University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria

Key Highlights

• Public university of applied sciences operating under Austrian higher-education law
• Four subject-specialized campuses in Hagenberg, Linz, Steyr and Wels
• 5,525 students in degree-level study, excluding the pre-entry course, in 2025/26
• Founded in 1993; the first degree programs began in 1994

Student Life & Environment

Student experience is organized locally around the four campuses. Each degree program offers introductory activities at the start of study, which may include campus tours and orientations to laboratories, studios and tools. University and student-organized events provide opportunities to meet classmates outside scheduled teaching, while sports and leisure activities vary by location. Core services available through the campus structure include libraries, IT support, International Offices, Career Centers and administration. Students also have access to the Austrian student representation, an e-learning environment, the LEVIS study-information system and support for students who are uncertain about continuing their studies. Career fairs, a university job portal and an alumni club connect academic life with internships, thesis opportunities and employment. Housing is not automatically assigned by the university. Students arrange their own rooms or apartments, using campus-specific listings for halls of residence, shared accommodation and private rentals. Because the institution operates in four different communities, housing supply, social life and daily routines are campus-specific. Prospective students should research the relevant city after choosing a degree rather than treating Linz as the location for every program.

Location & Surroundings

FH Upper Austria’s database record names Linz, but the university operates system-wide across four Upper Austrian locations within an approximately 45-kilometre radius of Linz. Linz is the provincial capital and hosts medical engineering and applied social sciences. Hagenberg is the base for informatics, communications and media; Steyr for business and management; and Wels for engineering. The institution’s central contact address is in Wels. This distribution has practical consequences. A student’s regular campus is determined by the chosen program, so applicants should evaluate accommodation and local services in that campus community. Housing options are listed near all four campuses and include student residences, shared apartments and private rentals. The university notes that Linz has the widest selection, while options are also available near Hagenberg, Steyr and Wels. International students should choose their residence carefully because the responsible residence-permit authority depends on the city of residence, and processing times can differ. Campus-specific International Offices can assist students who encounter difficulty locating accommodation.

Costs & Career Outcomes

The university’s current FAQ lists tuition of €363.36 per semester for EU and EEA students and €726.72 per semester for students from other countries. It also lists a compulsory Austrian Student Union contribution of €26.20 per semester. Tuition must be paid in full and generally cannot be refunded after early withdrawal. Limited reductions or waivers apply only in defined circumstances, so students should not budget on receiving one. FH Upper Austria estimates living expenses at approximately €600–€850 per month, depending on lifestyle and location. Its housing page says dormitory rent starts around €300 per month excluding meals, while an illustrative accommodation range including heating and electricity is €350–€500. Students must arrange housing themselves and should allow for food, transport, insurance, study materials and personal expenses. These are institutional estimates visible in August 2026, not guaranteed prices. Career preparation is embedded in the applied model through projects, internships and thesis work. Campus Career Centers and career fairs complement the Career Zone, where students can search for internships and thesis topics and graduates can find job listings. Because fields and employer connections differ among the four specialized schools, prospective students should compare the internship structure and career services of their intended program rather than relying on institution-wide employment claims.