| Visa type | Residence Permit - Student (Aufenthaltsbewilligung Studierende) |
| Proof of funds | €722.58 per month for applicants under 24; EUR 1,308.39 per month for applicants aged 24 and over (in force from 1 Jan 2026) |
| Application fee | €218 |
| Processing time | Not listed |
| Work while studying | 20 hours per week |
| Dependants | Allowed |
| Official page | https://www.migration.gv.at/de/formen-der-zuwanderung/temporaerer-aufenthalt/ |
What you need
Acceptance confirmation as an ordinary or extraordinary student at an Austrian university, Fachhochschule, private university or pedagogical college. Proof of means of subsistence: EUR 722.58 a month for applicants under 24, or EUR 1,308.39 a month for applicants 24 and over, effective from 1 January 2026 (fixed regular income, savings or a sponsor's undertaking of maintenance). Health insurance valid in Austria and covering all risks. Accommodation is not required in advance, but its cost is factored into whether means of subsistence are sufficient. Continued studies require proof of study progress from the previous academic year at renewal. Family members (spouse aged 21 or over, or unmarried minor children) can apply separately for a 'residence permit - family community' once the student holds their own permit.
How to apply
- Get an acceptance or admission confirmation from an Austrian university, Fachhochschule or private university.
- Gather proof of means of subsistence, health insurance valid in Austria, and your qualification documents.
- Apply at the Austrian embassy or consulate responsible for your place of residence before travelling, since the residence permit is normally granted from abroad.
- Pay the residence permit card fee (EUR 218 from 1 January 2026) at application or on collection, as instructed by the representation.
- Travel to Austria once the permit is approved and register your address with the local settlement authority (Niederlassungsbehörde) if required.
- Renew before expiry each year, showing study progress and continued means of subsistence; the permit is issued for up to 12 months at a time.
Why applications are refused
Insufficient proof of means of subsistence against the applicable monthly rate. No valid health insurance covering all risks in Austria. No genuine acceptance or admission confirmation from a recognised Austrian institution, or a qualification that does not give access to higher education in the country where it was issued. Incomplete, unlegalised or untranslated documents. Prior visa or immigration law violations, or a public health or security concern under general settlement law.