Studying an LLM (Master of Laws) Program in Austria

PLEASE NOTE: As a result of Brexit, from Autumn 2021 postgraduate students from the European Union studying at a UK university will be charged the same tuition fees as international students. UK students studying their postgraduate course at a European university are also likely to incur higher tuition fees than their EU counterparts. It is advisable to check with the individual universities in the UK and Europe for up-to-date information on tuition fees for all postgraduate programs.

Find your PERFECT LLM PROGRAM

When considering study abroad options, Austria is a destination worth considering for various reasons. The country has an ideal location in the heart of Europe, bordered by the European Union member states Germany, Slovakia, Switzerland, Italy, Czech Republic and Slovenia, it is at the crossroads of European trade. A short plane, train or car ride provides accessibility to any of the other EU countries making exploring Europe an affordable and convenient option.

Austria itself also has a lot to see and absorb, be it the country’s lush beauty or rich culture of the larger cities. The Alps lie in western and southern parts of the country while Vienna, the capital city falls in the eastern part. The majestic snowy peaks of the Austrian Alps are regarded as one of the premier skiing regions in Europe offering breathtaking views while Vienna offers a unique historical yet modern urban life experience. If you have an outdoorsy and adventurous soul, studying in Austria might be the perfect time to embrace it.

Austria: a country of rich heritage and tradition

Vienna and Salzburg retain the culture, traditions and heritage of the Hapsburg Empire with sophisticated architecture, music, literature and philosophy as can be seen by the cities’ status as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. For those with a keen interest in music, Austria is the birthplace of Mozart, as well as home to Johann Strauss II, Haydn, Brahms while the work of artists and architects such as Gustav Klimt and Otto Wagner are renowned. Austria has also produced some great thinkers such as Sigmund Freud, considered as the father of modern psychology. Therefore, those with a passion to learn outside the scope of their course will find themselves intrigued by these aspects of life in Austria.

In your free time there are many things to do in Austria. The Vienna Boys’ Choir, one of the best known choirs in the world performs classical works, Maschmarkt is one of Vienna’s largest and oldest markets, castles such as Hofburg Palace and Schonbrunn Palace are worth a visit, Salzburg Festival, a classical musical festival features various performances, and Bregenz and Upper City with the St. Martinstrum (St Martin’s Tower) feature the world’s largest floating opera.

In the summer it’s well worth taking a trip to Lichtenstein Castle and taking part in the Nestroy Theatre Festival, while in the winter skiing and winters sports in the Alpine region are popular activities.

Where to study your LLM in Austria

There are various institutions in Austria that can be considered for an LL.M degree. These include; Karl-Franzens University of Graz, Danube University Krems, IMADEC University, MCI Management Center Innsbruck, WU (Vienna University of Economics and Business), University of Vienna - Postgraduate Center, and University of Salzburg.

These universities offer a range of specializations including European law and European Integration, Business and Tax Law, International Law, Law and Economics, International Construction Law, International Legal Studies and Human Rights. It is worth researching the specializations you are interested in while choosing the university you wish to attend.

Entry requirements for a Master of Laws in Austria

The entry requirements for an LLM course in Austria are generally that all foreign candidates must hold a first degree in law from a recognized university and must demonstrate proof of their English language proficiency by submitting IELTS/TOEFL scores as the medium of teaching is English. For guidance on completing a course in English you may wish to refer to our page LLMs in English. Your application for admission should include an application form, application fee (if applicable), curriculum vitae, statement of motivation, letters of recommendation, official transcripts and IELTS/TOEFL score report.

Tuition fees & living costs

The tuition fees at an Austrian university or law school range from €10,000-€ 15,000 depending on the institution of your choice. This excludes accommodation, food and books. Living expenses also vary according to the lifestyle for example if you prefer to eat out every day as compared to preparing your own meals or regular drinks or clubbing on the weekends is a must you will need to tailor your budget accordingly. On average we recommend a student to set aside a budget of €700-800 month for accommodation, food, books and other personal expenses. There is some possibility of obtaining financial aid or scholarships which are offered by individual institutions. Generally however, students are expected to have sufficient funds to finance their course and to satisfy the visa clearance officer regarding proof of funding. Seeking part time work may also be a potential option but this should not be relied upon when calculating expenses as you will be required to demonstrate proof of funds for your visa. You must comply with all terms and conditions of your entry visa. You may also bear in mind that the rigours of a master’s course may not leave sufficient time for working.

Visa & immigration

Non-EU citizens are required to obtain an entry visa to study in Austria and will be required to obtain a residence permit. The requirements vary depending on the country of nationality of the student - check with your local embassy or with your preferred university for further information.

Other European LLM study destinations

Are you interested in studying your Master of Laws program in another European destination? If so we have a great selection of LLM destination study guides, including: