Apply for a residence permit to study · einfach.wien
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  • Words explained simplyOfficial German like “Bescheid” or “Frist” in everyday words.
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Immigration & residence

Apply for a residence permit to study

Official name: Prepare a first student residence permit application

This is about a permit to study and live in Austria. It is called Aufenthaltsbewilligung Student. You prepare your first application, the papers and the pick-up.

Check what applies to me

No account · Answers stay in your browser

Steps
7 key steps, up to 19 depending on your situation
For you
5 short questions, then you see your steps
Main office
Austrian diplomatic representation / MA 35
Costs
Vienna specifies 218 euros for a current 2026 application at filing.
Online
possible for 7 of 19 steps
What applies to you?How it worksFrequently asked questionsSourcesSimilar plans

How it works

These are the key steps, in the right order. Answer the short questions; then you see exactly what applies to you and what is added.

  1. 1Keep university admission and residence apartThe Aufenthaltsbewilligung is a permit to live here for a certain time. Being admitted to university is something different.Key step
    Why?
    A study place or a scholarship alone does not yet allow you to live here.
    What you do
    This route is only for your first application as an adult. Sort out extensions or family separately with the MA 35 or an advice service.
    Where?
    MA 35 / qualified adviceDirectly with the named service
    Related plansWorking in Austria: Red-White-Red Card
    In detail

    Treat study admission and residence permission separately

    This route organises only your professionally confirmed ordinary adult first application. Admission, grant, student insurance or an app checklist grant no residence permit. Clarify renewal, mobility, family or purpose changes separately.

    SourceAufenthaltsbewilligung Student: Erstantrag
    Aufenthaltsbewilligung Student: Erstantrag

    BMI · oesterreich.gv.at · retrieved on 10/10/2026

    Open original source
  2. 2Check if you must apply abroadUsually you make the first application abroad. You do this at the Austrian embassy or consulate in your home country.Key step
    Why?
    An application does not extend your visa. Staying too long can cause problems.
    What you do
    Applying in Austria only works if you are here legally. Ask an expert how long you may stay.
    Where?
    Austrian diplomatic representation / MA 35Directly with the named service
    In detail

    Directly confirm your permitted route and residence limits

    A first application abroad is generally personal at Austrian representation at residence, awaiting the decision abroad. Domestic filing requires lawful entry and current lawful stay. Application, appointment or admission extend neither visa nor visa-free stay. Directly obtain qualified clarification of your limits and further waiting or departure route; no app date counter.

    SourceAufenthaltsbewilligung Student: Erstantrag
    Aufenthaltsbewilligung Student: Erstantrag

    BMI · oesterreich.gv.at · retrieved on 10/10/2026

    Open original source
  3. 3Have your university admission letter readyThe admission is a letter from your university. It says you may study there.Key step
    Why?
    Without this proof there is no student permit.
    What you do
    Ask the university and the MA 35 which letter exactly fits. Sort out special programmes separately.
    Where?
    Higher education institution / MA 35Directly with the named service

    What you need

    • Appropriate admission confirmation
      Document explained

      For the individually confirmed study type.

      Requirement
      Required when applicable
      Submission format
      Clarify format with the service
      Translation
      No specific rule recorded; clarify foreign-language records with the service.
      Authentication
      No specific rule recorded; clarify need before obtaining records.
      Recency
      No fixed age limit recorded; clarify currency with the service.
      SourceBMI Erklärung 19: Aufenthaltsbewilligung Student · Stand 08/2026
      BMI Erklärung 19: Aufenthaltsbewilligung Student · Stand 08/2026

      BMI · retrieved on 10/10/2026

      Open original source
    In detail

    Prepare appropriate study admission evidence

    Agree the actually requested admission record with the responsible service. Do not automatically classify special study types or mobility programmes from an institution name.

    SourceBMI Erklärung 19: Aufenthaltsbewilligung Student · Stand 08/2026
    BMI Erklärung 19: Aufenthaltsbewilligung Student · Stand 08/2026

    BMI · retrieved on 10/10/2026

    Open original source
  4. 4Check your health insuranceYou need full health insurance. Full means it pays for all illnesses in Austria.Key step
    Why?
    This is a condition for the permit. Travel insurance is often not enough.
    What you do
    Check with your insurer and the MA 35 if your insurance fits. Bring the proof.
    Where?
    Insurance provider / MA 35Directly with the named service

    What you need

    • Individually accepted health-insurance evidence
      Document explained

      Review coverage with the responsible service.

      Requirement
      Required when applicable
      Submission format
      Clarify format with the service
      Translation
      No specific rule recorded; clarify foreign-language records with the service.
      Authentication
      No specific rule recorded; clarify need before obtaining records.
      Recency
      No fixed age limit recorded; clarify currency with the service.
      SourceAufenthaltsbewilligung Student: Erstantrag
      Aufenthaltsbewilligung Student: Erstantrag

      BMI · oesterreich.gv.at · retrieved on 10/10/2026

      Open original source
    In detail

    Directly confirm comprehensive health insurance

    Clarify actually accepted coverage for all risks in Austria and evidence. Travel insurance or a completed ÖGK plan does not automatically confirm the residence-permit requirement.

    SourceAufenthaltsbewilligung Student: Erstantrag
    Aufenthaltsbewilligung Student: Erstantrag

    BMI · oesterreich.gv.at · retrieved on 10/10/2026

    Open original source
  5. 5Show that you have enough moneyMittel means enough money to live on. You also show what you spend, for example on rent.Key step
    Why?
    The office checks if you can live well here.
    What you do
    Ask the MA 35 or an advice service which papers you need. Collect them yourself. The app calculates nothing.
    Where?
    MA 35 / qualified adviceDirectly with the named service

    What you need

    • Individually requested means or expense records
      Document explained

      Directly review actual list, period and evidence form.

      Requirement
      Required when applicable
      Submission format
      Clarify format with the service
      Translation
      No specific rule recorded; clarify foreign-language records with the service.
      Authentication
      No specific rule recorded; clarify need before obtaining records.
      Recency
      No fixed age limit recorded; clarify currency with the service.
      SourceAufenthaltsbewilligung Student: Wiener Verfahren
      Aufenthaltsbewilligung Student: Wiener Verfahren

      Stadt Wien · MA 35 · retrieved on 10/10/2026

      Open original source
    In detail

    Agree means and expense evidence individually

    Privately assemble actually requested means and expense evidence. Rent or expense records support financial review here. einfach.wien does not calculate income, account or age-based amounts.

    SourceAufenthaltsbewilligung Student: Erstantrag
    Aufenthaltsbewilligung Student: Erstantrag

    BMI · oesterreich.gv.at · retrieved on 10/10/2026

    Open original source
  6. 6Apply at your appointmentNow you go to your appointment and apply.Key step
    Why?
    Only then does the office check your case. The application does not yet let you work or stay longer.
    What you do
    Bring all agreed papers. Keep to the time you are allowed to stay.
    Where?
    Austrian diplomatic representation / MA 35Directly with the named service
    In detail

    Organisationally prepare your confirmed first application

    Attend the confirmed personal appointment with agreed records and actual evidence form. Observe your permitted residence or waiting route: filing extends no residence permission and grants no employment right.

    SourceAufenthaltsbewilligung Student: Erstantrag
    Aufenthaltsbewilligung Student: Erstantrag

    BMI · oesterreich.gv.at · retrieved on 10/10/2026

    Open original source
  7. 7Pick up your card in personA positive notice means the office says yes. Then you pick up the card in person.Key step
    Why?
    You need more papers for the pick-up. For example the Inskriptionsbestätigung. It shows you are enrolled at university.
    What you do
    Read the instructions on visa, entry and pick-up carefully. If you only had travel insurance before, you now need full insurance. Also bring the required proof of money.
    Where?
    Austrian diplomatic representation / MA 35Directly with the named service

    What you need

    • Enrolment confirmation or study record and actual collection records
      Document explained

      Directly confirm the list and personal collection.

      Requirement
      Required when applicable
      Submission format
      Clarify format with the service
      Translation
      No specific rule recorded; clarify foreign-language records with the service.
      Authentication
      No specific rule recorded; clarify need before obtaining records.
      Recency
      No fixed age limit recorded; clarify currency with the service.
      SourceBMI Erklärung 19: Aufenthaltsbewilligung Student · Stand 08/2026
      BMI Erklärung 19: Aufenthaltsbewilligung Student · Stand 08/2026

      BMI · retrieved on 10/10/2026

      Open original source
    In detail

    Agree positive notice and personal collection

    Directly review actual visa, entry or collection instructions. Agree enrolment confirmation or study record and comprehensive insurance if previously travel insurance, plus requested means for the actual period. A positive notice is no travel authorisation by the app.

    SourceBMI Erklärung 19: Aufenthaltsbewilligung Student · Stand 08/2026
    BMI Erklärung 19: Aufenthaltsbewilligung Student · Stand 08/2026

    BMI · retrieved on 10/10/2026

    Open original source

Depending on your situation, this is added

  • Check how far along you are
  • Check if this path fits you
  • Find the office for your application
  • Copy your whole passport
  • Check your passport photo
  • Check the criminal record extract and other papers
  • Fill in the form for students
  • Check the fee and how to pay
  • Go to your appointment in person
  • Wait for mail from the office
  • Send missing papers in time
  • Check that everything on the card is right
Use the questions to find out which of these apply to you
Tailored to you

What applies to you?

Answer a few short questions. The steps change right away: what does not apply to you drops out.

Question 1 of at most 5

How far along are you with your first student permit application?

What is meant? How far along are you? For example: appointment booked, application made or card received.

What is the actual first-application stage?
  • No sign-up needed
  • Nothing is sent to authorities
  • You submit applications yourself

Frequently asked questions

Can I do this online?

7 of 19 possible steps mention an online channel in their text. Requirements are in the official source.

What does it cost?

Costs or fees are stated for 1 step according to the source; details are listed with the step.

Do I need an einfach.wien account?

No. The plan works without registration; answers stay in your browser.

Does einfach.wien submit my application?

No. einfach.wien helps you prepare and links official channels. You submit applications yourself to the responsible service.

What this page is based on

The information is based on official sources. einfach.wien is a private project; the content has not been professionally reviewed. All information without guarantee, no legal advice. The responsible office is always authoritative.

SourceAufenthaltsbewilligung Student: Erstantrag
Aufenthaltsbewilligung Student: Erstantrag

BMI · oesterreich.gv.at · retrieved on 10/10/2026

Open original source
SourceAufenthaltsbewilligung Student: Wiener Verfahren
Aufenthaltsbewilligung Student: Wiener Verfahren

Stadt Wien · MA 35 · retrieved on 10/10/2026

Open original source
SourceBMI Erklärung 19: Aufenthaltsbewilligung Student · Stand 08/2026
BMI Erklärung 19: Aufenthaltsbewilligung Student · Stand 08/2026

BMI · retrieved on 10/10/2026

Open original source
SourceBMI Antrag Aufenthaltstitel Drittstaatsangehörige · Stand 08/2026
BMI Antrag Aufenthaltstitel Drittstaatsangehörige · Stand 08/2026

BMI · retrieved on 10/10/2026

Open original source

Similar plans

Working in Austria: Red-White-Red CardNew in ViennaRenew a residence permitConfirm permanent residence as an EU citizenResidence card as a spouse or partnerStudent job: permit from the AMS
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