Best Universities for Master Programs in Austria 2024

Founded in 1991, Central European University(CEU) is based on the premise that human fallibility can be counterbalanced by the critical discussion of ideas and that this critical spirit can be sustained best in societies where citizens have the freedom to scrutinize competing theories and openly evaluate and change government policies. CEU is one of the most densely international universities in the world. Its rare mix of nationalities, ethnicities, and cultures creates an ideal environment for examining such “open society” subjects as emerging democracies, transitional economies, media freedom, nationalism, human rights, and the rule of law.

As Lower Austria's largest University of Applied Sciences and one of the country's top educational institutions, we focus on practice-oriented education, international networking and innovative research work. Thanks to our high-quality standards in teaching and research, our determined focus on practical orientation and our strive to continuously develop, we are designers and role models in the Austrian FH sector.

Public policy today is in a global, multi-level crisis. Tipping the scales towards a more secure peace, social justice and environmental sustainability – to name but a few – requires innovative and entrepreneurial engagement for the common good. Building a multi-disciplinary and global institution committed to the values of open society and creating strong and flexible links between research and practice is one way of responding to what is, overall, a failure of policy elites to tackle the most urgent problems of our time. The Department of Public Policy at Central European University offers four master's degrees in public policy, and the public policy track of the Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science program. The degree programs are tailored for students from around the world seeking careers in the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors at the local, national, European Union and international levels. Successful engagement for the public good in today’s world also requires a better, fairer representation of diverging perspectives. To that end, DPP is vigorously inclusive, attracting both students and faculty from diverse backgrounds and tapping into a wide variety of knowledge sources. DPP’s students are the future social and political entrepreneurs, equipped to make innovative contributions towards resolving the paramount public policy challenges of the 21st century.

EIT Manufacturing (EITM) Master School is part of EIT Manufacturing, a European association of leading Universities, industries, and research centers linked to the manufacturing sector, with the aim of boosting European manufacturing to become globally competitive and sustainable for society. By bringing together the three sides of the ‘knowledge triangle’: business (large companies and SMEs), education institutions, and research centers, EITM wants to increase the cooperation and integration between education, business, and research.

The University of Trento was founded in 1962 and has always aimed at building alliance and reciprocal efficiency with Italian and foreign institutions and organizations. In 1982, the University (until then private) became public, with a statute that guaranteed self-government.

With more than 3,700 students, the St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences is a key player in the Austrian higher education sector and one of the most important employers in the region. Our university distinguishes itself through its a future-oriented and steadily growing number of study programs, strong interdisciplinary collaboration and its research focus.

EIT RawMaterials Academy - SUMA offers students a unique opportunity to learn in a dynamic environment, focusing on real-life challenges. Awarded by the EIT (European Institute of Innovation and Technology), a body of the European Union, the EIT Label is a certificate of quality that is granted only to excellent educational programs at the master and doctoral level.

The eLearning Academy for Communication, based in Austria, offers innovative distance learning Master’s degrees in the field of marketing, management and communication that students can study from home in cooperation with the University of Applied Sciences Burgenland and its training company Austrian Institute of Management.

Z_GIS is an interdisciplinary Centre of Competence for Geoinformatics, integrating basic and applied research with graduate education and outreach activities. By applying innovative spatial concepts and methodologies, we contribute to the management of our societies, businesses and environments.

The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) has been training diplomats and other key actors in the multilateral system to strengthen their capacities and knowledge in the practice of diplomacy, and enabling positive change for 60 years. As the training arm of the United Nations, UNITAR provides innovative learning solutions to individuals, organizations, and institutions to enhance global decision-making and support country-level action for shaping a better future. Participants who choose UNITAR receive world-class training, and the opportunity to expand the reach of their global networks and increase their career prospects, all whilst learning from practitioners and fellow participants from different cultures and worldviews. Over the past 60 years, UNITAR has acquired unique expertise and experience in designing and delivering a variety of training activities. We have become a leading institute in the provision of customized and creative learning solutions to institutions and individuals from both public and private sectors. With a strategy fully focused on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), UNITAR supports the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.

Situated in the heart of Europe, the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria is the leading research university of applied sciences in Austria. Operating across four campuses in Hagenberg, Linz, Steyr and Wels, it offers more than 70 top-ranked degree programs at both undergraduate and postgraduate level in Informatics, Communications and Media, Medical Technology, Applied Social Sciences, Business and Management, and Engineering and Applied Natural Sciences. With its hands-on learning approach, it equips students to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global landscape.

The New Design University St. Pölten (NDU) is an international, real-life site of high-end education in design, technology, and business. The NDU trains creative thinkers who advance social change and explore tomorrow’s processes of work and design today. The New Design University St. Pölten currently offers six bachelor's courses and two master's courses. BACHELOR Graphic Design & Information Design Interior Design & 3D Design Manual & Material Culture Event Engineering Designing Digital Systems - IoT Management by Design MASTER Interior Design & Visual Communication Entrepreneurship & Innovation FOUNDATION COURSE For all those who are not yet sure whether a creative bachelor's course is just the right thing for them, there is the Foundation Course - a two-semester basic course, serving as a preparation for a subsequent bachelor's course at the New Design University. LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS Please note that proof of at least a B2 level in German is required for admission. We therefore strongly encourage candidates to enrol in an intensive German course prior to commencing their studies at the NDU.

The health university “Sustainable Health Research” is the central topic at the Medical University of Graz. Teaching, research, and patient care under the sign of sustainability with a central focus on prevention and maintenance of health characterize the Styrian Health University. Students, teachers, and employees learn and work with one another according to the principles of the biopsychosocial model, which focuses on people and all their needs. In addition to training future doctors and nursing scientists as well as research into innovative healing methods and health-preserving measures, the University of Health takes on patient care at a high level. Not only students benefit from the great expert knowledge, but the entire population. In the context of media reports, lectures, and numerous events, young and old can use a wide range of knowledge. Postgraduate training for physicians and other target groups round off the wide range.

The Anton Bruckner Private University is an open, innovative centre for the arts, where the performers and teachers of tomorrow receive an individualized education in music, drama, and dance. As one of the seven Austrian universities for music and drama, and one of the four universities in Linz, the UNESCO City of Media Arts, the Bruckner University sees its role both as a training ground for performing, teaching, and academic research, and as an important agent in the development and communication of the arts. The cultural landscape of Upper Austria sets an example in music education all over Europe. The Upper Austrian Provincial Government gives particular support to artistic education, which is why – compared with similar institutions – tuition fees here are extremely moderate. Culture characterises Upper Austria - a discussion process about our cultural model has developed a framework for future targets in cultural policy. We have taken the opportunity to be involved in this debate.

The University of Vienna was founded in 1365. It is the oldest university in the German-speaking world and one of the largest in Central Europe. Currently, about 91.000 students are enrolled at the University of Vienna. 179 courses can be taken, of which 56 are Bachelor Programmes, 112 Master Programmes, 3 Diploma Programmes and 8 PhD Programmes.