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Citizenship
Immigration Law
Insights
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Studying in Austria.
The residence permit for students: admission, documents, funds, extension and what to do if your application is refused.
Where are you now?
In short
- First the admission to the university, then the application for the residence permit.
- The first application is generally filed through the Austrian embassy.
- The authority checks closely where the money comes from.
- Extension only with academic progress, usually 16 ECTS in the last academic year.
Student residence permit (Aufenthaltsbewilligung Studierender)
First the admission, then the permit
The requirement is admission to a degree programme at an Austrian university, university of applied sciences, accredited private university or university college of teacher education. The university issues an admission notice (Zulassungsbescheid)Admission noticeConfirmation from the university that you have been admitted to your studies. It is the basis for the student residence permit. for this. Certain non-degree programmes, such as university preparation courses, can also be enough.
Checklist
Which documents you need
- admission notice from the university
- valid passport, birth certificate and passport photo
- health insurance that covers all risks
- tenancy agreement or agreement granting a right of residence in a home
- proof of sufficient funds (bank statement, savings book, declaration of liability (Haftungserklärung)Declaration of liabilityA declaration by a person with sufficient means to pay for maintenance, accommodation and health insurance, certified by a notary or a court (§ 2 Abs 1 Z 15 NAG).More on liability →). The amounts are based on the ASVG reference rates (Richtsätze) and are lower for students under 24.
Important: The authority wants to know where the money comes from: from whom, when and how. All documents in a foreign language need a certified translation.
Procedure
Application and decision
- You generally file the first application at the Austrian embassy abroad; if you can enter without a visa, it is sometimes also possible to apply in Austria.
- The residence authority (in Vienna the MA 35MA 35Municipal Department 35 of the City of Vienna: the immigration and citizenship authority. In the other federal provinces, the district authority (Bezirkshauptmannschaft) or the municipal authority (Magistrat) is responsible.) checks the requirements and must generally decide within six monthsDeadline: six monthsTime limit for the authority's decision from receipt of the application (§ 73 AVG). After that, a complaint about inaction (Säumnisbeschwerde) is possible (§ 8 VwGVG)..
- After a positive decision, you enter with a visa and collect the permit in person.
Extension
Prove your academic progress
File the application for extension before your permit expires§ 24 NAGThe application for extension must be filed before the permit expires, at the earliest three months before. You then remain lawfully in the country until the final decision. An application filed after expiry counts as a first application (§ 24 Abs 1 NAG).Legal text in RIS (in German) →. You need proof of academic progress (Studienerfolgsnachweis)§ 64 NAGFor the extension, you must submit proof of academic progress from the university under the rules on studies (§ 64 Abs 2 NAG).Legal text in RIS (in German) → for the last academic year (usually 16 ECTS or 8 semester hours) and sufficient funds for the coming year.
Refused?
Common reasons
- origin of the funds not explained
- funds too low
- accommodation too small
- health insurance does not cover all risks
You can file an appeal (Beschwerde) against the notice (Bescheid) within four weeksDeadline: four weeksTime limit for an appeal from service of the notice (§ 7 Abs 4 VwGVG). If the notice was deposited at the post office, the first day of the collection period counts as the day of service (§ 17 Abs 3 ZustG). of service. The appeal is filed with the authority that issued the notice. If the administrative court dismisses it, you have six weeks from service of the decision for a revision (Revision) to the Supreme Administrative Court (VwGH) or a complaint to the Constitutional Court (VfGH). Both must be filed by a lawyer. Options after a negative decision →
Questions we get asked
Studying in Austria: short answers
How much money do I need for the student residence permit?
The amounts are based on the ASVG reference rates and are lower for students under 24. The authority also checks where the money comes from.
What happens if I have not passed enough exams?
Without proof of academic progress, the permit is usually not extended (§ 64 Abs 2 NAG). You should provide evidence of reasons beyond your control, such as an illness.
Can I work while I study?
Yes, with an employment permit (Beschäftigungsbewilligung) that your employer applies for at the AMS. Up to 20 hours a week, there is no labour market test.
Next step
Initial consultation at a flat fee
We review your documents before you apply, clarify where the funds come from and represent you if the authority refuses.
How we work
Three steps, from the first conversation to the decision.
Initial consultation
At a flat fee. We listen, review your documents and tell you honestly where you stand.
A clear assessment
You know exactly what is realistic, what it costs and what happens next, in writing.
We get to work
We file applications, monitor deadlines and keep you updated by e-mail, phone or WhatsApp, in your language.
Team
The people behind your case.
Mag. Igor Matejuk, BEd
Mag. Adrian Zitter
Looking for the whole team? Meet everyone →
Appeal deadline
By when must you file an appeal?
Enter the date of service, and we calculate how many days you have left for the appeal (Beschwerde).
The day you received the decision (Bescheid). If it was deposited at the post office, the first day of the collection period counts.
For guidance only. This is not legal advice. Applies to decisions of MA 35 and the district authorities (Bezirkshauptmannschaften). Other deadlines may apply to decisions of the BFA.
Academic progress
Is your academic progress enough for the extension?
Choose your type of institution and enter what you passed in the last academic year.
Where do you study?
What does your transcript show?
Count only exams you passed in the previous academic year. Your university confirms them in the proof of academic progress (Studienerfolgsnachweis).
For guidance only. This is not legal advice. For the extension, you must submit proof of academic progress (§ 64 Abs 2 NAG, § 8 Z 8 lit b NAG-DV). Universities and university colleges of teacher education issue it if you passed exams worth at least 16 ECTS or 8 semester hours in the previous academic year (§ 74 Abs 6 UG, § 46 Abs 7 HG). As of October 2026, source: RIS.
Contact
How to reach us.
Unsere Erfolge
Aktuelles aus der Praxis.
1010 Vienna (Stephansplatz)