Schengen Short-Stay (Type C) — Student / Research / InternshipVerified 2026-04-16Austria Student / Research / Internship Visa (Schengen Type C — Short Stay)
This visa is granted for those who want to do short-term studies, research, or an internship in Austria. Those who intend to work/study longer than 90 days should apply for Visa D (long-stay) or a Residence Permit.
Processing
15 working days from when the Embassy receives your complete application (not counting VFS transport time)
Stay Duration
Up to 90 days (for longer, apply for Visa D or Residence Permit)
Starting Fee
€90
Apply At
11 VFS centres
Special Instructions — Read Before Applying
These requirements apply to ALL Austria visa types. Violations mean your application will be rejected — read each one carefully.
- 1Applications cannot be submitted more than 6 months prior to intended departure. Apply at least 15 working days before travel — submissions under 15 days may be returned to VFS unprocessed.
- 2Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended stay, have at least 2 blank pages, and must have been issued within the previous 10 years. NO alterations or handwritten amendments concerning the data page.
- 3From 1 January 2026, travel medical insurance will ONLY be accepted if issued by one of the approved Indian insurance companies listed on the VFS Austria site.
- 4Travel medical insurance must cover the ENTIRE period of stay or transit, minimum coverage €30,000, valid throughout all Schengen Member States, and include COVID-19 treatment.
- 5If applicant intends to stay longer than 6 months, a Residence Permit (Aufenthaltstitel) must be applied for. Visa C: up to 90 days. Visa D: 91–180 days. Neither category can be extended or renewed inside Austria.
- 6Representatives must provide an original letter of authorization from the applicant bearing the name of the representative and their organization / company, with a valid photo ID copy attached.
- 7The applicant bears sole responsibility concerning all content of the application. Incomplete or faulty documentation can be a reason for refusal.
- 8Bank statements for the last 3 months are MANDATORY and must be stamped & signed by the bank.
Who Can Apply
- Indian students on short-term exchange at Austrian universities (≤90 days)
- Students attending summer schools, workshops, academic seminars in Austria
- Researchers on short research visits at Austrian institutes
- Interns on short internships at Austrian companies (with AMS permission)
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Fees (in INR)
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Adult visa (Schengen Type C — Short Stay) | €90 |
| Children 6–12 years — Embassy fee | €45 |
| Children under 6 years — Embassy fee | FREE |
| VFS service charge | ₹2,479 |
Embassy fees are set in EUR by the Austrian Embassy — the actual INR charged at VFS varies with the daily exchange rate. VFS service charge is fixed in INR. All fees payable in Cash / Card / UPI (or Rupay). Fees are non-refundable in case the visa is refused. Approximate total for an adult short-stay visa: €90 + ₹2,479 (~₹12,289 at current rates).
Documents Required
Core Documents
- !Application form
Fully completed in English/German, signed by applicant
- !Passport
Valid 3 months beyond stay, 2 blank pages, ≤10 years old, no alterations
- !One photograph
ICAO compliant, 35–45mm wide, white bg, ≤6 months old
- ○Valid permit to return (if applicable)
- !Cover letter
From applicant — purpose, duration, accompanying persons, transport, accommodation
Travel
- !Round-trip flight reservations + itinerary
Airline reservation + intra-Schengen travel proof if onward
- !Proof of accommodation in Austria
Hotel booking OR letter of acceptance at school/college/university dormitory
- !Travel medical insurance
Schengen-wide, €30,000, entire period of stay + COVID-19. From Jan 2026: approved Indian companies only.
Student / Research / Internship Specific
- !Confirmation of present student status
Original letter from school/college/university, student card, certificates etc. (if applicant is a student)
- ○Permission by Austrian Labour Market Authority (AMS) — for INTERNSHIPS
'Einzelsicherungsbescheinigung' / 'Entsendebewilligung' / 'Anzeigebestätigung' — obtained by the Austrian employer before you apply
- !Certificate of admission or registration
At Austrian educational institute for attending academic/vocational courses, OR cover letter from host company if research/internship
- !Evidence of tuition fee payment or scholarship acceptance
For intended studies in Austria
Proof of Sufficient Funds
- !Original bank statements (last 3 months)
Stamped & signed by bank; or other funds (pension etc.)
- !ITR (with barcode) for last 2 years
- ○If Applicable — Electronic letter of guarantee of sponsor (EVE)
Sponsor obtains this at competent Fremdenpolizeibehörde via bmi.gv.at
For Minor Travellers
- ○Notarized NOC from absent parent(s)
Plus copies of parents' passports or ID
Passport & Contact
- !Copy of present passport
- ○Copy of previous Schengen entry/exit stamps
- !Contact details
Email, mobile, business card
! = mandatory · ○ = optional / if applicable
🗺️ Step-by-Step Application Process
Secure Austrian admission / invitation
Austrian university/research institute/host company issues formal acceptance or invitation letter.
For internships — Austrian employer gets AMS permission
Employer obtains Einzelsicherungsbescheinigung / Entsendebewilligung / Anzeigebestätigung from AMS before you apply.
Fill VAF + Declaration
English/German, signed.
Book VFS appointment + submit
Documents + biometrics at VFS.
Embassy decision
15 working days standard. Apply 4+ weeks before start date to allow for extensions.
Download Official Forms
Official forms are hosted by VFS Global — we don't host third-party forms ourselves, so you always get the latest version.
📋 How to download from VFS:
- Click the form name below — opens VFS Switzerland page
- Select the visa category you're applying for (e.g. Tourist, Business, Student)
- Scroll down to the "Download Form" section at the bottom
- Click the PDF icon next to the form name → saves to your device
Schengen Visa Application Form (Short Stay — Type C)
Download via VFS Austria Downloads section. Two versions: Editable/Digital VAF (Preferred) + Non-Editable VAF. Form must be fully completed in English or German and signed by the applicant. Best filled in Google Chrome / Safari / Firefox.
National Visa Application Form (Long Stay — Category D)
For long-stay visas (91–180 days). Signed form must be submitted at VFS.
Declaration and Undertaking
Mandatory declaration required by the Austrian Embassy — must be signed by the applicant and submitted along with the application form.
VFS Austria Checklists & Forms Portal
Per-visa-type document checklists (Business, Tourism, Visitor, Student, Film Crew, Incentive Group, Transit, etc.) available on the VFS Austria site.
VFS Application Centres
Visa Eligibility Check
Answer 10 questions to see your likelihood of approval. Embassies look for the same core factors across visa types — financial strength, clear purpose, genuine intent to return.
How clear is your purpose of visit?
How long is your planned stay?
Travel history to developed countries?
Any previous visa refusals?
Employment / income source?
3-month average bank balance?
Income Tax Returns history?
Travel bookings status?
Ties to India (reasons you'll return)?
Travelling with?
Indicative only — final decision is always with the Embassy.
💡 Pro Tips
- The Austrian institution's admission letter is the strongest document — ensure it clearly states program dates, your role, and any tuition/scholarship details.
- For internships: AMS permission is non-negotiable. If your Austrian employer hasn't obtained it, your application will be rejected.
- Even for short programs, show you're returning to ongoing studies in India (enrolment certificate).
- VFS Austria offers a Checklist (Link) on the Documents Required tab for every visa category — always refer to the latest version before applying.
- Apply 3–4 weeks before travel as the sweet spot — early enough to handle extended processing, not so early that itinerary / bookings become stale.
- Make sure your cover letter, financials, travel bookings, and invitation letter all tell a consistent story — Austrian consulates particularly scrutinise 'purpose clarity'.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take up paid work during a short study / research / internship visit?+
What if my program is longer than 90 days?+
Is German language proficiency required?+
Is tuition payment required before visa application?+
Let us prepare your Austria Student / Research / Internship Visa — (Schengen Type C — Short Stay) application
Free consultation. Our experts handle the entire file — cover letter, documents, VFS booking, embassy follow-up.
Other Austria Visa Types
Austria Tourist Visa (Schengen Type C — Short Stay)
Schengen short-stay visa for Indian citizens travelling to Austria for tourism, sightseeing, and non-business leisure travel up to 90 days.
Austria Business Visa (Schengen Type C)
Schengen short-stay business visa for Indian professionals doing business in Austria — sales meetings, establishing contacts, conferences, or trade events on behalf of a company outside India.
Austria Visitor Visa (Schengen Type C — Family / Friends)
Schengen short-stay visa for Indian citizens visiting family or friends in Austria. The Austrian inviter provides a guarantee on behalf of the applicant.
Austria Cultural / Sports / Religious Visa (Schengen Type C)
Schengen short-stay visa for Indian participants in cultural, sports, or religious events in Austria for up to 90 days.
Austria Film Crew Visa (Schengen Type C)
Schengen short-stay visa for Indian film crew visiting Austria to shoot motion films, with backing from Indian film associations and Austrian business partners.
Austria Official Visit Visa (Schengen Type C)
Schengen short-stay visa for Indian government / intergovernmental delegates travelling to Austria for meetings, consultations, negotiations, or events held by intergovernmental organizations.
Austria Incentive Groups Visa (Schengen Type C)
Schengen short-stay group visa for Indian companies sponsoring incentive trips (rewards / team outings) to Austria for their employees.
Austria Transit Visa (Schengen Type C — Transit)
Schengen transit visa applicable ONLY for citizens of Sri Lanka and Bangladesh transiting Austria to a third country destination.
Source & Disclaimer
Data on this page is sourced from the official VFS Global Austria website and Embassy of Austria. Last verified 2026-04-16. Always verify with the official embassy before applying — fees and requirements change without notice.