Austria is home to some of the top-ranked universities in Europe and the world. With a long history of academic excellence spanning over 650 years, Austria offers high-quality education and research opportunities. Its universities produce world-changing research and graduates who go on to become leaders in their fields.
In this blog post, we will explore the 10 best universities in Austria for 2024 based on global rankings, academic reputation, research output, graduate employability, and more.
1. University of Vienna
The University of Vienna is the highest ranked university in Austria, placing 101-150 worldwide according to the QS World University Rankings 2023. Founded in 1365, it is the oldest university in the German-speaking world and one of the largest in Central Europe.
With over 94,000 students and 9,500 staff, the University of Vienna is a leading research university offering over 180 degree programs. It is especially renowned for its strengths in psychology, linguistics, business, law, computer science and chemistry.
The University of Vienna has a long list of notable alumni including Austrian physicist Erwin Schrödinger and philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein. Six University researchers and graduates have won the Nobel Prize to date.
The University of Vienna has an excellent academic reputation and high research output, producing over 22,000 scientific publications in 2020. Its graduates also enjoy top employability, with over 70% securing work within 6 months of graduation.
Learn more at the University of Vienna website: https://www.univie.ac.at/en/
2. Technical University of Vienna
Ranked in the top 400 globally, the Technical University of Vienna (TU Wien) is the largest applied science university in Austria. It offers a wide range of programs focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Founded in 1815, TU Wien has over 27,000 students across 8 faculties and 180 fields of study. It is especially renowned for strengths in engineering, computer science, physics, mathematics and chemistry. TU Wien also has a strong focus on innovative research, securing over €70 million in external funding in 2020.
Notable TU Wien alumni include Austrian mathematician Johann Radon and chemist Carl Auer von Welsbach. The University’s researchers have won the Nobel Prize on 2 occasions, most recently for groundbreaking work in electronics and information technology.
TU Wien graduates enjoy excellent job prospects, with over 80% in full-time employment within 6 months. The University also has over 470 partner universities worldwide.
Learn more at the TU Wien website: https://www.tuwien.at/en/
3. University of Innsbruck
Ranked in the top 250 globally, the University of Innsbruck is the largest research university in western Austria. Founded in 1669, it offers over 130 degree programs to over 28,000 students across 9 faculties.
The University of Innsbruck is renowned for strengths in physics, materials science, computer science, molecular biology and medicine. Researchers have won 2 Nobel Prizes, most recently for pioneering discoveries in atmospheric chemistry.
Situated amidst stunning Alpine scenery, the University of Innsbruck provides excellent research infrastructure including state-of-the-art laboratories. Graduates enjoy strong employability prospects with over 80% in professional careers or further study.
Learn more at the University of Innsbruck website: https://www.uibk.ac.at/index.html.en
4. Graz University of Technology
Ranked among the top 500 universities globally, Graz University of Technology specializes in natural sciences and technology. Founded in 1811, it is one of the largest technology universities in Austria with over 13,500 students across 7 faculties.
Graz University of Technology is acclaimed especially for engineering, mathematics, physics, chemistry, architecture and biomedical sciences. Researchers are engaged in prestigious European partnerships and projects.
State-of-the-art facilities support pioneering research and teaching at Graz University of Technology. The University also has a strong focus on innovation, cooperating closely with over 1,700 companies. Graduates enjoy excellent employment prospects.
Learn more at the Graz University of Technology website: https://www.tugraz.at/en/home/
5. Medical University of Vienna
The Medical University of Vienna is Austria’s largest medical training and research institution, ranking in the top 200 globally for medicine. Founded in 1365, it has over 8,000 students across 31 university clinics and research institutes.
The Medical University of Vienna offers cutting-edge facilities for students to gain practical experience. Researchers are making breakthrough discoveries, ranking among the top institutions worldwide for immunology and molecular biology research.
Graduates of the Medical University of Vienna are highly sought-after, enjoying prestigious medical careers across the world. Notable alumni include 3 Nobel Prize winners in Physiology and Medicine. Ongoing collaborations with partners such as Harvard ensure research excellence.
Learn more at the Medical University of Vienna website: https://www.meduniwien.ac.at/web/en/
6. Johannes Kepler University Linz
The Johannes Kepler University Linz is ranked among the top 600 universities worldwide, with over 21,000 students across 4 faculties. Founded in 1966, it has rapidly grown into one of Austria’s largest research universities.
The University has particular strengths in materials science, physics, chemistry, biomedicine, business and law. It provides excellent research infrastructure and close industry partnerships. Graduates enjoy strong employment prospects, with 92% in work or further study.
Johannes Kepler University Linz focuses on innovative interdisciplinary research to address global challenges. Researchers collaborate with over 200 universities worldwide. The University also has a leading Entrepreneurial School.
Learn more at the Johannes Kepler University Linz website: https://www.jku.at/en/
7. University of Graz
Founded in 1585, the University of Graz is Austria’s second largest university with over 32,000 students across 6 faculties. Ranked globally among the top 600 universities, it is renowned for social sciences, humanities and natural sciences.
The University of Graz provides access to cutting-edge research facilities, advanced learning spaces and a vast library. Researchers collaborate closely with international partners, with a strong focus on open science. Notable alumni include Nobel Prize winning physicist Erwin Schrödinger.
Students benefit from the University of Graz’s wide range of degree programs in fields such as molecular biology, physics, psychology, law and teacher education. Graduates enjoy excellent employment prospects and opportunities to study abroad.
Learn more at the University of Graz website: https://www.uni-graz.at/en/university-of-graz/
8. Vienna University of Economics and Business
Ranked as Austria’s top university for business and economics, WU Vienna University of Economics and Business is placed in the top 200 globally for business administration. Founded in 1898, it has over 24,000 students across 4 schools.
WU Vienna provides outstanding research-led business education with strengths in fields like finance, digitalization, entrepreneurship and sustainability. Over 1,800 partner universities worldwide offer students study abroad opportunities. Graduates enjoy a 95% employment rate.
Situated in Vienna’s business district, WU Vienna focuses on equipping students with leadership and innovation skills. The University also runs a start-up incubator, accelerating success for over 140 startups so far. Ongoing business partnerships ensure research excellence.
Learn more at the WU Vienna website: https://www.wu.ac.at/en/
9. University of Salzburg
Founded in 1622, the University of Salzburg provides high quality education and research opportunities to over 18,000 students. It ranks among the top 750 universities worldwide and offers over 100 study programs focused on humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, law and education.
Key strengths include mathematics, physics, neuroscience and sports science. The University’s Research Centre for Humanities fosters excellence across multiple disciplines. Graduates enjoy strong employment outcomes, with 85% securing work within a year.
Situated in the beautiful Baroque city of Salzburg, the University fosters a vibrant student culture. It also provides opportunities for students to gain international experience. Partnerships with 290 universities worldwide enable research collaboration and student exchanges.
Learn more at the University of Salzburg website: https://www.uni-salzburg.at/index.php?id=203196&L=1
10. Medical University of Graz
The Medical University of Graz ranks among the top 15 medical schools in Europe, with over 4,500 students focused on human and dental medicine. Founded in 2004, it emerged from the medical faculty of the University of Graz which has origins dating back to 1585.
The Medical University of Graz is at the forefront of biomedical research, with a strong focus on immunology, cancer research, neuroscience and molecular medicine. Researchers collaborate closely with partners across the world.
Students benefit from the Medical University of Graz’s state-of-the-art facilities, which enable hands-on clinical experience. Graduates are highly sought-after by employers, enjoying outstanding careers in healthcare across the globe.
Learn more at the Medical University of Graz website: https://www.medunigraz.at/en/
Conclusion
Austria’s long tradition of academic excellence shines through in its roster of top-ranked universities. From the historic University of Vienna to pioneering technology institutes like TU Wien, Austrian universities offer world-class education and research. Studying at one of these top universities in Austria provides students with coveted qualifications, advanced knowledge, and global connections to accelerate their careers. With outstanding professors, cutting-edge facilities and globally recognized degrees, Austria’s universities enable students to unleash their potential.