Visa & Residence Permit

The visa or residence permit you need in order to study in Austria will vary based on your personal situation and background. In general, EU Citizens, as well as Citizens of Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland do not need a residence permit to study in Austria, but they are required to apply for a registration certificate (Anmeldebescheinigung) within four months of their arrival in Vienna. International students from non-EU or EEA countries should consult this website , öffnet eine externe URL in einem neuen Fensterfor further information about the required visa or residence permit. In most cases, international undergraduate and master students at TU Wien apply for the Residence Permit for Students (Aufenthaltsbewilligung - Studierende). If you have more questions after consulting these resources, please contact IWEC.

Housing in Vienna

Although housing in Vienna is generally more affordable than in other major European capitals, the market has become increasingly competitive in recent years, which can make finding accommodation challenging and time-consuming for international students. Therefore, it is crucial to start looking for a place as soon as you receive your admission letter from TU Wien – ideally as early as possible, since the process can take several months.

Always be careful which listings you respond to. Vienna has 23 districts, and you will need to officially register your residence once you arrive in the city. It is normal to pay a security deposit, but this should only be done after signing the rental contract. Check out our Housing Guide, öffnet in einem neuen Fenster, which includes a list of housing platforms, student dormitories by district, and useful tenant tips to help you find the right place.

Health & Insurance

All international students are required to have valid health insurance while studying at TU Wien. It is also strongly recommended to have travel insurance for your journey to Austria.

If you are a citizen of an EU or EEA country and have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), you are usually covered in Austria. However, please check with your insurance provider to confirm what services are included. In many cases, it is advisable to get additional private health insurance that covers things like return transport to your home country in case of emergency.
 More information about the European Health Insurance Card is available here: European Health Insurance Card - Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, öffnet eine externe URL in einem neuen Fenster.

If you are from a non-EU/EEA country, you must have comprehensive health insurance that is valid in Austria and covers all medical treatments. This is also required when applying for your residence permit.
More details about travel and health insurance for non-EU/EEA students can be found here: Residence permit – student no mobility programme, öffnet eine externe URL in einem neuen Fenster.

If you have a permanent residence in Austria, you may be eligible to register for student self-insurance with the Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK), even if you are not an Austrian citizen.
 More information about student self-insurance is available here: Self-Insurance for Students, öffnet eine externe URL in einem neuen Fenster.

You must have valid health insurance for the entire duration of your studies in Austria.

Online Orientation

The International Welcome and Engagement Centers offers online pre-arrival orientations for international students. At these orientations, IWEC staff covers important information regarding visa and residency permit applications, housing in Vienna, information about TU Wien and Vienna, network and programming opportunities for international students, and more.