How International Students Can Successfully Start Their
Careers in Austria

Tips from Pepper The Fox

Austria is a true gem when it comes to high-quality education!

But what makes Austria particularly special for international students?

Well, it’s not just the excellent teaching and research but also the great opportunities to enter the Austrian job market after graduation. In this blog post, Pepper will show you how international talents can successfully transition from an Austrian university to the Austrian workforce…

Working While Studying – For Students from the EU, EEA, and Switzerland

If you come from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, that’s already an advantage (from a bureaucratic perspective)! Thanks to the EU’s freedom of movement, you can work in Austria without any restrictions while studying.

Here are the key benefits at a glance:

• Work without restrictions: In any industry, with no limit on working hours (except those prescribed by law, of course).

• Financial security: Make sure you can support yourself financially and have health insurance. As a student, you can get affordable insurance with the Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK).

⇒ Staying in Austria after graduation: You can remain in Austria to look for a job or start your own business.

Working While Studying – For Students from Third Countries

What if you’re not from the EU or EEA? No worries, you can still work while studying in Austria! Here are the most important points to keep in mind:

• Obtaining a Work Permit (Beschäftigungsbewilligung - BB): Your employer must apply for this permit (possibly with the support of the RANDOS Immigration Team) before you can start working.

• Studies take priority: Your education must always come first, and proof of academic progress is required.
  
  

⇒ Insider tip from Pepper: A student job can help ease your transition into the Austrian job market. Based on experience we can say, many companies hire international students with the intention of retaining them as skilled workers. Take advantage of this opportunity to secure a job early on!

The Path After Graduation: The Red-White-Red Card for Graduates

Your studies are coming to an end, and you want to stay in Austria? Don’t worry, Pepper has a great solution for you: the Red-White-Red Card for Graduates.

Before applying for it, you can extend your student residence permit once for up to one year, giving you time to find a job that matches your degree.

Key facts about the Red-White-Red (RWR) Card for graduates:

• Simplified application process:

  • No points system.

  • No labor market test by the Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS).

• Application requirements: A confirmed job offer from a company requiring a relevant degree.

• Long-term prospects: The card is valid for two years and can be extended to the Red-White-Red Plus Card.

There is also the option to switch to other selected residence permits, but these do not have a simplified application process.

FYI: A direct transition from a student residence permit to an EU long-term residence permit is not possible. You will need an intermediate step, such as obtaining a RWR Card or a similar residence permit.

Already Worked During Your Studies? Here’s How You Can Continue!

If you have worked with a work permit during your studies at a company that now wants to keep you after graduation, this is easily possible. You can continue working while your Red-White-Red Card application is being processed – and once you receive the card, you can start working full-time right away.

Pepper The Fox’s Conclusion

Austria offers fantastic opportunities for international students – both during and after their studies. Whether you come from the EU or a third country, the chances of entering the Austrian job market are high!

Prepare well, gather your documents, contact the RANDOS Team together with your company, and then it’s time to say: Welcome to working life in Austria!

Take your chance and start your career in Austria – Pepper and the RANDOS Team are happy to support you!

Don’t worry – be relocAIDed…