Studying in Austria After SPM or IGCSE: A Guide for Malaysian Students
Austria offers Malaysian students the opportunity to earn a European university degree without the high tuition fees often associated with studying overseas.
At many public universities, international students pay around €1,500 per year in tuition fees. However, tuition is only one part of the decision. Malaysian families also need to consider living costs, admission requirements, language expectations, residence permit requirements, and career opportunities after graduation.
This guide covers what Malaysian parents and students need to know before deciding whether Austria is the right place to study.
Austria at a Glance
| Public university tuition | Around €750 per semester for most non-EU students |
| Student Union fee | Around €25 per semester |
| Living costs | Around €1,100/month |
| Bachelor's degrees in English | Very limited |
| Typical Bachelor's duration | 3 years (180 ECTS) |
| Academic requirement | A Level, STPM, Australian Matriculation or International Foundation Programme* |
| Visa financial requirement (under 24) | €722.58/month for 12 months |
| Post-study job-search duration | Up to 12 months |
*Subject to the university, programme, grades, subject combination and availability.
How Much Should Malaysian Families Budget?
Most non-EU students at public universities pay around €750 per semester, or approximately €1,500 per year. Students also pay an Austrian Students’ Union fee of around €25 per semester.
Living expenses will make up the largest part of your budget. As a general guide, students should budget around €1,100 per month.
| Expense | Estimated Annual Cost | Estimated Annual Cost in Ringgit |
|---|---|---|
| Public university tuition | Around €1,500 | Around RM7,500 |
| Student Union fee | Around €50 | Around RM250 |
| Living expenses | Around €13,200 | Around RM66,000 |
| Estimated Total | Around €14,750 | Around RM73,750 |
What Do Living Expenses Include?
| Expense | Estimated Monthly Living Cost | Estimated Monthly Living Cost in Ringgit |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | €400 to €700 | RM2,000 to RM3,500 |
| Food and groceries | €250 to €350 | RM1,250 to RM1,750 |
| Health insurance | €70 to €90 | RM350 to RM450 |
| Public transport | €25 to €50 | RM125 to RM250 |
| Personal expenses | €150 to €250 | RM750 to RM1,250 |
| Estimated Total | Around €1,100 | Around RM5,500 |
Accommodation is usually the biggest expense. Student residences and shared apartments can help keep costs lower, especially if you secure accommodation early.
Your choice of city also matters. Big cities like Vienna generally has higher accommodation costs, while smaller cities such as Linz, Wels and Graz can be more affordable.
Bottom line: Malaysian families should budget around €14,750 per year for tuition fees and living expenses at a public university in Austria.
Can Malaysian Students Study in Austria?
Yes, but SPM or IGCSE alone is generally not enough for direct entry into a Bachelor’s degree at an Austrian public university.
Students will usually need to complete a recognised pre-university qualification before applying.
Which Qualifications Are Accepted?
Here’s a general guide for Malaysian students:
| Qualification | Direct Entry to a Bachelor's Degree |
|---|---|
| SPM | No |
| IGCSE | No |
| A Level | Usually accepted* |
| STPM | Usually accepted* |
| Australian Matriculation | Usually accepted* |
| IB Diploma | Usually accepted* |
| International Foundation Programme | Usually accepted* |
| Foundation* | No |
| Diploma* | No |
| UEC | No |
*Subject to the university’s requirements, chosen programme and availability.
Students must also meet the subject requirements for their chosen degree. For example, Engineering programmes commonly require Mathematics and Physics.
What Is the Typical Pathway After SPM or IGCSE?
For Malaysian students planning to study in Austria, one possible pathway is:
IGCSE/SPM
INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION PROGRAMME
UNIVERSITY PREPARATION PROGRAMME
BACHELOR’S DEGREE
The International Foundation Programme provides the academic preparation, while students can learn German alongside their studies. The University Preparation Programme then helps students prepare for university admission and the transition to studying and living in Austria.
Bottom line: SPM and IGCSE students generally cannot enter an Austrian Bachelor’s degree directly. The fastest pathway to an Austrian University is via the International Foundation Programme.
What Can Students Study in Austria?
Austria offers degree programmes across Engineering, Technology, Business, Science, Health Sciences and the Creative Arts. It is particularly attractive for students interested in:
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Information Technology
Many programmes also provide opportunities to gain practical experience through internships, industry projects and employer collaborations.
What Types of Universities Are There?
For Malaysian students, there are two main types to consider:
Universities are generally more academic and research-focused, offering Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD programmes across a wide range of fields.
Universities of Applied Sciences focus more on practical, career-oriented education. Programmes often include internships and close collaboration with industry.
For students who prefer practical learning and want to gain industry experience before graduating, a University of Applied Sciences can be particularly attractive.
How Do You Choose the Right University?
Rather than choosing based on rankings alone, consider:
- Does the university offer the course your child wants?
- Is the programme taught in English or German?
- Does the course include internships or industry experience?
- What are the graduate employment outcomes?
- Is the university located in a city that fits your budget?
Bottom line: The best university isn’t necessarily the highest-ranked one. Look for a university that matches your child’s course, learning style, career goals, language ability and budget.
Do You Need to Learn German?
Austria offers programmes in both English and German. However, English-taught Bachelor’s degrees are limited, so students who are willing to learn German will have access to more options.
It really depends on what you want to study, and in which language your course is offered in.
Is Learning German Worth It?
Even if your degree is taught in English, learning German can make living and working in Austria much easier.
It can help you:
- Access more universities and courses
- Find internships and part-time opportunities
- Manage everyday life more easily
- Connect with people and integrate into the local community
- Improve your employment opportunities after graduation
Bottom line: You can study in Austria in English, but Bachelor’s degree options are limited. Learning German gives you more study options and can also be valuable when looking for work after graduation.
Student Residence Permit Requirements
Malaysian students will generally need to apply for a Student Residence Permit before starting their studies in Austria.
One of the requirements is proving that you have enough money to support yourself while living in the country.
How Much Money Do You Need?
For students under 24, the financial requirement is at least €722.58 per month for 12 months.
Financial proof may include bank statements showing personal savings, financial support from parents or sponsors, or other accepted sources of funding.
It’s important to remember that this financial requirement is intended to show that you can support yourself while studying. It should not be treated as an additional tuition fee on top of your annual living budget.
Can Graduates Stay and Work in Austria?
Yes. International students who graduate from an Austrian university can have the opportunity to remain in Austria after graduation to look for work.
The post-study job-search period can be up to 12 months, giving graduates time to find suitable employment and potentially begin their careers in Austria.
Your chances of finding a job will depend on factors such as your degree, work experience, internships, skills and German proficiency.
Why Upper Austria Stands Out
At German Educare’s partner university, the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria, 99% of graduates found employment in a relevant field shortly after graduating.
Is Austria the Right Choice for Your Child?
Austria offers an attractive combination of affordable tuition fees, practical university options and opportunities to build a career in Europe. But it isn’t the right fit for every student.
Austria could be a good choice if your child:
✅ Wants a European degree without high tuition fees
✅ Is interested in Engineering, Technology or other industry-related fields
✅ Prefers practical, career-oriented learning
✅ Is willing to learn German
✅ Hopes to gain international work experience after graduation
Austria may not be the best fit if your child:
❌ Only wants a wide choice of English-taught Bachelor’s degrees
❌ Doesn’t want to learn another language
❌ Prefers a more familiar English-speaking study environment
Studying in Austria requires students to adapt to a different language and culture, but for those who are prepared for that, it can offer an affordable route to a European education with strong connections to industry.
Speak to a Study Advisor
Every student’s pathway to Austria is different. The best option depends on your current qualification, chosen course and university goals.
German Educare has helped Malaysian students prepare for university in Europe for around 10 years, with a 100% placement rate. Our study advisors can guide you through the process, from choosing the right pathway and university to preparing your application and residence permit.
Not sure which pathway is right for you? Book a free consultation with our study advisors.
FAQs
What's the language requirement if the course is offered in English?
For an English-taught programme, you’ll normally need to meet the university’s English language requirements, such as IELTS or TOEFL, unless an exemption applies.
What's the language requirement if the course is offered in German?
For a German-taught programme, you’ll need to demonstrate the level of German required by the university. Many programmes require around B2 German.