
Most programmes are taught in German. Universities usually require level B2, some C1. You can prove your German with a school certificate showing at least four years of German or with a language certificate – for example the Austrian ÖSD, which you can take at more than 200 exam centres worldwide.
If a university admits you on condition that you improve your German, you can attend a preparatory course in Austria (Vorstudienlehrgang) – you need at least level A2 to start.
The number of programmes taught in English is growing, especially at master's level. For these you will usually need IELTS or TOEFL. The full list is in the studienwahl.at search engine – more than 2,500 programmes at more than 77 institutions.
Sources: European Commission – Study in Europe (education.ec.europa.eu/study-in-europe), Eurostat, official national study and residence portals and authorities, Eurodesk, enic-naric.net, studentnews.eu. As of September 2026.