Student Guide
Formalities
For students from other EU countries and also Switzerland there are no particular formalities, a valid passport is sufficient. With non-EU countries, however, your International coordinator needs to ensure that you abide by all visa regulations for Austria.
Local Registration
In Austria all changes of address have to be registered with the local authority within three working days. This also applies to foreign exchange students. In order to register you will need to take your passport (with a valid visa if necessary) and an official registration form, the 'Meldezettel', to the municipality of Hagenberg. Furthermore the 'Meldezettel' has to be signed by your landlord or the administrator of your accommodation.
You will be given an official print-out of your registration details which should be kept safely and will be needed for your health insurance coverage.
Approximate living costs
Approximate living costs per month
Rent (inclusive) 200 - 300 Euros
Food 200 Euros
Entertaiment 100 Euros
Other expenses 60 Euros
Total 560 - 660 Euros
Most banks offer free student bank accounts which can be opened with a valid passport and student ID. Students older than 25 must provide proof of university registration ('Studienbestätigung').
Health Insurance Coverage
Austria has an excellent public health care system. If you are staying in Austria for less than one year, you should find out if there is an agreement between your home country and Austria regarding health insurance.
Between EU countries there is a reciprocal health insurance system. You need to bring a proof of health insurance coverage of your own insurance company or your health insurance card before coming to Austria in order to ensure that you will be treated in Austria in the event of any illness without having to pay anything yourself.
At any event, international exchange students who are non-EU citizens must obtain full health insurance in Austria with the Upper Austrian Health Insurance Company (OOGKK) for a fee of
about € 49,85 per month. Students can insure themselves for as long (or as short) as necessary.
To register for insurance with OOGKK you need the following:
>> Confirmation of enrolment at Hagenberg Campus (“Inskriptionsbestatigung”)
>> your Residence Registration (“Meldezettel”)
>> Proof of health insurance coverage in your home country during the last 12 months.
The insurance covers hospital stays, medical attention and service all free of charge (with a medical insurance record card available at the OOGKK), reduced prescription charges of about € 5 each.
Non-emergency Medical Treatment
If you need non-emergency medical treatment and are from an EU country that has a reciprocal health insurance agreement with Austria, you must take your passport and a proof of health insurance coverage of your own insurance company or your health insurance card from your home country to the general medical practitioner or the medical specialist whom you like to see. These documents entitle you to receive most medical treatment free of charge from doctors that have a contract with this regional public health insurance organisation. Such doctors usually advertise with the words “alle Kassen” on the wall plates outside their offices and it is to them that you should go for non-emergency medical treatment during consulting hours.
If you are from a country that does not have such a reciprocal health care agreement with Austria, you must take your passport and your health insurance card (e-card) to the general medical practitioner or the medical specialist whom you like to see.
After your registration with the Upper Austrian Health Insurance Company (OOGKK in Pregarten, near Hagenberg) it usually takes 2 weeks until you receive your e-card, in case of medical attention is required before you have got your e-card, use your Residence Registration (Meldezettel) as a substitute for the e-card.
