Austrian Student Visa
Many UK citizens enjoy traveling abroad, with Austria being a popular destination due to its rich heritage and diverse customs. While British tourists often seek to explore the beauty of Austria, they may also encounter certain challenges when planning international trips. Therefore, it is important to provide clear guidance on how UK residents can obtain an Austrian today.
Austrian flagTable of Contents:
Introduction
1. Top questions
1.1 What is a Visa & Who Needs One?
1.2 What is a Student Visa?
1.3 How Long is a Student Visa Valid for?
1.4 When Should I Apply for a Student Visa?
1.5 How Long Does it Take to Obtain an Austrian Student Visa?
1.6 Where is the Student Visa Processed?
1.7 How Much Does it Cost to Obtain an Austrian Student Visa?
1.8 How to Pay?
2. Application process
2.1 Documents Required to Apply for an Austrian Student Visa
2.2 Steps to Apply for an Austrian Student Visa
3. Student Visa Extension
Introduction
The tourism industry is undeniably booming, with cross-country travel playing a crucial role in the socio-economic development of both the UK and Austria.
Firstly, international tourism significantly contributes to Austria’s prosperity at various levels. To accommodate the growing number of British visitors, there has been substantial infrastructure development, including improved roads, transport facilities, and enhanced law and order. These advancements not only benefit tourists but also enhance the quality of life for local residents.
Secondly, the increasing influx of visitors has led to more employment opportunities, particularly in the hospitality sector. This boost in employment contributes to a better overall quality of life for Austrians and generates significant revenue for the government, aiding the nation in overcoming financial challenges.
However, it is important to note that there are growing concerns about the negative impacts of the travel industry on local communities and the natural environment in Austria. In response, both the government and individuals have implemented stricter visa procedures to mitigate these drawbacks and ensure that tourism continues to contribute positively to Austria’s prosperity.
1. Top questions
1.1 What is a Visa & Who Needs One?
It is important to note that certain categories of UK residents may be eligible for visa-free entry to Austria.
British citizens do not need a visa for short stays in the Schengen Area (up to 90 days within any 180-day period). However, if they plan to stay in Austria for more than 90 days, a visa will be required. Conversely, non-UK passport holders residing in the UK must obtain an Austrian Schengen visa to visit Austria.
Please take a look at the tables to determine whether your nationality requires you to apply for an Austrian visa.
[expand title=”The countries whose citizens are required to get an Austrian visa in order to enter there are”]
| A | |||||
| Afghanistan | Algeria | Angola | Armenia | Azerbaijan | |
| B | |||||
| Bahrain | Bangladesh | Belarus | Belize | ||
| Benin | Bhutan | Bolivia | Botswana | ||
| Burkina Faso | Burma/Myanmar | Burundi | |||
| C | |||||
| Cambodia | Cameroon | Cape Verde | Central African Republic | Chad | |
| China | Comoros | Congo | Cote D’ivoire | Cuba | |
| D | |||||
| Dem. Rep. Of Congo | Djibouti | Dominican Republic | |||
| E | |||||
| Ecuador | Egypt | Equatorial Guinea | Eritrea | Ethiopia | |
| F | |||||
| Fiji | |||||
| G | |||||
| Gabon | Gambia | Ghana | Guinea | Guinea-Bissau | Guyana |
| H | |||||
| Haiti | |||||
| I | |||||
| India | Indonesia | Iran | Iraq | ||
| J | |||||
| Jamaica | Jordan | ||||
| K | |||||
| Kazakhstan | Kenya | Kosovo | Kuwait | Kyrgyzstan | |
| L | |||||
| Laos | Lebanon | Lesotho | Liberia | Libya | |
| M | |||||
| Madagascar | Malawi | Maldives | Mali | ||
| Mauritania | Mongolia | Morocco | Mozambique | ||
| N | |||||
| Namibia | Nepal | Niger | Nigeria | Northern Mariana’s | North Korea |
| O | |||||
| Oman | |||||
| P | |||||
| Pakistan | Papua New Guinea | Palestinian Authority | Philippines | ||
| Q | |||||
| Qatar | |||||
| R | |||||
| Russia | Rwanda | ||||
| S | |||||
| Sao Tome And Principe | Saudi Arabia | Senegal | Sierra Leone | ||
| Somalia | South Africa | South Sudan | Sri Lanka | ||
| Sudan | Suriname | Swaziland | Syria | ||
| T | |||||
| Tajikistan | Tanzania | Thailand | Timor-Leste | ||
| Togo | Tonga | Tunisia | Turkey | ||
| Turkmenistan | |||||
| U | |||||
| Uganda | Uzbekistan | ||||
| V | |||||
| Vietnam | |||||
| Y | |||||
| Yemen | |||||
| Z | |||||
| Zambia | Zimbabwe |
[/expand]
With a valid UK residence permit is valid until at least three months beyond your planned departure date from Austria or the Schengen Area, you can enjoy several benefits. For stays of less than 90 days in Austria, your UK residence permit suffices. However, if you plan to stay in Austria for more than 90 days, you will need to apply for a residency permit rather than an Austrian Schengen visa.
If you hold a UK visa valid for three months, you can extend it for an additional three months. This extension allows you to apply for an Austrian Schengen visa from within the UK. Be sure to apply for the extension before your current visa expires and while you are still in the UK.
1.2 What Student Visa is to enter Austria?
A Student Visa is designed for individuals who wish to study in Austria for a short duration.
1.3 How Long is a Student Visa Valid For?
The Student Visa is valid for up to 90 days. If your study or training course extends beyond this period, you should apply for a Long-Stay Study Visa through the Visa Application Center in the UK.
1.4 When Should I Apply for a Student Visa?
It is strongly recommended to apply for an Austrian Student Visa at least 6 months before your planned trip.
1.5 How Long Does it Take to Obtain Austrian Student Visa?
You should receive a response from the Visa Application Centre within 15 days or less. However, processing times can vary, and in some cases, it may take 30 to 60 days due to additional documentation or special circumstances.
1.6 Where is the Student Visa Processed?
The processing of Student Visas generally follows a standard procedure, with additional documentation required only in rare cases.
- For Visits to Austria Only: Submit your application at the VFS Visa Centre in the UK.
- For Visits to Multiple Schengen Countries: Submit your application at the Visa Center of the country where you will spend the most days, or if the duration is equal in each, at the country you will enter first.
VFS Center’s official website pageA VISA APPLICATION CENTER IN LONDON – VFS JOINT VISA APPLICATION CENTRE
Address:
66 Wilson Street
London
EC2A 2JX
Contact details:
email: info.ituk@vfshelpline.com
Helpline number: 0871 376 0023
Due to the increasing demand for Austrian visas, the Austrian Embassy has outsourced its visa application processing to the Austrian Visa Centres in London. A Visa Application Centre (VAC) is an authorised third-party service provider responsible for accepting visa applications on behalf of a country. The VAC transmits the applicant’s information and application to the relevant visa processing authority, which is either the Visa Application Center or the embassy of the applicant’s destination country.
Our company is here to assist you in preparing and submitting the necessary documents to the Visa Application Center. We handle the review and forwarding of your documents to ensure a smooth process for obtaining an Austrian visa through the VFS Visa Application Center.
1.7 How Much Does it Cost to Obtain an Austrian Student Visa?
Prices depend on the type of Visa being processed. Please contact us for more information regarding Austrian student visa prices.
1.8 How to pay?
Visa fees can be paid in cash or by credit/debit card at the Visa Application Centre. Please note that checks are not accepted.
2. Application process
2.1 Documents Required to Apply for an Austrian Student Visa
To apply for an Austrian Student Visa, you must provide the following documents:
1. Visa Application Form
- Complete the Short-Stay Visa Application Form legibly and accurately.
- Ensure you sign the form.
- Include the complete address in Austria, specifying the number, street name, city, and postal code.
| The appropriate Form Section | Our explanation of each Form Section |
| Surname | Fill in your name like it is on your passport (do not write “married name” and your husband name) |
| Surname at birth | Write the name you had at your birth if different than your current surname |
| First Name (s) | Write your first name like it is on your passport |
| Date of birth | Fill in your date of birth like this: day/month/year |
| Place of birth | Fill in your place of birth like it is on your passport |
| Country of birth | Fill in your country of birth even there is no it on your passport |
| Current Nationality | Fill in your nationality like it is on your passport |
| Nationality at birth, if different | Fill in your nationality at birth if it is different from the nationality on your passport |
| Other nationalities | |
| Sex | Fill in your male or female gender |
| Marital Status | For a common-law marriage, indicate “common-law marriage” in the section “Other”. For a PACS (your destination country civil union contract) with a local citizen, indicate “PACS” in the section “Other“ |
| Parental Authority | Fill in the full name, address, telephone number, email address, and nationality of the person who keeps parental authority or legal guardianship |
| National Identity Number | Fill in your national identity number if you have this one |
| Type of travel document | Write the appropriate kind of your travel document |
| Number of travel document | Write the appropriate numbers of your travel document |
| Date of issue | Write the date your passport was issued (not the extension date) |
| Valid until | Write your passport expiration date taking into account the extensions |
| Issued by | Write the country of issuing your passport and the authority that issued the passport |
| Personal data of the family member who is a European Union, EEA or Swiss Confederation citizen or is a United | Fill in the full name, date of birth, nationality, passport number, and relationship only if you are the dependent spouse, child, father, or mother of a person who is a citizen of another State of the European Union. |
| Kingdom citizen beneficiary of the withdrawal agreement, if applicable | |
| Family relationship with an European Union, EEA or Swiss Confederation citizen, or with United Kingdom citizen beneficiary of the withdrawal agreement, if applicable | Fill in the corresponding status |
| Applicant's home address and e-mail address | Write the e-mail address: 1) your own one, either 2) another person one, or 3) company (accordingly, write the name of the mailbox owner). |
| Telephone number | Write your cellular number in your residence country and, where appropriate, in the country where you are submitting your visa application |
| Residence in a country other than the country of current nationality | If you are living in other country you need to write the number of your residence permit and its expiration date |
| Current occupation | Fill in the current occupation like it is on the passport, for example: “professor” or “retired (former designer)”. If you have no occupation, write “no occupation” |
| Employer and employer's address and telephone number | Fill in the name of the organization (firm, public service, educational institution) where you work or study and its name, address, and telephone number |
| For students, name and address of educational establishment | |
| Purpose(s) of the journey | Write the appropriate goal of your travel |
| Member State of main destination (and other Member States of destination, if applicable | Write a country name as your primary destination. If it is a foreign overseas department or territory, write your destination country name and the name of the department or territory |
| Member State of first entry | Fill in your destination country |
| Number of entries requested | Write your desired number of entries with the dates of arrival and departure |
| Fingerprints collected previously for the purpose of applying for a Schengen visa | If your fingerprints have already been taken for a visa application, write the date |
| Entry permit for the final country of destination, where applicable | Write the number and validity dates for your visa at your final destination, if this country is outside the Schengen area |
| Surname and first name of the inviting person(s) in the Member State(s). Address and e-mail address of inviting person(s). Telephone number | Write the name of the person who invited you, address, e-mail and a phone number |
| Name and address of inviting company / organization, phone number and e-mail number | Write the contact info of the organization that invited you and the contact info for your contact person in the organization |
| Cost of travelling and living during the applicant's stay is covered | Indicate the necessary boxes |
| Place and date | Write the place and date where you are filling in the form, even if this date is different than the day you are going to the visa service |
| Signature | The visa applicant must sign and not another person. If the visa applicant is a minor (under 18), the application must be signed by a person having parental authority and their relationship should be included in parentheses (father, mother, guardian). If the visa applicant cannot sign, a cross may be used |
2. Two Recent Photographs
Follow these Austrian Visa Photo Requirements:
- Two identical photos taken within the last six months.
- Photo size: 35×45 mm (width x height).
- Colour photos only (no black and white).
- Head should occupy 70-80% of the photo.
- Background should be bright and lightly coloured (light grey is recommended).
- The applicant should be facing the camera directly.
- Maintain a neutral expression (no smile and mouth closed).
- Avoid uniforms or colours that match the background.
3. Valid Passport
- The passport must be valid for up to 10 years.
- It must have at least 3 months of validity remaining after your trip to Austria.
- The passport should have at least two blank pages for the visa sticker.
4. Flight Itinerary (Reservation)
- Also known as: Booked Flight Itinerary, Flight Reservation, Air Ticket Booking, Dummy Ticket, Flight Confirmation, or Return Ticket.
- This document is not a paid air ticket but a detailed itinerary showing your flight plan, including flight name, your name, reservation number or booking ID, arrival and departure dates, airport IATA codes, and ticket price.
- A small fee may be charged for obtaining this reservation for your visa application. Some airlines offer it for free, but it is rare.
5. Travel Health Insurance
Ensure your travel insurance meets the following requirements:
- Minimum coverage of at least €30,000.
- Coverage must be valid for all Schengen Area member states.
- It should cover expenses for repatriation, urgent medical care, emergency hospital treatment, or death.
We recommend contacting insurance providers such as: AXA, Europ Assistance, or DR-WALTER.
AXA insurance company page6. Proof of Accommodation
To demonstrate where you will be staying in Austria while studying, you can provide one of the following:
- Dormitory Contract: A signed contract between you and an official from an Austrian dormitory.
- Invitation Letter from a Host: A letter of invitation from the person with whom you will be staying.
- Rental Contract: A lease agreement with a property owner in Austria, including the property’s address and details about the landlord.
A student dormitory in Austria
7. Proof of Sufficient Financial Means
To support your visa application, you must provide evidence that you have adequate funds to cover your stay in Austria. Acceptable documents to demonstrate sufficient financial means include:
- Bank Account Statement: A statement showing your financial activity for at least the last 3 months.
- Sponsorship Letter: A letter from someone who will financially support your trip to Austria.
- Combination of Both: You may also use a combination of personal funds and sponsorship.
Additional acceptable documents include:
- Credit card statements
- Cash
- Cheques
- Payslips
- Proof of employment
- Documents from your sponsor
- Proof of prepaid accommodation
- Documents related to private accommodation
- Proof of prepaid transportation
- Other relevant documents
The Federal Ministry for Europe, Integration, and Foreign Affairs of Austria does not specify an exact amount for financial means required for visa applications. Instead, the necessary financial means are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Bank account statement for an Austrian visa8. Evidence of Student Status
To confirm your status as a student, provide the following documents:
- Proof of Enrollment: Documentation from your educational institution confirming your enrollment.
- No Objection Letter: A letter from your university indicating that they have no objections to your stay in Austria.
9. Copies of Previous Austrian Visas (If Applicable)
Include copies of any previous Austrian visas you have obtained.
10. Proof of Civil Status
Provide documentation to establish your civil status. Acceptable documents include:
- A marriage certificate
- A birth certificate for your children
- A death certificate of a spouse
11. Visa Application Cover Letter
Your cover letter should address the following points:
- Purpose of Travel: Clearly state the purpose of your visit to the Schengen member state(s).
- Proof of Funding: Provide evidence of how you will finance your trip, whether through personal funds or a sponsor.
- Sponsor Details (if applicable): Explain your relationship with your sponsor and the reason they are supporting your trip.
- Itinerary Overview: Outline your travel itinerary and explain why you have chosen to apply at this specific Embassy.
- Explanation for Missing Documents (if applicable): If you cannot provide any required documents, explain the reasons and describe any alternative documents you are submitting.
- Intent to Return: Demonstrate your intent to return to your home country. You may include a separate letter of intent to explain your ties to your home country.
The cover letter serves as a key communication tool with the embassy officer processing your visa application.
12. Documents for Minors
If the visa applicant is a minor, you must provide:
- Birth Certificate: A birth certificate for the minor traveling to Austria.
- Application Form: The Austrian visa application form signed by both parents.
- Family Court Order: If applicable, a family court order showing custody arrangements if only one parent has full custody.
- Certified Copies of IDs: Certified copies of the ID or passport of both parents.
- Parental Authorization: A notarized parental authorization for travel to Austria, signed by both parents or guardians if the minor will be traveling alone.
When applying at the Austrian embassy or consulate, a guardian or parent should accompany their underage child.
13. Enrollment Certificate
Provide an enrollment certificate for the courses you will be attending in Austria, such as school, university, or language courses.
14. No Objection Letter from Your Austrian Educational Institution
Submit a no objection letter from the Austrian educational institution where you are currently enrolled.
2.2 Steps to Apply for an Austrian Student Visa
Regardless of your visa type, the process for applying is as follows:
First Step: Locate the nearest Visa Application Center where you need to submit your documents. Contact us for assistance in finding the appropriate centre.
Your choice of applyingSecond Step: Determine the best time to visit the Visa Application Center in person to submit your Austrian Visa application.
Your choice of time to come to usThird Step: Schedule an appointment at the Austrian Visa Application Center.
You can make an appointment in one of two ways:
- Online
- In Person
Make an appointment at the Austrian Visa Application CenterFourth Step: Attend your appointment at the Visa Application Center with all the required documents.
Your interviewFifth Step: Pay the visa fee.
Paying money for your visaSixth Step: Wait for a response from the application centre regarding your visa application.
A reply from the VFS application centerNote: Ensure that your visa application form clearly specifies the dates of your visit and the cities you will be staying in. It is advisable to gather all necessary documents and complete the application form only after you have all the required information.
3. Student Visa Extension
Extending a student visa is uncommon and typically requires compelling reasons. Acceptable grounds for an extension may include:
- Late Entry
- Humanitarian Reasons
- Force Majeure
- Personal Reasons
4. In Summary
We hope this article has provided valuable guidance for applying for an Austrian visa from the United Kingdom.
Thank you for reading. Stay tuned for more information and feel free to share this article!