How to…International Students

Anything unclear or need help? Reach out to us via international@hufak.net 🙂

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Visa & Residence Permits

1 First-Time Application

Navigating Austrian residence requirements is crucial for all international students. The process differs based on your citizenship, but the most important rule is to always apply before your current Residence Permit expires.

  • For EU/EEA & Swiss Citizens: You can enter with a valid passport/ID. For stays longer than 3 months, you must register with the local authorities for a “Registration Certificate.”
  • For Non-EU/EEA Citizens (Third-Country Nationals): You must apply for a student residence permit before entering Austria at an Austrian embassy in your home country. You will need proof of admission, sufficient funds, and valid health insurance.

Start the process early, as it can take time. For the most current forms and detailed checklists, always check the official BMI website (www.bmi.gv.at) or in this ÖH’s informational brochure (Residence in Austria).

Renewal & FAQs

For detailed guides on renewing your permit and answers to common questions, the OeAD agency’s website is an excellent resource.

Some tips:

  • For your initial visa/residence application, a short-term rental (hotel, hostel, Airbnb) is sufficient for address registration. This gives you time to find permanent housing after arrival. 
  • You must bring the original Police Clearance Certificate from your home country for your first residence permit application. Submit it to MA35 in Vienna.
  • You can apply to renew your residence permit up to 3 months before it expires. Processing is slow. You can book an appointment for the renewal to the other MA35 branches/units regardless of your district of residence.
  • At renewal, you must provide proof of progress of studies (minimum 16 ECTS per academic year) by submitting your Progress of Studies (Bestätigung des Studienerfolges) which can be found in the Online Service. You must also provide Proof of Continuation of/Registration to Studies (Studienbestätigung) which can be found in the Online Service (follow the path: Document Archive/ Confirmations of enrollment and student records/ Forsetzungsunterlagen).

For incoming Erasmus students
Welcome, Incoming Erasmus Students! Your exchange at the Angewandte involves a few key administrative steps. 

For all detailed, step-by-step instructions and official requirements, please refer to the essential resources provided by the university:

Accommodation 

The Angewandte does not own student residences, so you must secure your own accommodation.

Start your search early using the recommended platforms for student dormitories, shared flats (WGs), and private apartments. Popular options include OeAD Student Housing, STUWO, and the ÖH’s online notice board.

Be prepared for costs, and always be cautious of rental scams. A useful budget estimate is €400-700 per month for a room in a shared flat (WG).

.1 Student Housing Organizations

.2 Finding Private Accommodation

  • willhaben.at: Main platform for rental listings in Austria. Visit Willhaben 
  • wg-gesucht.de: Great for finding shared apartments (WGs). Visit: WG-Gesucht 
  • schwarzesbrett.oeh.ac.at: ÖH’s housing board with student-friendly options. Visit Wohnen – Schwarzes Brett ÖH 
  • Housing Anywhere: HousingAnywhere 
  • Facebook Groups: Search for “WG Wien” or “Wohnung Wien” groups

.3 Important Tips & Red Flags

  • Never transfer money before seeing the apartment and signing a contract
  • Avoid listings that only communicate via email or ask for Western Union payments
  • Standard deposit (Kaution) is supposed to amount to a maximum of 3 months’ rent
  • Make sure you get a proper rental contract (Mietvertrag)
  • Check that the apartment is registered for main residence (Hauptwohnsitz) if you need it for visa purposes

We wish you a successful and inspiring studies in Vienna!