Studying at the University of Vienna

Equal status with EU/EEA citizens

You are admitted to a degree programme and your citizenship is from a non-EU/EEA country? 

Under certain conditions, you may submit an application for equal status. In this case, the same tuition fee regulations will apply to you as to EU/EEA nationals.

On this page, you will find all the information you need regarding the eligibility criteria, the documents required and the application process.

Ian Ehm

Deadlines

For summer semester: 
until 31 March

For winter semester: 
until 31 October

Who can submit an application for equal status?

You can apply for equal status if you are admitted to a degree programme at the University of Vienna and:

  • have a residence permit accepted in Austria other than a "Aufenthaltsbewilligung - Student" or
  • you are a member of a group of persons according to the Decree on Groups of Persons (PersGV) or
  • are eligible for equal status according to international law (§ 91 para. 1 Universities Act 2002)

If you have a "Aufenthaltsbewilligung - Student", equal status is not attainable. Unless you also fulfil one of the other requirements (e.g. residence title "Daueraufenthalt - EU").

If your residence permit is valid for a limited period, your equivalent status will also be valid for a limited period. Apply for equivalent status as soon as you have received the renewal of your residence permit.

If you have one of these residence permits, you can apply for equal status.

Frequent residence permits

Residence permit for family reunification

Residence permit for work/gainful employment

If you have proof that you belong to a group of persons according to the Decree on Groups of Persons (PersGV), you can apply for equal status

All information on the PersGV and the required proof

Turkish nationals with an exemption certificate from the AMS can be granted equal status.

To do so, open the Servicedesk and select reason for equal status "I have equal status regarding the right to work in Austria according to international law (§ 91 para. 1 UG 2002).". Upload the exemption certificate from the AMS (all pages combined into one PDF file) as proof

How to submit your application for equal status

  • Step 1: Prepare your documents and submit your application

    Scan the required supporting documents and save them in a clear, easy-to-read format (JPG or PDF).

    Complete the online form on the Servicedesk and attach the required supporting documents (at the top of the online form).

  • Step 2: Wait for a response

    Your application will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Processing takes around two weeks. You will then receive an email from the Admission Office with further information.

  • Step 3: Pay your tuition and Students' Union fees

    If your application is approved, the same rules will apply to you as to students who are nationals of an EU/EEA country. This means that the amount of your tuition fee is based on the prescribed duration of your studies and any tolerance semesters. You will continue to pay the Students' Union fee.

    Please pay the required fee within the payment period. Please note: If you do not pay on time, your enrolment will be automatically terminated.

FAQ Equal status

Yes, the reimbursement of the difference is possible. To do this, you must submit an application for reimbursement.

  • If you are within the prescribed duration of studies and the tolerance semesters, you can be refunded everything except the Students' Union fee.
  • If you have exceeded the prescribed duration of studies and the tolerance semesters, only the difference will be refunded. To do this, when submitting your application for reimbursement via the Servicedesk, select the reason for reimbursement: “I have paid too much, so I am applying for a reimbursement of the difference.”

If you hold a temporary residence permit, your status as an equal resident is also temporary. You must therefore submit a new application when you renew your residence permit.

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