Many young people dream of moving to the big city one day to go to college there. Meeting new people, gaining new and exciting knowledge, or even pulling an all-nighter now and then—whether because of an upcoming exam or other reasons is up for debate. The fact is, however, that fulfilling this dream often requires financial support.
But don’t worry: we students have the opportunity to take advantage of grants and other forms of funding. For example, the student grant. To make sure you don’t miss out on student life because of unnecessary bureaucracy, we’ve summarized everything you need to know about the student grant in a concise and straightforward way.
You might also find this interesting: The student grant is by no means the only thing to consider before starting your studies. With our helpful tips for starting college, you’ll be fully prepared.
What exactly is a student grant?
But now let’s get to the main topic—the student grant. It’s talked about a lot, but exactly what it is remains a mystery to some.
The basic idea is simple: higher education should be accessible to everyone. Often, financial resources within a family are limited, and working takes precedence over studying. Even in large families with several children, challenges can arise when it comes to enabling every child to attend college.
It is also often necessary to move to another city to attend college and, for example, settle into a dormitory in Vienna. This, too, involves additional costs. This is exactly where the student grant comes in. The goal is to create a level playing field for everyone and enable everyone to access higher education.
The amount of the grant is determined on an individual basis and depends on several factors. In addition to family size, the parents’ income and occupation also play a role. But be careful: The calculation of the student grant is recalculated every year and rarely remains the same over a longer period of time.
Who is eligible to apply for a student grant?
This is where things get a bit more complicated. Of course, anyone can apply for a student grant. However, to outsiders, the process of who ultimately receives it - and to what extent - often seems like an arbitrary selection process. In reality, though, there is a sophisticated system in place that carefully reviews the applications and the individual circumstances of each family. In general, the following criteria must be met:
- Regular student at an Austrian university, university of applied sciences, college of education, medical-technical academy, or conservatory with public status
- Enrolled at one of the above-mentioned institutions at the time of application
- Studies must have begun before the age of 29
- A second equivalent degree program must not yet have been completed
- The degree program may not be changed more than twice
- The grace period may not be exceeded
Once these requirements are met, the family’s situation is reviewed in a subsequent step. Here, support is primarily provided to families deemed “socially deserving.”
Our tip: The proof is in the pudding. Applying for a student grant is time-consuming, but it’s still the easiest way to find out whether you’re eligible - and to what extent.
Where can I find the application for a student grant?
The easiest way to find the application for a student grant is online. With your mobile signature, you can submit the application easily and conveniently from home. This saves you the hassle of dealing with bureaucratic red tape. Austrian universities also almost always offer a service to help you with your student grant application. It’s best to check with them right away to find out when the deadlines are for the next academic year.
Once all the paperwork is taken care of, you can focus entirely on your studies. Whether you’re preparing for exams, hanging out with fellow students, or grabbing a drink after class—student life is meant to be enjoyed.
P.S.: If you’re still looking for an affordable, cozy, and modern student residence in Austria, Home4students is the top choice. We’re happy to help you find the right accommodation to kick off this new chapter in your life!