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Germany vs Austria: what a year of study costs
Germany costs less on average, about EUR 2,900 less for a first year, though its most expensive options cost more than Austria's.
fromup to Tuition, 12 months of living costs and the visa fee.
Side by side
| Figure |  Germany |  Austria |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition a year | EUR 200 to 700 | EUR 1,500 |
| Living costs, 12 months | EUR 9,600 to 18,000 | EUR 15,600 |
| Student visa fee | EUR 75 | EUR 218 |
| First year, all in | EUR 9,900 to 18,800 | EUR 17,300 |
| Money to show for the visa | EUR 11,900 | EUR 8,670 |
| Work during term | 20 hours a week | 20 hours a week |
| Stay to work after | 18 months | 1 year |
| Figures checked | 2026-09-24 | 2026-09-24 |
Every figure is from the Germany and Austria guides, where each one links to its official source with the date we checked it. Living costs are the published monthly range times twelve. Converted at the day's rate (2026-11-08). Rates by Exchange Rate API.
Questions
Is it cheaper to study in Germany or Austria?
Germany costs less on average, about EUR 2,900 less for a first year, though its most expensive options cost more than Austria's. A first year in Germany costs about EUR 9,900 to 18,800 and in Austria about EUR 17,300, counting tuition, twelve months of living costs and the visa fee, from each country's official sources.
How much money do I need to show for a student visa in Germany and Austria?
Germany: EUR 11,900 a year. Austria: EUR 8,670 a year.