Best Public Universities in Austria
Jules de Bruin
Expat in Vienna
Updated: April 24 2026
Updated April 2026 — Danube University Krems, Austria's public university for continuing education, is the best choice for professional Masters in Austria. TU Wien leads for engineering and computer science, while WU Wien is the country's triple-crown-accredited business school. The University of Vienna (Uni Wien) remains Austria's largest public university with roughly 90,000 students. Public tuition is €363.36 per semester for non-EU students and €0 for EU/EEA students finishing on time. Most Bachelor programmes teach in German at C1 level, while many Master programmes run in English.
How Do You Apply to an Austrian Public University?
Applying to a public university in Austria is relatively cheap and structured, but the paperwork for non-EU applicants takes time. Follow these steps:
- 1
Check admission requirements for your programme
Each university publishes programme-specific requirements on its website. For competitive fields (medicine, psychology, some engineering tracks) there are additional entrance exams such as MedAT.
- 2
Get your diploma translated and legalised
Non-EU diplomas usually need an apostille (Hague Convention) or full legalisation plus a certified German or English translation by a court-sworn translator.
- 3
Submit through the university portal
Uni Wien uses u:space, TU Wien uses TISS, WU uses LPIS. Upload scanned documents and pay the application fee if applicable. Most deadlines fall in early September (winter semester) and early February (summer semester).
- 4
Apply for your student visa
Once you have a Letter of Admission, non-EU students file a student residence permit at the Austrian embassy or consulate, attaching proof of funds and health insurance.
- 5
Enrol, register, and pay tuition
Enrolment (Zulassung) is completed in person at the admissions office. Pay the semester fee to the university IBAN, then register at your local Meldeamt within 3 days of arrival.
Which Austrian Universities Rank Highest?
Austrian public universities perform well in European rankings but rarely enter the global top 100 outside specialist fields. Here is how the flagship institutions score:
- University of Vienna: Typically in the QS top 150 globally, top 50 in Europe. Strong in humanities, life sciences, and physics.
- TU Wien: Top 200 globally for engineering and computer science, consistently Austria's highest-ranked tech university.
- WU Vienna: One of the few European business schools with triple-crown accreditation (AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA). Strong Financial Times MBA ranking.
- Uni Graz and Uni Innsbruck: Broad research universities, both inside the QS top 500 globally with particular strength in physics, philosophy, and area studies.
- JKU Linz and BOKU: Highly ranked in their specialisms (JKU in law and AI, BOKU in agricultural and environmental sciences).
Look at subject rankings, not just overall ones
What Language Requirements Apply for Public Universities?
Public universities teach most Bachelor programmes in German, but they offer a growing number of English Master programmes. The level you need depends on the programme language:
- German-taught Bachelor: C1 level, proven by ÖSD-C1, Goethe-Zertifikat C1, TestDaF (TDN 4 or 5), or DSH-2.
- German-taught Master: C1 (same certificates). Some programmes accept B2 if coursework is mostly English.
- English-taught Master: IELTS 6.5+, TOEFL iBT 88+, or Cambridge C1 Advanced. Some programmes waive language proof for applicants from fully English-taught prior degrees.
- Conditional admission: Several universities accept B2 German with the condition that you pass C1 during your first or second semester through the university's own language centre.
Where to Study German Before Starting
The Uni Wien language centre (Sprachenzentrum), Goethe-Institut, and ÖSD-accredited schools run preparation courses for A1 through C1. Expect to pay €400 to €800 per level for intensive courses. See our learning German guide for the full list.
Top 7 Best Public Universities in Austria
Based on international rankings, subject strength, programme diversity, and reputation among international students, here are the top 7 public universities in Austria in 2026.
1. Danube University Krems (University for Continuing Education)
Austria's public university dedicated to continuing education, based in Krems an der Donau. Danube University Krems specialises in postgraduate Master programmes for working professionals, covering business, healthcare, law, IT, and public administration.
Best for: Working professionals pursuing part-time postgraduate Masters and executive programmes
Pros
- +Austria's only public university focused solely on continuing education
- +Wide selection of professional Master programmes compatible with full-time jobs
- +Flexible formats including evening, weekend, and blended online delivery
- +Strong career network in healthcare, law, and public administration
Cons
- −No traditional Bachelor programmes for school leavers
- −Tuition applies to most programmes (not the standard public €363.36)
- −Krems campus is 80 km from Vienna, with limited evening transport
2. TU Wien (Vienna University of Technology)
Austria's leading technical university and a top European research institution for engineering, computer science, and mathematics. TU Wien has around 27,000 students and strong ties to industry and CERN-style research consortia.
Best for: Engineering, computer science, and mathematics students who want rigorous, research-heavy programmes
Pros
- +Top-ranked Austrian university for engineering and computer science
- +Large number of English-taught Master programmes
- +Strong ties to Austrian and European tech industry
- +Central campus at Karlsplatz with modern labs and student housing nearby
Cons
- −Bachelor programmes are German-only and academically demanding
- −Attrition rate in first-year engineering is high
- −Competitive for popular Master tracks like AI and data science
3. WU Wien (Vienna University of Economics and Business)
The largest business and economics university in the German-speaking world, with around 22,000 students. WU holds triple-crown accreditation (AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA) and has a striking Zaha Hadid campus in Vienna's Prater district.
Best for: Business, economics, finance, and marketing students, plus MBA and executive learners
Pros
- +Triple-crown accreditation puts WU among Europe's top business schools
- +Wide range of fully English-taught Bachelor and Master programmes
- +Modern campus with strong career services and recruiter networks
- +Large international exchange network across 240+ partner universities
Cons
- −Competitive admission for the English-taught Bachelor in Business and Economics
- −Some Master tracks have additional tuition for non-EU students
- −Campus is large and can feel corporate compared to traditional universities
4. University of Vienna (Uni Wien)
Austria's oldest and largest university, founded in 1365. With around 90,000 students and nearly 200 degree programmes, Uni Wien covers the full breadth of humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and law.
Best for: Students wanting a broad research university with the widest programme selection in Austria
Pros
- +Largest programme catalogue in Austria across humanities and sciences
- +Strong international reputation, especially in physics, philosophy, and life sciences
- +Central Vienna campus with excellent public transport and student life
- +Robust language centre for German and English preparation
Cons
- −Very large cohorts in popular Bachelor programmes mean big lectures and slow feedback
- −Most Bachelor programmes are German-only
- −Administrative processes can feel slow for first-time international applicants
5. University of Graz (Karl-Franzens-Universität)
Styria's flagship university, founded in 1585, with around 30,000 students. Uni Graz offers a full spectrum of humanities, social sciences, law, natural sciences, and theology, with notable strength in environmental systems and physics.
Best for: Students who want a mid-sized research university in a livable, affordable city
Pros
- +Lower cost of living than Vienna
- +Strong humanities, physics, and environmental systems programmes
- +Attractive, walkable Graz city centre with large student population
- +Joint programmes with TU Graz and Medical University of Graz
Cons
- −Smaller range of English-taught Bachelor programmes than Vienna
- −Less visible on global rankings than Uni Wien or TU Wien
- −Limited direct international flight connections through Graz airport
6. University of Innsbruck
Tyrol's leading university, founded in 1669, with around 28,000 students. Known for Alpine location, strong physics and mountain research, and an active Erasmus community.
Best for: Students who want a research university with access to the Alps and a strong international community
Pros
- +Exceptional natural setting with year-round outdoor activities
- +Renowned physics and mountain research institutes
- +Welcoming Erasmus and international student community
- +Affordable compared to Vienna, especially for housing
Cons
- −Smaller programme catalogue than Vienna or Graz
- −Most Bachelor programmes in German only
- −Housing market is tight during the winter tourism season
7. JKU Linz (Johannes Kepler University)
Upper Austria's main research university, founded in 1966, with around 24,000 students. JKU is known for a modern campus, strong STEM and law faculties, and Austria's first AI-focused study programme.
Best for: Students interested in STEM, law, and AI at a modern campus with close industry links
Pros
- +Strong engineering, computer science, and AI programmes
- +Modern, self-contained green campus in Linz
- +Good career links to Linz industry including voestalpine and KTM
- +Growing portfolio of English-taught Master programmes
Cons
- −Less international visibility than Vienna universities
- −Linz nightlife and cultural offer smaller than Vienna or Graz
- −Campus is outside the city centre and requires public transport
Entity References
Full factual profiles for each brand covered on this page:
- University of Vienna
Austrian Public Universities
- TU Wien
Austrian Public Universities
- Danube University Krems
Austrian Public Universities
- WU Wien
Austrian Public Universities
- University of Graz
Austrian Public Universities
- University of Innsbruck
Austrian Public Universities
- Johannes Kepler University Linz
Austrian Public Universities
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Austrian public university tuition?
EU/EEA students pay EUR 0 per semester at Austrian public universities as long as they finish within the standard duration plus two tolerance semesters. After that, and for all non-EU students, tuition is EUR 363.36 per semester (or EUR 726.72 for certain non-EU cases). All students also pay the ÖH student union fee of around EUR 22.70 per semester.
Do you need German for public universities?
For German-taught Bachelor programmes, you typically need proof of German at C1 level (ÖSD, Goethe, or TestDaF). Many Master programmes at public universities run in English and require IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL 88+. See our learning German guide for recommended schools and exam prep.
How do you apply to Uni Wien?
Applications for the University of Vienna run through the u:space portal. You upload your secondary qualification (Matura, A-levels, or equivalent), language proof, passport copy, and for non-EU applicants also proof that the same programme is accessible in your home country. Application windows are February to September for winter semester and November to February for summer semester.
What is Nostrifizierung?
Nostrifizierung is the formal recognition of a foreign degree as equivalent to an Austrian degree. It is only needed for regulated professions like medicine, law, teaching, or engineering. For general study admission, universities instead run a simpler academic equivalence check. Nostrifizierung is handled by the relevant Austrian university and can take 6 to 12 months.
Can non-EU students study tuition-free?
Generally no. Non-EU students pay EUR 363.36 per semester at public universities. However, citizens of least-developed countries (as defined by the OECD DAC list) are exempt from tuition. Scholarships such as the OeAD Ernst Mach Grant or Marshall Plan Scholarships can cover tuition plus a living stipend. Public universities themselves rarely offer blanket tuition waivers.