Austria is one of the most beautiful countries in all of Europe. There are many world-renowned universities in Austria which brings in hundreds of thousands of students. With so many cities to choose from, here is the ultimate guide to the best city to study in Austria:
#5 Linz
About: Linz is located in Northern Austria and straddles the Danube River. The city is highly regarded for the arts and in 2014 was named a member of UNESCO Creative Cities Network. Music also plays a huge part in the culture of the city. In the summer months, live music is performed in the main park at least four times a week. There are multiple large venues for musical performances, playing anything from pop to jazz, throughout the city. There are 13 shopping malls here and the city is home to the second busiest shopping streets in Austria, outside of Vienna. The center of the city is known for its medieval architecture.
Population: 205,000
# of University Students: 30,000
Landmarks: Lentos Kuntmseum, Hauptplatz, Ars Electronica Center, Town Square, New Cathedral, Danube River Walk, Pöstlingbergbahn
Nightlife: Many of the bars in Linz perform live music every night. Smaller bars with live music definitely make up a large majority of the night scene here. There are clubs but not on the level of other cities on the list.
Getting around: If you are a student and consider Linz your primary residence, you can get a semester pass for 67 Euros. If you are a student but don’t consider Linz your primary residence, the cost for a semester pass would be 200 Euro.
Airport Cost of Flights rating (1-10): 3. The airport is rather expensive but the train station is a central hub in Austria so train travel might be the cheapest way to travel.
Our Verdict: Linz is one of the most renowned cities in Europe for music and the arts. If you are into the arts, you should consider studying in Linz. The river walk is incredible and the amount of shopping in the city will keep you occupied. The city is big enough to offer you anything you could need but also has a small-town vibe.
#4 Graz
About: Graz is the 2nd largest city in Austria. Its city center is renowned for having one of the most well-preserved city centers in Europe. The city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In 2003, the city was named the Cultural Capital of Europe. One of the most iconic sites in the city is Castle Hill overlooking the Old Town. Needless to say, the history of Graz is largely visible in the city today. Nicola Tesla even studied in Graz.
Population: 300,000
# of University Students: 60,000
Landmarks: Town Hall, Castle Hill, The Clock Tower, The Armory, Graz Theatre, The Cathedral, The Island in the Mur
Nightlife: There is an abundance of bars and night clubs in Graz. All around the old town you can find places to serve you drinks. There are many within walking distance of each other once you’re in the middle of the city.
http://unigraz.esnaustria.org/nightlife
Getting around: Graz, like most big cities, has a great network of public transportation. For 150 Euros, you can get a semester-long public transportation pass for the entire state of Styria.
Airport Cost of Flights rating (1-10): 4. Much like the airport in Innsbruck, the airport in Graz can get you where you need to go but it is rather expensive.
Our Verdict: Graz has been known for its institutes of higher education for centuries. The history and culture are rich here. Being the second-largest city in Austria, there are plenty of things you could do to stay busy on top of your studies.
#3 Salzburg
About: Salzburg might be one of the most picturesque cities in Europe. With the Hohensalzburg Palace on a hill in the middle of the city, the river, and the Alps, the city has an absolutely incredible setting. It is also known for the setting for The Sound of Music and was the birthplace of Mozart. The historic center of the city was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for the Baroque architecture. Salzburg also has a large population of university students making it a great place to study.
Population: 154,000
# of University Students: 40,000
Landmarks: Fortress Hohensalzburg, Mirabell Palace, Schloss Hellbrunn, Salzburg Cathedral, Mozart’s Birthplace, St. Peter’s Abbey
Nightlife: Bars are lined all along the riverfront. Salzburg has beer gardens, small bars, cafes, and night clubs. You can even go to the casino for a gaming night. There is something for everyone here.
Getting around: A student pass for the city public transportation is 150 Euros for a semester pass.
Airport Cost of Flights rating (1-10): 5. Prices are still on the higher end.
Our Verdict: Salzburg is a beautiful city that has plenty of things to do as a student. It is one of the best cities in Europe to explore. Finding hidden gems in this city is part of what makes it special. Salzburg is a lively city and would make an excellent place to study as a university student.
#2 Innsbruck
About: Innsbruck is a mountainous city in the Austrian Alps. It is located in Western Austria, in the state of Tyrol. It is known for hosting the Winter Olympics in 1964 and 1976. There is an abundance of adventure sports opportunities here because of the river and the mountains. The Old Town and the riverfront are stunning views. You can also take the cable cars from the city to the top of the mountain.
Population: 133,000
# of University Students: 40,000
Landmarks: Olympic Ski Jump, Old Town, Town Square, Schloss Ambras Palace, Goldenes Dachl, Hofburg Palace
Nightlife: There are many small bars here as well as a few clubs to dance the night away. You can go out for a few beers at one of the bars or you can party all night at one of the clubs.
Getting around: The tram and buses will get you where you need to go. Innsbruck is pretty walkable for the most part, as well. As a student, you can get a semester pass for public transportation for 136 Euros.
Airport Cost of Flights rating (1-10): 4. The airport can go just about anywhere but the prices are quite expensive compared to other cities.
Our Verdict: Being surrounded by mountains and with the picturesque old town, Innsbruck is a truly majestic city. It is small enough that you can get around easily but big enough so that you have anything you need. Having Austria’s 3rd Largest university, there are plenty of university of students here.
#1 Vienna
About: Vienna is the capital and largest city in Austria. It is one of the most culturally rich cities in all of Europe. The palaces in the city are some of the most famous in the world. Vienna is often ranked as the world’s most livable city. Known for its high-quality of living, students from all over the world flock here. The city was also home to Mozart, Beethoven, Sigmond Freud. You can feel the history wherever you walk but you can also can’t avoid the emerging presence of modern culture. The feeling of the city is lively and youthful.
Population: 1.9 million
# of University Students: 194,000
Landmarks: Schonbrunn Palace, The Hofburg, St. Stephens Cathedral, Belvedere Palace, St. Peter’s Church, River Walk
Nightlife: Vienna is known for having a vibrant nightlife. There are large clubs, jazz bars, live music venues, pubs, and beach bars. This city has just about anything you could want for nightlife. There is something for everyone.
Getting around: For a big city, Vienna has a great network of public transportation. As a student, you can purchase a semester pass for 75 Euro. The city is pretty big so it is not very walkable so you will want a public transportation pass.
Airport Cost of Flights rating (1-10): 8.5. You can travel to many cities in Europe at great prices.
Our Verdict: Vienna is an incredible city for people of all ages. The history here runs deep and the progressive culture gives the city a lively feeling. The parks and the riverfront give the city plenty of open spaces to escape to. It is known for being a great university city. Vienna might be one of the best cities to study in all of Europe. It is the best city to study in Austria.
In conclusion, Austria has many cities that would make for great places to study. Any of the cities above would surely give you a great atmosphere for studying during your time in university. You need to decide which aspects of a city are most important in order to decide where would be best for you as an individual.
