# Student visa & permits in Austria

> Student visa, residence permit, registration, fees, deadlines and document guidance for studying in Austria.

Source of record: https://versityspot.com/study-abroad/austria/visa
Confirmation: 16 of 16 sections confirmed against their official source (last 2026-08-08).

## Visa & Immigration

Third-country nationals studying for more than six months generally need a Residence Permit – Student. In most cases the first application is submitted in person at the competent Austrian representative authority in the country of residence and the applicant waits there for the decision. Students who may enter Austria visa-free can alternatively apply at the competent residence authority in Austria; certain other lawful-entry cases can also permit a domestic application after case-by-case review. A domestic application does not allow you to overstay your lawful visa-free or visa period.

For 2026, proof of living funds is age-based: EUR 722.58 per month if you are under 24, or EUR 1,308.39 per month from age 24, normally proven for twelve months in advance. The couple amount is EUR 2,064.12 per month and each child adds EUR 201.88. If accommodation costs exceed EUR 386.43 per month, the excess must be added, and you must also show sufficient funds for the required health insurance. The authority can ask you to prove where the money came from, so keep source documents such as bank history, pay evidence, scholarship documents or sponsor evidence.

For applications submitted from 1 January 2026, the Residence Permit – Student application fee is EUR 218 and is not refunded if the application is refused or withdrawn. First applications commonly require a valid passport, photo, admission, proof of accommodation, all-risks health insurance, funds, and a recent police clearance, with legalisation and translation rules depending on the issuing country.

OeAD recommends submitting an initial application about six months in advance where possible. The statutory decision period is 90 days and can be extended by a further 90 days if additional documents are required.

A separate rule applies to students in qualifying Union/multilateral mobility programmes or agreements between higher-education institutions: that Residence Permit – Student can be issued for two years and the funds are generally shown for two years in advance, rather than the ordinary twelve-month rule.

*Source: https://oead.at/en/to-austria/entry-and-residence/residence-permit-student-no-mobility-programme*

## Residence Permit

Register your place of residence with the registration office within three working days of moving in. A limited exception applies for stays of no more than two months in tourist accommodation that keeps the required guest register. The Meldezettel becomes an important document for later administration.

Apply to renew the Residence Permit – Student before it expires; renewal can be filed at the earliest three months before expiry. A timely renewal keeps you lawfully resident while the renewal is decided.

Renewal is tied to real study progress. OeAD currently lists proof of academic success of eight semester hours or 16 ECTS credits per academic year, with different evidence possible for doctoral/PhD students. Keep your continuing-enrolment confirmation and study record.

*Source: https://oead.at/en/to-austria/entry-and-residence/residence-permit-student-no-mobility-programme*

## Common questions

### What should international students know about visa in Austria?

2026 funds: EUR 722.58/month under 24 or EUR 1,308.39 from 24; application fee EUR 218; official decision period 90 days.

### What should international students know about residence in Austria?

Register your address within three working days; renew before expiry and be ready to show study progress.