Updated on Oct, 20 2025 07:59 IST
Study Geography in Austria
Test Preparations
About Us
Knowledge Hub
Geography is an interdisciplinary field of study that offers an exceptional viewpoint about the world. The study goes far and beyond just memorizing the routes on maps and lines on the globes. It rather explores the relationships and connections between human societies, the natural environment, and the spaces they both live in or we can say co-exist. From analysing the everything that shapes physical landscapes to understanding how human activities influence the environments, the study of geography provides a framework to deal with real-world problems. Are you an Indian student who is looking to study geography in a foreign country? Study geography in Austria. Austrian universities offer an up-to-date curriculum covering topics like climate change, resource management, sustainable development, and globalization. You can enrol for both bachelors and masters’ programs in Austria at a highly affordable tuition fee of less than €1500 per year. If you are looking to apply at one of the universities to study in Austria, here is everything you need to know about the program:
Before anything else, you must check your eligibility to study geography in Austria. If you meet the eligibility criteria of public and private universities in Austria, you can apply for the course. Here are the important requirements of universities you must fulfil:
For Bachelor’s in Geography
12th grade from recognised Indian board with 70% and above marks.
Your main subjects of study should be History and Geography.
Some universities have an entrance exam in German language.
For Master’s in Geography
A bachelor's degree in Geography/ Geoinformatics from a recognised Indian university.
Grade Requirements: Minimum 70% marks required.
Professional Experience of 1-2 years is a requirement for some universities.
Language Proficiency Requirements for Bachelor’s and Master’s:
For English Taught Programs: To apply for an English-taught program in Geography, 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 MS in Austria.
For German Taught Programs: To study German-taught programs in Geography, prove your language proficiency through:
ÖSD Zertifikat C1
Goethe Institut – Goethe Zertifikat C1
TestDaF (minimum score of 4)
When you know that your eligible to study geography in Austria, you must arrange a set of documents required by most public and private universities. Here is a list of all the documents you are required to compile to apply for the course:
Academic and Educational Documents:
For Bachelor’s: 10th and 12th Marksheets, School Leaving Certificate
For Master's: Bachelor's Degree and all semester marksheets
Language Proficiency Documents:
IELTS Score
TOEFL iBT Score
Proof of German language proficiency is mandatory for Geography programs offered in German.
Identity Documents:
Passport
Birth Certificate
Passport-size Photos: 4-6
Financial Documents:
Bank Statements
Application Documents:
University Application Form
Statement of Purpose (SOP)/Motivation Letter
Letters of Recommendation
Curriculum Vitae
Employment Letter for Masters
Health & Insurance Documents:
Health Insurance
Medical Fitness Certificate
Visa-Specific Documents:
Visa Application (Form D)
University Invitation Letter
Fee Payment Receipt
Accommodation Proof
Travel Proof (Flight Tickets)
Health Insurance
Travel Insurance
It is nearly impossible to choose the best among equals; such is the case with Austrian universities. Austria is home to some of the leading universities offering quality education in the field of arts and geography. Here are options you can consider to study geography in Austria:
University of Salzburg
Bachelors in Geography
Masters in Geography
Masters in Applied Geoinformatics
Masters in Geographic Information Science & Systems (UNIGIS MSc)
University of Innsbruck
Bachelors in Geography
Masters in Geography
University of Graz
Bachelors in Environmental Systems Sciences
Masters in Environmental Systems Sciences/Geography
Masters in Applied Physical Geography and Mountain Research
University of Klagenfurt
Bachelors in Geography and Regional Development Research
Masters in Geography and Regional Development Research
Public universities in Austria are highly affordable and recognised for offering high quality education at a reasonable tuition fee. Here are the details of the tuition fee structure for Non-EU/EEA students looking to study geography in Austria:
| Category | Non-EU/EEA students |
|---|---|
| Public universities: Tuition fee | €726.72 per semester |
| Public universities: Student union fee | €25 per semester |
| Private universities: Tuition fee | €1500 and €12500 per semester |
| Distance-learning programs | The UNIGIS MSc program at the University of Salzburg costs €7,000 |
Are you worried about managing your tuition fee cost to study geography in Austria? Well, you will be relieved to know that the Austrian government and universities offer tuition-waivers and grants to students on merit and need basis. Here are the details:
Austrian government scholarships
Ernst Mach Grant – worldwide:For postgraduates and researchers from universities outside Austria for short stays for geography research programs.
Ernst Mach Grant – ASEA-UNINET:Grants are available for graduates and for specific research projects.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees:Full scholarships for specific, top-ranked joint master's programs in Global Studies offered by European universities.
University-specific scholarships
University of Vienna Marshall Plan Scholarship:For fields of study, including "Earth sciences" and "Geography, cartography and geo information".
University-specific grants: Some universities offer grants and even tuition waivers based on merit or program requirements.
While most programs in geography at UG level are offered in German language, there are some masters programs that are taught in English. Here are the German proficiency level requirements for Non-EU/EEA students looking to study geography in Austria:
For German-taught programs, you must prove your B1/C2 level proficiency in German language through acceptable tests like ÖSD Zertifikat C1, Goethe Institut – Goethe Zertifikat C1, or TestDaF.
No proficiency proof is required for English-taught programs in geography.
Most Austrian universities offer 3-year bachelor programs and master programs can range between 1 to 2 years. Here are the complete details of the course duration to study geography in Austria so that you can plan accordingly:
| Degree level | Program | Course Duration |
| Bachelor's | BA or BSc in Geography | 3 years (6 semesters) |
| Master's | MSc or MA in Geography | 2 years (4 semesters) |
| Master's (distance learning) | UNIGIS MSc at University of Salzburg | 2 years |
There are two intakes in Austrian universities and the deadlines can vary from one university to another. As a Non-EU/EEA student, you are advised to apply in advance so that there are no last-minute issues. Here are the important dates to remember:
| University | Program level | Intake | Application deadlines (Non-EU/EEA) |
| University of Vienna | Bachelor's | Winter (October) | June End |
| Bachelor's | Summer (March) | December End | |
| Master's | Winter (October) | June End | |
| Master's | Summer (March) | December End | |
| University of Salzburg | Master's (Geography) | Winter (October) | June End |
| Master's (Geography) | Summer (March) | December End | |
| Master's (UNIGIS) | Winter (October) | June End | |
| Master's (UNIGIS) | Summer (March) | December End |
The study abroad process can be a little challenging for Indian students and this is where Anigdha comes to play and important role. This is how the admission process looks like and how our experts will be there to guide you at every step:
Select the University: Come to us and begin with selecting the most suitable university for you depending on your eligibility, budget, and career aspirations. Our experts understand Austrian universities and their processes like no one else.
Arrange Documents: Finalise the university with our expert guidance and we will compile all your personal and academic documents to go along with your application.
Apply Online: Now, we will fill out the application form for you while ensuring that there no errors and delays in application submission.
Pay Tuition Fee: Once the university approves your application, pay the tuition fee and receive the admission/ invitation letter from the university.
Apply for the Visa: We will now guide you in filling the visa application form and compiling necessary visa documents as per the embassy’s checklist for smooth and timely visa processing.
Arrange Travel and Accommodation: Receive your Type D visa in about 4 weeks and seek support from your expert for affordable flight tickets and accommodation in Austria.
Will get my visa to study in Austria without a health insurance?
No, health insurance is a mandatory requirement to be eligible to get your visa.
What is the average per semester tuition fee to study geography in a private university in Austria?
The average tuition fee to study geography in a private university in Austria is between €1500 and €12500 per semester.
How much does it take to get a Type D visa to study in Austria?
You may get your visa within a month of completing all the formalities.
What is the average per month cost of living in Austria?
You can expect to spend anywhere between €800 to €1200 depending on the city you choose to live in.
Are there any English-taught bachelors programs in geography?
No, Austrian universities offer bachelors programs in German however, masters programs ingeography are available in English language.
Get free 1-on-1 counselling with our experts
