Author: Dr. Qamar Ali (PhD, Austria)
Studying abroad can be an exciting experience, but it can also be costly. When considering studying in Austria, it’s important to understand the expenses involved so that you can plan and budget accordingly. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the costs of studying in Austria, as well as some tips for managing those expenses.
Documents Verification
When planning to study in Austria, one of the initial steps is to get your educational documents verified by the Austrian embassy. This process is essential to ensure that your educational background is authentic and recognized by Austrian universities. The verification process is conducted by a representative of the Austrian embassy, who is usually a lawyer from Pakistan working on the embassy panel.
The verification process involves visiting the applicant’s home, union council, and other respective institutions to cross-check the authenticity of all the documents, including the birth certificate, police character certificate, and all educational transcripts and documents. This process may take around three months to complete. After the verification is positive, the embassy will invite the applicant for document legalization through email.
The total cost for the document verification application is about 32,500 PKR. Of this amount, 28,600 PKR is the fee charged by the Austrian embassy in Pakistan, and around 4,500 PKR is the fee paid to VFS Global for collecting the application at their centres. It’s important to note that the verification process is a crucial step in the application process and must be completed before proceeding with other formalities, such as documents legalization and visa application. By understanding the process and cost involved in document verification, you can better plan and budget for your study abroad journey in Austria.
Documents Legalization
After your educational documents are verified by the Austrian Embassy in Pakistan, they need to be legalized, meaning the embassy will put a legal stamp on them to confirm they are genuine. The cost for legalizing each document is 80 EUR. If a document has multiple pages, only one stamp is needed, but the embassy must seal the pages together.
For students applying to master’s programs in Austria, they should get at least three documents legalized: their bachelor’s Detailed Marks Certificate (DMC), Degree, and Police Character Certificate (known as Criminal Record in Austria). Ph.D. applicants should also legalize their master’s transcript and degree, and sometimes bachelor’s documents may be required as well.
Bachelor’s applicants need to legalize their Matriculation and Intermediate documents, which means they usually need three documents legalized including Criminal Record. The total cost for master’s and bachelor’s applicants to legalize three documents is 240 EUR. For Ph.D. applicants, who need five documents legalized, the cost will be around 400 EUR.
Sending Documents to Austrian Universities
After your educational documents are verified and legalized by the Austrian Embassy, you will need to send them to the university in Austria that requested them. This is an important part of the application process because the university needs these documents to confirm your qualifications before accepting you. Some universities may ask for original documents, while others may accept notarized copies of the legalized documents.
You may need to courier your documents to the university, which can be a costly affair. It is recommended to use Pakistan Post service for this purpose. The cost of this service can vary depending on the size and weight of the package, as well as the courier service you choose. On average, it can cost around ten to fifteen thousand PKR to send your documents to the university in Austria.
It’s important to plan ahead and budget for these costs to ensure a smooth application process. You can also consult with your university or an education consultant to get advice on the best courier services available and the most affordable options for sending your documents.
Booking of Accommodation in Austria
As an international student in Austria, it is important to secure accommodation before you arrive. While universities in Austria do not offer dormitories, there are private dormitories available that are managed by independent organizations. These dormitories typically require international students to pay a security deposit of around two months’ rent, which can amount to approximately 600 EUR. Additionally, some dormitories may require a marginal application fee of around 30 EUR.
It is important to note that booking a student accommodation in Austria is becoming increasingly challenging due to the rising number of international students in the country. As a result, it is essential to begin your search for accommodation as early as possible, and to have a solid plan in place well in advance of your arrival. Many international students choose to live in shared apartments or flat-shares, as this can be a more affordable option compared to renting a private studio or apartment.
The cost of accommodation can vary depending on the location and type of accommodation. For example, accommodation in larger cities such as Vienna, Salzburg or Innsbruck can be more expensive than in smaller towns or rural areas. It is essential to consider your budget and living preferences when selecting an accommodation option.
In summary, securing accommodation as an international student in Austria can be challenging and expensive. It is important to begin your search early and consider your options carefully. By doing so, you can find an accommodation that meets your needs and allows you to make the most of your study abroad experience in Austria.
Travel Insurance
When studying in Austria, t’s not just important to have travel insurance, but it is also mandatory to have a travel insurance that meets certain requirements. Before entering Austria, you will need to have a travel insurance policy that is valid for 14 days from the day of your arrival and has a minimum coverage of 30,000 euro. This insurance should cover all medical costs and repatriation costs in case of an accident or illness, and it should pay all medical costs directly in Austria. It’s not enough for the insurance to provide reimbursement in your home country, as it may not be accepted by Austrian healthcare providers.
The cost of travel insurance for students in Pakistan is approximately 10,000 PKR, depending on the insurance company and the coverage required. It is recommended to compare different insurance plans and choose the one that meets the requirements of the Austrian government and your personal needs.
Air Ticket (One-Way)
When traveling from Pakistan to Austria, you’ll need to purchase a one-way ticket which can cost between 250 to 500 EUR depending on the airline, season, and demand. Some popular airlines that operate between Pakistan and Austria include Emirates, Qatar, Turkish, Oman Air, and Saudi. In addition to these, there are also budget airlines such as Fly Dubai which operates from some airports in Pakistan such as Faisalabad and Sialkot and connects in Salzburg, Austria. Pegasus is another budget airline that flies from Karachi and connects to Vienna, Austria. It’s worth noting that prices can vary significantly depending on the airline, travel dates, and how early you book.
Residence Permit
The Residence Permit – Student is a requirement for nationals of third countries who have been admitted to study at a higher education institution in Austria. This means that Pakistani students studying in Austria must obtain a residence permit in order to legally reside in Austria during their studies. To obtain the residence permit, students must pay an application fee of 120 EUR, which must be paid at the Austrian embassy in Pakistan.
Upon arrival in Austria, students will receive a Residence Permit in the form of a plastic card, similar to a credit card. This card serves as proof of legal stay in Austria and contains personal information, such as the student’s name, photo, date of birth, and duration of stay. It is important for students to keep this card with them at all times, as it may be required for various purposes, including travel within Austria or crossing international borders.
National Visa-D
After the residence permit is approved, the embassy invites the applicant to apply for the National Visa-D. This visa allows you to enter Austria and receive your residence card upon arrival. Th application fee for a National Visa-D in Austria is €150, student applicants are NOT exempt from this fee. However, it’s worth mentioning that this visa is typically valid for only four months and serves a single entry purpose.
It’s crucial for international students to obtain the National Visa-D to ensure a smooth and legal entry in Austria. Therefore, it’s highly recommended for students to complete the necessary paperwork and submit their application for the National Visa-D in a timely manner. Doing so will guarantee a hassle-free and successful start to their academic journey in Austria.
Tuition Fee
After the approval or grant of National Visa D, Pakistani students can travel to their respective cities in Austria. It’s important to understand that admission to a university in Austria does not mean enrollment. Upon arrival in Austria, students are required to pay the first semester fee and the student union fee to complete their enrollment.
Upon arrival, students receive a student card from the admission department of the university. To activate the card, students need to validate it using the machines available in the department. This validation process requires payment of tuition fee through a bank card. It’s recommended to use a debit card for this purpose, as bank transfers may take several days and delay the enrollment process.
It’s also worth noting that the tuition fee varies depending on the type of university. For general public sector universities, the fee is 750 EUR, while for universities of applied sciences, it’s 363 euros per semester. However, private sector universities typically charge around 5000-9000 euros per semester.
Miscellaneous Expenses
It’s important to note that there are some additional expenses to consider when studying in Austria. These may include the cost of document attestations from respective Boards, IBCC, and HEC, as well as the cost of attestation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Additionally, it’s important to budget for your daily expenses, such as food and transportation. You may also need to bring some funds along to survive for the first couple of months before you can start a part-time job.
Managing Expenses in Austria
To manage your expenses while studying in Austria, it’s important to create a budget and stick to it. Look for ways to save money, such as cooking your meals instead of eating out, using public transportation instead of taxis, taking advantage of student discounts, and buying groceries at discounted rates. You must also consider taking on a part-time job to earn extra money.
In conclusion, studying in Austria can be a fulfilling experience, but it’s important to be aware of the expenses involved. By understanding these costs and planning accordingly, you can make the most of your study abroad journey. For more information on obtaining a residence permit as a student in Austria, please visit https://oead.at/en
Thank you Dr. Qamar Ali for such valuable information