Student Accommodation Austria

Students in Austria have a few housing options – each with varying levels of comfort, price, and application requirements.  

• University Dormitories (Studierendenheime) or student housing mostly cover all additional costs like utilities, heating, electricity, and internet. Since demand far exceeds supply, it is advisable to apply to several providers 3 to 6 months before the start of the semester. Basic amenities are usually included and they are relatively close to the campus. 
• Shared flats, so-called WG or Wohngemeinschaft, are appartments you share with others. You can split the rent between all which will lower your costs. This is a good option, if you’re looking for social contact. Depending on the accommodation, it may not come fully furnished since these options are closer to traditional rentals, since you’d move into someone’s appartment. 
• Private or short-term rentals are a good option if you don't want to give up the comforts you’re used to. They come fully furnished, offer maximum privacy and flexible lease terms. It’s also the easiest option when family or friends come to visit or if you want to extend your stay for a bit longer. Bear in mind that short-term living is limited to six months. But other than that, you can live on your own or share a flat with someone. 

Rent for students in Austria varies significantly depending on the type of housing and the city. As a rule of thumb, you can find accommodation starting from about € 340 per month for a single room in a dorm to about € 1.800 per month for an entire flat. The more luxurious the flat, the more expensive it gets.

Additional costs to consider 

While university dormitories, student housing or short-term rentals mostly not only come fully furnished, they also include utilities such as heating, electricity and internet in the rent.  

In addition to the monthly rent, a security deposit is usually required upon moving in. In Austria, one to three months’ gross rent is standard (VAT of 10 % is extra). This varies depending on what accommodation option you chose and their individual conditions. The security deposit is refunded at the end of the lease. 

Short-term student accommodation 

If you’re about to start your studies in Austria for just one semester you may face a unique challenge: Many landlords prefer long-term leases, and the availability of dorm rooms is limited by season. Furnished short-term rentals fill this gap. They can be booked for as little as one month, are fully furnished, and allow for a hassle-free movin-in and move-out without the need to buy furniture or go through a time-consuming apartment search. 

Many platforms including KURZZEiTmiete offer furnished apartments in Vienna, Graz, Innsbruck, Salzburg, and Linz with flexible lease terms. 

Anyone renting an apartment in Austria should be familiar with a few legal basics: 

• Lease Agreement: For students, a fixed-term lease is usually standard. This must be in writing and clearly specify the lease term, rent, security deposit, and utility costs. 
• Minimum term: Fixed-term rental agreements under the MRG (Mietrechtsgesetz = tenancy law) must have a minimum term of three years - for furnished short-term rentals, the individually agreed terms apply. 
• Termination: Under the MRG, the agreement can be terminated early after one year with three months’ notice, effective at the end of the month. For short-term rentals, the contractually agreed notice periods apply. 
• Registration form: Within three days of moving in, the residence must be registered with the relevant registration office - regardless of nationality. The registration form is signed by the landlord and is required for e.g. a bank account, health insurance, and a residence permit. 

The first step is deciding on a type of housing - because depending on your choice, the search process, lead time, and application process can vary significantly. 

• Student dorms: Apply directly through the providers’ websites; ideally 3–6 months before the start of the semester, as demand far exceeds supply. 
• Rooms in shared apartments: Search via platforms such as Willhaben, WG-Gesucht, or Studenten-WG.at. Availability fluctuates seasonally, so it’s advisable to start your search early here as well. 
• Furnished short-term rentals: The most flexible option - no lengthy application process, no need to hunt for furniture, and a move-in date you can choose yourself. On KURZZEiTmiete, furnished apartments in Vienna, Graz, Innsbruck, Salzburg, and Linz can be booked for stays of one month to six - with short notice right at the start of the semester. 

Step 1: Check availability 

Enter your desired location and time frame — the search immediately shows available furnished apartments. 

Step 2: Select a suitable apartment 

Choose the apartment that meets your needs and send a non-binding inquiry. 

Step 3: Arrange move-in 

After confirmation from the landlord and final approval, you can move in promptly.

This information is provided as a non-binding service and serves only as general guidance. It does not constitute legal advice. The information made available on this website cannot replace individual advice tailored to a specific case. No liability of any kind is assumed for the content or its accuracy.