Updated on Oct, 20 2025 08:01 IST
Have you always been curious to learn about the environment and sustainable resource management for a better future? There are people with awareness about the importance of green forests and their role in making the planet a liveable place for all beings and then, there are some who want to contribute to the idea of sustainability and forest preservice. If you are one of those who want to drive this change by shaping policies for forest management, study forestry in Austria. A degree in forestry will impart you all the necessary skills to work on wildlife management, preserving ecosystems, and addressing different present-day environmental challenges. Top universities in Austria offer modern and up-to-date courses in the field of forestry in both English and German language. Moreover, Austria’s affordable tuition fees, worldclass research infrastructure, and focus on sustainable environmental management attract thousands of Indian students to pursue the program in the country. If you are looking to study in Austria, here is everything you need to know before applying for the program.
The eligibility criteria for Non-EU/EEA students can be divided into two main categories: academic background and language proficiency. Here is a detailed breakdown of all that is required from you to qualify for a bachelors and masters forestry programs in Austria:
For Bachelor’s in Forestry
12th with 70% or above marks from a recognised board in India.
Your main subjects should ideally include Biology, Geography, or related subjects.
Some universities may conduct an aptitude test to assess your knowledge about forestry and environmental management.
For Master’s in Forestry
A bachelor’s degree in Forestry, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or related fields from a recognised Indian university.
Minimum marks should be 70% or above for Master Degree in Austria.
Many universities also prefer candidates with 1–2 years of professional experience.
Language Proficiency Requirements for Bachelor’s and Master’s: For English-Taught Programs in Forestry:
IELTS: Minimum overall band score of 6.5.
TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 90.
For German-Taught Programs in Forestry:
ÖSD Zertifikat C1
Goethe Institut – Goethe Zertifikat C1
TestDaF: Minimum score of 4
Once you have selected the university and ensured your eligibility to study forestry in Austria, you need to arrange the following documents that will go along with your application form as a part of the admission process:
Academic and Educational Documents:
For Bachelor’s: 10th and 12th marksheets, School leaving certificate
For Master’s: Bachelor’s degree certificate, Semester-wise marksheets and transcripts
Language Proficiency Documents:
IELTS or TOEFL score for English programs.
Proof of German proficiency for German-taught programs.
Identity Documents:
Passport
Birth certificate
Recent passport-size photos (6–8 copies)
Financial Documents:
Bank statements demonstrating your ability to cover tuition and living expenses
Application Documents:
Completed university application form
Statement of Purpose (SOP)/Motivation Letter
Letters of Recommendation (LORs) from professors or employers
Curriculum Vitae
Work experience letters (for master’s applicants)
Health & Insurance Documents:
Valid health insurance covering your entire stay in Austria
Medical fitness certificate
Visa-Specific Documents:
Visa Application (Form D)
University admission/invitation letter
Fee payment receipt
Accommodation proof
Travel proof (flight tickets)
Valid health and travel insurance
Austria has some of the oldest and top-ranked universities which offer comprehensive forestry programs with modern and up-to-date curriculum. Here are some of the best universities you can consider to study the program:
University of Innsbruck
Bachelors in Environmental and Forest Sciences
Masters in Forestry and Natural Resources
University of Salzburg
Bachelors in Forest Management
Masters in Sustainable Forestry
University of Graz
Bachelors in Forestry
Masters in Forest Sciences
University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences
Bachelors in Forestry
Masters in Forestry
Masters in Forest and Environmental Management
Austrian universities offer affordable education compared to many other European countries. The tuition fee to study forestry in Austria at public university is fairly low when compared to other countries including India. Here is the fee structure to pursue the program:
| Type of University | Tuition Fee (Non-EU/EEA students) |
|---|---|
| Public Universities | €1,500 per year |
| Private Universities | €3,000 to €23,000 per year |
With an aim to make quality education affordable for all, Austria provides several scholarships and grants to support international students. Indian students can apply for any of these scholarships to ease off their financial burden while studying in Austria:
Government Scholarships:
Ernst Mach Grant Worldwide: The grant is for postgraduates who wish to conduct research in the field of forestry or environmental sciences in Austria. It offers a monthly stipend for up to 9 months.
OeAD Scholarships: Managed by the Austrian Agency for Education and Internationalisation, it covers the living costs, tuition fee, and travel expenses for short-term and degree programs.
University-Specific Scholarships:
BOKU, Vienna: Offers merit-based scholarships to students with academic excellence in forestry and environmental sciences.
University of Innsbruck: Offers grants for outstanding students from developing countries and Indian students are eligible to apply.
Language proficiency is the key eligibility criteria to study abroad. If you are looking to study in Austria, you must be aware that it is a German-speaking country and you need to demonstrate a certain level of German language proficiency. Here are the details:
To study English-taught programs in Forestry: No German proficiency proof required.
To study German-taught programs in Forestry: You must demonstrate proficiency through:
OSD Zertifikat C1
Goethe-Zertifikat C1
TestDaF
The course duration to study a forestry program in Austria depends on the degree level you choose. Here are the details of duration for both bachelors and masters programs offered by top universities in Austria in the field of forestry:
| University | Degree Level | Program | Duration |
| BOKU, Vienna | Bachelor’s | Forestry | 3 years |
| BOKU, Vienna | Master’s | Forestry / Forest & Environmental Management | 2 years |
| University of Innsbruck | Bachelor’s | Environmental & Forest Sciences | 3 years |
| University of Innsbruck | Master’s | Forestry & Natural Resources | 2 years |
| University of Salzburg | Bachelor’s | Forest Management | 3 years |
| University of Salzburg | Master’s | Sustainable Forestry | 2 years |
| University of Graz | Bachelor’s | Forestry | 3 years |
| University of Graz | Master’s | Forest Sciences | 2 years |
There are barely any universities offering summer intake to study forestry in Austria. Indian students looking to study a bachelor’s or a master’s program in forestry can keep a check on the following deadlines for the winter intake:
Intake: Winter (Sessions starts in the month of October).
Deadlines for Non-EU/EEA students: latest by June last week both bachelor’s and masters’ programs in Forestry.
The admission process to study forestry in Austria can be confusing for Indian students due to different criteria and requirements at different universities. at Anigdha, our goal is to simplify this process. We have placed thousands of Indian students in Austria and this how we help at each step:
University Selection: We will understand your career goals, budget, and eligibility to select the best-suited university. The choice will depend on your eligibility which is determined after matching your credentials with university’s admission requirements.
Documentation and Application: After selecting the most suitable university, we will collect and compile all the required documents as per the university’s checklist and submit your application form accurately.
Fee Payment: The University will take about a few weeks to review your application and documents. Once approval is received, you will be asked to pay tuition fees to confirm admission and receive the admission letter.
Visa Processing: We will then compile all your visa documents which will include your insurance, accommodation proof, admission letter and guide you on how to submit the Type D visa application so there are no errors.
Travel and Accommodation: You will receive your visa in a couple of weeks. You can now ask our expert for assistance in arranging affordable housing and booking flights to Austria.
Is it mandatory for me to have a health insurance to study in Austria?
Yes, a valid health insurance coverage is compulsory throughout your stay in Austria.
Am I allowed to work while studying?
Yes, to meet the cost of living, Non-EU/EEA students are allowed to work up to 20 hours/week.
What subjects should I have studied for a Bachelor’s in Forestry?
Biology or Geography should be the main subjects of your study in 12th.
What is the course duration of Master’s programs in Forestry in Austria?
The duration to study a master’s program is between 1–2 years depending on specialization.
Are there any scholarships or grants for Indian students looking to study forestry in Austria?
Yes, both government and university-specific scholarships are available for Indian students.
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