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Studying in Austria

Austria is the third most popular country for low-cost, and in some cases free, education after Germany and France. Public universities with low tuition fees, high quality of education, and the possibility of receiving scholarships make this country an ideal destination for Iranian students. Also, a lower age limit for admission and the possibility of studying in German or English are other important advantages of studying in Austria.

Student living costs: From $1,200 per month
Annual tuition: From about $2,000 per year
Student work opportunities: 20 hours per week
Post-study residency opportunity: 12 months

Why Austria? Advantages and Challenges

With its prestigious universities, quality education programs, and travel opportunities in the heart of Europe, Austria is an attractive destination for international students. However, challenges such as the need to master the German language can pose a barrier for students. Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons of studying in Austria .

 

Challenges

Language challenge
Cultural challenges:
Limited opening hours of many stores, cold weather,
lack of cultural diversity.

Benefits

Top universities worldwide
Affordable tuition fees
High quality of life
Work permit while studying in Austria
Residence permit after graduation

Belgian education system

Bachelor's degree

Tuition: 1,500 to 35,000 euros per year
Age limit: 17 to 22 years old
Language: German B2, IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 70
Minimum GPA: 14
Exam: No specific exam, usually university exam
Student work permit: Up to 20 hours/week with permission from AMS
Companion visa: No, but it depends on the circumstances of the case.
Post-study work permit: Up to 12 months extension of residence permit for job search

Master's degree

Tuition: $1,500 to $35,000 per year
Age limit: None
Language: German B2, IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 80
Minimum GPA: Above 12
Test: No specific test
Student work permit: 20 hours per week
Companion visa: Yes
Post-study work permit: Up to 12 months extension of residence permit for job search

Doctorate

Tuition: $1,500 to $10,000 per year
Age limit: None
Language: IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 90
Minimum GPA: 15
Test: GRE
Student work permit: 20 hours per week
Companion visa: Yes
Post-study work permit: Up to 12 months extension of residence permit for job search

Schools

Tuition: $5,500 to $44,000 per year
Age limit: 6 to 18 years
Language: The language of instruction is usually English.
Minimum GPA: 12
Exam: Some schools have internal exams
Student work permit: No
Companion visa: None
Work permit after graduation: No
Studying in Austrian schools
Education in Austrian public schools is free for those who are citizens of the country. The Austrian school system consists of a 4-year primary school and a 4-year secondary school. After secondary school in Austria, students choose their career or academic path.

In general, the school education system is based on age in the Austrian education system as follows.

* Kindergarten: 3 to 6 years
* Primary school: 6 to 10 years
*Junior high school: 10 to 14 years old
*Polytechnic period: 14 to 15 years
*Technical or academic course preparing for university: 15 to 18 years



Bachelor's degree in Austria
To be admitted to a bachelor's degree program in Austria , you generally need a high school diploma or equivalent as well as proof of your proficiency in German. Since most bachelor's degree programs are taught in German, you may be asked to take a German language test. In some programs, you must also first take an entrance exam for Austrian universities . Programs that require an entrance exam include medicine in Austria , dentistry in Austria , and pharmacy in Austria .

To apply for undergraduate admission to Austrian universities, you need the following documents.

*Translation of high school diploma or equivalent.
*Certificate of eligibility for student education, such as a certificate of passing the national entrance exam in the desired field in your country.
*Proof of German language proficiency, such as a high school diploma in German, a German language diploma, or a German language certificate at level B2 or C1, such as the testDaf or DSH certificate .
*Proof of English language proficiency if the course of study is in English, such as providing an IELTS , TOEFL , Cambridge or PTE certificate .


Master's degree study in Austria
Many Austrian master's degree programs are offered in English. Admission to programs offered in English requires a B2 level of English, which is equivalent to a minimum score of 87 on the TOEFL or 6.5 on the IELTS .

To be admitted to a postgraduate course, you must have completed at least 6 semesters of a bachelor's degree related to the field of study with an ECTS score of at least 180. In addition, you may be required to pass an entrance exam for admission to some universities.

Austrian master's degrees are available in a wide range of fields of study and usually last two to four semesters. You will take a mix of core and elective courses during your studies and will be assessed by written assignments, practical projects, exams and the completion of a thesis. You will also likely be required to give an oral defense of your thesis. ECTS is the credit system for academic achievement at European universities.

PhD study in Austria
It is possible to study a doctorate (PHD) in Austria , in English and German. The research for the thesis usually takes three years and you can take courses in research methods or statistical analysis and use in your research.

To apply for admission to a PhD program in Austria, you must submit a completed application form to the desired university, along with official translations of your previous academic qualifications, degree certificates, letters of recommendation, and a personal motivation letter.

The admission requirement for a doctoral degree is a master's degree with at least 120 ECTS points in the same field of study or research proposal, or its equivalent. It should be noted that postdoctoral programs also exist in Austria in various scientific fields.

Cost of studying in Austria

Studying in Austria comes with different costs for international students. Austrian public and arts universities charge tuition fees of around €726.72 per semester for non-EU students, while private universities in Austria cost between €23,000 and €35,000 per year and universities of applied sciences between €727 and €7,500 per semester.

International schools in Austria also charge significant fees due to their high-quality services and acceptance of international students. For example, annual tuition fees for Danube International School (Vienna) range from €14,560 to €26,950, International School Vienna from €7,512 to €22,740, and International School St. Gilgen (boarding) from €54,500 to €63,500, while COLE School in Innsbruck charges €5,700 per year.

To these costs you must also add the cost of living in Austria .

Top universities in Austria

In the world university rankings, 8 Austrian universities are ranked among the top universities. The table below shows the position of the top universities in Austria according to the QS ranking .

Tuition fees at Belgian universities depend on factors such as the type of university, the level of study, the field of study and the nationality of the student. This fee is approximately €1,000 per year for EU students and between €2,500 and €7,500 per year for non-EU students. In the table below, you can see the tuition fees of some Belgian universities for the 2023-2024 academic year.

University name
QS Ranking 2025
$5,460 to $31,550
480,000 to 2,772,000 Russian rubles
$3,400 to $7,190
300,000 to 632,000 Russian rubles
$2,100 to $6,940
185,000 to 610,000 Russian rubles
$2,450 to $5,070
216,000 to 446,000 Russian rubles
PhD

Cost of studying in Russia

Scholarships in Russia

Despite the fact that Russia has low tuition fees compared to other countries, it also provides applicants with the opportunity to receive scholarships . Russian scholarships are offered by organizations, governments, and universities. With a suitable resume or a suitable academic process, it is possible for individuals to receive scholarships.

Scholarships offered in Russia can cover all or part of a person’s education costs.

One of the most important scholarships in Italy is the DSU scholarship and the Milan Provincial Scholarship, and many students immigrate to Italy every year to receive these scholarships.

Italian universities have a good academic reputation worldwide, and hence studying at these universities helps in finding a suitable job in many countries of the world. There are a total of 30 universities in Italy. Out of the total 30 universities in Italy, 14 universities are in the list of the top 500 universities in the world .

The reputation of Italian universities is not limited to just a few fields. In the country’s universities, a variety of fields are offered with appropriate quality and up-to-date international standards. It should be noted that many of these fields are taught in English at the undergraduate, master’s and doctoral levels.

The following are the names of the top universities in Italy, along with their academic rankings in 2024, according to the prestigious QS ranking :

 

Scholarships in Belgium

Studying in Belgium with a scholarship is possible at various levels of study and is offered by some universities, the government, research and higher education centers or Belgian organizations. Scholarships can vary depending on your academic and scientific resume and the university you choose to study at. The stronger your resume, the greater the possibility of receiving a fully funded scholarship. In fact, scholarships can have a direct impact on reducing or even eliminating educational costs.

There are different types of scholarships in Belgium , some of which we have introduced in the list below.

  • VLIR-UOS Scholarship
  • Mastermind Belgium Scholarship
  • Flemish Government Scholarship for Bachelor’s Degree Students, Specially for International Students
  • Scholarships for PhD studies at Ghent University and University of Liège, Belgium
  • Scholarships for international students in the master’s degree program
  • Catholic University of Leuven Scholarship
  • ARES Scholarship
  • Erasmus Mundus Scholarship

One of the advantages of studying in Belgium is that its universities are highly regarded worldwide. In the table below, you can see the best universities in Belgium to study at, along with their rankings in the QS World University Rankings 2024.

The names of the universities mentioned in the table above are all approved by the Iranian Ministry of Science . For this reason, the documents issued by these universities can also be reviewed and evaluated by the Iranian Ministry of Science, Research and Technology.

Steps for studying in Belgium

1
Free initial consultation
Via call, online chat on the site or social networks
2
Method selection
Dedicated consultation and detailed review of methods by an immigration expert.
3
Contract conclusion
Increase your immigration chances by considering multiple countries in one file.
4
Start the process
Assigning a case follow-up force alongside the research and development team to accompany you.
5
Reviewing options and choosing
Providing you with all possible opportunities and guidance for making the final decision.
6
Collecting and completing documents
Guidance for collecting documents, translating, participating in interviews, and more.
7
Full flight and deployment
Visa pickup services, ticket purchase, assistance with complete accommodation, and legal matters in the destination country.

Requirements and documents required to study in Belgium

To study in Belgium, international students are required to submit a set of documents that may vary slightly depending on the university, field of study, and level of study.

Valid Passport : A passport with sufficient validity for the entire duration of study is essential.
Previous educational qualifications : including diploma and transcripts for undergraduate degrees and bachelor's degree along with transcripts for master's degrees.
Official translation of documents : Academic qualifications in a language other than Dutch, French or English must be translated into the language required by the university and officially certified.
Proof of acceptance from the university : An official acceptance letter from the desired university is required for registration and application for a student visa.
Valid language certificate : For English-language courses, an IELTS or TOEFL certificate is required. For Dutch or French courses, a local language certificate or completion of a language introductory course may be required.
Resume (CV) and Motivation Letter : including educational background, relevant work experience, and reasons for choosing the field and university.
Recommendation Letters : At least one or two letters of recommendation from professors or previous employers, depending on the level of education.
Proof of financial means : Documents showing that the student has the ability to cover the costs of studying and living in Belgium.
Health certificate and health insurance : Provide a certificate of physical and mental health and valid health insurance for the entire period of study.
Other possible documents : Depending on the field, a portfolio, internship documents, or entrance exam may be required, especially for medical, art, and engineering fields.

Please note that students are sometimes required to attend an interview (in person or via Skype) conducted by the university in order to gain admission to some Italian universities.

Cities suitable for studying in Belgium

Despite its small size, Belgium has several prestigious and vibrant university cities that provide international students with a suitable environment for studying, living, and experiencing culture. According to reputable sources such as Study in Belgium and TopUniversities , the best student cities in Belgium are:

  • Brussels: The capital of Belgium and the seat of European institutions, it has the highest concentration of international universities. Universities such as the Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB) and the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) are located in the city. Brussels is a major destination for international students due to its multicultural environment, extensive job and internship opportunities, and access to European networks. The cost of living in Brussels is relatively higher than in other Belgian cities, but the facilities and quality of life and education justify this cost.
  • Leuven : Home to the prestigious KU Leuven , one of the oldest and most prominent universities in Europe. The city has a large student population and provides a vibrant and energetic environment for study and cultural and scientific activities. Leuven is one of the best cities for students interested in science, engineering, and medicine due to its focus on research and technology.
  • Ghent: With Ghent University , it is considered one of the most prestigious higher education centers in Belgium. The city is a mix of historical and cultural surroundings and an active student life. Ghent has a moderate cost of living and its significant student population provides an international and friendly atmosphere for students.
  • Luxembourg, Belgium: The city of Liège, home to the University of Liège (ULiège), is one of Belgium’s most prestigious higher education centers. The city is a popular choice for international students due to its relatively low cost of living and relaxed student atmosphere. Liège is also a hub of cultural and artistic activities, offering the opportunity to experience urban life with a Western European lifestyle.Luxembourg, Belgium: The city of Liège, home to the University of Liège (ULiège), is one of Belgium’s most prestigious higher education centers. The city is a popular choice for international students due to its relatively low cost of living and relaxed student atmosphere. Liège is also a hub of cultural and artistic activities, offering the opportunity to experience urban life with a Western European lifestyle.

  • Rome , the capital of Italy, offers a great environment for studying, with prestigious universities and a rich history. Combining culture, history, and education, Rome is a popular destination for international students.

Student dormitories and residences in Belgium

There are several ways to stay in Belgium, including staying in student dormitories in Belgium or staying in private apartments. In the table below you can see the monthly cost of student accommodation in Belgium.

Student work in Belgium

While studying in Belgium, you can work part-time as a student for about 20 hours a week , and this will help you cover some of your living expenses. In fact, you will be allowed to work 10 hours a week for a bachelor’s degree, 20 hours a week for a master’s degree, and about 30 hours a week for a doctorate degree.

Studying in Belgium ultimately leads to residency and citizenship in Belgium . This means that after completing your studies, you can convert your study visa into a Belgian work visa and after working in this country for about 3 years and paying insurance and taxes, you will receive residency in this country. The Belgian government allows you to look for work in this country after graduation, and for this purpose, you must apply to the Belgian immigration office for a work permit after completing your studies.

So, to secure a residence permit after your studies in Belgium, you must first find a job. It is important that this happens before the validity of your study permit expires.

 

Conditions for residence in Belgium through study

As mentioned, when you are graduating; you should look for a job in Belgium. By finding a job you like and starting your career, you can apply for a residence permit in Belgium after studying . If you are eligible and have lived in Belgium for 5 years without interruption, you can receive permanent residence in Belgium . One of the conditions for receiving permanent residence in this country is to have a minimum monthly income of 793 euros.

If a person gets married and lives with their spouse in Belgium before graduating, they can apply for residency in Belgium after studying through marriage.

Comparing Belgium with other countries

Belgium is known as the heart of Europe and is a popular study destination for international students, with more than half of the students at its universities and colleges coming from abroad each year. Studying in Belgium offers a combination of high-quality education, a multicultural environment and diverse research opportunities compared to other European and global countries. Belgian universities such as KU Leuven, Ghent University and Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain) rank highly in global rankings and offer international students access to European research projects and international academic networks. Courses are offered in three languages: Dutch, French and English, providing a wide range of options for international students.

However, compared to countries such as the Netherlands, Germany or Sweden, the cost of living in Belgium’s major cities, especially Brussels, can be higher and some courses are limited to the local language. Also, competition for admission to popular majors and prestigious universities is higher. Overall, Belgium is an ideal choice for students seeking European-standard education, a multicultural environment and diverse research opportunities, while planning carefully to reduce costs or access fully English-taught courses.