Guide: How to study in Austria in English
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If you want to study in Austria but don’t speak much German (or any at all), there’s good news. Austria offers a growing number of programmes taught entirely in English.
Across the country, around 70 universities currently offer roughly 400 English-taught Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programmes, making it possible to earn a recognised Austrian degree without needing German for admission.
This guide answers the most important questions, including whether you need IELTS or TOEFL, what the admission requirements are, and what to expect when applying as an international student.
Study in Austria: Find Bachelors & Masters in English
Yes, it is possible to study in Austria without speaking German, as long as you choose a programme that is taught entirely in English. Many Austrian universities now offer English-taught degrees, especially at the Master’s and PhD level, and these programmes do not require German language skills for admission.
Bachelor’s programmes in English are more limited and competitive, but they do exist, particularly at universities of applied sciences and private universities.
That said, German still plays a role in everyday life, even in the capital Vienna. While you can study in English, learning some German will make it easier to deal with housing, part-time jobs, and daily interactions outside the university. Luckily, many institutions offer German language courses for international students, often at low cost or even for free.
Austria offers a wide range of subjects for international students, with especially strong options at the Master’s level. While many Bachelor’s programmes are taught in German, the number of English-taught degrees keeps growing every year.
There are now more than 400 programmes at the Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate level.
Austrian universities are highly respected worldwide, with top public ones like the University of Vienna and TU Wien regularly ranking in the global top 200-500 in lists such as QS and Times Higher Education, alongside strong institutions from Innsbruck, Graz, and others. This means their degrees are valued by employers and other schools internationally, backed by excellent research and teaching quality
Private universities like Central European University (CEU), Webster Vienna Private University and Modul University Vienna are also featured in specialized or regional rankings, contributing to Austria's overall reputation as a hub for quality education.
Even with these great rankings, always double-check that your chosen program is officially accredited. This is a quality stamp ensuring your degree is recognized everywhere. In Austria, the Agency for Quality Assurance (AQ Austria) reviews universities and programmes regularly to keep standards high, especially for private schools or applied sciences universities. You can always verify this accreditation before applying, so you're safe and your hard work pays off globally.
If you’re applying for an English-taught programme in Austria, universities will ask you to prove your English proficiency. IELTS and TOEFL are the most commonly accepted tests, but you do not necessarily have to do them if you can show that you speak English sufficiently well. These are some of the criteria most institutions follow:
Always check the specific university's admissions page, as requirements vary. For example, the University of Innsbruck often waive tests with these proofs, but private universities like Modul University Vienna may require an interview instead.
Austrian universities widely accept standard English proficiency tests for English-taught programmes, including TOEFL iBT (typically 80-110+ total, with section minimums), IELTS Academic (6.0-7.5+ overall), PTE Academic (58-75+), Cambridge English exams like C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency (often 180+), and increasingly the Duolingo English Test (105-135+).
Each university might accept different ones, and many institutions still require more traditional exams, so always check the university website beforehand. If you still need to take a test, IELTS and TOEFL are the safest bet.
Still unsure which option to choose? You can always contact the International Office or Admissions Office at the universities you’re considering and ask for guidance. They’re usually happy to help and can also answer any additional questions you may have about tuition fees in Austria, cost of living, accommodation options, and studying there in general.
Study.eu Tip: Make sure to take the test well before submitting your university application, so you have enough time to receive your results and meet the application deadlines.
The table below shows the English proficiency requirements of the most popular Austrian universities:
| University | Required IELTS score | Required TOEFL iBT score |
|---|---|---|
| Central European University (CEU) | overall 6.5-7.0 | total of 90-100+ |
| FH Joanneum | minimum score 6.0 overall | minimum total of 87 |
| Johannes Kepler University Linz (JKU) | overall 6.5 (min 6.5 per skill) | minimum total of 88 |
| Modul University Vienna | overall 6.0-6.5 | total of 80-90 |
| Salzburg University of Applied Sciences | minimum score 6.0 overall | minimum total of 87 |
| TU Wien (Vienna University of Technology) | minimum score 6.5 overall | total of 87-100 |
| University of Graz | minimum score of 6.0 | total of 80-90 |
| University of Innsbruck | overall 6.0-7.0 | total of 80-100 |
| University of Vienna | overall 6.5-8.0 | total of 94-110 |
| Webster Vienna Private University | minimum score of 6.0 | minimum total of 80 |
Admission to English-taught programmes varies based on whether you are applying for a Bachelor’s degree in Austria or for a Master's degree in Austria.
In general, students will need a recognized secondary school diploma (equivalent to Austrian Matura) for Bachelor's degrees or a relevant Bachelor's degree (minimum 180 ECTS) for Master's, plus transcripts, passport copy, and often a motivation letter, CV, and recommendation letters.
Non-EU/EEA students need legalized/nostrified documents, proof of finances (€11,000+ per year), and health insurance; apply directly via university portals with possible entrance exams or interviews for competitive programmes.
Application deadlines in Austria change depending on the university, the programme, and whether you apply as an EU or non-EU student. Missing a deadline can push back your studies by a semester (or even a full year!), so make sure to have all your documents ready on time.
Ready to find your degree in Austria? You can find Bachelors, Masters or PhD programmes with our search function.
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