Stay

Registering with the municipal authorities

In Austria it is compulsory to register with the municipal authorities (Meldeamt: Gemeindeamt, Magistratisches Bezirksamt) within three working days of entering the country. For this you need a registration form (Meldezettel, available from the registration offices or on the internet), which you have to complete and your landlord/landlady has to sign. (In youth hostels and hotels this registration is carried out by the management when you check in.) You also have to report any change of address to the registration office within three working days. Do not forget to inform the registration office when you leave Austria.
Attention: Nationals of EU/EEA countries and Swiss nationals have to apply additionally for a confirmation of registration (Anmeldebescheinigung) if they stay in Austria for more than three months.

Further information:
Austrian National Union of Students: www.oeh.at
The International Offices of the universities may also provide help in finding private accommodation.

Health Insurance for Students

You need to make sure that you are properly insured during your stay. Students admitted to an Austrian university or UAS degree programme as regular degree programme students may take out comprehensive health insurance with Austrian health insurance fund. This insurance is only available to Austrians and foreigners who have established legal residence in Austria (and fulfil several requirements regarding duration of studies, change of study programmes, income, and study programmes already completed). Forms to apply for this insurance coverage are available at the Austrian health insurance fund (ÖGK – Österreichische Gesundheitskasse) and the Austrian Student Union (ÖH – Österreichische Hochschülerschaft).

Students from EU/EEA countries, who are in possession of valid health insurance in their home country, need the European Health Insurance Card. Alternatively, students can also take out private health insurance corresponding to the standard of the Austrian local public carriers.

Alternatively, you can also take out private health insurance covering all risks (e. g. via www.feelsafe.at or other insurance providers). The benefits of this insurance must "essentially" correspond to those of the national health insurance and not "considerably" differ from it. It is essential that the insurance does not have any waiting periods, cost caps or exclude certain risks. Moreover, the insurance must pay for medical treatment in Austria directly. To be recognized by the residence authorities as a "health insurance covering all risks" the relevant insurance company must provide an explicit written statement – in addition to the insurance policy – confirming that the insurance fulfils these requirements.
For further information click here or visit our database "Entry and Residence for Students and Researchers".