Updated on Jul, 29 2025 09:50 IST
MBA in Austria
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MBA in Austria is one of the most sought-after programs for higher studies. There are multiple reasons behind it. MBA enhances the employability in high-end managerial jobs. It is a great option for graduates to increase their chances of employability and get into high-paying specialized roles in corporate. Today, there is no denying the fact that this is a rising trend in India. A lot of professionals opt for MBA courses in India as well as abroad. Although there are good MBA institutions in India, a lot of students also choose to study MBA abroad in lieu of the international exposure that MBA abroad offers. Many Indian students, and working professionals also choose to study MBA abroad because of exposure to big companies and corporate players. Among the many popular MBA destinations, study MBA in Austria has emerged to be a rising trend in India and neighbouring countries in the Indian Sub-continent. Austria has some of the finest business schools in Europe that offers world-class MBA program for students and professionals.
The Austrian system is planned around the Bologna Process, with bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. Here are the main features of the Austrian Education System:
Now that you have made up your mind to study MBA in Austria, here is a detailed overview about the program for you to go through:
|
Country |
Austria |
|
Course/Program |
MBA |
|
Program Duration |
1-2 Years |
|
Cost of program |
EUR 7,200/ year |
|
Scholarships |
Available |
|
Intake |
Summer Intake: last date of application- 1st February Winter Intake: last date of application- 1st September |
|
Cost of Living (Indian) |
€10,000 to €15,000 annually (approx.) |
|
MBA specializations |
- Business Administration - Management, Organization, Leadership - Finance - Marketing - Transport management - International Business |
|
IELTS /TOEFL |
Required |
|
Top Business Schools in Austria |
- Vienna University of Economics and Business (WU) - Management Center Innsbruck (MCI) - University of Salzburg - FH Kufstein Tirol - University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria. - Central European University (CEU). |
|
Eligibility Criteria |
- Bachelor’s degree (from recognized and accredited institution) |
|
Average post-MBA salary in Austria |
€50,000 to €70,000 annually |
|
Post-Study Work Visa |
12 months work visa for job |
|
GMAT |
Compulsory in most but not all MBA programs in Austria |
|
Medium of Instruction |
English |
There are so many things that study MBA in Austria offers. Austrian MBA from renowned business schools are often sought-after by employers globally. Here is a list of reasons why study MBA in Austria is a fantastic option for Indian student:
Worldclass Education System: Austria boasts of a robust world class academic structure, consisting of a chain of excellent business schools delivering specialized MBA programs in a wide array of specializations and domains. Austrian MBA degree is recognized globally and it is in par with international standards and follows the same structure relevant in EU.
Recognised Business Schools: Austria also has a long list of world-class international standard business schools that admit thousands of international students every year. The country is home to some of the best business schools in Europe, offering top-tier business programs in schools like WU Executive Academy and the University of Vienna.
Options for Specialisation: Austria has over 70 universities and business schools that are offering myriad MBA specializations in different domains. Austrian business schools offer a variety of specializations in MBA, in domains such as Business informatics, Travel & Tourism, Electronics, Education, International Business Consultancy, Social Entrepreneurship, etc.
Rich Economy: The capital of Austria is Vienna. It is an extremely beautiful city. It is also the cultural and economic centre point of Europe. Hence, it is a city with many opportunities in the corporate sector after for MBA students.
Safe Country: Austria is one of the safest countries in the world. Vienna has a remarkably low crime-rate, making it one of the best destinations for higher education and for working professionals.
Lucrative Salaries: The average post-MBA salary in Austria for MBA graduates ranges between €50,000 to €70,000, depending upon the domain of work, the area of specialization & expertise and placement in corporate.
Admission without GMAT or GRE: While GMAT or GRE has been traditionally mandator for international students to study MBA in Austria, many business schools in Austria after COVID are offering MBA programs without requiring GRE or GMAT score. However, conditions are applied. Candidate’s former work experience and academic performance may be taken into account.
Post-study Work Permit: Austria also offers international MBA graduates a 12-month extended VISA post completion of program to search for jobs. This allows more post-study work opportunities for international graduates.
International Exposure: Study MBA in Austria offers students and working professionals in India to closely experience the Austrian culture as well as the European way of life closely.
Study MBA in Austria allows international students/graduates to seek job in the EU/EEA region.
Schengen Country: Austria is part of the Schengen area which means, you can get a Schengen visa and travel to most of the parts of Europe. You can also seek jobs in a wider geographical range and a larger economy. This increases employability probability.
English-medium Courses: In almost all major business schools in Austria, the medium of instruction for MBA programs is English.
Here is a list of some of the top business schools for MBA in Austria. The annual program cost and specialisations offered in these Austrian business schools are mentioned as well:
| Business Schools | Annual Average Fee (EUR) | Annual Average Fee (INR) | Program Specialisations |
|---|---|---|---|
| WU Executive Academy | €25,000 | INR 22,00,000 | International Business, Finance |
| University of Vienna | €10,000 | INR 8,80,000 | Entrepreneurship, Global Management |
| Webster University | €22,000 | INR 19,36,000 | Marketing, Cybersecurity |
| Vienna University of Economics | €20,000 | INR 17,60,000 | Strategy, Innovation |
| Danube University Krems | €18,000 | INR 15,84,000 | Health Care Management, HR Management |
| MODUL University Vienna | €24,000 | INR 21,12,000 | Sustainable Development, Tourism |
| Lauder Business School | €14,000 | INR 12,32,000 | International Business, Finance |
| IMC University of Applied Sciences | €12,000 | INR 10,56,000 | Marketing, International Business |
Applying to study MBA in Austria is a fairly simple procedure The student must meet the following criteria to be able to study MBA in Austria:
Bachelor’s Degree: Indian applicant must have an undergraduate degree from recognized and accredited institution in India or abroad.
Work Experience: A lot of business schools in Austria require applicants to have 2-5 years of work experience. This figure may vary as per institution and MBA specialization.
English proficiency: Non-native English speakers (international students and professionals) are required to prove their English proficiency through IELTS/TOEFL. However, some business schools in Austria may waive off this requirement with certain conditions attached.
GMAT/GRE: GMAT/GRE scores are mandatory for a lot of institutes. However, there are others as well that may offer waiver based on previous academic performance or work-experience. The requirement for GMAT/GRE to study MBA in Austria is based on the institution.
Statement of Purpose: It is basically a well-written, articulated and thoughtful essay that clearly and definitively outlines the career goals of the candidate and reasons behind pursuing MBA in Austria.
Letter of Recommendation: International candidates applying to study MBA in Austria, are required to furnish 2-3 letters of recommendation from professional and/or academic references.
Note: eligibility criteria can vary from one institution to another. However, some criteria will be common for all institutes.
Candidates need to be ready with all requisite documents to apply in Austrian Business Schools. To study MBA in Austria, an Indian applicant must have the following documents:
Authenticated Secondary School Leaving.
Valid passport (scanned copy).
Authentic Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree from accredited university in India.
Academic transcripts/Marksheets of applicants with master’s degree which must detail the course and grades in the 2 years.
Application form.
Letter of Invitation from the respective business school in Austria.
Student Visa (required at the time of admission).
Special entrance qualification (if necessary; depends on the school
German language proficiency
IELTS and TOELF for proof of English proficiency for English-taught programs. Note: this is not mandatory for all Austrian business schools.
Passport-sized photographs.
Bank statement (proof of financial capability to finance the program in Austria).
Tuition fees for study MBA in Austria varies as per the business school as well as the choice of MBA specialization.
| Type of Institution | Annual Tuition Fees (EUR) | Annual Tuition Fees (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Public Universities | €1,000 - €5,000 | 1,00,000 - 5,00,000 |
| Private Universities | €10,000 - €30,000 | 10,00,000 - 30,00,000 |
Specialized programs & Executive MBAs can be a bit more expensive than this.
Real-time EURO rate shall be applicable.
Apart from tuition fee, there are additional expenditures pertaining to study MBA in Austria.
Living Costs:
€800 to €1,200 per month for living expenses, such as accommodation, food, travel, and personal expenses.
Health Insurance:
Non-EU/EEA students need to pay for health insurance. Student insurance, it costs around €60 per month. Otherwise, it can be around €427 per month.
Lifestyle, accommodation and food make for additional expenditure.
Depending on lifestyle choices, location and accommodation, these additional costs can range between €10,000 to €15,000 annually.
Planning to study MBA in Austria? Don’t know where to start and what to do? Here is what you need to do to and how our team at Anigdha can help?
Connect with our counsellors: We are here to help you with all our resources in finding the right business school, choose the right specialization based on your background, work profile and domain of expertise, and work experience. Our expert counsellors are going to help you at every step.
Finalise the course and college: While choosing the business school and MBA specialization, a candidate is also required to consider factors such as Fee structure, reputation of business school (perception matters during placement), and nature of speciation. We can help you finalise the most suitable one.
Check Eligibility: We will then match your skills and background with the eligibility criteria for study MBA in Austria in the specific business school. While the basic requirements by-and-large remain the same across institutions, such as academic qualifications, work experience, and English proficiency requirements, there can be variations too.
Prepare Documents: We will then help you gather all necessary documents. These include- letter of recommendation, work experience, GMAT/GRE scores (if required), IELTS/TOEFL (if required), German proficiency (if required), academic transcripts, state of purpose tailored to the specialization candidate has chosen or his/her domain.
Submit the application: We will help you fill in the application form in the manner proposed by the university/business school by furnishing all relevant, authentic, and necessary information and legal documents digitally (persona, professional, academic).
Interviews: Some universities may also conduct interviews to shortlist their applicants. However, this is not common in all business schools. We will keep a check on all important communication and interview dates.
Scholarships: Scholarships are available for international students to study MBA in Austria. Some are offered by the government, while others are offered by private bodies and institutions. We will identify by the available scholarship schemes in B-schools of your choice.
Fee Payment: Once you get a confirmation from the B-school, you are required to pay the tuition fee. After you make the payment, the university will send you an invitation letter.
Apply for a Visa: An applicant must apply for VISA after receiving the Letter of admission or invitation letter from the respective business school to study MBA in Austria. We will help you gather all the documents for successful visa processing.
Travel & Accommodation: Once you receive your visa in 2-3 weeks, book your flight and find an affordable accommodation near the university.
For all students looking to study MBA in Austria, you must keep a check on important deadlines and intake timelines:
There are two intakes to study MBA in Austria.
There is the summer intake and winter intake.
For admission during summer intake, candidate must apply before 1st February
For admission during winter intake, candidate must apply before 1st September
The duration to study MBA in Austria may differ depending on the specialisation. Here are some important details to know before applying:
The duration of MBA program in Austria is 1-2 years (depending upon the specialisation and domain and the business school).
The program is divided into semesters.
Students enrolled need to write tests semester-wise.
The criteria to study MBA in Austria has been made simpler than ever. Here is all you need to know about the GMAT/GRE requirements:
GMAT/GRE scores have been traditionally mandatory for nearly all business schools to study MBA in Austria.
However, post-COVID, some of the business schools have relaxed the GMAT/GRE requirement, subject to conditions such as past academic performance and work-experience/background of the applicant.
It is advised that the students should check the criteria of the B-school of their choice.
One of the strong factors have push Indian professionals and aspirants to study MBA in Austria is the plethora of specializations offered by Austrian business schools. Here is a list of the major MBA specializations which international students often opt:
Organization & Leadership
International Business
Finance Marketing
Transport Management
Project Management
Environmental Management
Organizational Management
Human Resource Administration
Business Administration Management
Finance Marketing
Nonprofit Management Sustainability / CSR / Social Entrepreneurship
Energy and Natural Resources
On top of the above-mentioned curricula in marketing and finance, there are other particularities as well, which can align with an applicant’s domain:
Education
Tourism
International Business Consultancy
Electroinics
Many Indian students choose to study MBA in Austria as the course is taught fully in English language. Here are some important points to know:
The medium of instruction for MBA programs in Austria for international students is English.
For most universities, proof of German proficiency is required. However, for English-based programs, it may not be mandatory.
TOEFL/IELTS is needed in some business schools. However, it is not mandatory for all programs. A waiver may be offered by some universities based on the former academic credentials of the candidate/applicant.
| Language-Proficiency Exam | Minimum Score Required |
| IELTS (International English Language Testing System) | 6.0-6.5 (based on the program) |
| TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) | 80-92 (based on the program) |
Some business schools in Austria offer part-time MBA programs with different tuition fee structures. These are ideal for MBA aspirants with full-time jobs.
Universities offering part-time MBA programs in Austria:
WU Executive Academy - Vienna University of Economics and Business
Modul University Vienna
MCI Management Center Innsbruck
KMU Akademie
Danube University Krems
Here is a list of some universities and their online (distant) MBA programs in Austria which can be availed by international students:
| Business School | Language | Intakes | Duration | Tuition Fee | Focus Areas |
| Webster University Vienna | English | Winter/Spring, Fall, Summer | 30 months (The program can be completed in 18 months for students taking two classes every 9 weeks without interruptions). | $24,816 | Corporate Communications, Corporate Finance, Cybersecurity, Digital Marketing Management, Enterprise Resource Planning, Health Administration, Information Technology Management, International Business, Marketing |
| MCI Management Center Innsbruck | English | Fall | 24 months ( blended program that includes online and in-person attendance.) | $26,650 | Corporate Communications, Corporate Finance, Cybersecurity, Digital Marketing Management, Enterprise Resource Planning, Health Administration, Information Technology Management, International Business, Marketing |
| Danube University | German | NA | 24 Months | $6900 |
MBA-Specialization Digital Transformation in Business and Administration MBA-Specialization Data Management - Data Steward MBA- Sales Management MBA-Business Controlling & Financial Management. |
For students looking to apply MBA in Austria, here are some important eligibility guidelines with respect to work experience:
Majority of MBA programs in Austria require 2-5 years of professional work experience from an international applicant.
However, this requirement is based on the specialization in MBA as well as the choice of university. There are some universities that offer MBA programs without the requirement of 2-5 years (can vary).
Studying MBA in Austria can be a bit challenging if you do not have prior work experience in your kitty. Here are the details about work experience requirements to study MBA in Austria:
Majority of Business schools in Austria offer MBA degree programs that strictly require the candidate to have work experience of 2-5 years.
There are frankly very few business schools (mostly private) that may offer MBA program without work-experience.
For students looking for a rebate in the tuition fee, here are some important points to know about free study and scholarships to study MBA in Austria:
There is no scope of inherent tuition-free MBA program in Austria
However, Austria offers one of the highest number and variety of scholarships to its international students.
These scholarships (mentioned below in detail) can be availed by international students which cover their tuition fee and even provide additional stipends to cover monthly expenses.
There are multiple different categories of scholarship options available for international students to study MBA in Austria. Here is a list of major scholarship options available for international students in Austria:
OeAD Scholarships: OeAD stands for The Austrian Agency for International Cooperation in Education and Research. It offers different scholarship options for international students. MBA programs also come under the ambit of OeAD scholarships. Apart from covering the tuition fee, the student can also receive a monthly stipend for expenses.
Erasmus+ Scholarships: Not all, but some MBA programs or specializations come under the Erasmus+ program. International students pursuing these MBA programs are eligible to apply for the scholarships, which cover tuition. These scholarships are mostly available for international EU/EEA students who study MBA in Austria.
Government Scholarships: Governments of some countries also offer scholarships for their students to study in Austria. An international student who wants to study MBA in Austria may avail such scholarship opportunities provided their home-governments run such programs.
University-Specific Scholarships: Multiple institutions and universities in Austria run their own scholarships programs and grant scholarships to eligible international students based on their merit (and other conditions such as need-based, field-based, etc). These scholarships can be based on merit or related to specific fields of study.
Private Organizations: Several private organizations, foundations, and companies- global and local- offer a range of scholarships for international students studying in Austria.
Business and Industry Scholarships: Businesses, corporate conglomerates and houses, and private organisations from industries offer sector-specific MBA scholarships to international students who study MBA in Austria, with terms and conditions applied (employment in company after completion of MBA program, etc). Some corporates run sponsorship programs for employees seeking to pursue MBAs.
Austrian Development Cooperation Scholarships: These are a range of scholarships for international students (non-Eu/EAA) from developing countries and cover full or partial tuition fees for master's programs, which includes Master’s in Business Administration as well.
Business Schools and MBA Associations: Some MBA schools and associations offer scholarships specifically to domestic and international MBA students in Austria. It can include industry-specific scholarships or a diverse range of scholarships.
Alumni Scholarships: Some Austian institutes and universities offer scholarships to students whose parents have been alumni. Check if the university you are applying into also have such programs.
International students need to fulfil the VISA requirements before coming to Austria for higher studies. Here is the what you need to know:
International students from non-EU/EAA countries need to apply for an Austrian visa at an Austrian consulate or embassy before you arrive. Such students are also required to extend the initial visa into a residence permit for the purpose of study or education right after arriving in Austria.
International students in Austria are required to have the financial means to support their education and living expenses during their program.
International students from EU/EEA countries, Switzerland, and Croatia are allowed to work in Austria without a work permit.
International students other than those from EU/EEA countries, Switzerland, and Croatia need a work permit.
If you are still confused about the German level requirements to study MBA in Austria, here is all that you need to know:
Studying MBA in Austria does not require German language proficiency as the medium of instruction for most MBA programs is English.
Some B-schools may still require German language skills or offer German-taught MBA options.
Learning German can be highly beneficial for day to day living in Austria and to grab potential job opportunities in Austria, especially if you plan to stay back and work in the country.
Here is a breakdown of living expenditure or cost of living on an average in a month for Indian students who study MBA in Austria:
| Expenditure | Average Monthly Cost (in INR) of Master’s Program |
| Accommodation (private rental) | 35,000 - 60,000 (approx.) |
| Accommodation (dormitories for students) | 17,000 - 44,000 (approx.) |
| Student Health Insurance (mandatory) | 5,200 (approx.) |
| Food | 22,000 - 30,000 (approx.) |
| Transportation | 4500 – 8500 (approx.) |
| Public Transportation | 4300 (approx.) |
| Miscellaneous | 9000 - 13,000 (approx.) |
What is the duration of MBA programs in Austria?
The duration of MBA programs in Austria is between 1-2 years, depending upon the MBA specialization or domain, and the business school.
What career options can MBA graduates explore after completion of program?
Austrian MBA degrees are highly valued globally. Austria (especially Vienna) is a financial hub in Europe. MBA graduates can get placed in sectors such as banking, investments, financial consulting, etc.
What is the average fee to study MBA in Austria?
Study MBA in Austria from private universities: 6,000 – 24,000 EUR per year. - Study MBA in Austria from public universities: 727 EUR per semester. - Student union fees: 20-30 EUR per semester.
What is the Scope for Post-Graduation Work Permit for Indian Students in Austria?
International students having completed their MBA from Austrian business schools can apply for a post-graduation work permit. This allows them to stay in Austria and work up-to 12-months.
What are the potential Job Markets for Indian MBA graduates in Austria?
Finance sectors: Banking, Investment, Financial Consulting, etc. Technology: IT consulting, Software Development, Tech Start-ups, etc. Tourism: Tourism management, hospitality, etc.
Is German language compulsory to study MBA in Austria?
Since the medium of instruction for most MBA programs is English, studying MBA in Austria does not require German language proficiency.
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