7 Benefits of Studying in Austria

Imagine starting your day with a bike ride through a peaceful town, studying in small classes where your ideas matter, and hopping on a train that takes you to Vienna – Austria’s world-famous capital – in just 25 minutes.

This is everyday life for students in St. Pölten, a small student city nestled in the heart of Austria.

From high-quality education and safe cities to breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, Austria has much more in store for you than a degree.

Here are 7 reasons why international students love studying in Austria –
and why the St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences could be the perfect place for your academic journey:

1. Save Money without Compromising Quality
2. Feel Safe and Supported
3. In the Heart of Europe
4. High Quality of Life
5. International Programmes Taught in English – and in Line with Bologna Standards
6. Breathtaking Landscapes
7. Four Distinct Seasons

1. Save Money without Compromising Quality

Education in Austria is surprisingly affordable, especially when compared to other Western countries.

Public universities charge low tuition fees, and many international students from EU/EEA countries even study for free.

Add to that the student-friendly cost of living, and you’ll find that high-quality education doesn't have to come with a high price tag.

Want to know more about the costs of studying at the St. Pölten UAS?

Find out about costs, federal aid for students, and grants.

Save money without compromising quality: Study at the St. Pölten UAS! | Photo: Rauchecker Photography

2. Feel Safe and Supported

Austria is one of the safest countries in Europe – crime rates are remarkably low, even in the bigger cities.

On top of that, Austria offers a strong social infrastructure:

• access to affordable healthcare,
• reliable public services,
• and protections that support students' well-being.

At the St. Pölten UAS, we care about your well-being in many ways – from the initiatives of our Gender & Diversity Management to our Services for Your Studies. These include everything from physical aspects such as the canteen or campus sports facilities to support for your psychological well-being – for instance, through peer mentoring and professional counselling.

Alongside reliable public transport, flexible sharing options make getting around Vienna easy. | Copyright: Wiener Linien / Severin Wurnig

3. In the Heart of Europe

Austria is perfectly located at the crossroads of Central Europe, giving you the chance to explore cities like Prague, Budapest, or Munich in just a few hours.

Whether it's weekend getaways or international internships, Austria is the ideal hub for adventure and opportunity.

View Austria on the map:

4. High Quality of Life

Austria consistently ranks among the countries with the highest quality of life in the world. In 2024, Vienna was awarded the title of “Most Liveable City in the World” in the Economist’s annual Global Liveability Ranking for the third consecutive year.

While studying in St. Pölten offers a peaceful and focused environment, Vienna is just 25 minutes away by train, allowing you to easily enjoy everything that this cultural and historical hub has to offer.
Whether you're looking for world-class museums, theatres, festivals, or simply a weekend getaway, Vienna perfectly complements your student life in St. Pölten.

Wondering what student life in St. Pölten is really like?

Check out our story: Student City St. Pölten – Study in the Heart of Europe.

What makes Austria's high quality of life so special? 

A city of many facets: Vienna’s historic heart meets its playful spirit at the Prater | Photo: Anton Uniqueton

5. International Programmes Taught in English — and in Line with Bologna Standards

No need to master German before you apply – Austria offers a growing number of study programmes taught entirely in English, especially at master’s level.

You’ll join diverse, international classrooms while still having the chance to pick up some German on the side if you like.

Check out the English-language study programmes we offer at the St. Pölten UAS.

Thanks to Austria’s participation in the Bologna Process, your degree follows clear European standards:

• bachelor's degrees typically require 180 ECTS credits, while
• master's degrees usually have 120 ECTS credits.

This structure makes it easy to plan your studies, transfer credits across Europe, or continue your education internationally. Your qualification will be transparent and globally recognised – giving you the flexibility to shape your future, wherever it may take you.

6. Breathtaking Landscapes

From the Alpine peaks to serene lakes and gently rolling vineyards, Austria’s nature is simply stunning.

It’s a paradise for hiking, skiing, cycling – or simply relaxing in green spaces after lectures. You’ll never run out of places to explore.

Sunset magic in the Austrian Alps

Get a taste of Austria – through the eyes of our graduates.

Immerse yourself in the stunning beauty of this time-lapse video, professionally created by graduates of our university. From majestic mountains to vibrant cityscapes, this visual journey captures the essence of Austria in every frame:

7. Four Distinct Seasons

Austria is a land of variety. Spring flowers, sunny summer lakes, colourful autumn forests, and snowy winter mountain villages bring a dynamic rhythm to the year.

Each season comes with its own festivals, food, and outdoor experiences – ensuring your student life is full of colour and change.

Sowfall in Vienna: a romantic scene at St. Stephen’s Cathedral

Ready to Make Austria Your Second Home?

Whether you're drawn by academic ambition or alpine adventures, Austria offers a welcoming, enriching, and thrilling environment for international students.

The next step on your exciting journey could look like this: 

• Find out more about living & studying in St. Pölten
• Or start the application for the study programme of your choice