Study in Austria vs South Korea: student visa compared
A side-by-side look at the student-visa requirements for Austria and South Korea— the funds you must show, living costs, fees, processing time and document load. Figures are sourced from each country's official pages and date-verified.
| Factor | Austria | South Korea |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of funds (per year) | 15,701 EUR | 20,000,000 KRW |
| Living cost (per month) | 1,308 EUR | 1,200,000 KRW |
| Visa fee | 160 EUR | 80,000 KRW |
| Typical processing time | ~10 weeks | ~4 weeks |
| Main intakes | Mar, Oct | Mar, Sep |
| Required documents | 6 | 5 |
Funds are shown in each country's own currency, so “lower” is only marked when currencies match. Always confirm current figures on the official sources below.
Verdict: Austria vs South Korea
- South Korea needs less money up front — about €13,333/year versus €15,701 for Austria (≈ €2,368 less).
- South Korea is typically faster to process (~4 weeks vs ~10 for Austria).
- South Korea asks for fewer required documents (5).
Money figures normalised to euros at ECB rates for comparison; official requirements are set in each country's own currency.
Unique to Austria
- University admission
- Proof of funds
- Health insurance
- Proof of accommodation
Unique to South Korea
- Certificate of Admission
- Financial requirement
- National Health Insurance (NHIS)
- Accommodation
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Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to study in Austria or South Korea?
By proof of funds, South Korea is cheaper — €13,333/year versus €15,701 (compared at ECB rates, 2026-06-20). Tuition and living costs vary too — see each country's full guide.
Which student visa is faster, Austria or South Korea?
South Korea typically processes faster (~4 weeks vs ~10). Embassy appointment availability is often the real bottleneck in both.
Should I study in Austria or South Korea?
It depends on your budget, course and goals. South Korea needs less money up front — about €13,333/year versus €15,701 for Austria (≈ €2,368 less). South Korea is typically faster to process (~4 weeks vs ~10 for Austria). South Korea asks for fewer required documents (5). Use each country's full requirements guide and the eligibility tools to decide.