Your spot in college is confirmed and the anticipation increases - but how much will it all cost? If you are planning to study in Austria soon, you should get a clear picture of your major expenses early on. Because in addition to classes and parties, you'll also have to deal with rent, tuition, and living expenses.
To make sure you don't start the semester unprepared, we'll show you here what costs you can expect as a student in Austria. This way, you can plan your budget realistically and relax as you get ready for your studies.
Tution Fees in Austria
Let's start with the question almost everyone asks: Do I have to pay tution fees in Austria? Generally speaking, tuition fees at public universities in Austria are €363,36 per semester (as of 2026). But, and that's the good news, not everyone has to pay this amount!
If you are an EU or EEA citizen, you are exempt from tuition fees at all public universiies and some universities of applied sciences, as long as you do not exceed the standard period of study by more than two extra semesters.
However, tuition applys in the following cases:
- Non-EU citizens generally pay €726,72 per semester (as of 2026).
- Non-degree students must also pay the tuition fee of €363,36 (as of 2026).
- These fees also apply to university programs and some university of applied sciences (FH) programs.
- Private universities generally charge tuition fees. Here, the costs vary widely and typically range between €2.000 and €15.000 per year (as of 2026), depending on the program and instution.
(Special-) Fees
Regardless of whether tuition fees apply or not, every student in Austria must pay the ÖH fee of €26,20 per semester (as of WS 2026/27). However, this fee also includes accident and liability insurance, which covers you if, for example, you have an accident on your way to university.
At some universities, additional special fees may apply for specific services or activities, such as lab exercises, field trips, etc. However, this varies by university and program and can therefore be difficult to estimate. It's best to ask students who are currently enrolled in or have already completed this program.
Housing
For many, starting college marks the beginning of a whole new chapter in life: living on their own for the first time, enjoying more freedom and a bit more independence - but also facing ongoing living expenses. Rent, electricity, heating, and internet are among the biggest expenses for students in Austria. That's why many students choose to live in a shared apartmentor a student dorm. This is usually much more affordable and offers the perfect opportunity to meet new people.
Living in a Home4students residence is particularly hassle-free. The rooms are already furnished, and the most important costs, such as electricity, internet, hot water, and heating, are included in the price. This way, you know exactly what costs to expect right from the start and can begin your studies with peace of mind.
Leisure, Food and Hobbies
In addition to fixed costs like rent and tuition, studying also involves ongoing everyday expenses, such as food, leisure activities, or hanging out with friends. How much this amounts to, of course, varies from person to person and depends heavily on your lifestyle. We've listed a few tips and tricks on how to save money while studying in our blog post.
With this overview, you know roughly what costs to expect as a student in Austria and how to factor them into your budget. To reduce the financial burden during your studies, government assistance such as the student grant can help. Additionally, many students opt for a part-time job to make it easier to finance their studies and daily life.
Our tip: If you keep track of your expenses, you can plan more easily, save money wisely, and focus fully on what really matters: your studies, new experiences, and friendships.