The true cost of living in Vienna for international students

Managing the living cost in Vienna for students requires savvy budgeting and maximizing available discounts.

Ivandzhelin

5 minute read

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Updated on 16 Aug 2024

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Studying

With monthly cost of living of €1,330, Vienna is an inviting student city attracting thousands of international students every year. The city's affordability, cultural history and excellent education are just some of the other reasons making the Austrian capital so popular.

To help you make the most of your student life our guide will cover essentials like student accommodation, tuition fees, daily expenses, and money-saving tips. By the end of this article, you'll be ready to explore student-friendly accommodation in Vienna that fits perfectly within your budget.

The average international student in Vienna needs around €1,330 per month to cover all of their expenses. Here’s a breakdown of the monthly spending during your studies in Vienna:

When factoring in tuition fees, the total annual budget for a student studying at a public university in Vienna would amount to a minimum of €17,000 for non-EU students. If you opt for a private university, the total annual budget can increase substantially, reaching up to €50,600.

Austria has 3 types of universities: public, private, and universities of applied sciences. Tuition fees vary significantly based on your university, but higher education in Austria is generally affordable compared to countries like the UK or The Netherlands.

Tuition fees in Vienna

Tuition fees at public universities:

• EU/EEA/Switzerland: No tuition fees; only a semester fee of €20.
• Non-EU/EEA/Switzerland: Approximately €746.72 per semester (€726.72 for tuition fees and €20 semester fee).

Tuition fees at universities of applied sciences:

• EU/EEA/Switzerland: €363 to €727 per semester, depending on the program.
• Non-EU/EEA/Switzerland: €727 to €7,500 per semester, depending on the program.
• Some programs may also require a semester fee of €20.

Tuition fees at private universities:

• Fees vary by university, ranging between €1,500 and €17,500 per semester for all students.
• Some programs (e.g., MBA) may have a higher cost.

Scholarships for international students in Vienna

As a student in Vienna, you can apply for a range of partial scholarships to help you fund your studies or cover your living expenses. The scholarships are funded either by the Austrian government, your university or a private sponsor. Here's a list of the popular scholarships for international students in Vienna:

• Technical University of Vienna scholarships
• LL.M. Scholarship at the University of Vienna
• State scholarship for Varolberg students
• Scholarship for Websiter University Vienna
• Scholarship Fund of the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna
• Erasmus Mundos scholarships
• IAEA Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme (MSCFP)
• Indonesian-Austrian Scholarship Program (IASP)
• ÖGK scholarship for medical students

Find the full list of Austrian scholarships, grants and their deadlines on the Agency for Education and Internationalsation's (OeAD) website.

Cost of study materials in Vienna

To cover the expenses for study materials like textbooks, budget up to €290 per month. Depending on your study, you may not have high costs, but check the requirements of your degree to be certain.

Living in Austria's capital means most of your monthly expenses will go toward rent. However, in comparison to student housing costs in other European cities like Berlin and Paris, Vienna has relatively affordable rent prices:

• Student accommodation: €310-€592
• Private room in shared accommodation: €590
• Student studio: €950
• Apartment: €1,250

When searching for student accommodation in Vienna, keep in mind that location plays a crucial role in determining rental prices. Affordable districts like Josefstadt and Alsergrund are favored by students as they’re close to the University of Vienna. Neubau and Wieden are popular amongst students and young professionals as they offer proximity to Inner Stadt and a variety of housing options.

Check out our Vienna neighbourhood guide to see what other options the city has to offer.

If you need some financial help, Vienna also offers housing assistance through the Studienbeihilfe program. To be eligible, you must be either an EU citizen or a foreign resident who has resided in Austria for at least 5 years. Additionally, you must have a minimum monthly income of €1,053.64 (or have attained this income level within the last 10 years) and pay for your rent yourself.

Groceries in Vienna are moderately priced, typically ranging from €220 to €270 per month. To save some money and eat fresh food, shop at local markets like Naschmarkt, Brunnenmarkt, and Karmelitermark. Alternatively, look for discount supermarkets like Penny, Lidl, and Libro.

With some smart planning, you can make each week special, even on a student budget. In Vienna, set aside around €130 every month for leisure activities like going to the Prater, catching a movie in the cinema or exploring Vienna's buzzing nightlife.

What’s even better is as a student, you can benefit from various discounts and even free activities in Vienna.

Health insurance is mandatory for all residents in Austria. Depending on your home country, you can use your domestic health insurance or sign up with an Austrian health insurance provider:

• Students from the EU/EEA/Switzerland: You can use your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to access the Austrian healthcare system.
• Students outside EU/EEA/Switzerland: You need proof of private health insurance for your Austrian student visa application. Upon arrival, you must apply for student self-insurance (Studentenselbstversicherung) through the Austrian Health Insurance Fund (Österreichische Gesundheitskasse). The monthly contributions for student self-insurance are €69.13 (as of 2024).

If you're an international student in Vienna on a tight budget, you can make practical and money-saving choices when it comes to public transportation.

A single one-way ticket costs €2.40 and works for all public transport in Vienna. But, instead of buying singles, consider the semester ticket. It's great for students, costing €75 per semester (€15 per month) and covers everything — subways, buses, trams, local trains, and more. To confirm you can use it, check if your university participates in the semester ticket program.

Keep in mind that the semester ticket isn't valid in July and August. For those months, get a summer holidays monthly ticket for €29.50, which is cheaper than a regular monthly pass.

And if your university doesn't offer semester tickets, explore monthly or yearly public transport subscriptions.

• Get a semester ticket for public transport: Secure unlimited travel within Vienna for just €15 per month.
• Carry your student ID: Get unexpected discounts at restaurants, cafes, and stores. Don't hesitate to inquire about available student discounts.
• Cook at home: Not only does cooking at home save you money, but it also allows you to enjoy healthy and well-balanced meals.
• Get an International Student Identity Card (ISIC): For just €10, unlock discounts on dining out, hotels, flights, exhibitions, and more, both in Vienna and worldwide.
• Find a student job: Boost your monthly budget by working up to 20 hours per week. This part-time job can help you stay focused on your studies while increasing your income.
• Consider second-hand furniture: Instead of purchasing new items from IKEA, opt for second-hand furniture. This choice will free up your budget for fun activities or trips.
• Explore online discounts: Register on online platforms or websites using your student email to uncover exclusive discounts and offers.

Vienna offers a budget-friendly environment for students. You can find plenty of reasonably priced accommodation options like private rooms or even studios. Groceries and dining out can be affordable, especially if you shop at local markets and explore budget-friendly restaurants. As a student, you can benefit from discounts on healthcare, public transport, and leisure activities. Overall, the city strikes a balance between a high standard of living and reasonable costs.

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