The University of Graz (Universität Graz, officially Karl-Franzens-Universität Graz) is a public university in Styria, active since 1585. In winter semester 2025/26 it had more than 30,000 students, 20.8 per cent of them international.[1][2] It is ranked 696th in the QS World University Rankings 2027, down from 668th and the only Austrian university in that table to lose places.[3]
Students from third countries generally pay a tuition fee of €726.72 per semester plus the ÖH fee, which rises to €26.20 from winter semester 2026/27; citizens of the poorest countries on a national list pay only the ÖH fee.[4][5] For German-taught programmes you need German at level A2 to apply and level C1 to start; the Vorstudienlehrgang can bridge the gap.[6]
Key facts
| Official name | Karl-Franzens-Universität Graz (Universität Graz)[7] |
| Location | Graz, Styria, Austria (Universitätsplatz 3, 8010 Graz)[8] |
| Type | Public university[7] |
| Founded | 1585 (1 January 1585, by Archduke Charles II of Inner Austria, according to Wikipedia)[7] |
| Students | More than 30,000 in winter semester 2025/26; 61.7% women, 20.8% international[1] |
| New students | 4,928 beginners in winter semester 2025/26, of them 31.8% international[1] |
| Graduates | 2,996 in the academic year 2024/25[1] |
| Employees | 4,799 (adjusted headcount, 2025)[1] |
| Faculties | Seven: Catholic Theology; Law; Social and Economic Sciences; Humanities; Natural Sciences; Environmental, Regional and Educational Sciences; Interdisciplinary Studies[1] |
| QS World University Rankings 2027 | 696th (2026 edition: 668th)[3] |
| Times Higher Education 2027 | Group 501–550[9] |
| Main language of teaching | German (A2 to apply, C1 to start); English-taught master’s programmes[6] |
| Tuition, third-country students | €726.72 per semester + ÖH fee[4] |
| Official website | uni-graz.at |
Checked against the sources listed at the bottom of this page on 7 November 2026.
About the University of Graz
The University of Graz says it has been active in the south of Austria since 1585, with 30,000 students and 4,700 employees.[2] Wikipedia gives the foundation date as 1 January 1585 and names Archduke Charles II of Inner Austria as the founder.[7]
It has seven faculties. The largest by students in winter semester 2025/26 are Natural Sciences (9,674), Humanities (7,907) and Environmental, Regional and Educational Sciences (5,971).[1] In 2025 its budget was about €350 million, of which about €4.3 million came from tuition fees.[1]
How is the University of Graz ranked?
In the QS World University Rankings 2027, published in June 2026, the University of Graz is 696th, down from 668th. It was the only Austrian university in the ranking to lose places.[3]
In the Times Higher Education ranking 2027 it is in the band 501–550.[9] Rankings weigh reputation surveys heavily and differ by publisher, so treat one position as one view. How we compile rankings.
What can you study at the University of Graz?
The university teaches in seven faculties covering theology, law, social and economic sciences, humanities, natural sciences, environmental, regional and educational sciences, and interdisciplinary studies.[1]
The International Office lists English-language master’s programmes, among them Data Science, Chemistry, Biotechnology, Biology, Advanced Materials Science, Computational Social Systems, English Studies/American Studies, Environmental System Sciences and several joint programmes such as European Studies and Sustainable Development.[10] The university’s page on studying in German describes the language rules for German-taught programmes.[6] Some bachelor’s and teacher training programmes have restricted admission with a separate admission procedure.[11]
How much does the University of Graz cost?
| Student group | Tuition fee per semester | ÖH fee per semester |
|---|---|---|
| EU/EEA citizens, degree programme | None within the minimum study time + 2 grace semesters; tuition fee afterwards | Yes, every semester |
| Third-country citizens (generally) | €726.72 every semester | Yes, every semester |
| Citizens of the poorest countries on the national list | None | Yes, every semester |
| Equal status, after the tuition-free period | €363.36 | Yes, every semester |
The ÖH fee rises to €26.20 from winter semester 2026/27.[5] The University of Graz’s tuition pages do not name an academic year for the €726.72 and €363.36 amounts, which apply as published when we checked on 7 November 2026.[4]
Who can pay less?
People with a residence permit other than a student permit (for example EU long-term resident, family member or Red-White-Red Card) may be treated as EU/EEA citizens. Holders of a student permit qualify only if they hold a school-leaving certificate from an Austrian school abroad or have lived in Austria for at least 5 years before their first admission, or if a person legally obliged to maintain them has. Equality is not automatic: you must apply within the deadlines.[4]
Vorstudienlehrgang
Attending the preparatory programme costs approximately €500 per semester, and you pay no tuition fee at the University of Graz while you attend it.[6]
For living costs see the Austria guide and Study in Austria.
How do you apply to the University of Graz?
International degree applicants use the dedicated admissions site for international students. You submit scans of the original documents; documents not in German or English need a translation by a court-certified translator, and the originals must be uploaded with the translations. Depending on the issuing country, documents must be legalised, and applications without the required legalisation cannot be processed.[11]
The university warns that incomplete applications are rejected and that you cannot apply again in the same semester, so apply only when you have all documents and the language certificate.[11] For master’s applications you also need the application form, a copy of your passport, degree documents with a transcript, and a language certificate; applicants from certain countries (for example India, Pakistan, Nigeria and Bangladesh) must add a VFS Education Services Competency Check.[12] Deadlines are on the university’s page for submission deadlines, so we do not repeat them here.[11]
Which language level do you need?
For a programme taught in German you need proof of German at least at level A2 (CEFR, the European scale from A1 to C2) to apply, and at least C1 to actually start studying. With A2, B1 or B2 you can apply, but you start with a pre-university course rather than the degree.[6]
The Vorstudienlehrgang lets you catch up on subjects such as German, mathematics, history or physics. You cannot apply for it directly; you apply for your degree programme, and the checking of your documents decides whether and which subjects you must attend. It lasts 3 to 5 semesters, depending on the subjects.[6]
For programmes taught in English, you must prove English instead; the Academic Affairs office lists the accepted certificates.[10]
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is tuition at the University of Graz for non-EU students?
Do I need German to study at the University of Graz?
What is the Vorstudienlehrgang?
A preparatory programme in Graz of 3 to 5 semesters in which you catch up on German and other subjects. It costs approximately €500 per semester, and you pay no tuition fee at the University of Graz while attending.[6]
Is the University of Graz the same as TU Graz?
No. TU Graz is a separate university with its own ranking entry (409th in QS 2027, against 696th for the University of Graz).[9]
How is the University of Graz ranked?
696th in the QS World University Rankings 2027, down from 668th.[3]
More about studying in Austria
- Austria: best universities
- Study in Austria: complete guide
- Cost of Studying Abroad
- International Student Scholarships
- University Ranking Methodology
More university profiles in Austria
Sources
[1] University of Graz: Facts and figures (figures for winter semester 2025/26, 2024/25 and 2025)
[2] University of Graz: About the University (page without a date)
[3] Vienna.at (APA): Which Austrian universities are gaining in the world ranking (QS 2027; QS publishes the ranking at topuniversities.com, which blocks automated access) (article of 18 Jun 2026)
[4] University of Graz, Academic Affairs: International degree students (tuition fee) (page without a date; the academic year is not named)
[5] University of Graz, Academic Affairs: ÖH fee is increased (news item of 7 Apr 2026)
[6] University of Graz Welcome Center: Studying in German language (page without a date)
[7] Wikipedia: University of Graz (name, type and foundation)
[8] University of Graz: Homepage (address in the footer) (page without a date)
[9] News.at: Österreichs Unis im Weltranking (THE, QS and Shanghai compared) (article updated 14 Oct 2026)
[10] University of Graz Welcome Center: Studying in English (page without a date)
[11] University of Graz: Application for bachelor’s and diploma studies (international students) (page without a date)
[12] University of Graz: Application for master’s studies (international students) (page without a date)
Figures may change; check official sources before you decide. How we compile our data · Found an error? Tell us.