both German and Italian. It aims to provide a comprehensive bilingual legal education, preparing graduates for various legal professions and law-related roles in Italy and internationally. The program is supported by the Autonomous Province of Bolzano-South Tyrol.
Diploma
Level
—
Tuition
120 mo
Duration
Scholarships
for Austria
full fundingInstitute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) and the NOMIS Foundation
NOMIS-ISTA Fellowship
Open to early-career researchers of any nationality who hold a PhD or expect to obtain one within 8 months of the deadline, have a strong interest in interdisciplinary research, ideally have some postdoctoral experience, can begin the fellowship within 6 months of selection, and have not previously been employed at ISTA. Each project must be co-supervised by two ISTA faculty members from different disciplines, with the option to add an external co-supervisor.
full
Funding
€76k
Max
Sep 18, 2026
Deadline
full fundingVienna BioCenter (VBC)
Vienna International Postdoctoral Program (VIP2)
Open to researchers of all nationalities who hold a PhD in life sciences or a related field (physics, engineering, chemistry, computer science, mathematics) and have at least one first-author publication or a preprint on bioRxiv or arXiv. Applicants must satisfy the Marie Curie transnational mobility rule: they may not have resided or worked in Austria for more than 12 months in the three years before the call deadline.
full
Funding
€70k
Max
Jun 15, 2027
Deadline
full fundingVienna University of Economics and Business (WU Vienna)
ViCAS Fellowship at WU Vienna
Open to final-year PhD students and early-career researchers who earned (or will earn) a PhD in 2021 or later, with a research focus on experimental or behavioral economics. Applicants must be able to reside in Vienna for the full 12-month residency. Open to candidates of all nationalities, including EU and non-EU researchers.
full
Funding
€42k
Max
Nov 15, 2026
Deadline
full fundingTU Wien (Vienna University of Technology)
Helmut Veith Stipend for Female Master's Students in Computer Science at TU Wien
Open to female students of any nationality who hold a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Mathematics (Bologna first cycle) or an equivalent qualification, and who meet the admission requirements for one of TU Wien's English-taught Master's programmes in computer science. Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English (e.g. TOEFL or equivalent), show extensive knowledge of and interest in at least one of Helmut Veith's research areas - formal methods and verification, logic in computer science, foundations of artificial intelligence, computer security or complexity theory - and commit to residing in Austria for the duration of the Master's studies. Two referees who can provide letters of recommendation must be named.
full
Funding
€14k
Max
Nov 30, 2026
Deadline
full fundingOeAD – Austria's Agency for Education and Internationalisation
OeAD Ernst Mach Grant (Austria)
For students and researchers from eligible countries who wish to study or conduct research in Austria, via several sub-programmes (including the worldwide and developing-country tracks). Eligibility, age limits, and host requirements depend on the specific Ernst Mach sub-programme; applications are made through the OeAD grant platform.
full
Funding
€14k
Max
Mar 1, 2027
Deadline
full funding
Wellcome Trust
Wellcome Trust Fellowships and Grants (for international researchers)
For researchers at different career stages working on health-related science. Wellcome funds a family of fellowships and grants — early-career, career-development, and discovery awards, plus team and translational funding — each with its own eligibility, value, and call deadline. There is no single scholarship application; you apply to the specific scheme that fits your stage and project.
full
Funding
€3000k
Max
Rolling
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What are the approximate tuition fees for international students at the University of Innsbruck?
+
Non-EU/EEA students can expect to pay around EUR 1,500 per semester, which includes the standard semester fee plus a supplementary tuition for non-EU students. EU/EEA students typically pay only the standard semester contribution of approximately EUR 363 per semester.
What are the living costs for students in Innsbruck?
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Estimated monthly living costs in Innsbruck range from EUR 900 to EUR 1,200. This estimate covers rent, food, transportation, and personal expenses.
What academic fields is the University of Innsbruck known for?
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The University of Innsbruck is particularly renowned for its research strengths in quantum physics and quantum science. It also excels in natural sciences, law, and humanities.
Does the University of Innsbruck offer programmes taught in English?
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Yes, the university offers over 160 degree programmes, including numerous master's degrees taught in English, attracting a diverse international student body.
What are the English language proficiency requirements for English-taught programmes?
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For admission to English-taught programmes, applicants typically need an IELTS score of 6.0 overall or a TOEFL iBT score of 80+.
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