Austria’s Medical School Admissions: A Look at 2026 and Beyond
The application phase for medical and dental studies in Austria opens on March 2nd, 2026, via www.medizinstudieren.at. A total of 1,950 study places are available across the Medical Universities of Vienna, Innsbruck, and Graz, as well as the Medical Faculty of Johannes Kepler University Linz. The deadline for registration for the entrance tests, scheduled for July 3rd, 2026, is March 31st, 2026.
Increased Capacity and Competition
This year sees an increase of 50 study places compared to the previous year, bringing the total to 1,950. The Medical University of Vienna offers 784 places, Innsbruck 430, Graz 406, and Linz 330 (Linz only offers human medicine). This increase reflects a continued effort to address the growing demand for medical professionals.
Eligibility and Requirements
Applicants do not require to provide proof of high school graduation (Matura/Abitur) during the initial application process. However, successful candidates will be required to demonstrate their university entrance qualification upon admission. A key requirement is being in the final year (12th/13th grade) of secondary school. A registration fee of EUR 110 applies to cover the costs of the admission process.
Dedicated Places for Public Service
Up to 87 human medicine places are earmarked for individuals committing to public service roles within Austrian federal states, the Austrian Health Insurance Fund, the Federal Ministry of the Interior, and the Federal Ministry of Defence. Applicants for these dedicated places must participate in the regular application process and enter into an agreement with the respective institution. A minimum performance level on the entrance test is required to qualify for these positions.
The MedAT Entrance Exam
The MedAT (Medical Admission Test) is a crucial component of the application process. The www.medizinstudieren.at website provides extensive preparation materials, including practice questions, information on test sections, and guidance on test-taking strategies. The test will be held simultaneously in Vienna, Innsbruck, Graz, and Wels (for Linz applicants) on July 3rd, 2026.
Contingent Regulations
At least 95 percent of the study places are reserved for EU citizens and those with equivalent status. At least 75 percent of the places are allocated to applicants with a school leaving certificate from Austria. These regulations apply specifically to human medicine programs.
Pro Tip:
Start preparing for the MedAT entrance exam well in advance. Utilize the free resources available on www.medizinstudieren.at to familiarize yourself with the test format and content.
Timeline of Admission Procedures 2026
- March 2nd – March 31st, 2026: Online registration and payment of fees
- Friday, July 3rd, 2026: MedAT entrance test
- Week 32 of 2026: Announcement of test results
FAQ
- Do I need to have completed high school to apply? No, but you must be in your final year of secondary school.
- What is the MedAT? The MedAT is the entrance exam for medical and dental studies in Austria.
- How many study places are available? A total of 1,950 study places are available for the 2026/27 academic year.
- Is there a fee to take the MedAT? Yes, a registration fee of EUR 110 applies.
Did you know? The number of available study places has increased by 50 this year, offering more opportunities for aspiring medical professionals.
For more detailed information and to begin your application, visit www.medizinstudieren.at.
