Study Abroad in Vienna
College Study Abroad
Explore Vienna with CIEE
Study abroad in Vienna, Austria’s elegant capital, where European heritage and a modern, innovation-focused atmosphere seamlessly blend. Historic cafés and grand palaces like Schönbrunn sit alongside a growing startup and research scene shaping Europe’s future, while Baroque streets, world-class museums, and a vibrant arts and music culture blend tradition with modern innovation. Vienna study abroad students experience a dynamic environment where innovation in technology, sustainability, and urban planning is led by universities and creative spaces throughout the city. One of Europe’s most, beautiful, livable, and international capitals, Vienna offers a study abroad experience that’s both intellectually enriching and inspiring!
While abroad, you may complete a full- or part-time internship in Vienna, gaining real-world international work experience and developing valuable professional skills. Internships are available across diverse industries, including the arts, business management, finance, hospitality, and more, providing a well-rounded perspective of today's global job market and enriching the overall study abroad experience.
Top Activities in Vienna with CIEE
Every CIEE Vienna study abroad and international internship program includes frequent cultural excursions uniquely designed to complement the program’s academics and enhance students’ cultural immersion. In Vienna, excursions may include:
- Taking guided tours of iconic landmarks such as Schönbrunn Palace, exploring the historic city center (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), or discovering vibrant neighborhoods filled with cafés, markets, and Habsburg-era and modern architecture
- Attending a classical music performance at the Musikverein or opera at the Vienna State Opera, experiencing Vienna’s world-renowned musical heritage firsthand
- Getting immersed in Vienna’s innovation scene by visiting startup hubs, touring cutting-edge research centers, or networking with entrepreneurs shaping the city’s future in tech and business
Where You’ll Study
CIEE Vienna
Study in a city renowned for its elegance, intellectual legacy, and creative excellence. Experience immersive academics alongside classical music, historic architecture, café culture, and a high quality of life that makes Vienna one of Europe’s most inspiring capitals.
Internships & Volunteering in Vienna
Students can add valuable international work experience to their resume by interning in art studios, financial firms, corporate offices, marketing agencies, and hospitality venues.
New Programs Coming Soon
- Business + Culture (Fall 2027)
- Engineering, Technology + Sciences (Fall 2027)
- Open Campus Block (Fall 2027)
- Quarter in Vienna (Fall 2027)
- Semester Global Internship (Fall 2027)
- Semester in Vienna (Fall 2027)
- Semester Intern + Study Abroad (Fall 2027)
- Sustainable Smart Cities (Fall 2027)
Pocket Guide to Vienna
Currency
Euro
Spoken Languages
Austrian German, English
Available Transportation
U-Bahn (subway), streetcars, buses, regional trains, bike-sharing network
Famous Local
Sigmund Freud – a pioneering figure in psychology known for founding psychoanalysis and shaping modern understandings of the human mind
Climate
Temperate continental climate with warm summers, cold winters, and moderate rainfall throughout the year
Local Attraction
The Prater – Vienna's largest public gardens and amusement park, including the famous giant Ferris wheel
Did you know?
The Prater – Vienna's largest public gardens and amusement park, including the famous giant Ferris wheel
Airport
Vienna International Airport (VIE)
Social Norms
Viennese culture values respectfulness, punctuality, and formality
What to Pack
Comfortable walking shoes, layered clothing, umbrella, sport coat or blazer for cultural evenings
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Vienna is an incredible place to study abroad! With its mix of universities, international organizations, great coffee, and a buzzing arts scene, the city makes everyday life feel exciting and inspiring.
On a Vienna study abroad program, you can spend your mornings in class and your afternoons exploring world-class museums, grabbing coffee at a classic Viennese Kaffeehaus, or strolling through historic streets. Plus, Vienna’s central location makes it easy to hop on a train and explore more of Europe, so there’s always something new to discover.
Studying abroad in Vienna means living in a city that blends history, culture, and creativity at every turn. With world-class music and art in a historic setting, Vienna offers an inspiring backdrop for your studies.
You’ll take engaging courses and then bring these subjects to life exploring the city with your faculty and CIEE staff. Once the capital of a multicultural empire extending from the Alps in the west to Russia in the east, Vienna was the stage on which some of the most important events and ideas in European history played out. This history is visible and explorable today still.
As a tourist in any city, you’ll want to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings. Research the areas of Vienna you’ll be going to, ask friendly locals for their opinions, and learn basic German phrases in case of emergency. Stay in well-lit areas at night, avoid walking alone once it’s dark, and always use official transportation services.
In the event of an emergency, remember that CIEE staff are available 24/7 and can be reached at 1-800-40-STUDY (1-800-407-8839).
Read More: Student Safety Tips
The cost of studying abroad in Vienna varies depending on the program you choose and how long you plan to go abroad. For detailed cost information, we recommend researching each of the individual Vienna study abroad programs.
For costs not included in the outlined fees, you'll want to consider factors surrounding your journey while abroad.
Read More: How Much Does it Cost to Study Abroad?
Student life in Vienna is lively, social, and full of culture. You’ll balance classes with exploring the city – meeting friends at cafés, studying in beautiful libraries, and enjoying the city’s many parks and public spaces.
In your free time, you can visit museums, attend concerts, or experience Vienna’s famous coffeehouse scene. With a strong student presence and plenty to see and do, it’s easy to build a routine while still feeling like you’re discovering something new every day.
No, you don’t need to know German to study abroad in Vienna. CIEE courses are offered in English, and you’ll find that English is widely spoken throughout the city, especially in academic and student settings.
That said, learning a few basic German phrases – and even some Austrian dialect – will enhance your experience and help you connect more with local culture.
Study Abroad Scholarships & Grants
Apply in 1,2,3!
You may be wondering if there are any scholarships for studying abroad in Vienna. CIEE offers scholarships and grants for study abroad programs in Vienna to students with demonstrated financial need, proven academic merit, and for specific CIEE programs. Students can apply for scholarships through 3 simple steps:
- Search for and apply to your dream program
- Review all available funding opportunities
- Complete the Scholarship & Grants portion of your application
Study Abroad Scholarships
NEED-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS
Based on students' Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) from their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and enrolled institution. Complete the Scholarships & Grants portion of your program application to be considered for all awards to which you are eligible.
MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS
Based on academic achievement. Complete the Scholarships & Grants portion of your program application, along with an essay, to be considered for all awards to which you are eligible.
OTHER SCHOLARSHIPS
Other scholarship awards are based on program or alumni status.