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Austria visas

Austria student visa

Short study or educational training visits can use a Schengen visa, with no visa application fee. Longer study generally needs a long-stay visa or residence permit. Some school groups qualify for visa-free travel.

Ways to get a Austria student visa

  1. Schengen visa for study or educational training

    Visa needed

    Travellers who need a visa for a short study, educational training or scientific research visit can apply without paying the visa application fee.

    Stay
    Usually up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen Area.
    Valid for
    Usually the intended trip for new applicants.
    Entries
    One, two or multiple entries.
    Fee
    No visa application fee. An external application service may charge up to EUR 120 extra.
    Processing
    15 calendar days for an admissible application with no issues. Delays can occur.
    1. Apply to the embassy or consulate responsible for your main destination.
    2. Submit the application no earlier than six months before entry.
    3. Provide supporting documents and attend in person for your first application.
    4. Provide fingerprints and a digital photograph if required.

  2. Visa-free school group visit

    No visa needed

    School pupils who are not European single market citizens but legally live there can qualify when travelling with a general education school group and a teacher.

    Stay
    A short stay or transit.
    1. Travel as part of a group from a general education school, accompanied by a teacher.
    2. Have the teacher carry a List of Travellers form identifying the pupils and explaining the trip.

  3. Long-stay study permission

    Other permit

    Students from outside the European single market generally need a long-stay visa or residence permit when staying more than 90 days.

    Stay
    A long-stay visa generally covers less than a year; a residence permit covers longer periods.

Who needs it

Students and school pupils who do not qualify for an exemption need the appropriate permission for their visit and its length.

Who doesn't

Qualifying school groups legally resident in the European single market can make short visits or transit without a visa.

How to apply

  1. For a short visit needing a visa, apply through the embassy or consulate responsible for your main destination.
  2. Submit the application no earlier than six months before entry.
  3. Provide the relevant supporting documents and attend in person for your first application.

What to bring

  • Supporting documents for the study or educational training visit.
  • Fingerprints and a digital photograph if required for a Schengen visa.

Good to know

  • A fee waiver does not remove the need to apply for a visa or submit supporting documents.
  • Long-stay study procedures are separate from short-stay visa procedures.
  • Some long-stay study procedures and conditions are shared across issuing countries.

Questions

Do I need a student visa for Austria?

Students and school pupils who do not qualify for an exemption need the appropriate permission for their visit and its length. Qualifying school groups legally resident in the European single market can make short visits or transit without a visa.

What are the ways to get a student visa for Austria?

There are 3 options: Schengen visa for study or educational training (a visa from an embassy); Visa-free school group visit (no visa at all); Long-stay study permission (a special permit).

Who can go to Austria without a student visa?

School pupils who are not European single market citizens but legally live there can qualify when travelling with a general education school group and a teacher.

How long can I stay on a Austria student visa?

Short stays usually fall within 90 days in any 180-day period. Longer study generally needs separate permission.

How much does a Austria student visa cost?

No Schengen visa application fee for study, educational training or scientific research. An external service may charge an additional fee.

How long does a Austria student visa take?

For a Schengen visa: 15 calendar days for an admissible application with no issues. Delays can occur.

What documents do I need for a Austria student visa?

Supporting documents for the study or educational training visit.; Fingerprints and a digital photograph if required for a Schengen visa..

How do I apply for a Austria student visa?

1. 1. For a short visit needing a visa, apply through the embassy or consulate responsible for your main destination. 2. 2. Submit the application no earlier than six months before entry. 3. 3. Provide the relevant supporting documents and attend in person for your first application.

What rules do I have to follow on a Austria student visa?

A fee waiver does not remove the need to apply for a visa or submit supporting documents. Long-stay study procedures are separate from short-stay visa procedures.

Does my passport change whether I need a student visa for Austria?

Yes. Rules depend on the country that issued your passport. Open the Austria visa page and choose your passport for a plain answer.

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