Austrian student visa for South African students.
The 2026 rules for students from South Africa: the money to show, what your documents need and where you apply.
Money to show, under 24
€3,768
a year, about R173,420
Your documents need
Apostille
from your issuing authority
To enter Austria
Visa D
apply in Pretoria
The money to show
Under 24
€8,671 a year
€722.58 a month · about R14,452 a month, R173,420 a year
24 and over
€15,701 a year
€1,308.39 a month · about R26,168 a month, R314,020 a year
If your rent is above €386.43 a month, you need to show more. Local amounts are approximate. Source: OeAD 2026.
Your documents and the visa
Apostille
Austria accepts apostilles from South Africa. Your official documents, such as your birth certificate, need an apostille before you submit them.
Visa D required
Citizens of South Africa apply at the Austrian embassy in Pretoria before travelling to Austria.
Processing time
Usually 4 to 8 weeks for applicants from South Africa; the legal maximum is 90 days. Waiting for an embassy appointment: ~2 weeks.
Specific to South Africa
- SAQA evaluation
- Apostille from DIRCO
- Police clearance (SAPS)
Where will you study?
Pick a city for its universities, rents and immigration office.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Austrian Student Visa
The Austrian student visa typically takes 6 to 12 weeks to process from the date of application at the embassy. It is recommended to apply at least 3 months before the start of your studies.
If you are under 24 years old, you need to show 722.58 euros per month (8,671 euros per year). If you are 24 or older, you need 1,308.39 euros per month (15,701 euros per year).
Yes, bachelor's and master's students can work up to 20 hours per week. You need a work permit from the employment service (AMS).
Valid passport, university admission letter, proof of finances, health insurance, police clearance certificate, birth certificate, passport-sized photos and a completed application form.
You can appeal within 4 weeks of the rejection to the Federal Administrative Court (BVwG). Carefully review the reasons for rejection and address any deficiencies before reapplying.
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Moving from South Africa? Get visa help.
Your route, deadlines and real costs for students from South Africa.