Top 5 student cities in Austria

Discover the favourite cities for university students in Austria and what makes them unique.

If you’re thinking about studying in this country and still don't know which destination is right for you, here are the five best cities to study in Austria. The most well-known destination is undoubtedly the capital, Vienna, but there are also other cities that welcome lots of students every year, such as Graz and Salzburg.

From the pros and cons to top universities and average accommodation prices, we tell you everything you need to know to find the ideal destination for you among these five university cities in Austria.

Once you’ve made your choice, our platform allows you to find verified accommodation that meets all your preferences. Easily compare features, prices and locations, and make your booking online.

Vienna

The capital of Austria is undoubtedly one of the most popular destinations for both local and international students. It’s home to some of the most prestigious universities in the country, as well as offering a wide variety of cultural and leisure activities to enjoy. And it’s a historic city with lots of places to visit!

Pros and cons of studying in Vienna

Studying in Vienna can be incredible, although there are also some drawbacks that are worth considering.

Pros of studying in Vienna

A wide range of cultural and leisure activities, including monuments, museums, events and much more.
Even though it’s a large city with all the amenities, it feels welcoming.
To be able to learn German and study at universities with high educational standards.
Strategic location to travel around Austria and Europe.

Cons of studying in Vienna

Prices are above the Austrian average and expensive compared to other European capitals.
Winters are cold, long, and have many grey days.
Transport is expensive, although efficient.

Top Universities in Vienna

Some of the country's most prestigious institutions are located in the Austrian capital.

Universität Wien (University of Vienna)

It’s the largest university in Austria and one of the largest in Europe. Its faculties are located in different parts of the city, many of them in and around the city centre.

Find more practical information about the university and its faculties in the guide to accommodation near the University of Vienna.

Technische Universität Wien (Vienna University of Technology)

The Vienna University of Technology is one of the most prestigious universities in the city and one of the most prestigious German-speaking universities in the field of technology. Its campuses are located in neighbourhoods such as Wieden and Mariahilf, near the historic centre.

Find out more details in the guide to accommodation near the Vienna University of Technology.

Wirtschaftsuniversität Wien (WU-Wien)

This is the Vienna University of Economics and Business, one of the largest business universities in Europe. It has a single campus in the Leopoldstadt district, Vienna's second district.

If you’re going to study there, don't miss our guide of accommodation near the Vienna University of Economics and Business.

Student Housing in Vienna

The cost of student accommodation in Vienna is usually very high, both because of the high cost of living in Austria and the demand for accommodation. As a reference, the price of a room in a well-located shared flat usually starts at €400 upwards, although you need to check whether this includes utility costs. A studio flat normally starts at €800 per month. We recommend that you start your search as soon as possible so that you can find affordable accommodation that meets all your requirements.

Are you looking for accommodation in the Austrian capital? Read our guide to student accommodation in Vienna, with the types of housing, some neighbourhoods to consider, and approximate prices.

Graz

Aerial view of Graz, Austria, a vibrant university city known for its historic architecture and quality of life.

Graz is the second largest city in Austria and another of the country's university cities. It offers many things to do, but with a more relaxed atmosphere than Vienna. It’s also surrounded by natural sites to enjoy the outdoors, and its historic centre has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Pros and cons of studying in Graz

Graz stands out for its benefits for students, but it also has some weaknesses.

Pros of studying in Graz

A welcoming city where everything is close by.
Its university is one of the most prestigious in the country.
It’s surrounded by nature and places to visit.
The cost of living is slightly more affordable than in the capital.

Cons of studying in Graz

The range of leisure and cultural activities is more limited than in the capital.
The climate is a disadvantage: it rains quite a lot throughout the year and there are months with low temperatures.
It’s necessary to know German for administrative procedures and services.

Top Universities in Graz

Graz is home to a highly prestigious institution:

Karl-Franzens-Universität Graz (University of Graz)

The University of Graz offers high-quality education in a welcoming environment. Its unique campus is located in the city centre, in the Geidorf district.

We tell you more about areas and accommodation in the guide to accommodation near the University of Graz.

Student Housing in Graz

Rental prices in Graz are generally more affordable than in Vienna, but they’re still high. The cheapest cost for a room in a shared flat is usually €350 per month, while a studio flat in the city centre costs €600 upwards.

Find out more about student accommodation in Graz in our guide, which covers the different types available, locations and other interesting information.

Innsbruck

Colourful houses lined up along the River Inn with the snow-capped peaks of the Alps in the background in Innsbruck.

Innsbruck is the ideal destination in Austria for lovers of outdoor sports and nature. Located in the heart of the Alps, the capital of the Tyrol region offers the opportunity to enjoy sports such as skiing and hiking. In addition, the University of Innsbruck has a very high academic standard and an international community.

Pros and cons of studying in Innsbruck

Student life in Innsbruck has many positive aspects, but there are also some disadvantages that may affect your daily routine.

Pros of studying in Innsbruck

Student life is very lively, with societies constantly organising activities.
Privileged natural surroundings and opportunities for outdoor sports.
There are many discounts for students.
It boasts prestigious institutions.

Cons of studying in Innsbruck

Accommodation is limited and expensive.
If you’re not interested in winter sports, the winter weather can be a disadvantage.
Nightlife isn’t very varied.
Travelling is often more expensive or complicated due to fewer transport connections.

Top Universities in Innsbruck

In the heart of the Alps lies a prestigious institution:

Universität Innsbruck (University of Innsbruck)

It’s one of the oldest universities in Europe, dating back to 1669. It offers programmes in German and English, which also attracts university students. It has four campuses in Innsbruck: Innrain Campus, Universitätsstraße Campus, Sport Campus, and Technik Campus.

Check out our guide of accommodation near the University of Innsbruck for more information.

Student housing in Innsbruck

Rent for students in Innsbruck isn’t only usually expensive, but also highly competitive. That's why you need to start looking as soon as possible, so you can find more options. As a reference, the average cost of a single room in a shared flat is €450 per month, while a cheap studio flat usually costs at least €800.

Are you planning to study in Austria? Don't miss our guide to student accommodation in Innsbruck, with up-to-date neighbourhoods and prices.

Linz

Cityscape of Linz, Austria, an innovative and technological city ideal for international students.

Linz is the third largest city in Austria, located in the north of the country on the banks of the River Danube. It has a pleasant, relaxed lifestyle, with modern architecture and remarkable natural beauty. It’s also renowned in the fields of art and technology, areas in which its universities also excel.

Pros and cons of studying in Linz

Studying in Linz has some advantages and disadvantages that are worth considering before choosing it as your destination.

Pros of studying in Linz

It has a large international student community.
The River Danube provides a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere, ideal for walks.
Its universities stand out in the technological environment.

Cons of studying in Linz

The cost of living, as in the rest of Austria, is quite high.
It doesn’t have a wide range of cultural activities like larger cities.
The cold season lasts for several months.

Top Universities in Linz

One institution in particular stands out in this city in northern Austria:

Johannes Universität Linz (Johannes Kepler University Linz)

Despite being younger than the universities mentioned above, JKU also offers high-quality education. Its main campus is located in Sankt Magdalena, north of Linz.

Student housing in Linz

The cost of rent in Linz is generally more affordable compared to larger cities such as Vienna. For example, the average price for a room in a shared flat or residence is €400 per month, although more affordable options can be found. The cheapest studio flats are around €600.

If you’re going to study in this northern Austrian city, check out our guide to student accommodation in Linz with information on prices and recommended neighbourhoods.

Salzburg

Panoramic view of Salzburg, one of the best cities to study in Austria due to its cultural richness and natural surroundings.

Salzburg, famous for being Mozart's birthplace and for its old town, which has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is a paradise for music and history lovers. It’s also surrounded by mountains and close to Lake Salzkammergut, offering many opportunities for outdoor activities.

Pros and cons of studying in Salzburg

Living and studying in Salzburg offers many benefits, although there are also certain negative aspects to consider during your stay.

Pros of studying in Salzburg

Historic city, ideal for music and history lovers.
Opportunities to engage in sports such as skiing and hiking.
It‘s well located for travelling around Austria, Germany and the rest of Europe.

Cons of studying in Salzburg

Monthly expenses are high, especially because it’s quite touristy.
It’s a small town, with fewer nightlife options.
It usually rains a lot.

Top Universities in Salzburg

Among the most prominent universities in this city are:

Paris-Lodron-Universität Salzburg (University of Salzburg)

This institution is the largest in the city and offers quality education in various fields. Many of its faculties are located in the city centre, in historic buildings, but it also has a modern campus in Nonntal and other locations in different cities.

Student Housing in Salzburg

Rent in Salzburg is generally average compared to other Austrian cities. For example, a single room in a shared flat usually costs between €450 and €600 per month, while a studio flat starts at €750 per month.

Discover more features about student housing in Salzburg in our guide.

Find accommodation in Austria with Erasmus Play

Now that you know the 5 best student cities in Austria, all you have to do is choose the one that's right for you and get ready to move! On our Erasmus Play platform, you can search and compare accommodation in all these university cities (and many more!). You can view rooms, flats and residences, filtering by your preferred characteristics such as location, price and type.

We recommend that you start your search and book as soon as possible, for two main reasons: this way you can be sure of finding something affordable that meets all your requirements, and because as the start of the academic year approaches, the search becomes very competitive and difficult.

Other guides on studying and living in Austria

Would you like to know more about staying in this Alpine country? You can read our guides for more information.