Austria, largely mountainous landlocked country of south-central Europe. Together with Switzerland, it forms what has been characterized as the neutral core of Europe, notwithstanding Austria’s full membership since 1995 in the supranational European Union (EU). In this article we want to talk about best universities in Austria and Austria university rankings so read the entire article.

Best universities in Austria

1. University of Vienna

The University of Vienna was founded by Duke Rudolph IV 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. 188 courses can be taken, of which 56 are Bachelor Programmes, 117 Master Programmes, 4 Diploma Programmes and 11 PhD Programmes. With staff of 9,400 employees, 6,700 of whom are academic, the University of Vienna is the largest teaching and research institution in Austria. It aims to sustain a wide range of studies, but at the same time to promote new and innovative fields of research, and to establish new networks between subjects. From 363 European partner universities, the University of Vienna has entered into an ERASMUS-Partnership with 350 universities. Students from approximately 130 countries attend more than 10,000 lectures at the University of Vienna every year.

2. Vienna University of Technology

The Vienna University of Technology (TU Wien) was founded in 1815 as Imperial-Royal Polytechnical Institute, it was the first University of Technology within present-day German-speaking Europe. Today the university finds high international and domestic recognition in teaching as well as in research and is a highly esteemed partner of innovation oriented enterprises. With its eight faculties – mathematics and geo-information, physics, technical chemistry, informatics, civil engineering, architecture and regional planning, mechanical engineering and business science, electrical engineering and information technology – the TU Wien covers the classic engineering disciplines. Although fundamental research has priority at the TU Wien applied research is also done. Moreover services are offered as high-tech problem solving and examination expertise for industry and economy. Innovation orientated companies are highly interested in co-operating with the Vienna University of Technology because of its high-tech and high-quality research and its openness for requests of the economy.

3. Universität Innsbruck

University of Innsbruck, Austria Considered to be the third oldest university in Austria, the University of Innsbruck was founded in 1669, with roots dating back even earlier, to 1562 when a Jesuit college was established.

The university had a tumultuous beginning and, over the years, was subject to a dissolution on two separate occasions.

Today, the university comprises 16 faculties (its most recent, the School of Education, opened in 2012), four interdisciplinary research platforms, and 41 research centres to facilitate networking and collaboration between different disciplines.

Physics, ‘Man and the Environment’, Cultural Conflicts, Scientific Computing and Molecular Biosciences are cited as being among its research priorities.

The university is located close to the Alps, bridging German and Romance speaking regions, where study programmes have developed to address the social, ecological and economic issues of the alpine region more widely. 

Innsbruck University boasts partnerships with 10 universities and co-operation agreements in place with another 400 worldwide. 

Courses are taught primarily in German, with a limited number of courses in English available within the business school at master’s level and in the Political Science Department at undergraduate level. 

It also has a number of accessibility programmes in place to ensure students from disadvantaged backgrounds are given the opportunity to access higher education. This includes the university’s partnerships with networks ASEA-UNINET and Eurasia-Pacific-Uninet, which works to integrate students from developing countries into European university setting.

Innsbruck is positioned between Munich in Germany and Verona in Italy, making it the Alpine region’s state capital. Renowned for its winter sports, and having hosted the Winter Olympics on several occasions, sport enthusiasts are often drawn to the university. 

The city is also a popular tourist destination on account of its cultural offering and beautiful Gothic architecture.

4. Graz University of Technology

Founded in 1811, the Graz University of Technology has three main campuses. Two of these are in the center of Graz, while the third is to the southeast of the city. Ranked among the world’s top 200 universities for mechanical engineering in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2017, TU Graz has over 13,000 students and is comprised of seven faculties. Notable alumni include the famous physicist Nikola Tesla.

5. Johannes Kepler University Linz

The Johannes Kepler University (JKU) Linz boasts future-oriented academic degree programs, excellence in teaching and research, numerous partnerships in Austria and abroad, and a unique campus with park-like grounds. Although a young university (established 1966), in a short period of time the JKU has become a cutting-edge institution for science, academics, business and the community. The Faculty of Social Sciences, Economics and Business (SOWI) has created its degree programs according to national and international quality standards, thus contributing greatly in an effort to address and solve complex social and business issues. The Faculty of Law (RE) focuses on excellence in public, private and international business law. Transnational cooperation efforts deal with legal issues at an international level. The JKU is the only university in Austria that offers a multimedia Diploma degree program in Law. The Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences (TN) works closely with both local and international businesses and industry. Various cooperation efforts yield numerous synergy effects that benefit both educators and students. The Faculty of Medicine (MED) is the most recent addition to the JKU Linz. Opened in 2014, the faculty offers an academic degree in Human Medicine.