Programs in Natural and exact sciences in Austria

Brief overview of programs in Natural and exact sciences in Austria

Austria attracts international students with high-quality education in the field of natural and exact sciences, including mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, computer science, and engineering. Bachelor’s and master’s programs in this field offer both fundamental research and applied disciplines focused on the practical application of knowledge. Austrian universities, such as the University of Vienna, Vienna University of Technology, and the University of Innsbruck, are among the best in Europe, providing a high level of training and access to modern technologies. Education is available in German and English, making Austria attractive to international applicants. The cost of education for international students is relatively low compared to other European countries, and the availability of scholarships and grants makes education even more accessible.

Features of programs in Natural and exact sciences in Austria

Programs in natural and exact sciences in Austria are distinguished by several unique features that make them in demand among international students:

• Flexible curriculum. In Austrian universities, students independently create their schedules, choosing courses and exam dates, which allows them to tailor their education to personal interests and career goals.
• Combination of theory and practice. Universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen) include mandatory internships lasting up to 15 weeks, helping students gain practical experience.
• English-language programs. Although most bachelor’s programs are taught in German, master’s programs offer many courses in English, especially in disciplines such as computer science, physics, and engineering.
• Innovative research base. Austrian universities actively collaborate with scientific centers, such as CERN, providing access to cutting-edge laboratories and projects.
• International environment. Over 370,000 international students study at Austrian universities, creating a multicultural atmosphere conducive to knowledge exchange.

These features make studying in Austria unique, combining academic rigor with practical orientation and an international approach.

Advantages of programs in Natural and exact sciences in Austria

Studying in programs in natural and exact sciences in Austria has numerous advantages:

• High quality of education. Austrian universities, such as the University of Vienna, rank in the top 200 global rankings (QS World University Rankings 2025).
• Affordable cost. In public universities, the fee per semester for students from non-EU countries is approximately 822 USD, which is lower than in the USA or the UK.
• Wide range of scholarships. Programs such as Erasmus Mundus and OeAD grants cover tuition and living expenses.
• Career prospects. Graduates are in demand at international companies such as Siemens, BMW, and Red Bull due to their strong technical training.
• Opportunity for part-time work. International students can work up to 10 hours per week during bachelor’s studies and up to 20 hours during master’s studies, helping to cover living expenses.
• Safety and comfort. Vienna ranks first in the world for quality of life (Mercer Quality of Living Ranking 2024), providing students with comfortable conditions.

Disadvantages of programs in Natural and exact sciences in Austria

Despite their attractiveness, programs in natural and exact sciences in Austria have some disadvantages that should be considered:

• Language barrier. Most bachelor’s programs require proficiency in German at the B2-C1 level. This can be a challenge for those who do not speak the language.
• Entrance exams. Some programs, especially in physics, computer science, and engineering, require passing additional exams, increasing the complexity of admission.
• High independence. The lack of a fixed curriculum requires students to have discipline and time-management skills.
• Limited number of English-language programs at the bachelor’s level. Most English-language programs are available only at the master’s level.

How to overcome these disadvantages?

• To overcome the language barrier, you can enroll in preparatory German language courses at universities, which accept students with an A2 level. Such courses last from 6 months to a year.
• Preparation for entrance exams is possible through specialized courses offered, for example, by the University of Innsbruck or FH Burgenland.
• Developing independence skills can start in advance by studying the basics of time management and planning.
• If English is preferred, consider master’s programs or private universities, where English-language programs are more common.

With proper preparation, these disadvantages become surmountable, and studying in Austria remains an attractive choice.

Universities in Austria offering programs in Natural and exact sciences

Austria has over 70 universities, many of which offer programs in natural and exact sciences. Here is a list of key universities:

• University of Vienna (Universität Wien). One of the oldest in Europe, it offers programs in physics, mathematics, computer science, and biology. It has English-language master’s programs, such as Physics and Applied Economics.
• Vienna University of Technology (TU Wien). Specializes in engineering sciences, computer science, and mathematics. It ranks in the top 100 for technical disciplines (QS Rankings 2025).
• University of Innsbruck. Known for programs in astronomy, astrophysics, and biology. Offers scholarships for master’s students in the amount of 1,000 euros per month.
• University of Graz. Strong programs in chemistry and biology, with a focus on interdisciplinary research.
• Johannes Kepler University Linz. Focuses on computer science and mathematics, participating in the LogiCS program for doctoral students.

Admission requirements for programs in Natural and exact sciences in Austria

For admission to programs in natural and exact sciences in Austria, international students must meet the following requirements:

• Secondary education certificate. For bachelor’s programs, a certificate equivalent to the Austrian standard (12 years of education) is required. If schooling lasted 11 years, additional exams or 2 years of university study in the home country may be required.
• Language proficiency. For German-language programs, a certificate such as ÖSD, TestDaF, or Goethe at B2-C1 level is required. For English-language programs — IELTS (6.5+) or TOEFL (80+).
• Entrance exams. Some programs, especially in engineering and computer science, require passing exams in mathematics, physics, or other disciplines.
• Financial solvency. To obtain a student visa, proof of funds is required: 7,458 USD per year for students under 24 and 13,560 USD for those older.

Documents for admission to programs in Natural and exact sciences in Austria

The list of documents for admission includes:

• Application for admission (submitted online via the university’s website).
• Secondary education certificate (for bachelor’s) or bachelor’s diploma (for master’s) with an apostille and translation into German or English.
• Language proficiency certificate (ÖSD/TestDaF/Goethe for German, IELTS/TOEFL for English).
• Motivation letter describing study goals.
• Resume (CV) for master’s programs.
• Recommendation letters (1-2 for master’s programs).
• Bank statement confirming financial solvency.
• Copy of the passport.
• Certificate of eligibility to study at a university in the home country (for some programs).

Documents must be legalized and translated by a certified translator. Submission is done through the university’s website or a special portal.

Cost of studying in programs in Natural and exact sciences in Austria

The cost of education for international students depends on the type of university:

• Public universities. Approximately 822 USD per semester for students from non-EU countries. Additionally, a student union fee of about 18 USD per semester is charged.
• Universities of applied sciences. From 822 to 8,475 USD per semester.
• Private universities. From 3,390 to 25,990 USD per year, depending on the program and university prestige.

Living expenses in Austria range from 600-1,200 USD per month, including housing, food, and transportation. Health insurance costs about 60 USD per month. To obtain a visa, proof of 8,000-13,560 USD per year for living expenses is required.

Scholarships and grants for programs in Natural and exact sciences in Austria

Austria offers numerous scholarships and grants for international students studying natural and exact sciences:

• Erasmus Mundus. A program for master’s students allowing study at multiple European universities. Covers tuition and living expenses, providing up to 1,000 euros per month.
• OeAD grants. Financial support for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral students, including scholarships named after Amelia Earhart and Maria Schaumayer for STEM students. Amounts range from 940 to 1,150 euros per month.
• University of Innsbruck grants. For master’s students in astronomy and astrophysics — 1,000 euros per month plus up to 5,000 euros per year for research trips.
• LogiCS. A program for doctoral students in computer science, funded by FWF, with monthly payments of up to 1,150 euros.

To obtain a scholarship, a high GPA, a motivation letter, and, in some cases, a research project are required. Applications are submitted through university websites or OeAD from October to February.

Career prospects after programs in Natural and exact sciences in Austria

Graduates of programs in natural and exact sciences in Austria have excellent career prospects:

• Employment in Austria. The country is a hub for innovation, and companies such as Infineon and AT&S actively hire specialists in engineering and computer science.
• International companies. Austrian university diplomas are recognized worldwide, opening doors to Google, Microsoft, and other corporations.
• Academic career. Universities and research centers, such as the Vienna Scientific Cluster, offer positions for doctoral students and postdocs.
• Average salaries. Engineers earn 50,000–70,000 euros per year, IT specialists - 55,000-80,000 euros, and scientists in academia - 40,000 — 60,000 euros.

Students can also stay in Austria after graduation, receiving a residence permit for job search for up to 12 months.

Is it worth studying in programs in Natural and exact sciences in Austria?

Studying in Austria in programs in natural and exact sciences combines high-quality education, affordable costs, and strong career prospects. Low tuition fees, numerous scholarships, and part-time work opportunities make Austria financially attractive. A high standard of living, a multicultural environment, and access to cutting-edge research enhance the advantages. Despite language and organizational challenges, they are surmountable with proper preparation. If you aim for quality education in Europe and are willing to invest time in learning German, Austria is an excellent choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it possible to study in English in programs in natural and exact sciences in Austria?
Yes, especially at the master’s level. Universities such as TU Wien and the University of Vienna offer English-language programs in physics, computer science, and engineering. At the bachelor’s level, such programs are fewer, and knowledge of German is often mandatory.

2. What scholarships are available to international students?
International students can apply for Erasmus Mundus, OeAD grants, and university scholarships, such as those from the University of Innsbruck. Amounts range from 940 to 1,150 euros per month, covering tuition and living expenses.

3. How much does it cost to live in Austria for students?
Living expenses range from 600-1,200 USD per month, including housing, food, and transportation. Vienna is more expensive than other cities, such as Graz or Linz.

4. Are entrance exams required for admission?
For some programs in natural and exact sciences, especially in engineering and computer science, entrance exams are required. Specific requirements depend on the university and program.

5. Can I work while studying?
Yes, bachelor’s students can work up to 10 hours per week, and master’s students up to 20 hours. This helps cover living expenses.