English-Taught Programs in Austria: Where to Find Them (2027)

Yes, you can study in Austria entirely in English. Most English-taught programs are master's and PhD programs, offered by public universities such as the University of Vienna, TU Wien, JKU Linz and the University of Innsbruck. English-taught bachelor's programs exist too, but mainly at a few universities and universities of applied sciences (FH).

This guide shows where to search, which institutions offer the most English-taught programs, the English test scores they ask for, and whether you need German.

Where to search for English-taught programs

1. 1

   Search studienwahl.at

   Austria's official database has a programmes in English view with a language filter. Select 'English', not 'Partly English', because mixed-language programs may require German.

2. 2

   Use Study in Austria

   OeAD's program finder covers universities, FHs and colleges.

3. 3

   Open each university's English program list

   Many universities publish a dedicated page, for example TU Wien's English-taught master's list.

4. 4

   Read the curriculum and admission page

   Confirm the teaching language, entry requirements, deadlines and language scores on the official program page.

Institutions with the most English-taught programs

The University for Continuing Education Krems also lists many English-taught master's programs, but these are fee-based continuing education degrees, such as an MBA at €16,900, not low-tuition regular programs.

English-taught bachelor's programs

If you want a bachelor's in English, focus on institutions that actually offer them. Examples from official program lists:

• JKU Linz: Artificial Intelligence, International Business Administration, Quantum Science and Technology, Biological Chemistry
• University of Klagenfurt: Robotics and Artificial Intelligence, Information and Communications Engineering, International Business and Economics, Digital Media, Culture, and Communication
• Montanuniversität Leoben: Circular Engineering, Geoenergy Engineering
• WU Vienna: Business and Economics (BBE), with a once-a-year selection procedure
• University of Vienna: Mathematical Foundations of Data Science
• CU Carinthia: Medical Engineering, Intercultural Management, Digital Marketing and Sales, Green Transition Engineering
• IMC Krems and UAS Upper Austria: several English-taught bachelor's programs each, with FH tuition fees

Popular English-taught master's fields

Universities vs universities of applied sciences

English-taught programs exist at both types of public institution, but they work differently. Choosing the right type can matter as much as choosing the right subject.

English-taught PhD programs

Doctoral study in Austria is often possible in English, and admission usually starts with a supervisor rather than a fixed deadline. TU Wien and TU Graz require a written confirmation of supervision from one of their professors, and TU Graz accepts doctoral applications online at any time once that is in place. The University of Vienna accepts most doctoral applications throughout the year, with a decision in three to six weeks according to its doctoral admission page.

Some PhD places are paid positions advertised by research groups, for example at IT:U Linz. Look at both the doctoral school pages and the university job portal.

How to choose the right English-taught program

1. 1.Check the language line in the curriculum. It should say the program is taught entirely in English.
2. 2.Compare your transcript with the entry requirements. Missing subject content can mean extra exams or rejection.
3. 3.Check country-specific rules. Some universities have special rules for certificates from certain countries.
4. 4.Compare total costs. Tuition, city living costs and any deposits.
5. 5.Look at the deadline for your nationality. Non-EU and region-specific windows are often earlier.

English language requirements by university

Each university sets its own English requirement. These are the requirements for English-taught master's programs on official pages:

Can you study in Austria without IELTS?

Sometimes. Many universities accept other tests such as TOEFL, Cambridge or PTE, and some accept Duolingo (for example Montanuniversität Leoben with 110). Several waive the test if you completed a degree taught in English, but often only from listed countries: TU Wien, for example, accepts a three-year English-taught degree from EU/EEA countries, Switzerland, the UK, the US, Canada, Australia or New Zealand. A degree taught in English in South Asia may not qualify, so check the exact wording. IT:U Linz assesses English in its interview and may make a certificate a condition of admission.

Do you need German?

Not for your English-taught program, and not for your Residence Permit – Student: the German-before-immigration requirement does not apply to students. However, German matters in three situations:

• German-taught or mixed programs usually require German C1 before admission. If you lack it, the university may prescribe a German supplementary exam, which you can prepare for in a University Preparation Programme (you need at least A2 to join).
• Daily life, including official forms, landlords and many part-time jobs, is mostly in German.
• Staying after graduation is easier if you can work in German, because many local jobs require it.

Applicants from Afghanistan and Pakistan

English-medium schooling or degrees from Afghanistan or Pakistan are usually not on the lists of countries whose English-taught degrees replace a test, so plan to take IELTS, TOEFL or another accepted test. Book it so that your certificate is still valid when you apply, because many universities accept certificates only up to two years old. Also check the admission rules for your certificates in our admission requirements guide.

Mistakes to avoid

• Choosing a 'partly English' program without checking how much is taught in German
• Taking an English test too early: certificates older than two years are often rejected
• Assuming your English-medium degree counts as proof without checking the list of accepted countries
• Missing selection-procedure deadlines, which often fall months before regular windows

Next, check Austria university admission requirements and how to apply to universities in Austria. To follow official deadlines for the programs you like, track deadlines for free on FindUniPath. More guides on the Austria hub.