The BOKU is an internationally orientated university, where students from all over the world are warmly welcome!

You find all the relevant information on travelling and living in Austria as a student are found in the OeAD database (Austrian Exchange Service).

For students from non-EU countries we are happy to offer support and to answer any questions you may have.

EU/EEA member state or Switzerland

  • European Flag
    European Flag

If you are from an EU/EEA member state or from Switzerland you do not have to apply for a visa to stay in Austria. A valid travel document (passport or identity card) for your entry and stay in Austria is sufficient. Within three days of your arrival you should register at the local authorities, by completing and submitting a 'Meldezettel'.

Details on the registration process and information on insurance and employment can be found on the OeAD database.

Students from third countries (non-EU/EEA/Switzerland)

  • Globe with flags
    Globe with flags

Students from third countries require either a visa (if staying up to 6 months), or a Residence Permit 'Student' (if staying more than 6 months).

At the BOKU, students from all over the world are very welcome. It is important to note that an admission letter from the university is no guarantee that you will receive a visa or residence permit in Austria. The authorities in Vienna consider the requirements, applications, and submitted documents very carefully and decide from case to case, whether a student will receive a residence permit or not.

Detailed information on the different types of visa or residence permits as well as information on application procedures, documents requirements, insurance and working conditions are found in the OeAD database (Austrian Exchange Service).

According to our experience, processing of visa applications take several months (3-6 months). We recommend an early application, at least 6 months prior to your planned study start! 

It is possible, that Austrian authorities request further documentation. You will receive a notification “Verständigung über die Beweisaufnahme” (in German) with information on missing documents. Please take care of the stated deadlines! In case of doubts, please contact immediately your BOKU-IR-contact person.

From some countries, a visa-free entry is possible. 

Students who are taking part in an Union or multilateral mobility programme and who are in possession of a valid residence title "Student" of another EU member country (except the Ireland and Denmark) are allowed to enter Austria without requiring a visa and to stay in Austria for up to 360 days (Form to be signed by your BOKU-IR-coordinator).

NEU: Entry/Exit system (EES) for short-term stays

The Entry/Exit System (EES) applies to travellers who are non-EU citizens and are travelling for a short-term stay (up to 90 days) are travelling to a European country that uses the EES and either:

  • are in possession of a short-stay visa (travel visa, visa C); or
  • are not in possession of a visa for a maximum stay of 90 days within a period of 180 days.

The EES will be implemented from 12 October 2025 onwards and there will be no changes to the border control process for EU citizens and citizens of Schengen-associated countries (such as Norway, Switzerland, Iceland and Liechtenstein) as well as persons with a residence permit or a visa for a longer-term stay in the EU. If these residence authorizations are only acquired on the territory of the EU Member States, registration in the EES is mandatory for the first entry into the territory of the Member States.

Further information can be found on the website of EU on EES and on the website of the Austrian Ministry of the Interior (in German).