Entry and Residence regulations

Students from EU or EEA countries

International students who are citizens of an EU member state, Switzerland or an EEA member state may enter Austria without a visa or other residence permits. Students who stay for more than three months have to register with the competent authority in order to receive a certificate confirming their right of residence. They need a picture ID (valid for EEA citizens). The students have to report their stay to either the competent federal police directorate or district commission, depending on their place of residence in Austria.

The following countries are members in the EEA:

*These countries are in the EEA, but are not members of the European Union.

Students from outside the EU or EEA

International students enrolled in FH degree programmes who are not citizens of an EU or EEA member state or Switzerland need a residence permit pursuant to section 64 of the "Niederlassungs- und Aufenthaltsgesetz" (NAG; Aliens' Law; purpose: education). The application for the residence permit has to be filed with and will be granted by the competent Austrian embassy or professional association in the country of origin.

The following documents have to be submitted with the application:

• Invitation issued by the course-providing body to participate in the entrance procedure or a document indicating that admission has already been granted
• Passport
• Birth certificate
• Police clearance certificate from the home country
• Proof of sufficient funds that the applicant can support him/herself during his/her stay in Austria

At first, the residence permit is granted for one year; as of the second year, for one additional year each time. Students can apply for an extension of the residence permit in Austria. To do so, the applicant must submit confirmation that the programme will be continued and, as of the second year, examination certificates as well.

A residence permit for the purpose of higher education allows students to work in Austria only to the extent of a so-called "geringfügiges Beschäftigungsverhältnis" (part-time jobs exempt from social security contributions). At any rate, the job must not enable the students to cover most of their living expenses, except during the holiday season. Moreover, a work permit granted by the Labour Market Service (Arbeitsmarktservice, AMS) is requiered for obtaining gainful employment. The employer must apply for it before students can start working.

For more detailed information about the entry and residence regulations please consult www.oead.at or download the Guide to entry and residence requirements for foreign students.

Visa

If admission to the FH degree programme has not been granted and the applicants need a visa, they are to apply for a residence permit and a visa at the same time. They will receive the residence permit from the competent domestic authority after admission has finally been granted.

Further information can be obtained at your local embassy or under: www.oead.at

(source: www.fhr.ac.at)