Know All About the Process and Student Visa Requirements Austria

Some students consider Austria a secondary option; however, the country hosts around 87,000 international students from across the globe. Surprisingly, student visa applications are increasing year after year, giving a testament to Austria's growing popularity among international students. If you are also planning to apply for a student visa Austria, it is advisable to begin the process at least six months before your course date.

Ensure that you plan everything and know every student visa requirements Austria. Also, ensure to keep a buffer time for preparation to avoid a last-minute rush. To make your study abroad journey smoother and less stressful, you can walk through the whole process in the guide below.

Types of Student Visa Austria

There are two types of study visa Austria that students can apply for, depending on the duration of their course. Refer to the details below:

Type D Visa:

If you are planning to stay in Austria for a long-term course longer than six months, apply for a Type D Visa. You can work part-time for up to 20 hours per week; moreover, you can even extend the duration of your visa.

Type C Visa:

If you are moving to Austria for a short-term course of less than 90 days, then apply for a Type C Visa. You can not work part-time on this visa and are required to show proof of funds to cover your expenses during your stay.
 

Eligibility Criteria for the Austria Student Visa

When applying for a student visa, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

Age Requirement:

You must be above 16 years of age. Applicants below this age apply for an Austria Children Visa.

Educational Qualifications:

For bachelor’s and master’s courses, students should have an A-level education, which is equivalent to 12th grade and graduation, respectively. 

Language Proficiency:

You should have sufficient knowledge of the German language. However, an English test score is mandatory while applying for a student visa. 

Student Visa Requirements Austria

You cannot apply for a student visa Austria without documents. Below is a comprehensive list of the necessary documents:

Passport:

A valid passport as proof of your citizenship. Make sure that your passport is neither damaged nor torn. 

Photographs:

Submit passport-sized photographs as per the visa guidelines:
 

• 
  Provide a recent photograph, not older than six months.
• 
  The size of the photograph should be 35 mm by 45 mm.
• 
  Your chin should be 36 mm up from the bottom of the photograph. 

Place to Study:

You should have a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from an Austrian university. Note that the university should be on the approved list of universities by the immigration authorities. 

Educational Qualifications:

Submit your educational certificates to verify eligibility for the course. The visa application process also ensures the authenticity of your qualifications.

Language Proficiency:

Student visa requirements Austria has strict requirements for Language proficiency. You have to provide beginner-level proficiency in German and B2 proficiency in English. Check the specific language requirements of your chosen university and provide the necessary test scores or certificates.

Tuition Fee Payment Receipt:

Submit proof of payment for your first-year tuition fee, and also include the relevant bank transaction details showing an equivalent bank amount. 

Proof of Funds:

You should provide evidence of sufficient funds to cover the living expenses. Some documents that you are required to arrange are the following:
 

1. 
   Four months' bank statement. 
2. 
   Six months' pay slips of the sponsor. 
3. 
   Two years' ITR of the sponsor’s income.
4. 
   GST and business income certificate (if the sponsor is a business owner).
5. 
   Scholarship and Loan Sanction letter, if applicable. 
6. 
   Family savings details.

Other Related Forms:

Along with your supporting documents, submit the following:
 

1. 
   Completed visa application form.
2. 
   Visa registration form.
3. 
   UHSTAT1 survey form, which confirms the student's details.

Health Insurance:

Provide proof of health insurance covering your stay in Austria. This is important, as international students cannot access expensive private health facilities.

Application Process for the Austria Study Visa

To apply for a student visa, you must follow the process. Below, we have mentioned the detailed process to obtain your student visa Austria:

VFS Global:

The Austria student visa process does not accept applications online; you are required to submit the form physically. You can download the form from the VFS Global or as a PDF document. 

Complete The Form:

Fill out the application form carefully and double-check all the details.

Carry all your Documents:

Collect and carry the student visa requirements Austria documents with you while visiting the Immigration Office. 

Submit the Form:

Once your application form is complete and all documents are ready, visit the Austrian Embassy or consulate for the visa application submission. 

Provide the Biometric:

During your visit to the embassy, they will collect your biometric details, such as fingerprints and photographs.

Pay the Student Visa:

You have to pay the visa application fee during your visit to the office. The fee can be paid in cash or through a debit or credit card.
 

Cost of Student Visa Austria

When applying for a student visa to Austria, it is crucial to plan your finances carefully. Below is a table to help you estimate the costs with the Austria student visa financial requirements:

Interview Tips to Increase Visa Approval Rates

When applying for a study visa Austria, every minor detail can impact your visa application. Visa officers verify all your details and evaluate all factors that might affect your education. If you do not want to make a blunder during the visa interview, keep the following points in mind:
 

1. 
   Dress appropriately for your visa interview to create a sensible impression.
2. 
   Carry all the necessary documents with you during the visa interview to avoid any last-minute issues.
3. 
   Have a clear understanding of the career prospects and opportunities available after completing your course.
4. 
   Be prepared to discuss your financial planning and the expected return on investment (ROI) from your education. 
5. 
   Research well about the university, the course, and even the faculty members.

Rejection Reasons for Austria Student Visa

The rejection rate for the Austria study visa is 14.3%, and the most common reasons that are listed in the email are:

Incomplete Documentation:

One of the most common reasons for visa rejection is missing or incomplete documents. Create a checklist of all required documents and double-check them before submitting your application.

Insufficient Monetary Funds:

A visa application requires proof of sufficient funds to support your stay in Austria. Make sure that you have a financial plan to cover your living expenses and tuition fees.

Incorrect Visa :

Applying for the wrong visa type is another common mistake. It leads to unnecessary delays, financial losses, and mental distress. Double-check the visa type based on your course duration.

Discrepancies in Information:

Do not try to outsmart the visa interviewer by providing incorrect or misleading information for your visa interview. Therefore, provide correct information, especially for the finances. 

Unclear Purpose of Visit:

Some students try to study abroad to leave their home country without a clear academic or career goal. If you lack a well-thought-out study plan or fail to show genuine interest in your course, your visa application will be rejected.
 

Post Visa Formalities: Residence Permit

Your paperwork does not end once you’ve received your visa approval. There is one more important formality you need to complete before you can start your study abroad journey. You have to apply for a Residence Permit. Your student visa is only valid for six months, so you must apply for a Residence Permit upon arrival in Austria. Below is the process to follow to receive your Residence Permit:

Register Your Residence in Austria:

When you have arrived in Austria, you must register your residence at the local registration office (Meldeamt) within three days. Be sure to provide the address details to the office.

Gather all Required Documents:

You will need to submit the same documents required for the student visa requirements Austria during the Residence Permit application process.

Submit the Application:

After organizing all the necessary documents, you will be given the application form for the Residence Permit. Fill out the form accurately and double-check the details before submission.

Attend the Interview:

In rare circumstances, you will be asked for an interview and have to explain your study plans. It is similar to your visa interview, and any inconsistencies in your answers could result in deportation.

Wait for the Processing:

After applying, it takes around 10-15 days to process your application. Thus, be patient and wait for confirmation from the authorities.

Collect your Residence Permit:

If all your documents are in order and your application is correct, you will receive your Residence Permit. There is a rare chance that your Residence visa will be rejected after the visa approval. 

Conclusion

When you are applying for the Austria study visa, stay calm and organized. Prepare all your student visa requirements Austria carefully. Also, submit your visa application six months before your course date; however, Austria student visa processing time would take around 10 days to process your application. The extra days in your visa application will help you address potential issues and unnecessary stress, and complications.
 

Therefore, start early, stay organized, and remain active during the whole visa process. If you are worried about finances, then do book your session and get consulted by an educational counselor who will help you evaluate your university options, financial strategies, and other consultations regarding abroad education. 

Frequently Asked Questions