Updated on Dec, 27 2025 05:15 IST
If you choose to study Fashion Design in Austria, you get exposure to the latest tools, software, and designs in terms of Fashion in the world. By blending creative education with practical work, universities in Austria teach Fashion Design in both German and English. With specializations such as Fashion Design, Textile Design, International Fashion Management, and Fashion and Product Management, students can choose from the area of expertise that they want to build a career in. When you decide to study Fashion Design in Austria, you will learn about Fashion management and design in relation to global fashion methods. The art schools that teach fashion design in Austria are quite affordable and well-renowned, which is why studying Fashion Design in Austria is one of the best choices you would ever make. Non-EU/EEA students, including Indians, must prepare for the English and German language proficiency exams at least 6 months before applying to study in Austria. Our team at Anigdha has outlined the admission process for you so that you do not miss out on the admissions for the relevant academic year. Read on to know more!
To study Fashion Design in Austria, applicants who are non-EU/EEA students, including Indians, must go through the following eligibility criteria. Students need to ensure that they have the relevant documents and the qualification to be able to apply to study Fashion Design in Austria:
For Bachelor's Program: (In German)
High School Leaving Certificate, and Marksheets
Proof of an Additional exam (if applicable)
For Master’s Program: (In German/English)
High School Leaving Certificate, and Marksheets
A relevant Bachelor’s degree in the field of Fashion Design, or a related discipline from a recognised university.
Language Proficiency: (Bachelor's): To study Fashion Design in Austria in German, students must have at least one of the following documents as proof of German language proficiency, indicating at least a B2 level of German language proficiency for a bachelor’s degree.
DSH (from Germany) – usually DSH-2
TestDaF
ÖSD (Österreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch)
telc Deutsch
Goethe-Institut Zertifikat
Proof of prior education in German (school or university degree in German)
Language Proficiency: (For Master’s): For the English language proficiency, the candidate must indicate at least a B2 level of English language proficiency for a Master’s degree program in the field of Fashion Design via the following documents:
IELTS: A minimum overall band score of 6.5 and above.
TOEFL iBT: A minimum score of 94 and above for Masters in Austria.
To study Fashion Design in Austria, applicants must collect and submit the following documents with the application:
Academic and Educational Documents:
For Bachelor’s: High School Leaving Certificate, and Marksheets; Proof of additional exams (if applicable)
For Master's: Bachelor's Degree in Fashion Design or a related field from a UGC-recognized university. Semester-wise marksheets.
Language Proficiency Documents: As mentioned in the above checklist
Identity Documents:
Birth Certificate
Recent Passport-size Photos: 3-4
Valid Indian Passport
Financial Documents:
Bank Statements as proof of funds
Application Documents:
CV/Resume
Letters of Recommendation
Statement of Purpose (SOP)/Motivation Letter
Application Form
Health & Insurance Documents:
Health Insurance
Medical Health Certificate
Visa-Specific Documents:
Fee Payment Receipt
Visa Application (Form D)
Health Insurance
University Invitation Letter
Accommodation Proof
Travel Proof
Travel Insurance
Below are some of the best universities that non-EU/EEA students, including Indian students, can apply to study Fashion Design in Austria. These universities have a strong faculty for Fashion Design courses, as mentioned below:
For a Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Design:
University of Vienna
Program: BA in Fashion Design
FH Joanneum (University of Applied Sciences)
Program: Fashion and Product Management (focus on fashion, marketing, and business)
Mode Design Academy
Program: BA in Fashion Design
Salzburg University of Applied Sciences
Program: BA in Fashion and Textile Design
For a Master’s Degree in Fashion Design
University of Vienna
Program: MA in Fashion Design, Textile Design, and other related fields to fashion and art
FH Joanneum (University of Applied Sciences)
Program: MA in International Fashion Management
Mode Design Academy
Program: MA in Fashion Design (advanced)
Salzburg University of Applied Sciences
Program: MA in Fashion and Textile Design (focus on both creative and technical aspects)
The tuition fee to study Fashion Design in Austria, for non-EU/EEA students, at public and private universities is quite affordable. Below is the fee structure for the same:
| University | Program | Annual Tuition Fee |
|---|---|---|
| University of Vienna | BA in Fashion Design; MA in Fashion Design, Textile Design, and other related fields to fashion and art | €1,500 - €2,000 |
| FH Joanneum (University of Applied Sciences) | BA in Fashion and Product Management (focus on fashion, marketing, and business); MA in International Fashion Management | €3,000 |
| Mode Design Academy | BA in Fashion Design; MA in Fashion Design (advanced) | €8,000 |
| Salzburg University of Applied Sciences | BA in Fashion and Textile Design; MA in Fashion and Textile Design (focus on both creative and technical aspects) | €3,000 |
To make your education in Austria more affordable, you can apply for a university-specific scholarship that the Austrian universities offer each year. The scholarships and grants are also offered by the government, for non-EU/EEA students looking to study Fashion Design, which are as follows:
Austrian Government Scholarships
Austrian Exchange Service (OeAD) - Open to students from all over the world, typically for postgraduate studies or research, and covers living expenses, travel costs, and sometimes tuition fees.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Programs (EMJM) – Open to students from the European Union and non-EU countries, and covers travel expenses, living costs, and sometimes tuition.
University-Specific Scholarships
University of Applied Arts Vienna – Offers scholarships based on academic excellence and financial need.
FH Joanneum – Offers performance-based and need-based scholarships for Fashion Design students.
To study Fashion Design in Austria, students need to keep the application deadline in mind so that students can apply for a Visa on time. Below are the details about the same:
| University/Program | Intake Semester | Application Deadline (Non-EU/EEA Students) |
| University of Vienna | Winter Semester (Starting October) | May, 31 |
| FH Joanneum (University of Applied Sciences) | Winter Semester (Starting October) | July, 5 |
| Mode Design Academy | Winter Semester (Starting October) | June, 31 |
| Salzburg University of Applied Sciences | Winter Semester (Starting October) | June, 30 |
To study Fashion Design in Austria in German, students must have at least one of the following documents as proof of German language proficiency, indicating at least a B2 level of German language proficiency for a bachelor’s degree.
DSH (from Germany) – usually DSH-2
TestDaF
ÖSD (Österreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch)
telc Deutsch
Goethe-Institut Zertifikat
Proof of prior education in German (school or university degree in German)
The duration to study Fashion Design in Austria depends on your choice of a bachelor’s or a master’s degree program, as mentioned below:
Bachelor’s Degree (BA)
Minimum Duration: 3 years (6 semesters)
Maximum Duration:Up to 4–5 years for: Preparation of the German/English language, Interruption in studies or internship work
Master’s Degree (MA)
Minimum Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Maximum Duration: 3–4 years for: Thesis/research-based projects, Interruption in studies or internship work
Summary:
| University | Program | Duration | Medium of Instruction |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Vienna | BA in Fashion Design; MA in Fashion Design, Textile Design, and other related fields to fashion and art | BA: 3 Years; MA: 2 Years | BA: German; MA: English |
| FH Joanneum (University of Applied Sciences) | BA in Fashion and Product Management (focus on fashion, marketing, and business); MA in International Fashion Management | BA: 3 Years; MA: 2 Years | BA: German; MA: English |
| Mode Design Academy | BA in Fashion Design; MA in Fashion Design (advanced) | BA: 3 Years; MA: 2 Years | English |
| Salzburg University of Applied Sciences | BA in Fashion and Textile Design; MA in Fashion and Textile Design (focus on both creative and technical aspects) | BA 3 Years; MA 2 Years | BA: German; MA: English |
Since Austria has some of the best art schools to study Fashion Design in Austria, students need to ensure that they prepare for the German and English proficiency exams at least 6 months before applying for the course in Fashion Design. Students must also be aware of the deadlines, as well as the admission process, so that they do not miss out on quality education from some of the top universities in Austria for their desired course in Fashion Design. Our team at Anigdha has prepared an outline of the simple admission process, and we are here to assist you throughout your journey in getting admission to your desired choice of university in Austria:
Course Selection: Based on your eligibility, requirements, and budget, our team at Anigdha will prepare a list of universities that you can apply to study Fashion Design in Austria.
Documentation: A list of documents will be provided to you by Team Anigdha. You need to gather those documents and submit them to our team so that they are submitted properly and in the right format.
Application Submission: Submission of the study in Austria application needs to be done carefully and well before the deadline, which our professionals at Anigdha are experts at.
Approval and Fee Payment: Once the university accepts your application, an approval letter will be sent to you, after which Team Anigdha will proceed with the payment of your tuition fee.
Admission Confirmation and Visa: A confirmation letter confirming your seat to study Fashion Design in Austria will be sent by the university soon after the tuition fee is paid. Team Anigdha will attach the confirmation letter to your Type D Visa Application so that the Visa process can be expedited. We will also help you collect your documents as per the checklist, and format as mentioned in the list of Austrian Embassy checklist.
Travel and Accommodation: Your Visa will arrive in 3-4 weeks, after which our team at Anigdha will book your flight tickets to Austria and book an affordable accommodation near the university.
Can I study Fashion Design in Austria as an international student?
Yes, Fashion Design in Austria is open to both EU and non-EU students.
Is a BA in Fashion Design in Austria available in the English language of instruction?
Yes, Mode Design Academy offers a BA in Fashion Design in the English language of instruction.
What level of German do I need to study Fashion Design in Austria?
For German-taught programs, at least a B2 level of German language proficiency is typically required. You may need to provide certificates such as ÖSD, TestDaF, or Goethe.
Can I take a language course before starting the program?
Yes. Many universities offer German preparatory language courses before the academic session begins, which you can enroll for with the help of Team Anigdha.
What is the Visa requirement to study Fashion Design in Austria?
To study Fashion Design in Austria, you need a Type D Visa and a student residence permit on arrival.
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