Updated on Oct, 20 2025 08:02 IST
Study Fine Arts in Austria
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If you have a flair for creativity and you are always looking for ways to express your artistic skills, you must choose to study fine arts. A degree in fine arts can open doors to different career pathways into the fields of design, arts, communication. So, if you are looking to build a career where you can blend your creativity with a practical skill, study fine arts in Austria. Austria is home to some of the best universities offering a wide range of bachelors and masters courses in the field of fine arts. Indian students are moving towards this Schengen country for more reasons than one can imagine. From diploma programs in music and performing arts to offering an international podium to the learners, public and private universities in Austria have become a top favorite for all the Indian students looking to study abroad. What is more? Students get access to all of this at a highly affordable fee starting at just €726 per semester. If you have made up your mind to study in Austria, here is everything you must know.
Non-EU/EEA students must prove their eligibility to study fine arts in Austria and the requirements for them include certain academic and linguistic parameters. Here are the details of the eligibility criteria set by Austrian universities offering the programs:
For Bachelor’s in Fine Arts
12th grade from recognised Indian board with 70% and above marks.
Practical assignments are given to assess your artistic aptitude.
For Master’s in Fine Arts
Bachelor's degree: You must hold a bachelor's degree in Fine Arts or Performing Arts from a recognised Indian university.
Grade Requirements: Minimum 70% marks required.
You must submit your artistic portfolio.
An entrance examination and/or interview.
Professional Experience of 1-2 years is required by many universities for MS in Austria.
Language Proficiency Requirements for Bachelor’s and Master’s:
For English Taught Programs: To apply for an English-taught program in Fine Arts, prove your language-proficiency through:
IELTS: A minimum overall band score of 6.5 and above.
TOEFL iBT: A minimum score of 90 and above.
For German Taught Programs: To study German-taught programs in Fine Arts, prove your language proficiency through:
ÖSD Zertifikat C1
Goethe Institut – Goethe Zertifikat C1
TestDaF (minimum score of 4)
Your eligibility to study fine arts in Austria can only be proven through your documents. You will have to submit your educational, personal, as well as language proficiency documents along with your application form. Here is the checklist for you:
Academic and Educational Documents:
For Bachelor’s: 10th and 12th Marksheets, School Leaving Certificate
For Master's: Bachelor's Degree, Marksheets of all semesters, Artistic Portfolio
Language Proficiency Documents:
IELTS Score
TOEFL iBT Score
Proof of German language proficiency for German-taught programs.
Identity Documents:
Passport
Birth Certificate
Passport-size Photos: 6-8
Financial Documents:
Bank Statements
Application Documents:
Application Form
Letters of Recommendation (LOR)
CV
Statement of Purpose/Motivation Letter
Work Experience Letters for Masters
Health & Insurance Documents:
Health Insurance
Medical Fitness Certificate
Visa-Specific Documents:
Visa Application (Form D)
University Invitation/Admission Letter
Fee Payment Receipt
Accommodation Proof (Renting Agreement)
Travel Proof
Health & Travel Insurance
Austrian universities rank high in terms of quality education and research focus. If you are looking to study fine arts in Austria, here are some of the most renowned Austrian universities you can explore to study the program:
Academy of Fine Arts Vienna (Programs):
Diploma Program in Fine Arts
Masters in Critical Studies
University of Applied Arts Vienna (Programs):
Diploma in Fine Arts
Masters in Social Design - Arts as Urban Innovation
University of Arts Linz (Programs):
Diploma in Fine Arts
Bachelors in Art & Education
Masters in Art & Education
Mozarteum University Salzburg (Programs):
Bachelors in Fine Arts, Design and Art Education
Masters in Fine Arts, Design and Art Education
Music and Arts University of the City of Vienna (MUK - Programs):
Bachelors in Music and Performing Arts
Masters in Music and Performing Arts
Do you want to study abroad but expensive tuition fee is a major concern? Well, Austria is an affordable country in terms of providing quality education. You can study fine arts in Austria at a renowned public university at half of the cost of any other European country. Here are the details:
| University | Tuition Fee |
|---|---|
| Public | €726 per semester |
| Mandatory Student Union Fee | €25 per semester |
| Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS) | €727 and €7,500 per semester |
| Private | €1500–€12,000 per year |
If the tuition fee to study fine arts in Austria in a private institute is on the higher side, you can even apply for different scholarships and grants offered by the Austrian government and universities for Non-EU/EEA students. Check out the details below:
Government Scholarships
grants.at database: An excellent resource for finding grants for research stays or short-term programs.
Ernst Mach Grant Worldwide: Supports postgraduates from all over the world who wish to conduct a short-term research project in Austria.
Other OeAD grants: The OeAD manages various grants which you can search for on grants.at.
University Scholarships
Academy of Fine Arts Vienna: Offers Merit Scholarship, Work Scholarship, and Social Stipend.
2nd Year Scholarship: For socially disadvantaged students from "third countries” a total of €7,000 in funded.
Mentoring Program Art: Offers a scholarship of €9,000 for talented young artists.
University of Applied Arts Vienna: Offers limited institutional scholarships.
Musik und Kunst Privatuniversität der Stadt Wien (MUK): MUK offers scholarships for its students, for performing arts.
Before applying to a foreign university, it is crucial to check the language proficiency requirements. In Austria, the courses in fine arts are available in both English and German language. Here are the details of German-language proficiency requirements to study fine arts in Austria:
Most fine arts programs in Austria are taught in German and hence, you are required to demonstrate a B2/C1 level of proficiency in the German language.
For English-taught fine arts programs, no German-language proof is required.
The course duration to study fine arts in Austria can vary depending on the degree level. Austrian universities offer a range of bachelors and masters programs in the field of fine arts and here are the details of course duration of each:
| Degree level | Course Duration |
| Fine Arts Diploma (Mag. art.) | 4 years (8 semesters) |
| Bachelor's Degree | 3 to 4 years (6-8 semesters) |
| Master's Degree | 2 years (4 semesters) |
We advise Indian students to keep a close watch on important deadlines for the upcoming intakes. The deadlines for Non-EU/EEA are earlier than many students expect. Here are all the details you must take into consider and apply as early as possible:
| University | Intake | Application Deadline |
| Academy of Fine Arts Vienna | Winter Semester (October) | June-end |
| University of Applied Arts Vienna | Winter Semester (October) | June-end |
| University of Applied Arts Vienna | Summer Semester (March) | January-end |
| University of Arts Linz | Winter Semester (October) | June-end |
| University of Arts Linz | Summer Semester (March) | January-end |
Having an expert consultant like Anigdha by your side makes studying abroad easier. Our expert team will be there to guide you at each and every step of the complex admission process to study fine arts in Austria. Here is what all we can to do from start to end:
University Selection: Allow us to understand your preferences and we will identify the best Austrian university offering fine arts programs. We will zero-down on the most suitable option based on your career goals, budget, and eligibility.
Documentation and Application: We will then arrange and compile all your educational and personal documents. We will also support in filling the online application form accurately to ensure there are no chances of rejection due to information mis-match.
Application Approval and Fee Payment: You will receive the approval within a few weeks. Pay the tuition fee as per the university’s guidelines and receive your admission letter.
Visa Processing: Once you get your admission letter, we will arrange all your necessary visa documents and our expert will guide you on how to fill the Type D visa application form accurately.
Travel and Accommodation: Receive your visa and ask our experts about affordable travel tickets and accommodation in Austria. We will happy to help you in every manner.
How many intakes are there to study fine arts in Austria?
You have the option to apply for two intakes to study fine arts in Austria: Winter (main intake) begins in October. Summer intake begins in March.
Are public universities in Austria free for Indian students?
Even though highly affordable, public universities in Austria do charge a nominal fee of €727 per semester from Non-EU/EEA students.
How early before the session starts should I reach Austria?
You must reach Austria at least 2 weeks before the session begins to complete admission formalities, find accommodation, and to get used to the environment before the classes start.
Are application deadlines for Indian students different than EU/EEA students?
Yes, the deadlines are earlier and you must apply at least 2 months in advance to have enough time for your visa processing and other admission formalities.
What kind of accommodation proof am I required to submit for Type D visa processing?
You must submit a rental agreement of the flat/dormitory where you will be staying while studying in Austria.
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