The cost of studying in Austria
- Average spending of a student (2025 survey)
- €1,294 per month
- Average housing cost: Vienna · Graz
- €596 · €545 per month
- Tuition + ÖH fee
- €752.92 per semester
- Student health self-insurance (ÖGK)
- €78.84 per month
- Funds you must prove (under 24 · 24 and over)
- €722.58 · €1,308.39 per month
- Share of non-EU students with significant financial difficulties
- 55%
Two different numbers: what you prove and what you spend
Many students mix up two figures. The first is the amount you must prove to the embassy for the residence permit: €722.58 a month if you are under 24, €1,308.39 if you are 24 or over. The second is what students actually spend each month, which is higher than the proof-of-funds minimum for most people.
The most reliable source for the second figure is the national student survey (Studierenden-Sozialerhebung 2025, by the IHS for the ministry). It covers all students in Austria, including Austrians who live with their parents, so treat it as a guide and not as your personal budget.
What a student spends in a month
According to the 2025 survey, the average student spends €1,294 a month, up from €1,224 in 2023. Housing is the largest item.
| Category | Per month | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | €497 | 38% |
| Food | €273 | 21% |
| Transport | €82 | 6% |
| Leisure | €109 | 8% |
| Study costs | €67 | 5% |
| Other, including health | €265 | 21% |
| Total | €1,294 | 100% |
Source: IHS, Studierenden-Sozialerhebung 2025. Averages for all students, summer semester 2025.
Housing is the big variable
Among students who do not live with their parents, housing costs average €586 a month, 7% more than in 2023. By city, the survey gives an average of €596 in Vienna and €545 in Graz. By type of housing, the averages are:
| Type | Average per month |
|---|---|
| Student residence (Wohnheim) | €501 |
| Shared flat (WG) | €498 |
| Living alone | €664 |
Source: IHS, Studierenden-Sozialerhebung 2025. Student residence costs have risen 61% since 2015, mainly because more residences are run by private commercial operators.
For students from outside the EU the pressure is higher: 49% spend more than 40% of their budget on housing, against 37% of all students. Our separate guide explains how to book a room before you travel.
Costs you pay once, around arrival
Besides the monthly costs, there are one-off costs in the first months. These figures are from official pages and from our other guides, and they change, so check them before you plan:
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Legalisation of one document at the Austrian embassy | about €80, paid in dinars (reported by students) |
| Residence permit application fee | €218, non-refundable |
| Application fee for an OeAD student residence in Vienna | €35, non-refundable |
| Deposit for an OeAD student residence in Vienna | usually €750 to €950 |
| Tuition + ÖH fee, first semester | €752.92 |
| Student self-insurance (ÖGK) | €78.84 per month |
Add the flight, travel insurance for entry and the translation of your documents, which depend on your case.
How students cover the gap
The survey shows that students pay for their lives from several sources: 47% of income comes from work, 30% from family support and 7% from study grants. 68% of students have a job, working about 20 hours a week on average.
As a non-EU student you need a permit to work, and you can only work after you hold your residence card and have registered your address. Our guide to working while studying explains the rules. This is why we repeat the advice that students who have been through the process give: bring enough savings for your first four months, so that you can settle, find a job and keep your focus on your studies.
A simple way to plan
- Start with the proof-of-funds amount for your age. This is the minimum the embassy needs.
- Add the one-off costs from the table above.
- Compare your monthly plan with the survey average of €1,294 and decide honestly how much the family can cover and how much you expect to earn.
- If the numbers do not work, talk to an adviser before applying, not after a refusal.
Frequently asked questions
Is €722.58 a month enough to live on in Austria?
It is the amount the authority requires you to prove, and it is below what the average student spends (€1,294). Many students close the gap with work and family support, so plan for a higher amount.
Is Graz cheaper than Vienna?
On the survey averages, yes: housing costs €545 in Graz against €596 in Vienna. The survey does not compare total spending between the two cities.
Are there student discounts on transport?
Yes. A Vienna guide for international students states that students up to 26 can buy a semester ticket for €75. Check the current price with the transport company.
Can a scholarship cover my costs?
Study grants make up 7% of student income on average. Do not rely on a scholarship unless you already have one confirmed.