Studying a Bachelor's in Austria After HSC (Bangladesh)

Studying a Bachelor's in Austria After HSC (Bangladesh)

Since you have completed your Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) in Bangladesh, you may need to meet additional requirements to be eligible for a bachelor’s degree in Austria, as many universities require 13 years of education (equivalent to an Austrian Matura).

1. Do You Need 13 Years of Education?

Yes, most Austrian universities require 13 years of education. Since HSC in Bangladesh is 12 years, you may need to take an additional foundation course (Studienkolleg) or prove that you are already eligible to study at a university in Bangladesh in the same field.

2. Requirements for Admission

The requirements depend on whether you are applying to a public university or a university of applied sciences in Austria. Here’s a breakdown:

A. General Admission Requirements

HSC Certificate (Higher Secondary Certificate) – Must be at least 60% marks for competitive universities
Proof of University Eligibility in Bangladesh – If your degree does not match the Austrian requirements, you may need a foundation year (Studienkolleg)
German or English Proficiency – Depending on the program
Entrance Exam (if required) – Some universities have their own entrance tests

3. Language Requirements

Bachelor’s degrees in Austria are mostly in German. However, some universities offer programs in English.

German-taught programs: Require B2 or C1 level German (ÖSD, Goethe-Zertifikat, TestDaF, etc.)
English-taught programs: Require IELTS 6.0–7.0 or TOEFL iBT 80–100

If your program is in German, and you do not have enough proficiency, you may need to take a preparatory German course in Austria before starting your degree.

4. The Application Process

Step 1: Choose a University & Program

  • Public universities (low tuition fees)

  • Universities of applied sciences (more practical, sometimes have tuition fees)

  • Private universities (higher tuition fees, more English-taught programs)

Popular universities:
University of Vienna
Vienna University of Technology (TU Wien)
Graz University of Technology
University of Innsbruck
Johannes Kepler University Linz

You can find programs on:
🔹 https://www.studienwahl.at/

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents

HSC certificate & transcript (translated & attested)
Statement of Purpose (Motivation Letter)
CV/Resume
Language certificate (German or English)
Copy of passport
University eligibility proof from Bangladesh (for direct admission)

Step 3: Submit Application

  • Apply directly through the university’s website

  • Some universities use the Uni-Graz Online Portal

  • Application deadlines:
    📌 Winter Semester: February – April (for most universities)
    📌 Summer Semester: September – October

Step 4: Pass the Entrance Exam (if required)

Some programs (like Medicine, Law, Business) require entrance exams.

Step 5: Receive Admission Letter

Once accepted, you will receive an acceptance letter, which is required for a student visa.

5. Visa Application Process for Austria

Step 1: Gather Visa Documents

University admission letter
Proof of financial resources (approx. €12,000 per year in a blocked account)
Health insurance (€60–€120 per month)
Proof of accommodation in Austria
Police clearance certificate
Visa application form

Step 2: Apply for Student Visa (D-Visa)

You need to apply for an Austrian student visa (D-visa) at the Austrian Embassy in Dhaka.

Step 3: Travel & Residence Permit

Once in Austria, you must apply for a residence permit at the local municipal office.

6. Tuition Fees & Living Costs

  • Public universities: €363–€726 per semester (for non-EU students)

  • Private universities: €5,000–€25,000 per year

  • Living costs: Around €850–€1,200 per month (rent, food, insurance, transport)

7. Work While Studying

  • Students can work 20 hours per week

  • Minimum wage: €10–€15 per hour

Alternative If You Don’t Meet Requirements

If you do not qualify directly, you can:
1️⃣ Take a Studienkolleg (Foundation Course) – One-year preparatory course
2️⃣ Do a Bachelor’s in Bangladesh First – Then apply for a Master’s in Austria
3️⃣ Apply for Universities with More Flexible Entry Requirements

Final Advice

  • Choose a university & program carefully

  • Check language requirements (German or English)

  • Prepare financial proof early

  • Meet application deadlines

  • If you need 13 years of education, consider a foundation year