2026 - 2027 SAA Rankings for Best Value Universities In Austria For International Students

74 Best Value Institutions in Austria for International Students

Here are the 74 best-value institutions in Austria for international students. Here, you’ll learn more about their rankings, international student population, and their background.

The University of Vienna is one of the leading universities in the country, with hundreds of academic programs to offer. It is the center for medicine, physics, business, and economics, among others. The university has been the source of competent professionals that are well-knowledgeable in their field. Since its establishment, the university did not fail to provide education that is focused on solving the current challenges of significant sectors in society.

TU Wien, also known as the Vienna University of Technology, is a public university in Vienna, Austria. It was established in 1815 by Emperor Francis I as the Imperial-Royal Polytechnic Institute. TU Wien offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in architecture, natural sciences, engineering, and technology. The university is ranked #192 in the QS World University Rankings.

The University of Innsbruck is a public research university in Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria. It was founded in 1669 as the Akademisches Gymnasium Innsbruck. The university is well-known for its development in mountain research and physics. The university currently has 16 faculties offering undergraduate and postgraduate courses in architecture, science, theology, economics, education, law, humanities, and management.

The Boku University is a public research university in Vienna, Austria. It was founded in 1872 and offered agriculture, economics, and social sciences courses. As a pioneer in green economy innovation, BOKU combines knowledge in the social and economic sciences with that of the natural sciences, engineering, and biotechnology.

The Medical University of Vienna is a public research university in Vienna, Austria. Its origins can be traced back to 1365, with the establishment of the faculty of medicine at the University of Vienna. The modern university was only established in 2004 as an independent institution. As one of the top-level medical institutions in the country, many Nobel Prize laureates and notable scientists have worked at the university.

The Graz University of Technology is a public university in Graz, Styria, Austria. It was founded in 1811 by Archduke John of Austria with only physics, chemistry, astronomy, mineralogy, botany, and technology courses. The university is now one of the highest-ranked in the country, with 19 undergraduate programs and 35 postgraduate programs.

The University of Graz is a public university in Graz, Styria, Austria. It is the region’s largest and oldest university. Archduke Charles II founded it in 1585, and it was reestablished as a university in 1827. The university offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in the arts, humanities, natural sciences, business, medicine, and theology through six faculties.

Johannes Kepler University Linz is a public university in Linz, Austria. It was founded in 1966 as the College of Social Sciences, Economics, and Business. Johannes Kepler University is comprised of four faculties and 127 institutes that offer undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs in business, engineering, law, science, social sciences, and medicine.

The Vienna University of Economics and Business (WU) is a public research university in Vienna, Austria. It was established in 1898 as the Export Academy to provide professional business training. WU is Europe’s largest university specializing in business and management. It provides undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs in economics, management, and marketing in both English and German.

The University of Salzburg, also known as Paris Lodron University of Salzburg (PLUS), is a public university in Salzburg, Austria. It was founded in 1622, closed in 1810, and reopened in 1962. It is the region’s largest institution, with approximately 18,000 students and four faculties offering a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

The Medical University of Graz is a public university in Graz, Austria. The medical-surgical school at the University of Graz was established in 1782. The university has over 2,500 academic staff and over 4,350 students enrolled in a variety of medical disciplines, making it a center of innovative medicine in southern Austria.

The University of Klagenfurt (AAU) is a public research university in Klagenfurt, Austria. It was founded in 1970 and reopened in 1993. Undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs are available in the arts, humanities, education, management, social sciences, and technical sciences at the university. It is ranked 48 in the Young University Rankings 2021 by Times Higher Education.

FH Joanneum is a public university in Graz, Austria. It also has campuses in Kapfenberg and Bad Gleichenberg. It was founded in 1995. The university offers nearly 70 undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs in fields such as business, technology, design, media, architecture, health, and social services. There are also new programs, such as midwifery education, that have not previously been offered in Austria.

Central European University is the leading private university in Austria and is renowned for its English-taught, interdisciplinary, and internationally accredited programs. International accreditation allows your diploma to be recognized in specific countries.

CEU’s programs are focused on the social sciences, humanities, or international studies. It attracts hundreds of international students, given its high-quality courses and convenient medium of instruction.

The University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna (VUW) is a public university in Vienna, Austria. It was founded in 1767 as the Imperial-Royal School for the Cure and Surgery of Horses, the world’s third veterinary school. The university currently has 2,800 students and over 600 academic staff, as well as teaching and research farms located outside of Vienna.

The Medical University of Innsbruck is known for its outstanding performance when it comes to courses related to health and science. It offers excellent training in patient care and research and envisions becoming the leading medical center in Western Austria. The university is equipped with qualified teachers and competitive students who always aim for innovative research and active scientific exchanges with other prominent universities in the world.

The University for Continuing Education Krems is a public university in Krems a der Donau, Austria. It began in 1994 with just two programs: European studies and journalism. Currently, the University for Continuing Education Krems focuses on continuing education for working professionals. It now provides over 200 academic courses and degree programs in medicine, economics, law, education, and the arts.

The University of Applied Sciences Kufstein is a public institution of higher education that was founded in 1997. This university offers a variety of programs, but some of the most famous ones are real estate management, digital marketing, and international business studies. This university distinguishes itself from other universities by the fact that it currently has over 220 international collaborations that provide vast help and experience in its development.

The St. Polten University of Applied Sciences is a public university in Sankt Poelten, Austria. Despite being established in 1993, the first degree program, in Telecommunication and Media, wasn’t introduced until 1996. Currently, the institution provides 26 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in social work, management, communication, and information technology.

The University of Applied Sciences Technikum Wien is a public-private partnership university in Vienna, Austria. It was established in 1994 and was the first university for applied sciences in the country. With 4,400 students, it is also considered the largest technical university in Austria. The university offers 12 undergraduate programs and 18 postgraduate programs. It has also been awarded the Erasmus+ Award 2015 and in the annual rankings by the Austrian Industry Magazine.

Academy of Fine Arts Vienna is one of Austria’s most traditional art universities. The institution has been setting high-quality standards when it comes to art studies, helping individuals to develop their skills and widen their contemporary perspectives. It also integrates technology in the way it presents art teachings in order to combine the tradition of Austria’s culture and the beauty of modern techniques.

The University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna is a public university in Vienna, Austria. It was founded in 1817 by the Society for the Friends of Music and is the country’s largest performing arts institution. With 24 academic departments, the university offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs including conducting, music analysis, cultural studies, and music therapy.

Institute of Science and Technology Austria is an academically-competitive institution that mainly offers Ph.D. programs for individuals who want to take on further education in specific fields, such as physics, chemistry, and mathematics. It promotes curiosity-driven research that allows students to pursue their passion and interests without inhibitions. Students from the institution are also heavily supported by state-of-the-art facilities that will enable them to maximize their talents, knowledge, and skills.

The University of Applied Sciences Salzburg is a private university in Salzburg, Austria. It was established in 1995. With 30 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, students have a wide selection of applied sciences courses to choose from, such as engineering, media, IT, and design, as well as other courses like social affairs and tourism.

The Mozarteum University Salzburg is a private university in Salzburg, Austria. To commemorate the fiftieth death anniversary of Mozart, it was established in 1841 as the Cathedral Music Association and the Mozarteum. In 1914, it was officially recognized as a conservatory. The university specializes in art and music courses and offers programs in theatre, conducting, drama, and pedagogy.

The Carinthia University of Applied Sciences is a private university in Carinthia, Austria. It has campuses in Feldkirchen, Villach, and Klagenfurt. It was established in 1995 as the University of Applied Sciences in Spittal. The university currently provides over 40 undergraduate and graduate degrees in the social sciences, business, health sciences, and technology.

The University of Applied Sciences Wiener Neustadt is a private educational institution that is located in the city of Wiener Neustadt in Austria. This institution was established in 1994, and it provides both bachelor’s and master’s studies in a selected number of programs. This university’s most well-known programs include business consultancy, international relations, and aerospace engineering.

The University of Applied Arts Vienna is one of the oldest universities in the country. This university was established in 1867 based on the need for creative and formal education in the region. This university is famous because it has a large number of famous alumni that have acted as great ambassadors for the university, from which some of the most famous are the likes of Walter Bosse and Dorrit Dekk.

The University of Music and Performing Arts Graz is an internationally-renowned university that focuses on offering education related to music and arts. It provides a contemporary teaching style that enables students to find their own distinct abilities and to stand out in the industry. The university also utilizes research and development as a means to explore arts through its 17 institutes and 2 postgraduate schools.

The Upper Austria University of Applied Sciences is a public university in Upper Austria. Its four campuses are located in Hagenberg, Linz, Steyr, and Wels. It was founded in 1993. The university, which has over 5,839 students, offers 31 undergraduate programs and 37 postgraduate programs in applied sciences, engineering, accounting, medicine, and management.

The University of Applied Sciences BFI Vienna is a public university in Vienna, Austria. It began in 1996 with a course in European Economics and Corporate Management. It has gradually expanded into a variety of courses, and it now provides undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in management, finance, economics, media, and law.

The Paracelsus Medical University (PMU) is a private university in Salzburg, Austria. It was established in 2002. The university has three research centers and six research programs that provide first-class educational training in medicine. Courses in pharmacy, nursing, medical sciences, molecular medicine, and allied health sciences are available at the university.

The University of Applied Sciences Campus Vienna is a private university in Vienna, Austria. It was established in 2001. With over 6,000 students and 64 degree programs, it is considered the largest university of applied sciences in Austria. The university offers programs in engineering, management, health sciences, and social work.

The Music and Arts University of the City of Vienna (MUK) is a private university in Vienna, Austria. It was established in 1938 as the Musikschule der Stadt Wien. MUK, as a music and performing arts university, develops and explores both traditional and contemporary art forms, as well as innovative concepts of arts education.

The Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences (FHV) is a unique university in the region of Dornbirn, Austria. This university was founded in 1989, and it provides studies in the fields of social work, computer science, and business informatics, which are taught by some of the best professors in the country and are labeled as experts in their chosen fields.

The Anton Bruckner Private University (ABPU) is a private university in Linz, Austria. It was founded in 1823 and was named after the Austrian composer Anton Bruckner. ABPU is one of five Austrian universities that specialize in music, drama, and dance. The Upper Austrian Provincial Government prioritizes artistic education, which explains why tuition fees here are low compared to similar institutions.

The Campus 02 University of Applied Sciences is a university that is not like others. This university offers directions for all levels of study and in very interesting fields of study such as automation technology-business, innovation management, and sales management, which are mostly focused on practical work where students have chances to see the work in action and can gain experience from it. This university aims to connect theoretical knowledge with work and experience so students can gain better skills.

The University of Applied Sciences for Management and Communication, also known as FH Wien der WKW, is a private university in Vienna, Austria. It is the leading university of applied sciences for management and communication in the country. Currently, the university offers 19 undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs, as well as 17 continuing education courses.

The University College of Teacher Education Lower Austria is a very young but credible university that is located in the beautiful spa city of Baden-Baden-Wien in Austria. This university was established on the basis of creating and developing new systems and techniques so it could develop new and better-adapted teachers. The main objective of this university is to help the education system and create new international relationships with similar universities.

The University of Art and Design Linz is a public university in Linz, Upper Austria. It was founded in 1947 but did not receive official recognition as a university until 1998. The university is well-known for its fundamental values of artistic and research freedom and commitment to modernism and contemporary art. 

The Health University of Applied Sciences Tyrol is a public university in Innsbruck, Austria. It was founded in 2006. The university specializes in health-related fields. More than 1,000 students are currently enrolled at the Health University of Applied Sciences Tyrol, where they benefit from a team of experienced teachers, a wide range of training opportunities, and national and international partner institutions.

The University of Applied Sciences for Health Professions Upper Austria is a private university in Linz, Austria. It was founded in 2010. The university offers undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs in radiological technology, dietetics, occupational therapy, nursing, midwifery, speech and language therapy, and biomedical science. Higher education courses in intensive care, nursing care, and psychiatric healthcare are also available.

The Gustav Mahler Private University for Music, as stated by its name, is a private educational institution that specializes in the industry of music. This institution is one of the oldest musical universities in the country, dating back to 1828, and is located in the area of Klagenfurt, Austria. The main objective of the university is to protect the educational values that it represents and also adapt to the changing teaching system by using new and innovative teaching techniques.

The University of Applied Sciences Burgenland is a public university in Burgenland, Austria. It has two campuses in Eisenstadt and Pinkafeld. It was founded in 1994. The university is known for its unique degree programs and has produced over 11,000 graduates in senior positions. It provides a diverse array of courses in health sciences, engineering, economics, and media studies.

Catholic Private University Linz is a religious university that was established in 1978, but it has a long history in the education field that can be dated back to 1672. This university is located in Linz, Austria, and it is one of the best universities in this region. The main area of expertise at this university is art and history, which are studied in great depth by its students.

The University College of Teacher Education in Vienna is a specialized teaching university that is focused on innovative and ground-breaking teaching techniques that can be used to advance the education system. This university was established in 2007 and is located in Vienna, Austria, which gives a lot of great opportunities for students to achieve their goals in the field of teaching.

The Salzburg University of Education Stefan Zweig is a private university in Salzburg, Austria. It was founded in 2007 as the Pedagogical Academy’s successor. The Salzburg University of Education offers courses in elementary education, secondary education, and teacher training. The university focuses on comprehensive education, modern pedagogical, regional, and international networks.

The University of Education Upper Austria is a non-profit public institution that deals with higher-degree learning and teaching. This university is quite a young one; it was established in 2007 in the region of Linz, Austria. The main attraction of this university is the easy application procedure for both domestic and international students, which is conducted with full transparency.

The University of Education Styria (PHST) is a public university in Graz, Austria. It was founded in 2007 by merging pedagogical academies, vocational schools, and educational institutes. The university provides undergraduate and postgraduate education degree programs, as well as teacher training courses. Students are also given fieldwork and practical research training.

Vienna School of International Studies is a practical-oriented institution that aims to provide exceptional postgraduate education in various disciplines. It has been the center of excellence for international affairs studies and is one of the oldest professional schools in the country. Since its establishment, it has already trained thousands of competent men and women.

Pedagogical University Tyrol (PHT) is a public university in Innsbruck, Austria. It was founded in 2007 as a result of the merger of several regional educational institutions. The university provides undergraduate and postgraduate education courses at the primary and secondary levels, as well as special needs education and vocational training programs.

The University College of Teacher Education Vienna/Krems (KPH) is a private university in Vienna, Austria. It was founded in 2007 to provide advanced training for primary school teachers as well as educators in religious studies. It is Austria’s largest private teacher training college, with approximately 2,500 students enrolled in initial training.

The University College for Agricultural and Environmental Pedagogy (HAUP) is a public university in Vienna, Austria. It was founded in 2007 and is the country’s only pedagogical university specializing in agriculture. Undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs in agrarian and environmental pedagogy are available at HAUP. In addition, students obtain certification for agricultural and forestry advisory and support services, as well as adult education.

MCI Management Center Innsbruck offers comprehensive training in the field of business and technology. The institute greatly connects with numerous international organizations in order to give endless opportunities to its students even after graduating. It highly emphasizes practical training and ensures that students will graduate with adequate knowledge and skills in their profession.

The Private University College of Teacher Education Augustinum is a private university in Graz, Austria. It was founded in 2007. The PPH Augustinum is dedicated to innovation, Christian social and moral values, and global perspectives. Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs in primary education, special needs education, and religious education are available at the university.

The Sigmund Freud University Vienna (SFU) is a private university in Vienna, Austria. It was founded in 2005. SFU specializes in psychotherapy science and is the only university in the world that teaches psychotherapy at the undergraduate level. Other courses in psychology, medicine, and law are also available at the university.

The Private University of Education, Diocese of Linz (PHDL) is a private university in Linz, Austria. It was founded in 1968. The university specializes in the preparation of elementary, secondary, and special school teachers, as well as religious educators. The university also houses several schools, including a practical elementary school, a practical secondary school, a social education college, and the Caritas school for social care professions.

The Carinthian University of Education is a private university in Klagenfurt, Austria. It was named after Austrian neurologist Viktor Emil Frankl in 2007. The institute was formed by the merger of the Carinthian Federal Pedagogical Academy and the Carinthian Federal Pedagogical Institute. The university provides training in undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs in a variety of pedagogical fields.

The Seeburg Castle University is a young institution of higher education that is located in Seekirchen am Wallerse, Austria. This university was officially known as the Private University of Economics, and it got its current name in 2007. The main objective of this university is to increase the number of international collaborations so that it can provide better opportunities for students.

Situated in a historical building in the elegant Döbling district of Vienna, Lauder Business School has earned a reputation as a leading international university of applied sciences in the European Union. Founded in 2003 as a Jewish initiative, LBS is geared towards students seeking a hands-on educational approach that will give them a competitive advantage in an increasingly demanding professional workplace.

The university blends American and European educational methods: three of its programs are fully accredited in the US by the ACBSP (Accreditation Council for Business School and Programs), and is affiliated with the Harvard MOC (Microeconomics of Competitiveness) Network, which includes more than 100 major business schools from 65 different countries. LBS was ranked 2nd in Vienna for the second year in a row (2022 & 2023), and 4th in Austria for the academic excellence and high employment rate of our students by the independent industry magazine INDUSTRIEMAGAZIN. According to the independent Peregrine tests, LBS programs are among the best 10% of ACBSP accredited universities worldwide.

The Bertha von Suttner Private University is a young private university that was founded and accredited in 2018. This university is located in the area of Sankt Polten, Austria, and it was founded based on the need for a formal private university. This university welcomes both international and domestic students, and it offers a lot of opportunities for scholarships and financial aid.

The University College of Teacher Education Burgenland is a private university in Eisenstadt, Austria. It was established in 2007. The university provides a modern and innovative environment in which students can participate in education and on-the-job training courses. Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees are available in primary and secondary school education.

Ferdinand Porsche FernFH is a private university in Wiener Neustadt, Austria. It was founded in 2006 as the only Distance-Learning University of Applied Sciences. The university operates in a blended learning mode where students attend 3 on-campus sessions and 2 self-defined distance learning phases. Undergraduate and postgraduate courses in management, psychology, and business are available at the university.

The KPH Edith Stein is a private university in Innsbruck, Austria. It has campuses in Innsbruck, Stams, Feldkirch, Salzburg, and Zams. It was founded in 2007. KPH provides professional education as well as a diverse range of study programs such as special needs teaching and religious education. The university offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in education and Catholic religious studies.

New Design University is a private university in St. Polten, Austria. It was founded in 2004 by the Lower Austrian Chamber of Commerce and its Business Development Institute. The university is well-known for providing high-quality education in design, technology, and business. NDU students receive extensive personal supervision in order to develop creative skills that will help them advance social change.

The IMC University of Applied Sciences Krems is a private university in Krems a der Donau, Austria. It began in 1994 as the International Management Center, offering only Tourism and Leisure Management programs. Currently, the university offers 27 undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs in business, health sciences, and life sciences.

The Danube Private University is a medically oriented institution that offers all levels of study in the fields of dentistry, human medicine, and medical journalism, and it is famous for providing great opportunities for students that are interested in becoming doctors. This university was founded in 2009 and is located in Krems an der Donau, Austria, which makes it a valuable asset for the region.

Modul University Vienna strives to become an internationally-oriented university that focuses on research and education in media, public governance, technology, and tourism, among others. It is committed to delivering sustainable learning that paves the way for innovative techniques that can help bring benefits to the academe and society. It connects with various partner universities and has a massive number of domestic and international scholars.

The Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences (KL) is a private university in Krems a der Donau, Austria. It was founded in 2013. The university is known for its expertise in health sciences, psychology, and psychosomatic medicine. KL has 24 university hospitals, including the University Hospital Krems, St. Polten University Hospital, and Tulln University Hospital.

The Webster Vienna Private University, as stated by its name, is a prestigious private institution of higher education that is located in Vienna, Austria. This university was established in 1981 as an American university that is connected to Webster University in St. Louis, and that is one of the main reasons why this university is famous in its region.

The Technical University of Leoben has continuously deepened and developed its foundation to solve current and relevant social issues actively. The university has a clear goal in mind, which is to focus on the areas of climate, energy, resources, and environment, allowing its students to create scientific methods on how to face today’s challenges.

The UMIT Tirol – Private University for Health Sciences and Health Technology is a young private university that was established in 2001 in the region of Hall, Austria. This university has contributed greatly to the advancement of private universities in this country with the numerous international cooperation and exchange programs that are seen as very desirable by domestic and international students.

The Jam Music Lab Private University is a private university that was established in 2011. This young university is located in the so-called “City of music,” which is Vienna. This university’s main goal is to provide studies for every possible musical instrument, including classical instruments such as piano, guitar, and violin.

Alma Mater Europaea University, based in Salzburg, Austria, is a premier institution noted for having its departments or units spread across the continent. Thus, some of its programs are offered in Austria only, while others are limited to Slovenia and Croatia. This unique approach makes the institution a leader in internationalization, as it exposes its students to various languages, cultures, and networks. Thus, each AME graduate comes out of the university with valuable experience and training that make them better equipped for the world.