Visa

Nationals of EU and EEA member countries as well as Swiss nationals do not need visas or residence permits. When staying in Austria for longer than 3 months they, however, have to apply for a confirmation of registration (Anmeldebescheinigung) at the immigration office (Landeshauptmann, Magistrat, Bezirkshauptmannschaft) within 3 months of entry to Austria.

Other foreigners have, if they are staying for longer than 6 months, to apply for a residence permit for study purposes at the Austrian representative authority before entry to Austria after receipt of the notification of admission. The application will be sent to Austria and the decision has to be awaited in one’s home country (therefore the application should be made at least 3 months before the intended arrival in Austria).
Exception: Applicants who are allowed to enter Austria without a visa (information about this is available from the Austrian embassies) may apply for and receive the residence permit from the Immigration Office once they are in Austria.

Important documents

The following documents have to be submitted:

1. a fully completed and signed application form (available from the representative authority; can also be downloaded from the Internet)
2. valid passport (should be valid for the whole duration of your stay in Austria)
3. passport-sized color photograph (size between 3.5 x 4.5 cm and 4.0 x 5.0 cm)
4. birth certificate
5. certificate of good conduct (where available)
6. health insurance for the period of entry till beginning of study
7. notification of admission of the Austrian educational institution
8. proof of sufficient financial means to cover one's living costs for 12 months in advance (for students up to 24 years of age: EUR 412.54/month; for students over 24 years of age: EUR 747.00/month (these amounts contain the rent of up to EUR 239.15), e.g.: savings bank book/account in Austria / declaration of guarantee of a person living in Austria / Travelers Cheques
9. proof of accommodation (tenancy contract, accommodation contract of a student hall of  residence)
The issue of the residence permit is subject to a fee (EUR 110.-).