Want to Do a Master’s Degree for Free? Austria Might Be Your Easiest Option

Photo by Joss Woodhead on Unsplash

or many international students, studying abroad feels like a dream blocked by high tuition fees. But what if you could complete your master’s degree at world-class universities with little to no tuition cost?

If that sounds like the perfect plan, then Austria is one of the smartest, simplest, and most affordable choices you can make.

Austria offers:

• Public universities with extremely low tuition fees
• High-quality European education
• English-taught programs
• A safe, beautiful, and student-friendly lifestyle
• Great post-study work opportunities

Below is a complete list of Austria’s major public universities and Universities of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschule) to help you start your journey.

🎓 Top Public Universities in Vienna

1. University of Vienna

Austria’s oldest and largest university with programs in humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and more.

2. Medical University of Vienna

A leading European medical school with strong research excellence.

3. TU Wien (Vienna University of Technology)

Perfect for engineering, computer science, AI, robotics, and innovation.

4. BOKU — University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences

Focuses on environment, agriculture, forestry, and biotechnology.

5. University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna

Specializes in veterinary science and animal research.

6. WU Vienna (Vienna University of Economics and Business)

Europe’s largest business school with globally recognized programs.

7. University of Applied Arts Vienna

Ideal for design, arts, media, architecture, and fashion.

8. University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna

An iconic institution for music, theater, composition, and performance.

9. Academy of Fine Arts Vienna

Highly prestigious for fine arts and visual studies.

🎓 Major Public Universities Outside Vienna

University of Klagenfurt

Strong in computer science, management, social sciences, and AI.

University for Continuing Education Krems

Advanced master’s programs for professionals.

Paris Lodron University of Salzburg

Known for humanities, science, and cultural studies.

Mozarteum University Salzburg

A world-leading institution for music and performing arts.

University of Graz & Medical University of Graz

Offering a wide range of master’s programs including medicine.

Graz University of Technology (TU Graz)

Engineering, computer science, and applied research-focused.

University of Music and Performing Arts Graz (KUG)

Great for music, performance, composition, conducting.

Montanuniversität Leoben

Specializes in mining, metallurgy, geoscience, and materials.

University of Innsbruck & Medical University of Innsbruck

Famous for natural sciences, medical programs, and research.

Johannes Kepler University Linz (JKU)

Popular for business, law, and technology.

University of Arts Linz

Focused on contemporary arts and design.

🏫 Universities of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschule)

Austria’s UAS institutions offer industry-focused, practical, job-oriented master’s degrees.

Some top options include:

• FHWien der WKW — Management & Communication
• UAS Technikum Wien
• UAS BFI Vienna
• FH Campus Wien
• Lauder Business School
• University of Applied Sciences Burgenland
• Carinthia University of Applied Sciences
• IMC Krems
• St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences
• FH Wiener Neustadt
• Theresan Military Academy
• Salzburg University of Applied Sciences
• FH JOANNEUM
• CAMPUS 02 UAS
• MCI | The Entrepreneurial School
• Health UAS Tyrol
• Kufstein UAS
• UAS Upper Austria
• FHV — Vorarlberg UAS

These universities are excellent if you want applied skills, internships, and stronger job opportunities.

🇦🇹 Why Austria Is One of the Easiest Countries for Tuition-Free Master’s

✅ Low or Zero Tuition Fees

Many public universities charge:

• €0–€726 per semester (depending on nationality)
• Some programs even remain tuition-free for non-EU students

✅ High Education Standard

Austrian universities are globally respected with strong research and innovation.

✅ English-Taught Master’s Programs

Hundreds of master’s degrees are fully offered in English.

✅ Work Opportunities

Students can work part-time while studying, and graduates receive a job-search visa to stay longer.

✅ Beautiful, Safe, Student-Friendly Country

Austria consistently ranks high in quality of life, safety, and affordability.

🌍 Is Austria the Right Choice for You?

If your goal is:

✔ A recognized European degree ✔ Minimal tuition cost ✔ A safe place to study ✔ Strong post-study pathways ✔ English-friendly programs

…then Austria is absolutely worth considering.