If you would want to study in a place that has produced a number of internationally recognized academic luminaries, like Sigmund Freud, Ernst Mach, Nikola Tesla, and Erwin Schrödinger, in addition to other well-known figures, including Wolfgang von Kempelen. The top universities in Austria are included in this article, along with their rankings in the THE and QS World University Rankings for the years 2024 and 2025, respectively.
Before we proceed to get to know about the best universities in Austria, let us learn some facts that make Austria a good study-abroad destination for international students. This article the list and details of the best universities in Austria and the top reasons to choose Austria as your study-abroad destination.
Top Universities in Austria
Below is the list of the top universities in Austria along with their QS and THE World University Rankings.
| Best Universities in Austria 2024-25 | ||
|---|---|---|
| University | QS World University Rankings 2025 | THE World University Rankings 2024 |
| University of Vienna | 137 | =119 |
| Technische Universität Wien (TU Wien) | 190 | 251-300 |
| University of Innsbruck | =309 | 301-350 |
| Graz University of Technology | =413 | 501-600 |
| Johannes Kepler University Linz | =472 | 401-500 |
| Paris Lodron University of Salzburg | 601-610 | 601-800 |
| University of Klagenfurt | 611-620 | 501-600 |
| Karl-Franzens-Universitaet Graz (University of Graz) | 671-680 | 501-600 |
| Medical University of Graz | – | 201-250 |
| Medical University of Vienna | – | 201-250 |
| Medical University of Innsbruck | – | 251-300 |
Details on Top 3 Universities in Austria
Below are the details on the top 3 universities in Austria.
- University of Vienna:Â One of the largest and oldest universities in Austria, the University of Vienna was founded in 1365. With an acceptance rate of 30%, the University of Vienna is very selective of international applications and intake only highly meritorious applicants for its esteemed courses. The university is quite popular among international students for its ranking in the QS World University Ranking 2025 (137) and for its low affordable tuition fees. The average first-year fee for international students at the University of Vienna is around INR 65,000. To cater to the diverse interests of its students, the university has many centres such as the Centre for Molecular Biology, the Center for Teacher Education, the Center for Sport Science and the University Sports and the Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science.
- TU Wien:Â TU Wien offers several study programs including 19 bachelor’s programs, 32 master’s programs and 3 research programs. Also known as the Vienna University of Technology, TU Wien is known for its focus on engineering, natural sciences, and computer science. With a strong research reputation, TU Wien offers programs across eight faculties to its nearly 28,000 students. TU Wien welcomes a significant international student population (over 10%) and fosters strong industry partnerships. TU Wien recognises itself as a research training institution.
- University of Innsbruck:Â One of the largest universities in Austria, the University of Innsbruck provides over 150 programs in 16 faculties. The university is known for its research activities, with strong areas in mountain regions (climate science), life sciences, physics, and social sciences. Students can potentially get involved in ongoing research projects. The university regularly ranks well in research publications and is integrated within the European research network.
- Top Universities:Â Austria is home to some of the top-tier universities in the world. For example, the University of Vienna, Vienna University of Technology (TU Wien) and the University of Innsbruck.
- Cheaper Costs to Study:Â Austria boasts its quality education while also providing it at affordable fees to international students. The cost of studying even at the top universities in Austria is cheaper than most Western European countries.
- Cost of Living:Â The cost of living varies by city, but Vienna remains cheaper than many major European cities. However, there are also many scholarship options available to further reduce costs for international students.
- Strategic Location:Â Austria sits in the heart of Europe, bordering eight countries, namely Germany, Slovenia, the Czech Republic, Switzerland, Lichtenstein, Slovakia, Hungary, and Italy. This makes it an excellent base for exploring Europe by train or bus with a robust transportation network.
- Strong Economy and Job Market:Â Austria has a stable and thriving economy with low unemployment rates. This translates to good job prospects for international graduates, especially in sectors like engineering, biotechnology, and tourism.