Updated on Oct, 10 2025 09:43 IST
Study Civics in Austria
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Civics is offered under a broader category of the study of Political Science, or Peace & Conflict Studies in Austria. Bachelor's and Master's courses to study civics in Austria are offered in German and English, respectively. Candidates applying to study civics in Austria need to start preparation for the language proficiency exams at least 6 months before they apply for the program. Civics, being equivalent to Political Science, Social and Political Sciences, Peace & Conflict Studies, and International Relations, students can choose from these courses to pursue a BA or an MA in civics in Austria. At the MA level, non-EU/EEA candidates, as well as other applicants, can choose from the area of expertise they want to build a career in. Many Bachelor-level Political Science / Civics programs are primarily in German. At the Master's level, there are more English-taught options. Below is a detailed outline of the admission process to study Civics in Austria. Read on to know more!
Non-EU/EEA students, including Indians, must go through the following eligibility criteria to know if they are eligible to apply to study Civics in Austria. Non-EU/EEA candidates must have sufficient documents related to the following conditions for a smooth admission process:
For Bachelor's Program: (In German)
10th and 12th Certificate, and Marksheets
Proof of an Additional exam (if applicable)
For Master’s Program: (In German/English)
10th and 12th Certificate, and Marksheets
A relevant Bachelor’s degree in the field of Civics, or a related discipline from a recognised university.
Language Proficiency: (For Diploma and Bachelor): To study Civics in Austria, students need to appear for the language proficiency exams. The following documents are acceptable as sufficient proof of German language proficiency. The acceptable level of German language should be at least a B2 for a bachelor’s degree.
DSH (from Germany) – usually DSH-2
Goethe-Institut Zertifikat
TestDaF
OSD (Osterreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch)
telc Deutsch
Proof of prior education in German (school or university degree in German)
Language Proficiency: (For Master’s): An MA in Civics in Austria is offered in English. Hence, students must provide one of the following documents as proof of at least a B2 level of English language proficiency while applying to study Civics in Austria :
IELTS: A minimum overall band score of 7 and above.
TOEFL iBT: A minimum score of 95 and above.
To study Civics in Austria, a checklist of documents, as per the Austrian Embassy checklist, needs to be submitted by the applicants with the application. Students should make sure that the documents are authorised by a relevant personnel, and is in the correct format:
Academic and Educational Documents:
For Bachelor’s: 10th and 12th Certificate, and Marksheets; Proof of additional exams (if applicable)
For Master's: Bachelor's Degree in Civics or a related field from a UGC-recognized university. Semester-wise marksheets.
Language Proficiency Documents: As mentioned in the above checklist
Application Documents:
CV/Resume
Letters of Recommendation
Statement of Purpose (SOP)/Motivation Letter
Application Form
Identity Documents:
Birth Certificate
Recent Passport-size Photos: 3-4
Valid Indian Passport
Financial Documents:
Bank Statements as proof of funds
Visa-Specific Documents:
Fee Payment Receipt
Visa Application (Form D)
Health Insurance
Travel Insurance
University Invitation Letter
Accommodation Proof
Travel Proof
Health & Insurance Documents:
Health Insurance
Medical Health Certificate
Non-EU/EEA students, including Indian students, can apply to some of the top universities that have a strong faculty for Civics courses in Austria to study Civics, as mentioned below:
For a Bachelor’s Degree in Civics
University of Innsbruck: BA Political Science
University of Vienna: BA Political Science
For a Master’s Degree in Civics
University of Innsbruck: MA Political Science (European & International Politics)
University of Innsbruck: MA Peace and Conflict Studies
University of Salzburg: MA Political Science
The minimum and maximum duration to Study Civics in Austria depends on various factors, such as a bachelor’s or a master’s degree program as mentioned below:
Bachelor’s Degree (BA)
Minimum Duration: 3 years(6 semesters)
Maximum Duration:Up to 4–5 years for: German language preparation, Interruption in studies or internship work
Master’s Degree (MA)
Minimum Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Maximum Duration: 3-4 years for: Thesis/research projects, Interruption in studies or internship work
Summary:
| University | Program | Duration | Medium of Instruction |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Innsbruck | BA Political Science; MA Political Science (European & International Politics) | BA: 3 Years; MA: 2 Years | German |
| University of Innsbruck | MA Peace and Conflict Studies | 2 Years | English |
| University of Vienna | BA Political Science | 3 Years | German |
| University of Salzburg | MA Political Science | 2 Years | English |
The tuition fee to study Civics in Austria, for non-EU/EEA students, including Indians, ranges from €1,500 to €2,500 annually, which is quite affordable. Below is the fee structure for the same:
| University | Program | Annual Tuition Fee |
|---|---|---|
| University of Innsbruck | BA Political Science; MA Political Science (European & International Politics) | €1,500 |
| University of Innsbruck | MA Peace and Conflict Studies | €1,500 |
| University of Vienna | BA Political Science | €1,500 |
| University of Salzburg | MA Political Science | €2,000 |
Based on the country that you are applying from, you may be eligible for a university-specific scholarship or for the ones offered by the government. Below are the scholarships and grants available for non-EU/EEA students looking to study Civics in Austria:
Austrian Government Scholarships
Austrian Exchange Service (OeAD) – Offered by the Austrian Agency for Education and Internationalization, students from developing nations can receive a partial scholarship or a short-term grant. Scholarship is offered for international students at bachelor’s, master’s, PhD, and research levels.
Ernst Mach Grant - For studying at Austrian universities (for incoming students) under certain bilateral agreements (e.g., with ASEA-UNINET).
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Programs (EMJM) – Offered for Joint master’s programs (EMJM) for students from around the world. EMJMs are 2-year courses involving multiple universities.
University-Specific Scholarships
University of Innsbruck – Offers merit-based scholarships via Peace Studies Fund in the MA Peace and Conflict Studies programme to cover the extra tuition fee for non-EU students.
University of Salzburg – Offers Partial funding for international students via Funding Scholarships at the University of Salzburg, ranging from €750-3,600.
To study Civics in Austria, students need to apply for the Visa well in advance before the admission deadline approaches. The application deadline needs to be kept in mind, and below are the details about the same:
| University/Program | Intake Semester | Application Deadline (Non-EU/EEA Students) |
|---|---|---|
| University of Innsbruck | Winter Semester (Starting October) | April, 7 |
| University of Innsbruck | Winter Semester (Starting September) | February, 5 |
| University of Vienna | Winter Semester (Starting October) | May, 15 |
| University of Salzburg | Winter Semester (Starting September) | August, 10 |
To study Civics in Austria, students need to appear for the language proficiency exams. The following documents are acceptable as sufficient proof of German language proficiency. The acceptable level of German language should be at least a B2 for a bachelor’s degree.
DSH (from Germany) – usually DSH-2
Goethe-Institut Zertifikat
TestDaF
OSD (Osterreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch)
telc Deutsch
Proof of prior education in German (school or university degree in German)
Preparing and appearing for the language proficiency exams, as well as remembering the application deadlines, is important to study Civics in Austria. Our team at Anigdha has outlined the admission process for non-EU/EEA students looking to study Civics in Austria. Our experts at Anigdha will guide you throughout your journey, starting with applications, documents, Visa, and travel to make things easier for you:
Course Selection: The course in Civics that is the best fit for you will be evaluated by an expert from Anigdha based on your eligibility, interest, budget, and career goals. Our team at Anigdha will prepare a list of universities that you can apply to study Civics in Austria.
Documentation: A checklist of documents, as per the Austrian Embassy checklist, will be handed over to you by Team Anigdha, which you need to submit to us. Our team at Anigdha will submit the documents properly and in the right format.
Application Submission: Team Anigdha has many years of experience in the submission of university applications without any errors.
Approval and Fee Payment: After the application is approved by the university, you will receive an approval letter, and after which our team at Anigdha will process the payment of your tuition fee.
Admission Confirmation and Visa: On receipt of the tuition fee, the university will send you a confirmation letter confirming your seat to study Civics in Austria. Team Anigdha will use the letter to fast-track the approval of your Type D Visa Application.
Travel and Accommodation: In 3-4 weeks, your Visa will arrive, after which our team at Anigdha will book your flight tickets to Austria and look for accommodation for you to stay near the university.
What are the language proficiency requirements to study Civics in Austria?
At least a B2 level of German language proficiency for bachelor courses, and at least a B2 level of English language proficiency for Master level programs, is needed to study Civics in Austria.
Will I be allowed to work in Austria while studying?
Yes, you can work 20 hours a week in part-time jobs while studying in Austria.
What is the duration to study Civics in Austria?
For a BA in Civics, the duration is 3 years, and for an MA in Civics, the duration is 2 years.
Is it mandatory to get health insurance to study Civics in Austria?
Yes, it is mandatory to get a health insurance certificate from your home country to study Civics in Austria.
What is the tuition fee for Indian students to study Civics in Austria?
The minimum yearly tuition fee for Indian students to study Civics in Austria is €1,500.
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