Salzburg
Students benefit from a blend of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and a thriving arts scene. Whether you’re interested in music, history, or simply enjoying life, Salzburg offers an inspiring backdrop for your studies. Situated in north-central Austria, Salzburg lies near the border with Germany and Italy. Its picturesque setting along the Salzach River and surrounded by the Alps makes it a captivating place to study.
Salzburg boasts a high standard of living, with cultural richness, green spaces, and excellent infrastructure. Its historic center (Altstadt) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its well-preserved Baroque architecture.
Students benefit from a blend of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and a thriving arts scene. Whether you’re interested in music, history, or simply enjoying life, Salzburg offers an inspiring backdrop for your studies.
*Salzburg impressions from students
Accommodation
Since HCI students attend classes both at the University of Salzburg and Salzburg University of Applied Sciences, we provide recommendations of accommodations close to one of these two locations, or in the city centre.
Close to PLUS campus
Close to SUAS campus
Transport
Salzburg offers a convenient and efficient transportation system, perfect for students. The city’s well-connected public transport network includes buses and trains, making it easy to commute to university and explore the area. Buses run frequently, covering all major districts and university campuses. For those who prefer cycling, Salzburg boasts extensive bike paths and a bike-sharing program. The city’s compact size means many destinations are within walking distance, allowing students to enjoy its scenic beauty and historical landmarks. Additionally, students benefit from discounted fares on public transport, making it an affordable and practical option for daily travel.
Student tips
Hey folks! Trust me, the KlimaTicket is a lifesaver here. It’s like a golden ticket for unlimited rides on public transport. Saves you cash and hassle—win-win!
Elisabeth Hendsel
1st year HCI student
Class of 2025
Hey future Salzburgers! If you’re eyeing a spot in the dorms, don’t wait around. Those rooms go like hotcakes! Get your application in pronto to snag your cozy corner.
JM Santiago
1st year HCI student
Class of 2025
Hey guys! Want to nail your way around Salzburg? Grab the Salzburg Verkehr app. It’s like having your own personal tour guide for buses and trains. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!
Taya Rekhova
1st year HCI student
Class of 2025
Hey there! While English flies, a bit of German never hurts. Dive into some basic language classes—it’ll make life here a whole lot smoother!
Moritz Sendner
1st year HCI student
Class of 2025
Hey sports enthusiasts! Semester kick-off means one thing: sign up for campus sports! Whether you’re into hiking or yoga, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss out—get in on the action!
Elisabeth Hendsel
1st year HCI student
Class of 2025
Hey newbies! Beyond the books lies a city bursting with culture. Grab a coffee, stroll through the parks, and soak up that Salzburg charm. Trust me, you won’t regret it!
Elisabeth Hendsel
1st year HCI student
Class of 2025
Important links
The student union in Salzburg, known as the “Österreichische Hochschülerinnen- und Hochschülerschaft Salzburg” (ÖH Salzburg), is a representative body for students at the University of Salzburg and other higher education institutions in the city. The union serves as an advocacy and support organization for students, providing a range of services and functions aimed at enhancing the student experience. Here are some key aspects of the student union in Salzburg:
Representation and Advocacy
- Student Representation: The ÖH Salzburg represents the interests of students in various university committees and boards. This includes involvement in academic and administrative decision-making processes.
- Advocacy: The union advocates for student rights, working to ensure that students’ voices are heard on issues such as tuition fees, curriculum changes, and campus facilities.
Services
- Counseling and Support: ÖH Salzburg offers counseling services for academic, psychological, and legal issues. Students can seek advice and assistance on a range of topics, including exam stress, personal issues, and legal matters.
- Financial Support: The union provides financial support and scholarships to students in need. This includes emergency financial aid, grants, and subsidies for various student activities.
- Career Services: ÖH Salzburg assists students with career planning and job search strategies. This includes organizing job fairs, providing resume and interview workshops, and offering career counseling.
The Austrian Agency for International Cooperation in Education and Research (OeAD) provides student housing in Salzburg, Austria, offering a range of accommodations to both local and international students. The OeAD student housing in Salzburg is designed to provide comfortable, affordable, and convenient living arrangements for students studying at the University of Salzburg and other higher education institutions in the city. Here are some key aspects of OeAD student housing in Salzburg:
Types of Accommodation
- Dormitories: OeAD offers dormitory-style accommodations where students can rent single or shared rooms. These dormitories are equipped with essential amenities and provide a communal living experience.
- Apartments: For students seeking more privacy, OeAD provides fully furnished apartments. These can be rented individually or shared with other students.
Facilities and Amenities
- Fully Furnished: All OeAD housing options come fully furnished, including beds, desks, chairs, and storage space. Kitchens are equipped with basic appliances and utensils.
- Internet Access: High-speed internet access is available in all OeAD accommodations, ensuring that students can stay connected for their academic and personal needs.
- Laundry Facilities: Laundry facilities are provided on-site, making it convenient for students to do their laundry without having to leave the premises.
- Common Areas: Many OeAD housing facilities have common areas such as lounges, study rooms, and recreational spaces where students can socialize and relax.
Studentenwerk Salzburg, or Student Services Salzburg, provides student housing options specifically designed to cater to the needs of students attending the University of Salzburg and other higher education institutions in the city. The organization aims to offer affordable, comfortable, and convenient living arrangements to help students focus on their studies and enjoy their time in Salzburg. Here are the key aspects of Studentenwerk student housing in Salzburg:
Types of Accommodation
- Dormitories: Studentenwerk offers dormitory-style accommodations with single or shared rooms. These dormitories are equipped with essential amenities and provide a communal living experience.
- Apartments: For students who prefer more privacy, Studentenwerk also offers fully furnished apartments. These apartments can be rented individually or shared with other students.
Facilities and Amenities
- Fully Furnished: All housing options provided by Studentenwerk come fully furnished with beds, desks, chairs, and storage space. Kitchens are equipped with basic appliances and utensils.
- Internet Access: High-speed internet access is available in all Studentenwerk accommodations, ensuring that students can stay connected for academic and personal needs.
- Laundry Facilities: Laundry facilities are available on-site, making it convenient for students to do their laundry without having to leave the premises.
- Common Areas: Many housing facilities have common areas such as lounges, study rooms, and recreational spaces where students can socialize, study, and relax.
Public transport in Salzburg, Austria, is well-organized, efficient, and provides various options for residents and visitors to navigate the city and its surroundings. Here are the primary public transport options available in Salzburg:
Bus Network
Salzburg’s bus network is extensive and serves as the backbone of the city’s public transport system.
- StadtBus: The main city bus service, StadtBus, operates numerous routes that cover the entire city and surrounding suburbs. Buses are frequent, especially during peak hours, and run from early morning until late at night.
- Obus (Trolleybus): Salzburg is one of the few cities in the world with a trolleybus network. The Obus system is electrically powered and environmentally friendly, with several lines crisscrossing the city.
S-Bahn (Suburban Train)
The S-Bahn network connects Salzburg with its suburbs and nearby towns.
- Lines and Coverage: The S-Bahn has multiple lines (S1, S2, S3, etc.) that link Salzburg with regions such as Freilassing, Berchtesgaden, and Golling. This is a convenient option for commuting from nearby areas to the city.
- Frequency: Trains run frequently, especially during peak hours, providing a reliable alternative to buses and cars.
Regional Buses
For travel beyond the city limits, regional buses connect Salzburg with other towns and villages in the region.
- PostBus: The Austrian PostBus service operates numerous regional routes that link Salzburg with surrounding areas, including rural communities and tourist destinations like the Salzkammergut region.
- Cross-Border Services: There are also bus services that connect Salzburg with nearby cities in Germany, such as Berchtesgaden and Bad Reichenhall.
Trains
Salzburg’s main train station, Salzburg Hauptbahnhof, is a major hub for national and international train travel.
- ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways): ÖBB provides long-distance and regional train services connecting Salzburg with major Austrian cities like Vienna, Linz, and Innsbruck.
- Westbahn: A private rail company, Westbahn, offers an alternative route to Vienna, known for its comfort and competitive prices.
- International Connections: Salzburg is well-connected to other European cities, including Munich, Zurich, and Venice, making it a key stop on many international rail routes.
Ticketing and Passes
Salzburg offers a variety of ticketing options to suit different needs.
- Single Tickets: Available for one-time use on buses and trains within the city.
- Day Passes: Unlimited travel within a day, ideal for tourists.
- Weekly/Monthly Passes: Cost-effective options for regular commuters.
- Salzburg Card: A tourist pass that includes free use of public transport and free or discounted entry to many attractions.
A student visa is required for non-EU/EEA students who wish to study in Salzburg, Austria, for several reasons. The visa ensures that students have the legal right to enter, reside, and study in the country for the duration of their academic program. Here are the primary reasons why a student visa is needed:
Legal Entry and Residence
- Authorization to Enter: A student visa grants legal entry into Austria. Without this visa, non-EU/EEA nationals would not be allowed to enter the country.
- Permission to Reside: The visa allows students to reside in Austria for the duration of their studies, typically for longer than the 90-day period allowed under a standard tourist visa.
Enrolment and Study
- University Enrolment: Universities in Austria require proof of a valid student visa for enrollment. This ensures that the student has the legal right to study in the country.
- Access to Educational Resources: With a student visa, students can access all university facilities, resources, and services essential for their education.
Choosing Salzburg for your Erasmus program promises an enriching and unforgettable experience. This picturesque city, renowned for its baroque architecture and cultural heritage, offers a welcoming atmosphere for international students. You’ll study at top-notch universities, surrounded by stunning landscapes and a vibrant arts scene. Salzburg’s compact size makes it easy to explore, whether you’re strolling through historic streets, enjoying the lively café culture, or hiking in the nearby Alps. As an Erasmus student, you’ll be part of a diverse and friendly community, with plenty of opportunities for academic growth and personal adventure. Embrace the charm and excitement of Salzburg as you embark on this unique educational journey.
Choosing Salzburg for your Erasmus program promises an enriching and unforgettable experience. This picturesque city, renowned for its baroque architecture and cultural heritage, offers a welcoming atmosphere for international students. You’ll study at top-notch universities, surrounded by stunning landscapes and a vibrant arts scene. Salzburg’s compact size makes it easy to explore, whether you’re strolling through historic streets, enjoying the lively café culture, or hiking in the nearby Alps. As an Erasmus student, you’ll be part of a diverse and friendly community, with plenty of opportunities for academic growth and personal adventure. Embrace the charm and excitement of Salzburg as you embark on this unique educational journey.
Choosing Salzburg for your Erasmus program promises an enriching and unforgettable experience. This picturesque city, renowned for its baroque architecture and cultural heritage, offers a welcoming atmosphere for international students. You’ll study at top-notch universities, surrounded by stunning landscapes and a vibrant arts scene. Salzburg’s compact size makes it easy to explore, whether you’re strolling through historic streets, enjoying the lively café culture, or hiking in the nearby Alps. As an Erasmus student, you’ll be part of a diverse and friendly community, with plenty of opportunities for academic growth and personal adventure. Embrace the charm and excitement of Salzburg as you embark on this unique educational journey.
Erasmus incoming
Choosing Salzburg for your Erasmus program promises an enriching and unforgettable experience. This picturesque city, renowned for its baroque architecture and cultural heritage, offers a welcoming atmosphere for international students. You’ll study at top-notch universities, surrounded by stunning landscapes and a vibrant arts scene. Salzburg’s compact size makes it easy to explore, whether you’re strolling through historic streets, enjoying the lively café culture, or hiking in the nearby Alps. As an Erasmus student, you’ll be part of a diverse and friendly community, with plenty of opportunities for academic growth and personal adventure. Embrace the charm and excitement of Salzburg as you embark on this unique educational journey.