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Study Medicine in Austria

Vienna is home to one of the world's oldest medical universities, with selective English-taught programmes.

Language:German/English
Duration:6 years
Tuition:€3,000–€6,000/year
UCAT:Not Required

Why Study Medicine in Austria?

Medical University of Vienna is one of the world's oldest and most prestigious medical schools, founded in 1365
Vienna is consistently ranked the world's most liveable city — extraordinary quality of life
Very low state university fees (€3,000–€6,000/year for non-EU students at state universities)
Central European location with easy access to Germany, Switzerland, Italy, and Hungary
World-class research infrastructure — Vienna General Hospital (AKH) is one of the largest hospitals in Europe
German language pathway opens doors across the lucrative DACH healthcare market

Overview: Medical Education in Austria

Austria is home to the Medical University of Vienna (Medizinische Universität Wien), one of the oldest and most distinguished medical schools in the world, founded in 1365 as part of the University of Vienna. Vienna is consistently ranked as the world's most liveable city and offers an extraordinary combination of world-class medical education, cultural richness, and European connectivity.

Austrian state medical education is primarily taught in German — the Medical University of Vienna, Medical University of Graz, and Medical University of Innsbruck all deliver their six-year curriculum in German at state-level fees of €3,000–€6,000/year (for non-EU students) or minimal administrative fees for EU students. For UK students willing to invest in German language acquisition, Austria offers exceptional value with outstanding research infrastructure.

However, some private medical universities in Austria and affiliated international programmes offer English-medium pathways. The University of Applied Sciences Wiener Neustadt (FHWN) and certain private international medical colleges in Vienna have developed English-taught options, though at higher private university fees.

Austria's geographic heart of Europe means students have easy access to Germany, Switzerland, Hungary, Czech Republic, and Italy — making it an exceptional base for a medical career across the DACH region.

Entry Requirements for UK Students

State medical universities require German language proficiency (B2–C1, typically TestDaF level 4 or equivalent) and strong A-level equivalent grades (AAA or equivalent). Austrian state medical universities use a standardised aptitude test (MedAT) for admission. UK A-levels are assessed through equivalency process. English-medium private pathways have different requirements — contact Medicine Clearing for current specifics.

Tuition Fees & Living Costs

Annual Tuition Range

€3,000–€6,000/year

Vienna is one of Europe's most expensive cities but well-served by an outstanding public transport network. A WienMobil annual student pass costs approximately €365 (£1/day), covering all public transport in Vienna.

Accommodation£500–£800/month
Food£200–£300/month
Transport£40–£70/month
Total/Month£900–£1,300/month

Medical Universities in Austria

5 universities in our network — all vetted for GMC eligibility.

Danube Private University

Danube Private University

Krems · 6 years

Medical University of Graz

Medical University of Graz

Graz · 6 years

Medical University of Vienna

Medical University of Vienna

Vienna · 6 years

Paracelsus Medical University

Paracelsus Medical University

Salzburg · 6 years

Sigmund Freud Private University

Sigmund Freud Private University

Vienna · 6 years

GMC Recognition & NHS Return Pathway

The Medical University of Vienna is recognised by the GMC as a provider of eligible primary medical qualifications. Medical University of Graz and Medical University of Innsbruck are also GMC-recognised. Graduates of these institutions must pass PLAB 1 and PLAB 2 for GMC registration. Private universities should be individually verified.

Austria-trained graduates follow the standard international pathway via PLAB 1 and PLAB 2. The rigorous six-year Austrian curriculum provides excellent preparation for the PLAB examinations. Medicine Clearing provides PLAB preparation support as part of our post-graduation package.

Student Accommodation in Austria

On-Campus

The Österreichisches Studierendenwerk (ÖH) manages subsidised student housing in Vienna at approximately €350–€550/month. Demand significantly exceeds supply — apply immediately after receiving your acceptance letter.

Off-Campus

Private apartments in Vienna cost €700–€1,200/month for a single room. Willhaben.at and WG-Gesucht.de are the primary platforms. Sharing a flat (WG) is the most cost-effective option.

Accommodation Tip

Vienna's public transport is outstanding — an annual student pass costs approximately €1/day and covers all trains, trams, and buses. Outer districts (10, 15, 16, 17) offer lower rents while remaining well-connected to the medical university.

Visa Requirements for UK Citizens

Post-Brexit, UK citizens require an Austrian residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel Schüler/Student) for study programmes exceeding 90 days. Apply at the Austrian Embassy in London. Required documents include: university acceptance letter, proof of accommodation, proof of financial means (approximately €1,000/month), health insurance, and valid passport. Processing takes 4–8 weeks.

Medicine Clearing handles all student visa applications. No visa expertise is required from students or parents.

Did You Know? — Austria

  • 1

    The Medical University of Vienna traces its origins to 1365, making it one of the world's oldest medical schools. Notable alumni include Sigmund Freud and Karl Landsteiner (discoverer of blood groups).

  • 2

    Vienna has been ranked the world's most liveable city by the Economist Intelligence Unit every year from 2018 to 2024.

  • 3

    Vienna General Hospital (AKH Wien), affiliated with the Medical University of Vienna, is one of the largest hospitals in Europe with 1,750 beds.

  • 4

    Austria has produced 21 Nobel Prize winners, with a disproportionate number in Medicine and Physics.

  • 5

    Karl Landsteiner, who discovered the ABO blood group system (earning the 1930 Nobel Prize in Physiology), was a Vienna-trained physician.

Monthly Living Costs Breakdown — Austria

ExpenseMonthly Cost (GBP)
Accommodation£500–£800/month
Food & Groceries£200–£300/month
Transport£40–£70/month
Total Monthly Budget£900–£1,300/month

Vienna is one of Europe's most expensive cities but well-served by an outstanding public transport network. A WienMobil annual student pass costs approximately €365 (£1/day), covering all public transport in Vienna.

Frequently Asked Questions — Study Medicine in Austria

20 questions answered by our senior admissions team.

Can UK students study medicine in Austria in English?
State university medicine in Austria is taught in German (B2–C1 required). Some private English-medium pathways exist in Vienna. Medicine Clearing advises on current English-taught options in Austria.
How much does it cost to study medicine in Austria?
State university fees for non-EU students are approximately €3,000/year plus administrative fees. Private English-medium programmes charge €15,000–€25,000/year. Living costs in Vienna are approximately £900–£1,300/month.
Is the Medical University of Vienna GMC-recognised?
Yes. The Medical University of Vienna is GMC-recognised. Graduates pass PLAB 1 and PLAB 2 for GMC registration.
Do I need to speak German to study medicine in Austria?
For state universities, yes — B2–C1 German is required. The MedAT admission test is also in German. Some private programmes offer English-medium tracks.
What is the MedAT test for Austrian medicine?
The MedAT (Medizinischer Aufnahmetest) is the standardised admission test for all three Austrian state medical universities. It tests cognitive skills, medical knowledge, and personality factors. It is held in July and is conducted in German.
Is Vienna a good city for UK medical students?
Excellent. Vienna is consistently ranked the world's most liveable city. It offers an unparalleled cultural experience, outstanding public transport, and proximity to Germany, Switzerland, and Italy.
Do I need a visa to study in Austria as a UK citizen?
Yes, post-Brexit. An Austrian residence permit is required for study exceeding 90 days. Apply at the Austrian Embassy in London — allow 4–8 weeks for processing.
Can I return to the NHS after studying in Austria?
Yes. Pass PLAB 1 and PLAB 2 for GMC registration, then apply for NHS posts.
What are living costs like in Vienna?
Vienna is one of Europe's more expensive cities. Budget approximately £900–£1,300/month covering accommodation, food, and transport. The excellent public transport system (€1/day annual pass) keeps transport costs very low.
Is Austria better than Germany for UK medical students?
Both require German language proficiency. Austria has slightly lower non-EU fees and Vienna offers a higher quality of life than most German cities. Germany has a wider choice of medical schools. Both are excellent options for German-speaking UK students.
What research opportunities exist in Austria for medical students?
The Medical University of Vienna has strong research programmes in neuroscience, oncology, and cardiovascular medicine. Vienna's bioscience cluster includes the IMBA, IMP, and GMI research institutes.
How does Medicine Clearing help with Austrian medical school applications?
We advise on the German language pathway, MedAT preparation, equivalency process for UK A-levels, Austrian visa support, and PLAB preparation post-graduation. We also identify English-medium private pathway options in Vienna.
Are there English-speaking private medical schools in Austria?
Yes. Some private international medical colleges operate in Vienna with English-medium tracks. These charge significantly higher fees than state universities. Verify GMC eligibility before enrolling — Medicine Clearing conducts these checks for all recommended institutions.
What specialist areas is Vienna known for in medicine?
Vienna has particular strengths in psychiatry (the birthplace of psychoanalysis), cardiovascular medicine, oncology, and infectious diseases. The Vienna General Hospital (AKH) is a leading European centre for transplantation.
Is Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences in Austria a good option?
Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences (KL Krems) offers a German-taught medical programme with some English components. It is a newer institution with state accreditation. Medicine Clearing can advise on its current GMC eligibility status.
How long does it take to learn German for Austrian medical school?
Reaching B2 takes approximately 600–750 hours. Going from B2 to C1 takes a further 200–300 hours. Intensive full-time courses can achieve B2 in 6–9 months and C1 in 12–18 months.
Are there scholarships for UK students in Austria?
The Austrian Academic Exchange Service (OeAD) offers scholarships for international students. Some universities also provide merit-based awards. Medicine Clearing will advise on current opportunities.
What is Austrian clinical training like?
Austrian teaching hospitals are world-class tertiary centres. The Vienna General Hospital (AKH Wien) is one of the largest hospitals in Europe, providing exceptional breadth and volume of clinical training.
Can I study dentistry in Austria?
Yes. The Medical University of Vienna offers a German-taught dentistry programme. A small number of private institutions may offer English-medium options.
What is student life like in Vienna?
Vienna offers an extraordinary student experience — world-class opera, museums, and concert halls, alongside a vibrant café culture and excellent international food scene. The city is extremely safe with one of the best public transport systems in the world.

Other Europe Destinations

Italy

Italy

€156–€4,000/year

No UCAT
Poland

Poland

€10,000–€14,000/year

No UCAT
Hungary

Hungary

€12,000–€15,000/year

No UCAT
Czech Republic

Czech Republic

€11,000–€17,000/year

No UCAT
Apply Via Medicine Clearing

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