Higher Education in Austria for Ukrainian Citizens

Exemption from Tuition Fees

Persons from Ukraine staying in Austria under temporary protection are exempt from paying tuition fees at public universities.

Validity of the exemption:
until 28 February 2026 (including the winter semester 2025/26).

Under standard regulations, students from non-EU/EEA countries pay EUR 726.72 per semester. For Ukrainian students, this amount is temporarily waived.

Official information:
BMFWF – Tuition Fee Exemption
https://www.bmfwf.gv.at/eu-internationationales/ukraine/ukraine-studienbeitragsbefreiung.html

Language Requirements

Admission to Austrian higher education institutions requires proven knowledge of the language of instruction.

If the programme is taught in German

As a rule, level B2 or C1 is required, depending on the specific university.

Proof may be provided by submitting one of the internationally recognized certificates, including:

• ÖSD
• Goethe-Zertifikat
• telc

Alternatively, applicants may pass an internal university examination.

If the applicant’s language level is insufficient, the university may grant conditional admission with mandatory participation in a preparatory course (Vorstudienlehrgang).

If the programme is taught in English

Level B2–C1 is generally required.

The following certificates may be accepted:

• IELTS
• TOEFL
• Other internationally recognized English language certificates

Specific requirements are determined by the respective university.

Admission Procedures

The admission procedure depends on the field of study and the type of institution.

Many programmes assess submitted documents without requiring entrance examinations.

Certain fields (including medicine, psychology, artistic disciplines, and some master’s programmes) may require entrance examinations or competitive selection procedures.

Universities of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschulen, FH) often include additional selection stages, such as interviews, tests, or assessment of motivation.

Current admission requirements should be checked directly on the official website of the chosen institution.

Admission Based on Ukrainian Educational Documents

For admission, the following documents must be submitted:

• Certificate of complete general secondary education (for bachelor’s programmes)
• Bachelor’s degree diploma (for master’s programmes)

The university may conduct an equivalence assessment or a nostrification procedure in accordance with its internal regulations.

Official clarification:
BMFWF – FAQ for Students from Ukraine

https://www.bmfwf.gv.at/eu-internationationales/ukraine/ukraine-faq.html#FAQII

Ernst Mach Ukraine Scholarship

The Ernst Mach Ukraine scholarship programme has been extended until 28 February 2026.

The monthly grant amounts to approximately EUR 715.

At the time of preparation of this material, new applications are not being accepted.

Official information:
OeAD – Austrian Agency for Education and Internationalisation
https://www.oead.at

Useful Links

BMFWF – Tuition Fee Exemption:
https://www.bmfwf.gv.at/eu-internationationales/ukraine/ukraine-studienbeitragsbefreiung.html

BMFWF – FAQ:
https://www.bmfwf.gv.at/eu-internationationales/ukraine/ukraine-faq.html#FAQII

OeAD – Scholarships:
https://www.oead.at