Master's studies in Austria offer a wide range of opportunities for people wishing to enhance their education and career prospects. Known for its excellent quality of education, cultural heritage and modern infrastructure, Austria has always been a popular destination for international students.

Where to study for a master's degree?

Austrian universities offer a variety of master's programmes in fields such as engineering, business, law, economics, social sciences, arts and sciences. These programmes are taught in English or German, providing an excellent opportunity for students who do not speak German to pursue higher education in their field of interest.

Some Austrian universities where students can pursue a master's degree are:

• University of Vienna

• Graz University of Technology

• University of Innsbruck

• Vienna University of Economics and Business

• Medical University of Vienna

• Johannes Kepler University of Linz Johannes Kepler University of Linz

• University of Salzburg

• Vienna University of Technology

• University of Klagenfurt

As a side note: There are many other universities in Austria offering Master's programmes, just to name a few. The choice of a particular university depends on personal preferences, the student's academic interests and financial possibilities.

"What I like most about Austrian education is that you can study all your life - if only you had the desire. I came to Vienna from St Petersburg with a bachelor's degree in economics. I thought that economics and finance were not my thing at all, so I enrolled for a bachelor's degree in art history. It was very interesting. The most stressful period during the whole study is writing a thesis, its defence and state exams. Otherwise, you can arrange your schedule so that you even have time to work part-time. After I got my Master's degree, I worked in the Museum Quarter for a while. I liked everything very much, but I wanted more financial stability. As you know, the IT sector has a fundamentally different salary level than the creative sector. I went back to the University of Vienna, but this time to study computer science. Now I have three degrees in different fields and a great job in IT - I was hired for a junior position even before I got my diploma.

Natalia T., graduate of the University of Vienna

How do I apply for a Master's degree in Austria?

The application process for Master's programmes in Austria usually starts in late autumn or early winter, with application deadlines depending on the institution and academic programme. As a rule, applicants must submit a completed application form, a copy of their university diploma, an applicant's certificate (Studienplatznachweis), a photograph and a CV. Some programmes may require a language certificate such as TOEFL, IELTS or DS.

Important: You can only continue your studies in a Master's programme in the same or a related field of study in which you already hold a Bachelor's or Specialist's degree. The admission committee compares the disciplines and study hours in the programmes of the domestic university and the Austrian university. In some cases, a student may be prescribed additional courses to attend after admission.

Entrance examinations for a Master's programme are usually not required. Exceptions are creative faculties or specialities with limited enrolment (medicine, law).

How to choose a master's program and not make a mistake?

The master's program involves a fairly narrow specialization. Here are some tips for choosing a direction and program.

Identify your interests. The best way to get the most out of your graduate studies is to choose a major that you are truly passionate about. Consider career opportunities. Study the labor market and determine which specialties are in high demand. Assess whether the specialty you are interested in will open any career opportunities or whether you will have to acquire additional skills. Rate the program. Explore different programs' curricula based on your interests and career goals. Make sure the program is accredited by the appropriate body. Check the teachers. Educators' research, teaching, and field experiences should be relevant to your interests and goals. Find program alumni and interview them. A good way to evaluate the effectiveness of a master's program is to look at how successful its graduates are. Consider the location of the school. Think about how comfortable it will be for you to live in the city where the university is located. Make sure that the school's facilities, infrastructure and socio-cultural environment match your preferences.

Why choose a master's degree in Austria?

Students who successfully complete an Austrian Master's program are highly regarded by employers both in Austria and abroad. Austrian universities are known for their emphasis on applied research and providing students with a practical approach to solving real-world problems. This approach, in addition to Austria's central location in Europe, makes it an attractive destination for students wishing to expand their academic knowledge while exploring real-world opportunities and experiences.

Finally, Austria has a very good standard of living, a friendly atmosphere and excellent infrastructure. Public transport, including trains and buses, is efficient and accessible, and high-quality health and welfare programs are available to all students. Thus, studying for a master's degree in Austria provides students with an ideal balance of academic and personal development.

Career prospects after a master's degree in Austria

Career prospects after completing a master's degree at an Austrian university depend on the field of study. Here are some common career opportunities:

Researcher or academic specialist. After completing a master's degree in Austria, many students choose to pursue a PhD and then become researchers or work in academia. Entrepreneurship or self-employment. A master's degree often gives students the skills and knowledge needed to set up a private business or work as a freelancer in their specialized field. Corporate positions. After completing a master's degree, students find attractive job offers in leading companies around the world, holding positions in HR, marketing, finance and management. Public service. Some government and non-government organizations hire professionals with a master's degree as a qualification. International career. An Austrian master's degree is of great importance for career opportunities around the world, as the education system in Austria places a strong emphasis on practical skills and a multidisciplinary curriculum. Further training. Even after completing a master's degree, many students choose to pursue additional studies that include a PhD or other postgraduate credentials. Freelancing or flexible work schedule. Graduates of Austrian universities with excellent soft skills are able to provide consulting services, communication expertise or creative solutions. This is especially appreciated in the IT, media and creative sectors. Which specialists are most in demand on the labor market in Austria*? – IT specialists (developers, software engineers, security specialists) – Health professionals – Skilled workers (electricians, plumbers, carpenters) – Engineers of any specialization – Teachers (primary and secondary education) – Sales and Marketing Specialists – Specialists in the field of finance and accounting (accountants, auditors, financial analysts) – Customer Service Representatives – Specialists in the field of hospitality and tourism – Administrative assistants and office managers

*Data from the last five years are provided. The situation may vary slightly in different regions of Austria depending on industry, location and economic factors.