Erasmus in Austria: Cities, Education, Study Requirements, Activities, Housing and Universities

Are you going to do your Erasmus in Austria and you’re looking for information? You’re in the right place! In this article, we tell you everything you need to know about this destination, from the best cities to do your exchange, to options and requirements to study, what to do during your Erasmus in Austria, the different accommodation alternatives and the best Universities to choose from. Willkommen!

Popular Erasmus Cities in Austria

Austria is home to several cities that are highly popular destinations among students participating in the Erasmus program. Vienna, the capital, is noted for its impressive historical heritage, vibrant cultural scene and the quality of its academic institutions. Graz, on the other hand, is known for its medieval charm, cobblestone streets and laid-back atmosphere. Innsbruck, surrounded by the Alps, is another attractive destination with its baroque architecture and proximity to ski resorts, especially for those who enjoy outdoor activities.

These are the most popular destinations for Erasmus in Austria:

VIENNA Are you looking for a flat for rent for students in Vienna? Are you thinking of going on Erasmus to Vienna and don't know how to find an apartment? Don't worry, Erasmus Play is here to help you for free. Through our search engine, you can find thousands of accommodations (rooms, apartments, residences, coliving, etc.) from countless websites. Vienna is a ver

GRAZ Graz is the capital of Styria and the second-largest city in Austria. It is a university city, as it has more than four major universities. For this reason, thousands of students move to the city to attend these institutions, which generates a pleasant and fun student environment. This Austrian city is full of life, but its pace is relaxed. It has a very pi

INNSBRUCK This city, capital of the Austrian region of Tyrol, is located in the heart of the Alps. It may seem small for being a mountain city, but it has a very wide cultural offer, with abundant nature and a great variety of sports can be done. You are probably wondering, what is student life like in Innsbruck? There is a lot of atmospheres, both in winter and summe

LINZ This Austrian city is the capital of the federal state of Upper Austria and is located to the northeast of the city. It is the third most populous city in the country, but it is still a charming little town. It is crossed by the Danube River, which gives it a very beautiful atmosphere with walks along with it. Despite its small size, student life is usually

Study in Austria: a guide for international students

Basic requirements for international students in Austria

You have to submit a motivation letter, the transcript of your academic record and fill out the Learning Agreement choosing your subjects.
Most commonly, the university will request that you have sufficient knowledge of the German language. Sometimes you need a certificate to prove it, and sometimes the home institution can guarantee that you have this ability.
If you come from an EU/EEA country, your identity card is sufficient for your exchange. If you come from a non-EU country, you’ll probably have to get a visa.
Both EU students and students from other countries are required to register their residence at a Municipal District Office within three days of arriving in the country.
In case your stay lasts longer than three months and you come from the EU, it’s mandatory that you apply for a Confirmation of Registration (German: "Anmeldebescheinigung") at the municipality.
You must have health insurance that covers your entire stay. For students from the European Union, the European Health Insurance Card is valid.
To be able to do the exchange, it’s usually required to prove that you have sufficient financial funds to be able to afford the stay. This can be through a guarantor and/or a scholarship.

Why study in Austria?

One of the main reasons to do an Erasmus in this alpine country is to take advantage of the possibility to practice and improve your German language skills. It’s a language that will surely be helpful on a professional and personal level, so we recommend that you look for courses and speak with locals as much as possible. In addition, international students often speak English with each other, so you’re sure to gain more fluency in that language as well.

When it comes to culture, in Austria you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a wide range of experiences that will allow you to immerse yourself in the Austrian way of life. From the folk festivals in Alpine regions to the majestic Viennese operas and even the incredible museums, try to experience even a small part of each aspect!

With its snow-capped Alps, crystal-clear lakes and picturesque valleys, Austria is a paradise for nature lovers! Hiking in the open air, skiing in winter or simply enjoying the serenity of the alpine landscapes are unforgettable experiences that you’ll be able to enjoy with your new friends.

As you probably already know, most Erasmus students take advantage of their exchange to travel and explore as much as possible. Well, let us tell you that Austria's central location makes it easy to travel throughout Europe. For example, from Vienna, you can easily explore neighbouring countries such as Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Germany.

Best things to do in Austria as a student

From majestic alpine peaks to elegant cities steeped in history, every corner of the country offers a unique experience. Here are some of the things to do and see during your stay:

In winter it gets very cold in Austria and snow covers everything. Thanks to this, there are many winter activities to enjoy in the various regions of the country! From skiing in alpine resorts to winter hiking, to ice skating on natural or artificial slopes, you're sure to find a sport you're excited to try. One of the best-known ski destinations is Innsbruck in Tyrol, but there are plenty of options throughout the country.

In summer you can also enjoy the great outdoors, exploring those same landscapes but with summer sports, such as hiking or cycling. For example, in the Styria region, you can visit its forest areas, valleys and picturesque vineyards, while in Salzburg and the Lake District (Salzkammergut) you can visit some of them, including Lake Wolfgangsee.

As for the local traditions, take the opportunity to learn more about the folk music and festivals of each region, which will help you get to know Austria's rich cultural heritage. In addition, some 200 festivals of all sizes take place in the country throughout the year. We encourage you to attend as many as you can - the Salzburg Festival is one of the most well-known!

Finally, a stay in Austria wouldn’t be complete without contemplating the diverse architecture it boasts. For example, in the capital, Vienna, you can enjoy both majestic buildings from the Imperial period, as well as the Middle Ages with Gothic art and the modern era. Some highlights are the Hofburg Imperial Palace, the Schönbrunn Palace, St. Stephen's Cathedral and the famous Hundertwasser House.