German Skills 

We strongly recommend that international degree-seeking students start learning German as early as possible to facilitate everyday life, academic success, and networking opportunities in Austria. 

A great free option is sprachportal.at, opens an external URL in a new window, offered by the Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF). The platform provides a wide range of online learning materials and self-study resources for German learners at different levels. 

The Language Center of the University of Vienna, opens an external URL in a new window offers comprehensive German courses in many different formats, including semester courses, evening classes, intensive courses, and more. These courses are fee-based, but students receive ECTS credits that may, in some cases, count toward transferable skills requirements. More information about transferable skills and recognition of exams at TU Wien can be found here: TU Wien – Recognition of Exams and Transferable Skills. 

TU Wien also offers a course specifically designed for international students each semester called “Technisches Deutsch für internationale Studierende”. Students can find the course in TISS under “Lehrveranstaltungen.” Please note that spaces are limited and the course usually fills up very quickly. 

Employment 

As an international student at TU Wien, you have various opportunities to gain professional experience while studying in Vienna. The local job market offers a wide range of part-time and full-time positions suitable for students.  

You can make use of the TU Wien Career Center, opens an external URL in a new window, which provides free support to students throughout their career development. Services include feedback on CVs and motivation letters, preparation for job interviews and salary negotiations, as well as career planning and strengths assessment. The Career Center also supports you in activating your self-reflection process, clarifying professional goals, and making informed career decisions. 

To find job opportunities at TU Wien (including internships, student assistant positions, and research roles etc.) please visit the following page: Jobs Overview, opens an external URL in a new window. 

Beyond TU Wien services, several external platforms can help you find student jobs in Vienna, including unijobs.at, opens an external URL in a new window, NEJO, opens an external URL in a new window, StudentJob, opens an external URL in a new window, karriere.at, opens an external URL in a new window, and the Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS) job portal, opens an external URL in a new window. These platforms provide a broad overview of current job opportunities and allow filtering by field, working hours, and experience level. 

The Austrian Business Agency (ABA) supports international talent interested in working and living in Austria. Through its initiative WORK in AUSTRIA, opens an external URL in a new window , you can access information on job opportunities, residence regulations, and career prospects. The platform serves as a central hub for international professionals and helps facilitate entry into the Austrian labor market. 

According to the Austrian Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs (BMEIA), employment in Austria is regulated by nationality and residence status. Students from non-EU/EEA countries generally require both a valid residence permit and a work permit issued by the Public Employment Service Austria, opens an external URL in a new window (AMS). In most cases, the employer must apply for the work permit before employment begins. Generally, student employment is limited (typically up to 20 hours per week), and work must not interfere with the primary purpose of stay, which is studying.

EU/EEA students do not require a work permit to work in Austria and have free access to the Austrian labor market. They may also work more than 20 hours per week; however, we recommend ensuring that employment does not negatively affect their academic progress.

News & Media 

To stay informed about current events in Austria and Vienna, we recommend following Austrian newspapers, public broadcasters, and English-language news platforms. This can also be a great way to improve your German skills while staying up to date with local developments. 

English-Language News Sources 

• ORF News: Austria’s public broadcaster and one of the country’s most important news sources. While most reporting is in German, ORF occasionally provides English-language content and is considered one of the most reliable Austrian news providers.
• FM4: Austrian public radio station by ORF with English-language news segments, international reporting, and music programming. Particularly popular among students and younger audiences.
• The Local Austria: One of the most widely used English-language news platforms for Austria, especially helpful for international students and expats. Covers Austrian politics, daily life, Vienna news, and practical information. 

Major Austrian Newspapers and News Platforms 

• Der Standard: One of Austria’s leading quality newspapers with strong coverage of politics, science, culture, and international affairs.
• Die Presse: A major Austrian daily newspaper known for in-depth political and economic reporting.
• Kurier: Popular Austrian newspaper covering politics, business, and Vienna-related news.
• ORF News Portal: Austria’s main public news portal with national and international coverage, videos, and live reporting.
• Falter: Vienna-based weekly newspaper known for investigative journalism, political analysis, and cultural reporting. 

Radio and TV News 

• Ö1: ORF’s cultural and information radio station with high-quality journalism, political discussions, and occasional English-language news segments.
• Zeit im Bild (ZiB): Austria’s main television news program by ORF, widely regarded as one of the country’s most important news broadcasts. To stay quickly up to date with Austrian and international news, many students simply follow the ZiB Instagram channel: ZiB on Instagram. 

Study Abroad 

Students interested in gaining international experience also have the opportunity to spend a semester abroad at one of TU Wien’s partner universities. More information about mobility programs and exchange opportunities can be found through the International Mobility Office, opens an external URL in a new window. 

Museums 

Vienna is home to world-class museums and hidden gems alike. Masterpieces by Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele are among the highlights. More information can be found at Museums in Vienna - vienna.info, opens an external URL in a new window.

Top museums include: 

• Belvedere Palace
• ALBERTINA Modern
• ALBERTINA Museum Wien
• Kunsthistorisches Museum
• Naturhistorisches Museum
• Technisches Museum Wien
• Leopold Museum

Free entry tip: 

• Wien Museum, located next to TU Wien, offers free permanent exhibitions about Vienna and its history.
• Many museums in Vienna have free entry on the first Sunday of each month or special discount days.
• The ORF “Lange Nacht der Museen” allows you to visit many museums in one night with a single ticket, including special programs and late opening hours (first Saturday of October).
• The “Lange Nacht der Forschung” offers exciting insights into current research projects and gives visitors the opportunity to experience science and innovation firsthand.
• Students and people under 27 often receive reduced admission. Always ask and bring your student ID. 

Music & Concerts 

Vienna is globally known as the capital of classical music. Concerts and opera are an essential part of the city’s identity. Renowned composers such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, Johann Strauss II, and Franz Schubert lived and worked in Vienna, shaping the city’s rich musical heritage. As a fun fact, Johann Strauss II also studied at TU Wien. 

At the Vienna State Opera, opens an external URL in a new window, students can attend performances at very affordable prices: 

• Standing tickets from approx. €13–18 (or €4–5 with a “StehplatzPLUS” card) 
• U27 tickets for around €20 
• Discounted remaining tickets shortly before performances  

Theatre 

Vienna is one of Europe’s leading theatre cities. From classical drama to modern productions, you will find a rich program at venues such as the Burgtheater, opens an external URL in a new window, Theater in der Josefstadt, opens an external URL in a new window and Volksoper Vienna, opens an external URL in a new window. 

Tip: Many theatres offer discounted tickets or last-minute deals (“Restkarten”), making high-quality performances affordable. 

Cinema 

Vienna’s cinema scene ranges from international blockbusters to independent films in original language. Popular cinemas include: 

• Schikaneder Kino
• Burg Kino Wien
• English Cinema Haydn
• Artis International  

• Gartenbaukino Wien 

• Votiv Kino De France Wien 

• Filmhaus 

• Top Kino Wien 

These venues are especially popular among students looking for diverse and authentic film experiences and often screen movies in original language. 

Outdoor Activites

Vienna offers excellent opportunities to enjoy nature. The city maintains 14 well-marked hiking trails (“Stadtwanderwege, opens an external URL in a new window”), all accessible by public transport. 

Popular spots include: 

• Kahlenberg
• Leopoldsberg
• Bisamberg
• Prater 

Cycling is also very popular, especially along the Danube and through Vienna’s many parks. The WienMobil bikes, opens an external URL in a new window are Vienna’s official bike-sharing service, providing a sustainable and flexible way to get around the city. Bicycles are available 24/7 across all 23 districts, making spontaneous trips easy. 

Sports 

Staying active during your studies is easy in Vienna, especially at TU Wien. The university and the student union (HTU, opens an external URL in a new window) offer a wide and affordable range of sports programs for all levels, whether you are a beginner or more advanced. 

The USI sports courses, opens an external URL in a new window in Vienna are a popular way for students to stay active alongside their studies. The program offers a wide range of activities such as fitness, yoga, dance, tennis, climbing, and team sports. One of the main advantages is the affordable prices and the variety of courses for both beginners and advanced participants. Since many courses fill up quickly, it is recommended to register online as soon as enrollment opens. 

The official TU Wien sports program, opens an external URL in a new window focuses on health, fitness, and balance alongside academic life. You can choose from activities such as: 

• Fitness classes (e.g. strength training, HIIT, yoga, pilates) 
• Endurance sports like running or cycling 
• Relaxation and mindfulness courses 

In addition, the HTU (student union), opens an external URL in a new window organizes a broad variety of sports courses and group activities, which are often very affordable and designed for students. These include: 

• Team sports like football, volleyball, and basketball 
• Individual sports such as climbing, martial arts, or dance 
• Outdoor and seasonal activities (e.g. skiing trips, hiking excursions) 

Many courses take place in university sports facilities or partner venues across Vienna, so you can easily fit them into your daily schedule. 

Tip: Popular courses fill up quickly, so register early to secure your spot. 

Shopping & Drugstores 

Vienna offers a wide range of supermarkets and drugstores, and many students use discount apps and weekly offers to save money on groceries and everyday products. 

The largest supermarket chains in Austria are: 

• SPAR: Students can use the SPAR app for discounts, coupons, and special offers.
• BILLA: The JÖ app and JÖ card can be used to collect points and access discounts.
• HOFER: Known for affordable prices and weekly special offers: HOFER Offers.
• Lidl Austria: Another budget-friendly option with changing weekly promotions: Lidl Offers.
• PENNY: Offers discounted groceries and regular promotions: PENNY Offers. 

For organic and sustainable products, many students also shop at Denns BioMarkt, opens an external URL in a new window. 

In the supermarket apps or weekly flyers (“Flugblätter”), you can regularly check for discounts, coupons, “Joker” offers, and seasonal promotions. Many students plan their shopping based on these weekly deals. 

At larger supermarkets, you can often find discounted mixed fruit and vegetable boxes in the evening. These products are sold at reduced prices before they expire and can be a good way to save money while reducing food waste. 

Another popular option is Too Good To Go, opens an external URL in a new window. The app allows you to find restaurants, bakeries, supermarkets, and cafés near you that sell leftover food and groceries at significantly reduced prices. 

The largest drugstore chains in Austria are: 

• dm drogerie markt: Students often use the dm app and dm card to collect points and receive discounts.
• BIPA: Part of the JÖ bonus program and widely available throughout Vienna.
• Müller: Offers drugstore products, cosmetics, household items, stationery, and more. 

Shopping in Vienna offers something for every budget and style. One of the city’s most famous shopping streets is Mariahilfer Straße, opens an external URL in a new window (“Mahü”), where you can find international brands, local stores, cafés, and restaurants. Larger shopping centers such as Shopping City Süd, opens an external URL in a new window (SCS) and Donau Zentrum, opens an external URL in a new window are also popular destinations and offer a wide variety of shops under one roof. At the same time, secondhand shopping has become increasingly popular in Vienna. Stores such as Carla Mittersteig, opens an external URL in a new window and 48er-Tandler, opens an external URL in a new window are well known for affordable secondhand furniture, clothing, books, and unique vintage items, making sustainable shopping an important part of the city’s culture. 

Markets in Vienna 

Vienna’s markets are lively social hubs full of colors, smells, and flavors and therefor perfect for discovering local and international food. Markets are places to meet, explore, and experience everyday Viennese life. 

• Naschmarkt: the most famous market with over 120 stalls and a popular Saturday flea market 
• Brunnenmarkt: the largest street market with multicultural flair and affordable prices 
• Karmelitermarkt: a trendy market with a mix of traditional stands and modern gastronomy  

Seasonal highlights: 

• Easter Market
• Christmas Market 

Eating Out

Austrian cuisine is deeply rooted in a rich tradition of Wirtshaus culture, shaped by regional heritage, seasonal ingredients, and a strong sense of comfort and hospitality. In Vienna, this culinary identity is especially visible in the blend of classic taverns, traditional restaurants, and a growing modern food scene. 

Dishes such as Wiener Schnitzel, goulash, and Tafelspitz represent the hearty, down-to-earth side of Austrian cooking, while desserts like Apfelstrudel, Kaiserschmarrn, and Sachertorte highlight the country’s long-standing pastry and coffeehouse tradition. 

At the same time, Vienna offers a wide range of affordable and casual dining options, making it easy to enjoy good food even during busy days or short breaks. 

In Austria, many restaurants offer a “Mittagsmenü” (lunch menu) on weekdays, usually around lunchtime. It is a fixed daily menu that often includes soup and a main dish at a lower price than regular à la carte meals. The Mittagsmenü is especially popular among students and office workers because it is an affordable and convenient option for a warm lunch. 

Student-friendly spots: 

• TU Wien Mensa 

  The student cafeteria at TU Wien is a popular place for students to have lunch, study, and meet friends between classes. It offers a variety of affordable meals, including vegetarian and vegan options, making it a convenient choice for everyday student life. 

• Der Wiener Deewan
  A popular Pakistani buffet with a unique pay-as-you-wish concept. You can enjoy a variety of curries, rice, bread, and desserts and pay what you can afford.
• Café Gagarin
  A collectively run café offering vegetarian and vegan dishes. It also follows a flexible pricing model and serves as a social and cultural meeting space.
• VinziRast Mittendrin
  A social initiative restaurant combining good food with a meaningful concept. Affordable menus with vegetarian and vegan options are available.
• Buchecker & Sohn
  Traditional Austrian cuisine near TU Wien, with affordable lunch menus (around €10). Cash is required unless your bill exceeds a certain amount.

Practical tips:

Tipping in Austria is generally modest and seen as a polite gesture rather than an obligation. For small purchases such as coffee, drinks, or snacks, people usually round up the bill. In bars, it is also common to leave a small extra amount depending on the service. In restaurants and local eateries, tipping is typically around 10 percent of the bill. Rounding up the total amount is also very common, and around 10 percent is generally considered appropriate for good service. When paying, the tip is usually stated directly at the time of payment rather than left on the table.

Cash is still widely used in Austria. Many smaller cafés, bars, and rural places may not accept cards, so carrying some cash is useful.

Viennese Café Culture 

Vienna’s coffeehouse culture dates back to the late 17th century, following the Second Ottoman Siege of Vienna. Over time, cafés became central social and intellectual hubs - places to read, work, and exchange ideas. 

Around 1900, figures like Sigmund Freud and Stefan Zweig shaped this culture. Even today, cafés are considered “extended living rooms.” This tradition is recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage. 

Typical Viennese coffee specialties: 

• Wiener Melange – similar to a cappuccino, with milk foam
• Einspänner – strong black coffee topped with whipped cream
• Verlängerter – espresso diluted with hot water (similar to an Americano)
• Kleiner/Großer Brauner – espresso served with a small amount of milk
• Kapuziner – strong coffee with a dash of cream

Classic Viennese pastries (“Mehlspeisen”): 

• Sachertorte – famous chocolate cake with apricot jam
• Apfelstrudel – warm apple pastry, often served with vanilla sauce
• Kaiserschmarrn – fluffy shredded pancake with powdered sugar
• Topfenstrudel – curd cheese pastry
• Gugelhupf – traditional ring-shaped cake 

Practical tips: 

• It is common to tip by rounding up the bill.
• Many cafés and smaller places still prefer cash payment, so it’s good to carry some. 

Viennese Heurigen Culture

Vienna is one of the few capitals in the world with vineyards located directly within the city. Visiting a traditional “Heuriger” (wine tavern) is therefore a unique and essential Viennese experience. 

Heurige are especially popular in summer and autumn, when you can sit outside, enjoy local wine, and taste traditional Austrian dishes in a relaxed, social atmosphere. They are perfect for spending time with fellow students and discovering a more authentic side of Vienna. 

Some particularly popular Heurige stand out for their excellent traditional food, cozy ambiance, and in some cases stunning views over the city: 

• Mayer am Nussberg
• Buschenschank – Weingut Wieninger – Wieninger am Nußberg
• Helmut Krenek Heuriger Stammersdorf - Weingut Göbl - Gourmet Heuriger
• Heuriger Mayer am Pfarrplatz
• Schübel-Auer, Kultur- Heuriger in Wien 

Viennese Ball Culture

The Viennese ball, opens an external URL in a new window tradition is one of the most elegant and famous cultural highlights of Vienna. Especially the Vienna Opera Ball is known worldwide and takes place every year in the Vienna State Opera. Guests wear formal evening dresses and tuxedos, and the evening features classical music, dancing such as the waltz, and a very festive atmosphere. These balls reflect Vienna’s long history as a center of music and high society culture, combining tradition, elegance, and social life in a unique way.

In addition to the famous high-society events, many universities in Vienna also organize their own balls. Student organizations and faculties host these events, making the tradition more accessible to younger people. A well-known example is the TU Ball, opens an external URL in a new window, which is organized by the HTU, opens an external URL in a new window (the student union of the TU Wien). These university balls are popular among students and offer a lively mix of music, dancing, and social networking.

A central part of Viennese ball culture is the Viennese waltz, opens an external URL in a new window. This traditional dance is characterized by its fast tempo, smooth spinning movements, and elegant steps in 3/4 time. The waltz became popular in Vienna in the 18th and 19th centuries and is closely associated with composers like Johann Strauss II. Today, it remains the signature dance of Viennese balls and symbolizes elegance, romance, and the city’s rich musical heritage.