• Germany

Students first enter the country with a 'National Visa Type D' and after enrolling in the university, they receive a student residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel §16b) from the immigration office. This permit can be extended annually or every two years.

• Austria

Applicants must apply for the 'Residence Permit – Student'. This residence card is usually issued for one year and can be extended with valid academic and financial documents.

• Germany

For direct admission in most programs, a German language certificate of at least B2 or IELTS 6.5/TOEFL equivalent is required. For conditional admission, B1 German is sufficient in most cases. If conditionally admitted, students must attend Studienkolleg or language courses. Many master’s and PhD programs are offered in English.

• Austria

A major advantage is the lower language requirement. An A2 German certificate is enough for initial admission. After arrival, students must complete B1 and B2 courses and pass EPD or C1 exams. For English-taught programs, IELTS 6.5 is accepted.

• Germany

For master’s programs, the typical age limit is 39. However, older applicants may be accepted if they can justify study gaps with work experience or valid training.

• Austria

Much more flexible. Admission is possible up to 45 years, and sometimes with no age restriction at all. This makes Austria suitable for those deciding to study later in life.

• Germany

Public universities generally charge no tuition fees. Only a semester fee (150–350 EUR) applies. The exception is Baden-Württemberg, which charges non-EU students ~1,500 EUR per semester.

• Austria

Public university tuition fees for non-EU students range from 700–1500 EUR per year, making it more affordable compared to many European and US universities.

• Germany

Direct admission: 11,904 EUR per year

Conditional admission: 12,324 EUR

Studienkolleg: 13,095 EUR. This must be deposited in a blocked account (Sperrkonto) in approved German banks. After arrival, students can withdraw one-twelfth of the amount monthly.

• Austria: Financial proof depends on age and marital status:

Single under 24: 8,448 EUR + 3,600 EUR for two semesters of language courses, total ~12,100 EUR

Single above 24: 15,288 EUR + 3,600 EUR language courses, total ~18,900 EUR

Married: 24,120 EUR + 3,600 EUR language courses, total ~27,720 EUR

• Germany

Depending on the city, 850–1200 EUR per month. Larger cities like Munich and Hamburg are more expensive, while student cities like Leipzig or Dresden are cheaper.

• Austria

Slightly higher than Germany, 900–1300 EUR per month. Austria offers high quality social welfare, security, and public services.

• Germany

Students under 30 can use public health insurance at preferential rates. In 2025, monthly costs are ~139–144 EUR.

• Austria

The student self-insurance with ÖGK costs 73.48 EUR/month in 2025 and provides full medical coverage.

• Germany

Allowed to work 20 hours per week (or 140 full days per year) to cover part of living costs.

• Austria

Allowed to work 20 hours per week with a work permit from AMS, no labor market test required.

• Germany

Graduates can extend their stay for 18 months, and if they find a related job, they can switch to a work permit and later obtain permanent residence and citizenship.

• Austria

Graduates can extend their student residence once for 12 months. If employed, their status changes to the Red-White-Red Card, upgradeable to RWR-Card Plus.

• Germany

Restricted and time-consuming; dependents can apply before the student visa (6–12 months). If marriage happens after arrival, at least 2 years of marriage are required.

• Austria

Easier; spouse and children can apply at the same time as the main applicant ('Familiengemeinschaft').

• Germany

Mostly limited to research projects or PhD studies.

• Austria

Similar to Germany, most students fund their own studies.

• Italy

Tuition fees 700–1000 EUR and regional scholarships up to 8000 EUR. Requires B2 Italian or IELTS 6. Administrative process is more complicated.

• USA

Very high educational quality and wide range of programs, tuition fees 15,000–50,000 USD, higher living costs, but better scholarship opportunities for strong CVs.