In short
The University of Vienna, founded in 1365, is a large, research-focused public university in Austria's capital, offering over 180 study programs in a city renowned for its high quality of life.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1365
- Students
- 93,628
- International students
- 23,000
- Acceptance rate
- 24%
- Tuition (intl)
- €2–2k/yr
- Languages
- DE, EN
- Location
- Vienna, Austria
The University of Vienna, founded in 1365, is one of Europe's oldest and largest universities, located in the vibrant city of Vienna, consistently ranked among the most livable cities globally. It is recognized internationally for its excellent research and broad academic offerings, with over 180 study programs. The university fosters an international academic environment, boasting a significant international student population and partnerships with over 400 universities worldwide. Committed to both fundamental and applied research, the University of Vienna encourages interdisciplinary exchange across six strategic priorities designed to address contemporary societal challenges. It offers extensive opportunities for academic and personal growth, from bachelor's and master's degrees to teacher education, postgraduate training, and research careers. As a hub for science and cultural exchange, the University of Vienna seamlessly blends tradition with innovation, providing a dynamic space for studying, teaching, researching, and shaping the future.
Why study here
- Study in Vienna, consistently ranked as one of the most livable cities globally.
- Access a wide range of over 180 degree programs, including Bachelor's, Master's, Teacher Education, and Doctoral studies.
- Engage in excellent research recognized internationally, with strategic priorities addressing key societal challenges.
- Benefit from a rich history and tradition combined with a focus on innovation and interdisciplinary approaches.
- Join a diverse and international academic community with partnerships across more than 400 universities worldwide.
Student life
The University of Vienna offers a vibrant student life in one of the world's most livable cities. Students can participate in numerous international conferences and events hosted throughout the year, fostering a dynamic academic and social environment. The university provides various services and facilities, including extensive library resources and IT services, to support student well-being and academic success. With multiple locations spread across Vienna, readily accessible by public transport, students can easily explore the city's rich culture and diverse offerings.
Fees
InternationalNon-EU/EEA citizens pay a tuition fee of 726.72 Euro per semester, plus a Students' Union fee of 26.20 Euro, totaling 752.92 Euro per semester from the first semester of study. Some exemptions apply.
HomeEU/EEA/CH citizens are exempt from tuition fees for the stipulated degree program duration plus two tolerance semesters. During this period, they only pay a Students' Union fee of 26.20 Euro per semester. After this tuition-free period, the tuition fee is 363.36 Euro per semester, bringing the total to 389.56 Euro per semester.
LivingLiving costs in Vienna average €900–1,200/month covering accommodation, food, transport, and personal expenses.
All students are required to pay the Students' Union fee each semester. The tuition fee amount and exemptions depend on citizenship and study duration. For non-EU/EEA citizens, the tuition fee is generally charged from the first semester.
Admissions
General Degree Prerequisite (Doctoral/PhD)Subject-related diploma or Master's degree, or an equivalent higher education degree from a recognised institution.
Dissertation Project Proposal (Doctoral/PhD)A short description (max. 4 pages plus references) outlining the planned dissertation topic, questions, objectives, and current state of research.
Supervision Commitment (Doctoral/PhD)Confirmation from a University of Vienna supervisor agreeing to oversee your research.
Motivation LetterMax. 1 page, detailing research interests and reasons for choosing the University of Vienna.
CVMax. 3 pages, including academic and professional career, relevant experience, language skills, and academic achievements.
Degree Certificates and TranscriptsBachelor's and Master's degree certificates and transcripts with required legalisation.
IELTSB2 minimum; C1 for doctoral studies
TOEFL iBT87+ recommended
Rankings
QS World University Rankings 2025152
QS Subject RankingsTop 50 in 7 subjects
Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024151–200
University scholarships
Ernst Mach Grant€1,050/month stipend for international students undertaking research stays
Franz Werfel ScholarshipScholarship for French students to study German language and culture
Azure Research FundingUp to €5,000 per project for research using Microsoft Azure cloud services
Accreditation
The University of Vienna is a state-accredited public university operating under Austrian federal law (Universitätsgesetz 2002). Degrees are recognised throughout the European Higher Education Area under the Bologna framework.
Programs
a selectionUniversity of Vienna · Austria
Anglophone Literatures and Cultures (Master)
The Master of Arts in Anglophone Literatures and Cultures is designed to equip students with the skills for independent research in literatures and cultures from English-speaking regions. Graduates will be able to critically analyze complex cultural phenomena, communicate effectively across intercultural contexts, and apply their knowledge in diverse professional settings. The program emphasizes advanced oral and written communication in English, alongside essential digital skills for research and presentation. Students are encouraged to develop independent research interests and focus their studies accordingly.
Master's
Level
€1k
Tuition
48 mo
Duration
University of Vienna · Austria
Applied Economics (Master)
The Master's programme in Applied Economics provides advanced knowledge and analytical skills to tackle complex economic questions relevant to policy and business. You will gain a deep understanding of core economic disciplines like econometrics, macroeconomics, and microeconomics. The programme allows you to specialise in areas such as banking and financial markets, behavioural economics, competition and regulation, macroeconomic policy, and policy evaluation, enabling you to shape your academic profile according to your interests.
Master's
Level
Free
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
University of Vienna · Austria
Arabic Linguistics (Master)
The Master's program in Arabic Linguistics at the University of Vienna offers advanced training in linguistic and dialectological research of the Arabic language. You will learn to apply general linguistic methods to analyze and describe spoken Arabic varieties. This program equips you with the skills to conduct independent research and contribute to the understanding of Arabic dialects.
Master's
Level
Free
Tuition
48 mo
Duration
University of Vienna · Austria
Banking and Finance (Master)
The Master's programme in Banking and Finance at the University of Vienna provides a comprehensive education in finance, with a particular focus on asset pricing, financial markets, banking, financial intermediation, and corporate finance. It equips students with the latest theories and methodologies essential for successful careers in the financial sector, public administration, and regulatory bodies. The program offers two specialization tracks: 'business orientation' and 'science orientation', allowing students to tailor their studies. While primarily aimed at students with a background in business or economics, it welcomes applicants from other disciplines, especially those with a formal science background, who have a strong interest in finance. All courses are conducted in English.
Master's
Level
€1k
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
University of Vienna · Austria
Botany (Master)
The Master of Science programme in Botany at the University of Vienna is designed to equip students with the scientific expertise and modern research methodologies necessary for a career in botany. The curriculum emphasizes the integration of systematic and evolutionary botany, structural botany, and molecular plant biology, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration with other scientific fields. Graduates will be prepared to conduct advanced research, contribute to applied scientific areas, and effectively communicate botanical knowledge.
Master's
Level
Free
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
University of Vienna · Austria
Business Analytics (Master)
The Master's programme in Business Analytics at the University of Vienna equips students with the methods and tools for predictive and prescriptive analytics, crucial for business decision-making and support. This joint venture between multiple faculties allows students to specialize in a business administration field, enabling them to conduct sophisticated data analyses, develop, and implement decision support systems. Graduates will be capable of independently solving and interpreting complex business problems using large datasets, making informed recommendations. The program emphasizes a high level of analytical thinking and prepares students for advanced academic research or highly qualified professional roles in business analytics and related fields. It also provides a strong foundation for pursuing a PhD in business or economics.
Master's
Level
Free
Tuition
24 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 tuition fees for international students at the University of Vienna?
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Non-EU/EEA citizens pay a tuition fee of 726.72 Euro per semester, plus a Students' Union fee of 26.20 Euro, totaling 752.92 Euro per semester. EU/EEA/CH citizens are exempt from tuition fees for the standard study duration plus two tolerance semesters, only paying the Students' Union fee during this period.
What is the cost of living in Vienna for students?
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Living costs in Vienna average between €900–1,200 per month. This estimate covers essential expenses such as accommodation, food, transportation, and personal spending.
How many study programs are offered at the University of Vienna?
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The University of Vienna offers a broad range of academic choices with over 180 study programs available. These include Bachelor's, Master's, teacher education, and doctoral studies.
What are the English language proficiency requirements for international applicants?
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For most programs, a minimum B2 level of English proficiency is required, typically demonstrated through IELTS or TOEFL iBT. Doctoral studies often require a C1 level.
Does the University of Vienna offer any scholarships for international students?
+
Yes, the university offers scholarships like the Ernst Mach Grant, which provides a monthly stipend for international students undertaking research stays. Other scholarships may also be available for specific purposes.
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