Residence Permit Student Austria

The "Residence Permit – Student" in Austria is designed for individuals from third countries who have been accepted to pursue studies at a higher education institution in Austria. This permit may be granted in the following circumstances:

Degree Programme Studies (Ordentliches Studium):

• Pursuing a degree program at an Austrian university, university of applied sciences (Fachhochschule), accredited private university, or public/private university college of teacher education.

Non-degree Programme Studies (Außerordentliches Studium):

• Enrolled in a non-degree program within the framework of a public or private certificate university program, certificate university of applied sciences program, or certificate program at a university college of teacher education with a minimum of 40 ECTS credits. The course should not be solely for language learning.
• Enrolled in a non-degree program within a University Preparation Program aimed at preparing students for supplementary exams outlined in their notification of admission.
• Pursuing non-degree studies to validate the equivalence of a foreign university degree (recognition, "Nostrifizierung").

Extensions:

• Undertaking a professional training course required by law after completing a degree program (e.g., court practice, clinical traineeship).
• Continuing the stay for job-seeking or setting up a business after successfully completing a degree program, a certificate higher education program, a program to validate the equivalence of a foreign university degree (recognition, "Nostrifizierung"), or a legally required professional training course following regular degree program studies.

Additionally, students studying at an Austrian higher education institution within the framework of a Union or multilateral mobility program or an agreement between two or more higher education institutions can also be eligible for a "Residence Permit – Student."

With a residence permit "student," you can study in other EU member states under certain conditions.

After studies, the permit can be extended for 12 months for job hunting or starting a company if general conditions are met.

Change of residence purpose is possible for specific permits like Red-White-Red Card or Blue Card.

When applying for a residence permit as a student, make sure to provide the following documents along with your signed application form:

Valid Travel Document

Passport-sized Photograph: Color photograph meeting ICAO criteria, size 3.5 x 4.5 cm, not older than 6 months.

Proof of Sufficient Financial Means:

• Students under 24 years of age: EUR 613.16/month
• Students aged 24 and above: EUR 1,110.26/month
• Couples: EUR 1,751.56/month for both
• Additional EUR 171.31/month for each child
• Funds should cover twelve months in advance and must be in an account accessible from Austria (savings book or bank account).
• Alternative proof: declaration of guarantee, traveler’s cheques, scholarship award confirmation.
• Additional funds if accommodation costs exceed EUR 327.91/month (as of 2023).

Proof of Health Insurance: Covering all risks in Austria.

Proof of Accommodation in Austria: Minimum 3 months (e.g., rental agreement).

Proof of Academic Progress and Enrollment for renewal applications.

Notification/Confirmation of Admission from the Austrian higher education institution.

Other Documents:

• Copy of the passport (all pages) for first-time applications.
• Police clearance certificate from your country of residence (legalized and translated, if needed).
• Current extract from an officially recognized credit reference agency's files.
• Proof of completion of a degree program or statutory professional training after graduation.

It is advisable to submit all foreign documents in the German language. Foreign civil status documents need to be legalized and translated by a sworn and court-certified interpreter if needed.

Costs: EUR 160 (EUR 120 for application submission, EUR 20 when the permit is granted, and EUR 20 fee for police identification data collection). Additionally, foreign civil status documents may incur additional costs based on the type of document.

The residence permit will be issued in credit card format with a photograph and also serves as an ID document. Carry it at all times for your convenience.

Students enrolled in an Austrian higher education institution under a Union or multilateral mobility program or an agreement between multiple higher education institutions are eligible for a "Residence Permit – Student" with a longer validity period of two years.

On the other hand, the "Residence Permit - Family Community" is issued for a maximum duration of 12 months for family members.

Application Process:

• Submit your application for a “Residence Permit – Student” at the competent Austrian representative authority (embassy, consulate with power to issue visa) in your country of residence.
• Await the decision there.
• If the decision is positive, you can apply for a Visa D at the representative authority to enter Austria.

Visa D and Entry:

• The Visa D is issued for a validity period of four months.
• Use your Visa D to enter Austria and collect your residence permit.

Alternative Application:

• Students entitled to enter Austria without a visa can alternatively submit their application at the locally competent residence authority in Austria.

Domestic Application:

• It may be possible to submit a domestic application at the competent residence authority in Austria after entry with a lawfully acquired visa for other purposes.

Timing and Legalizations:

• Submit the application and necessary documents at least three months in advance of the intended start date.
• Legalizations for required documents may take several months, so start the process early if needed.

Processing and Collection:

• The residence authority will process your application within 90 days.
• You have three months after the notification to apply for a visa D to collect the residence title and six months after the notification to collect the residence permit in Austria.

Entrance Examination Procedure:

• If an entrance examination is required for admission, follow a specific procedure involving conditional admission notifications and necessary documents.
• Sufficient financial means and accommodation need to be “shown credibly” initially, with definite proof upon successful examination.

Ensure compliance with timelines and gather all required documents for a smooth application process.