Updated on Aug, 23 2025 09:14 IST
Study Humanities and Social Sciences in Austria
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If you are an Indian student looking to study abroad or study in Europe, we would like to tell you that Austria can be a top choice for you to study humanities & social sciences courses at various levels (Bachelor's, Master's, PhD). The programs are offered by public and private universities in both German and English languages. From world-class infrastructure to affordable tuition fee, your decision to study humanities and social sciences in Austria can change your career prospects for good. The Schengen country is known for its rich cultural heritage, quality education, and low cost of living. You can study humanities and social sciences in Austria in a public university at a tuition fee as low as € 700 per semester. Today, Austrian universities attract thousands of Indian students for a range of courses. If you too are looking to study in Austria, here is everything you need to know about the eligibility criteria, cost of living, tuition fee, visa documentation, top benefits, admission process, important deadlines, admission intake and more. Read on:
If you are looking to study Humanities and Social Sciences in Austria, here is an overview to give you a fair idea about studying in the program in this country:
|
Country |
Austria |
|
Course/Program |
Humanities and Social Sciences |
|
Program Duration |
Bachelors: 3-4 Years. Masters: 1.5-2 Years |
|
Cost of program |
€1500 - 7000/ year depending on the university and program |
|
Scholarships |
Available |
|
Intake |
Summer Intake: last date of application- 1st March Winter Intake: last date of application- 1st October |
|
Cost of Living |
€10,000 to €15,000 annually (approx.) |
|
Specializations |
Sociology & Social Anthropology, Political Science & International Relations, Economics & Business, Gender Studies, Archaeology, History, Philosophy |
|
IELTS /TOEFL |
Required |
|
Top Universities in Austria |
University of Vienna WU (Vienna University of Economics and Business) Central European University (CEU) University of Innsbruck Johannes Kepler University (Linz) University of Salzburg University of Klagenfurt |
|
Eligibility Criteria |
10th & 12th Marksheets UG Degree for Masters English Proficiency Letter of Recommendation |
|
Average post-degree salary in Austria |
€36,000 to €48,000 annually |
|
Post-Study Work Visa |
12 months work visa for job |
|
Medium of Instruction |
English |
Study Humanities and Social Sciences in Austria and present yourself an amazing opportunity of experiencing academic excellence, cultural engagement, and personal growth. Here are the main reasons to study in Austria:
World-Class Universities: Austria is home to globally-regarded universities like the University of Vienna and the University of Graz. These universities hold international reputation in Humanities & Social Sciences programs and courses.
Research Focus: Austrian universities invest heavily in research and innovation, thereby providing their students with tremendous opportunities to contribute to pioneering research projects. Other than that, humanities and social sciences programs cultivate critical thinking skills that are highly valued in various industries.
Rich Cultural Heritage: Austria is famous among young learners for its vibrant history, and art. This lends this beautiful country a culturally elevating environment, allowing students to be a part of a fascinating heritage.
Fun Student Life: Austrian universities are famous globally for their fun and engaging student life. The credit goes to the student clubs, sports, and cultural events, which provide students with a platform for socializing and evolving personal interests.
Travel Opportunities: Located in the heart of Europe, Austria is your gateway to neighbouring countries like Germany, Italy, and Switzerland. This helps enhancing the study experience of international students through travel and exploration.
Affordable Tuition Fees: Compared to other European countries such as Bulgaria, Switzerland, or Georgia, tuition fee in Austria is quite low. Public universities in Austria charge a very low amount of tuition fee at just € 700 per semester which is lower than many Indian universities as well.
Post-Study Work Opportunities: Indian students looking to stay back and work in Austria after their course, can apply for a Red-White-Red Card. This way, the country offers opportunities to gain international work experience.
High Quality of Life: Austria has been consistently ranking high in global quality of life indexes, offering a safe, clean, inclusive, and healthy environment to international students for studying, living, and growing.
Austria is home to some of the most renowned global universities offering a range of programs in social sciences and humanities. Here is a list of top Austrian universities offering programs to study humanities and social sciences in Austria:
University of Vienna: It is renowned as one of the most prestigious universities in Austria, offering a range of programs in Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, and Economics.
University of Graz: Offers programs in Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, and Law.
Central European University: Internationally famous for its range of graduate programs, including Social Sciences and Humanities.
Some Other Popular Universities to study humanities and social sciences in Austria: University of Innsbruck, Vienna University of Economics and Business, University of Salzburg, University of Klagenfurt, and Johannes Kepler University Linz.
Psychology
History
Political Science
Civics
Geography
Philosophy
Literature
Fine Arts
Physical Education
Fashion Designing
Graphic Designing
Performing Arts
Visual Arts
Interior Designing
Journalism
Economics
Sociology
Most Austrian universities have standard eligibility criteria for Indian students looking to study humanities and social sciences in Austria. Here are the key details:
Educational:
Bachelor's:
Higher Secondary (10+2) from a recognized Indian board
Minimum qualifying percentage is 80+% (may vary depending on the university)
A school leaving certificate
Master's:
Higher Secondary (10+2) from a recognized Indian board
A Bachelor's degree from a recognized Indian university
Minimum GPA requirements (may vary depending on the university)
PhD Programs:
Completion of a relevant master's degree from a recognized institution.
Some universities may ask for letters of recommendation or professional experience.
Language proficiency:
IELTS score: 6.0-6.5 for Bachelor's and 7.0 for Master's programs
TOEFL score: 80-92 for Bachelor's and 90+ for Master's programs
German proficiency tests are not mandatory admission criteria to apply for English-taught programs for study humanities and social sciences in Austria. Here are additional details:
While not mandatory, knowing the basics of German language can make a huge difference. It can enhance your day-to-day living experience and increase your future job prospects if you decide to work in Austria after studies.
Indian students looking to study humanities and social sciences in Austria are required to submit the following educational and visa documents:
Application Documents:
Completed and signed university application form.
Official and attested copies of your academic records and certificates: 10th and 12th marksheets.
For master's programs, proof of a relevant bachelor's degree with a minimum study duration of three years is required.
Language Proficiency Proof:
IELTS or TOEFL scores
Other Documents:
Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume
Motivation Letter/Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Letters of Recommendation
Austria student visa (residency permit) documents:
Valid Passport
Completed Visa Application Form
University Admission Letter
Proof of Sufficient Financial Means
Proof of Accommodation
Health Insurance
Passport-sized Photographs
Visa Fee Payment Receipt
Police Clearance Certificate
Austrian universities have two main intakes to study humanities and social sciences in Austria. Here are the details of intakes and important deadlines:
Winter semester (Fall Intake)
October/November
Application period is from April/May to July/August.
Registration Deadline: Students need to register by October 31st.
Summer semester (Spring Intake)
March/April
Application period is from September/October to January/February.
Registration Deadline: Students need to register by March 31st.
Austria is a fairly affordable country in terms of providing high-quality education. If you are an Indian student looking to study humanities and social sciences in Austria, here is how much you can expect to pay as tuition fee:
| University Type | Tuition Fee (Per Semester) | Annual Tuition Fee (Approximate INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Public Universities | € 726 | ?1.3 Lakhs/year |
| Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS) | €727 - €7,500 | ?65,000 - ?6.7 Lakhs (approx.) |
| Private Universities | €1,500 - €17,500 | ?2.7 Lakhs - ?20 Lakhs/year |
| PhD Programs | Tuition-Free in most universities | No tuition-fee |
Austria is one such European country that offers a high quality of life with affordable living costs. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect to spend to maintain yourself as you study humanities and social sciences in Austria:
Accommodation
Student Dormitories: €250 - €450 per month
Shared Apartments: €250 - €600 per month
Private Apartments €400 - €800 per month
Food
Groceries: Expect to spend around €150 - €250 per month if you cook at home.
Eating Out: A three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant can cost about €20-30 per person.
Transportation
Public Transport: Monthly passes range from €20 to €50 depending on the city.
Health insurance
Mandatory for all students. Non-EU students can expect to pay around €60 per month.
Other expenses
Utilities (Electricity, heating, water, garbage): Can range from €100-200 per month.
The process of bagging a seat to Study Humanities & Social Sciences in Austria can be challenging for Indian students. Do not worry! Anigdha’s expert consultants are right here to help you at every step. Here is how the process looks like and how we can support you:
Research and University Selection: Our expert team will start by researching suitable universities and programs that suit your career goals. We will also discuss in detail about programs, course details, college reputation, and faculty to ensure they meet your requirements.
Check your Eligibility: Now that you know the university and the course you need to apply for, it is crucial to match your eligibility with their set criteria. These will include: university’s educational, age, and language criteria. Our team will do all the work on your behalf.
Documentation and Application: We will now help you gather required educational and identification documents. Our team will also guide you to fill the application form correctly so that your application is submitted on-time.
Fee Payment: The University will send you an approval after reviewing your application and documents. Pay the fee and wait for the invitation/admission letter to apply for your visa.
Visa application: We will help you gather all the documents required for smooth visa application. Indian students need to apply for a student visa to study in Austria, a D-Visa followed by a Residence Permit for longer stays.
Travel and Accommodation: You can expect to receive your visa in 3-4 weeks. Our local team will then arrange for cheap flight tickets and accommodation for a smooth arrival in Austria.
Which ones are the top universities for Humanities & Social Sciences?
Some of the topmost universities to study humanities and social sciences in Austria include:
The University of Vienna, University of Graz, Central European University, University of Innsbruck, and the Vienna University of Economics and Business.
What are the minimum IELTS/TOEFL scores required in Austrian Universities?
6.0-6.5 for Bachelor's and 7.0 for Master's programs or TOEFL (90-100) scores are required to study humanities and social sciences in Austria.
What are the application deadlines to apply for humanities and social sciences programs?
Application deadlines may vary depending on the university and program. Here are the details:
Winter semester (October intake) from May to July,
Summer semester (March/April intake) from October to February.
How much is the average cost of living in Austria?
Living expenses may vary depending on the city you choose to study in Austria and personal lifestyle choices. An average monthly budget of €900-1500 is recommended to cover accommodation, transportation, insurance, and food expenses.
Is Austria a Schengen country?
Yes, Austria is a Schengen member country.
Are Austrian public universities free for Indian students?
No, Austrian public universities are not free for Indian students however, the tuition is very affordable at €700 per semester.
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