Austria student visa (residence permit)

The permit covers regular or extraordinary studies at a public university, a university of applied sciences, a private college or a private university accredited under the Private Higher Education Act, as well as legally required practical training after graduation. Extraordinary programmes need at least 40 ECTS, and courses that consist only of language learning do not qualify. School pupils use a separate permit for pupils with the same income thresholds.

You need admission as a regular or extraordinary student at a recognised university, university of applied sciences or similar institution; extraordinary programmes must have at least 40 ECTS. You also need health insurance, accommodation and sufficient funds, which a sponsor may guarantee with a liability declaration.

Students under 24 must show EUR 777.58 a month; students aged 24 or older EUR 1,308.39 a month, the standard ASVG rate for a single person.

You do not have to prove a legal title to accommodation as a student, but the rent is taken into account when the authority checks whether your means are sufficient.

The first application is filed in person at the Austrian mission responsible for your place of residence, usually with an appointment. The decision is taken by the residence authority at your future place of residence, for example MA 35 in Vienna. Overstaying a visa-free period counts against the grant of the permit.

Register your address at the registration office (Meldezettel) within three days of moving in and collect the residence card from the competent residence authority. Holders of most residence titles must fulfil the integration agreement (Module 1, A2 German) within two years.

After completing your studies the permit can be extended once for 12 months to look for work or start a business; graduates who find a suitable job can switch to the Red-White-Red Card for graduates.

Renew in person at the residence authority for your place of residence in Austria, no earlier than three months before the card expires and no later than its expiry date; the fee is EUR 218. A timely application keeps your right of residence and your current labour-market access until the decision, and a confirmation valid for up to three months can be placed in your passport so that you can travel back to Austria. A late application only counts as a renewal if an unforeseeable event stopped you and you apply within two weeks after it ends; otherwise it is treated as a first application.

Spouses or registered partners aged at least 21 and unmarried minor children can join a student with a family permit under the temporary residence rules. If they want to work, they need a work authorisation for a specific employer.

You may work up to 20 hours a week if the employer obtains an AMS employment permit, which is issued without a labour-market test, as long as studies are not jeopardised. Extensions require proof of study success.