Austria Student Visa - Definitive Guide

Also known as an Austria Schengen Student Visa, this type of permit allows an individual to take part in study-related activities such as doing an internship, performing research, or even taking part in courses, all for a short duration. Similar to other types of the short term C permit, this is also valid for a duration of 90 days in a 180-day period. Available in single, double, as well as multiple entry types, the student visa is quite common among the students. However, keep in mind if you are going for studies or related work that lasts longer, and up to 6 months, you will have to apply for a long term (D) visa. And if the task lasts even longer than that, you must apply for a residence permit instead of a visa. 

Unlike the process for most Schengen countries, the application for the Austria Schengen Study Visa is done offline. Before applying, it is vital to check that you are eligible for this particular type of permit. Once you are eligible, you can proceed to submit the application as per the following -

1. Download the visa application form from the Austrian embassy website.
2. Complete the Austria Student Visa application form along with a photo and signature.
3. Proceed to book an appointment at the Austrian embassy or a visa application centre (VAC) for the document and biometric submission. You may do this online, or by simply calling them up.
4. With your application form and the documents, visit the respective visa centre or the embassy for your document and biometric submission. You will also have to pay the application fees here.

 Please keep in mind that if you have already submitted your biometrics in the VIS (Visa Information System) in the past 5 years, you do not have to submit them again. 

Also, ensure that your application may get rejected if you submit fake documents, or give false information. A visa rejection can cause a problem for your future travel plans.

As per regulations, the eligibility criteria for Austria Student Visa from India are as follows - 

• You must be present in India if you are applying from India. If you are an Indian resident in another country, you may be able to apply for the visa at an embassy over there. 
• You must have an Indian passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel, 
• Your primary motive behind the visit must be to indulge in study-related activities.
• You must be offered a role at the educational institution
• The institution or organization inviting you will have to guarantee that they are responsible for your stay.
• You must possess sufficient funds to cover your stay in the country.
• You should possess travel insurance.
• You can apply for the permit if -

• Austria is your only travel destination, or
• Austria is one of your multiple Schengen destinations -  in which case you will be spending the majority of the travel period in Austria, or, you are spending equal time in all the other destinations where Austria is your port of entry.

• Make sure that you do not stay back beyond the expiry date as mentioned on the visa.
• You must travel to Austria within 6 months of your visa issue date. If you do not, your permit will become invalid, and you will have to apply for another one.
• Always carry a copy of your travel documents while you are in the country.
• You cannot take part in work-related activities while you are on a short term visit.
• You cannot extend the permit unless in extreme circumstances.
• You must abide by the Austrian rules and regulations.

As per the Austria Study Visa requirements, the following are the list of documents required for the application process - 

• A valid passport
• Covering letter stating the details of the travel
• Travel itinerary 
• Confirmed round trip flight tickets 
• Proof of accommodation or acceptance into the school/college/university’s hostel
• Travel medical insurance covering 30000 Euros  
• Confirmation of student status
• Financial documents to show sufficient funds
• Electronic letter of guarantee of sponsor
• Invitation letter from the inviter
• Confirmation of acceptance or registration at the educational institution
• Proof of payment of tuition fees or acceptance of a scholarship
  
  
  

• Dimensions:  35mm X 45mm
• Colour: Coloured
• Head must occupy the central position
• Must be captured within the last 3 months
• Background: Solid, plain white or grey
• 80% face coverage
• Neutral expression
• Glasses: Non-thick framed and prescription are permitted
• Headgears are allowed only for religious reasons
• Facial hair is permitted

 The time taken to obtain an Austria Student Visa from India is dependent on factors such as the volume of applications, number of entries, previous travel history, etc. On average, it takes around 15 working days. Since this time may increase, it is suggested that you apply for the permit well in advance. 

The fees for the student visa depends on the type of entry, express processing charges, biometric charges, as well as any other service charges. Since the fees can vary without any prior notice, make sure that you confirm the exact amount before application.

On successful application, you will obtain the visa within the respective processing time. If the processing requires additional documents or verification, you will be contacted by the embassy.

You can track the status of your application by entering your reference number and name at the VAC’s online portal. Alternately, you can contact the embassy by email to know the status. You can also contact the visa agency you have applied through to get your application status.