Updated on Oct, 20 2025 08:05 IST
Study Earth Sciences in Austria
Test Preparations
About Us
Knowledge Hub
If you are choosing to study Earth Sciences in Austria, you can be sure to get the most modern curriculum during the entire course. With subjects such as Geology, mineralogy, paleontology, environmental geoscience, Alpine geology, Quaternary geology & applied geology, petrology, raw materials, as well as specializations in the master’s course such as geology, mineralogy & geo-materials, paleobiology & geobiology, stratigraphy, petrology, geochemistry, hydrogeology, engineering geology, and applied geosciences, students have a wide range of topics to choose from, as well as gain an in-depth knowledge of Earth Sciences to build a solid career. Although the language of instruction to study Earth Sciences in Austria is mainly German for the bachelor’s courses, a Master’s degree in Earth Sciences is offered in English. International students need to prepare for the language proficiency exams at least 6 months before applying for a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Earth Sciences. Non-EU/EEA students, including Indians, need to fill out the application, submit documents, and go through the simple admission process mentioned below to study in Austria.
To study Earth Sciences in Austria, non-EU/EEA students, including Indians, need to go through the following eligibility criteria to check if they qualify for the specific degree:
For Bachelor's Program: (In German)
Marksheets of 10th and 12th
Proof of an Additional exam (if applicable)
For Master’s Program: (In English)
Marksheets of 10th and 12th
A relevant Bachelor’s degree in the field of Earth Sciences, or a related discipline from a recognised university.
Language Proficiency: (For Diploma and Bachelor): Candidates must prove their proficiency in the German language to study Earth Sciences in Austria. The following documents are acceptable as sufficient proof indicating at least a B2 level of German language proficiency is required for a bachelor’s degree.
ÖSD (Österreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch)
telc Deutsch
DSH (from Germany) – usually DSH-2
TestDaF
Goethe-Institut Zertifikat
Proof of prior education in German (school or university degree in German)
Language Proficiency: (For Master’s): The applicant needs to provide sufficient documents for the English language proficiency, indicating at least a B2 level for the English-taught Master’s degree program in the field of Earth Sciences:
IELTS: A minimum overall band score of 6 – 7 and above.
TOEFL iBT: A minimum score of 80 - 100 and above for MS in Austria.
To study Earth Sciences in Austria, applicants can refer to the following checklist to gather the documents that they need to submit with the application:
Academic and Educational Documents:
For Bachelor’s: Marksheets of 10th and 12th; Proof of additional exams (if applicable)
For Master's: Bachelor's Degree in Earth Sciences or a related field from a UGC-recognized university, Semester-wise marksheets.
Language Proficiency Documents: As mentioned in the above checklist
Identity Documents:
Birth Certificate
Recent Passport-size Photos: 5-6
Valid Indian Passport
Financial Documents:
Bank Statements as proof of funds
Application Documents:
CV/Resume
Letters of Recommendation
Statement of Purpose (SOP)/Motivation Letter
Application Form
Health & Insurance Documents:
Health Insurance
Medical Health Certificate
Visa-Specific Documents:
Fee Payment Receipt
Visa Application (Form D)
Accommodation Proof
Travel Proof
Health Insurance
Travel Insurance
University Invitation Letter
Non-EU/EEA students can apply to the following universities to study Earth Sciences in Austria. These may not have a specific ranking, but are some of the best institutes to study Earth Sciences in Austria:
For a Bachelor’s Degree in Earth Sciences:
University of Innsbruck: BSc in Earth Science
University of Vienna: BSc in Earth Science
TU Graz – Master: MSc in Geosciences
University of Salzburg: Copernicus Master in Digital Earth
For a Master’s Degree in Earth Sciences:
University of Innsbruck: MSc in Earth Sciences
University of Vienna: MSc in Earth Sciences
TU Graz – Master: MSc in Geosciences
University of Salzburg: Copernicus Master in Digital Earth
The duration to study Earth Sciences in Austria depends on whether you choose a bachelor’s or a master’s degree program as mentioned below:
Bachelor’s Degree (BSc)
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 (MSc)
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 | BSc in Earth Science; MSc in Earth Sciences | BSc: 3 Years; MSc: 2 Years | German |
| University of Vienna | BSc in Earth Science; MSc in Earth Sciences | BSc: 3 Years; MSc: 2 Years | German |
| TU Graz – Master | MSc in Geosciences | 2 Years | English |
| University of Salzburg | Copernicus Master in Digital Earth | 2 Years | English |
For non-EU/EEA students, the tuition fee to study Earth Sciences in Austria is affordable as compared to the fee structure of universities offering the same course in other countries. Below is the fee structure for the same:
| University | Program | Annual Tuition Fee |
|---|---|---|
| University of Innsbruck | BSc in Earth Science; MSc in Earth Sciences | €1,500 |
| University of Vienna | BSc in Earth Science; MSc in Earth Sciences | €1,500 |
| TU Graz – Master | MSc in Geosciences | €1,500 |
| University of Salzburg | Copernicus Master in Digital Earth | €1,500 |
You can check with the university that you are applying to for a university-specific scholarship that they may offer for the academic year. The scholarships and grants, including the ones offered by the government, for non-EU/EEA students looking to study Earth Sciences are as follows:
Austrian Government Scholarships
Austrian Exchange Service (OeAD) - Even if there is no “Earth Sciences–specific” scholarship, you can apply to OeAD’s broader funding, the agency offers scholarships for undergraduates, master’s, PhD students, and researchers.
Ernst Mach Grant - Offered for short-term research, internships, etc. It may not cover the entire tuition fee for the degree.
University-Specific Scholarships
University of Vienna – Offers merit-based scholarships or small grants for thesis work, field research, etc.
Copernicus Master in Digital Earth (Salzburg and associated partners) – Offers scholarships and grants for short-term research stays.
To study Earth Sciences in Austria, candidates need to keep track of the application deadline so that they can apply for the Visa on time. Below are the details about the same:
| University/Program | Intake Semester | Application Deadline (Non-EU/EEA Students) |
|---|---|---|
| University of Innsbruck | Winter Semester (Starting October) | September, 5 |
| University of Vienna | Winter Semester (Starting October) | June, 30 |
| TU Graz – Master | Winter Semester (Starting October) | September, 1 |
| University of Salzburg | Winter Semester (Starting October) | September, 1 |
To study Earth Sciences in Austria, bachelor courses are offered in the German medium of instruction. Hence, the applicant needs to provide proof of their German language proficiency via one of the following documents certifying at least a B2 level of German language proficiency:
At least a B2-level proof of German language proficiency document.
Below are the acceptable documents as proof of German language proficiency:
ÖSD (Österreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch)
telc Deutsch
TestDaF – Level 4 in all sections
Goethe-Institut Zertifikat
DSH (from Germany) – usually DSH-2
Proof of prior education in German (school or university degree in German)
To study Earth Sciences in Austria, students must be aware of the application process and deadlines so that they can prepare for the German language at least 6 months before applying for the bachelor course in Earth Sciences. Rest assured, Team Anigdha will assist you throughout your admission journey until you secure a place for your desired course at your desired university.
Course Selection: A preliminary list will be prepared by Team Anigdha outlining the universities that match your eligibility, interest, course of study, and budget.
Documentation: A checklist of documents will be given to you by our expert at Anigdha. You need to collect those supplementary documents and hand them over to us so that we can submit them in the correct format.
Application Submission: Team Anigdha will ensure to submit your application and documents without any mistakes. We will also ensure that you prepare and appear for any additional exams or for the language proficiency exams, if required.
Approval and Fee Payment: Once the university accepts your application, you will receive an approval letter, after which Team Anigdha will proceed with the payment of your tuition fee.
Admission Confirmation and Visa: After that, the university will send a confirmation letter confirming your seat to study Earth Sciences in Austria. Team Anigdha will attach this letter to the Visa application to fast-track the Visa approval. We will also help you collect your documents as per the checklist, and format as mentioned in the list of Austrian Embassy checklist.
Travel and Accommodation: Your Visa will arrive within a maximum of 4 weeks. After receiving the Visa, Team Anigdha will book your tickets and look for a place for you to stay that suits your budget and preference in Austria.
Which are the top universities for Earth Sciences in Austria?
University of Innsbruck, University of Vienna, University of Graz (with TU Graz, NAWI Graz), University of Salzburg (Copernicus Digital Earth master)
Is a bachelor’s in Earth Sciences offered in English at Austrian Universities?
No, a bachelor’s in Earth Sciences is only offered in German at Austrian Universities.
Which Visa is needed to study Earth Sciences in Austria?
A Type D Visa is needed to study Earth Sciences in Austria.
What is the medium of instruction for an MSc in Earth Sciences in Austria?
For an MSc in Earth Sciences in Austria, the language of instruction is English.
What is the duration to study Earth Sciences in Austria?
The duration to study Earth Sciences in Austria is as follows Bachelor: 3 years, Master: 2 years
Get free 1-on-1 counselling with our experts
