Living in Austria

A Practical Guide for International Students: Cost, Lifestyle, Rules, and Tips

University System & Study Environment

Austria is home to top-ranked universities like TU Wien, University of Vienna, Graz University of Technology, JKU Linz, and FH campuses offering applied programs.

Public Universities

  • • Research-heavy curriculum
  • • Require more self-study and independent learning
  • • Greater flexibility in course selection
  • • Focus on theoretical foundations

Fachhochschule (FH)

  • • More structured programs
  • • Mandatory attendance requirements
  • • Smaller class sizes
  • • Applied, industry-focused approach

Note: Professors are approachable, but academic expectations are high—especially in engineering, computing, and applied sciences.

Cost of Living

Living cost varies by city; Vienna is the most expensive, while Graz and Linz are cheaper.

ExpenseCost Range
Student Housing€300–€600
Private Room€450–€800
Health Insurance (mandatory)€66–€75 per month (ÖGK student plan)
Groceries€200–€300
Public Transport€15–€30 (with student semester ticket)
Phone/Internet€10–€25
Misc. (laundry, sports, etc.)€100–€150

💰 Total Estimate: €750–€1,200 per month

Note: Grocery costs can be significantly reduced if you cook your own meals at home instead of eating out.

Find Your Accommodation

Comprehensive list of housing platforms and student dormitories across Austria to help you find the perfect place to stay.

General Housing Platforms
Popular websites for finding apartments, rooms, and flat shares across Austria

WG-gesucht

Flat shares (Germany-wide but widely used in Austria)

HousingAnywhere

International student sublets

Willhaben

Huge classifieds site (rooms, flats, houses)

Immosuchmaschine

Apartment aggregator

Wohnnet

Real estate listings

Der Standard Immobilien

Listings via newspaper

Jobwohnen

Student-friendly, often fewer agent fees

Bazar

Classifieds, especially rooms & flat shares

Facebook Groups

Search for "WG-Zimmer Wien/Graz/Salzburg" or similar groups for your city

Student Dorm Providers
Official student housing providers with dormitories across Austria

OeAD Student Housing

Official Austrian exchange/student housing

Home4students

Dorms in Vienna, Graz, Klagenfurt, Salzburg, Innsbruck

Akademikerhilfe

38+ residences across Austria

ÖJAB

23 dorms in Vienna, Graz, Salzburg, Eisenstadt, Krems

STUWO

Modern dorms, all-inclusive, multiple states

Viennabase

Mainly Vienna, modern residences

Wihast

Multiple student residences across Vienna

WIST Haus

Mainly in Styria (Steiermark)

Kolpinghaus

Dorms in Vienna, Salzburg, Linz, etc.

ISH Innsbruck

Internationales Studentenhaus - Tyrol-specific

💡 Pro Tip

Apply to student dorms early as they fill up quickly. Many have application deadlines months before the semester starts.

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