Student Residence & Guardianship Support in Austria

If you are a non-EU/EEA citizen and want to study in Austria, you will usually need a residence permit – in German called an Aufenthaltstitel.
 
You might hear or read older terms like Aufenthaltsgenehmigung or Aufenthaltserlaubnis. These are outdated or used in Germany. In Austria today, the official word is always Aufenthaltstitel.
 
Which residence permit do students need?
 
To study in Austria, the most common type is the “Aufenthaltsbewilligung – Student”. This allows you to:
 
 * Live in Austria for the duration of your studies
 * Enroll at a university or other recognized educational institution
 * Work in Austria for a limited number of hours (in some cases)
 
 Important notes:
 
* Applications can take several weeks or months, so apply early.

* Your student residence permit needs to be renewed each year.
 
 
 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is an Aufenthaltsgenehmigung the same as an Aufenthaltstitel?
Not exactly. Aufenthaltsgenehmigung is an older term (mainly used in Germany before 2005). In Austria, the correct legal term is Aufenthaltstitel. If you are looking for information about studying in Austria, you always need an Aufenthaltstitel.

Which residence permit do I need as a student in Austria?
Students usually apply for the "Aufenthaltsbewilligung – Student", a type of Aufenthaltstitel that allows you to live in Austria for the duration of your studies.

What do I need to do?
You only need to send us the information and scans of your documents and we fill out the application and submit it for you. We handle German communication with the authorities (Magistratsabteilung MA 35) and go with you to pick up your residency card.

Do I need a Legal Guardian?
International students under the age of 18 who wish to study in Austria are required to appoint a legal guardian in Austria as part of the visa and residence permit application process.

Can I work in Austria with a student residence permit?
Yes, but there are restrictions. You may need an additional work permit, and the number of hours you can work per week is limited. Always check with the Austrian authorities before starting a job.