Austria offers two evidence-gated pathways for Nigerian applicants: the Red-White-Red (RWR) Card for skilled workers and the study residence permit. No approval rates are published by Austrian authorities for Nigerian applicants.
Quick summary
- Red-White-Red Card: 55 points minimum, job offer required, EUR 2,685/month minimum salary
- Study visa: EUR 1,217/month in funds, university admission offer required
- Processing time: 8-12 weeks at the Austrian embassy
- PR pathway: RWR Card holders can apply for permanent residence after 5 years
Pathway 1 — Red-White-Red Card (Other Key Workers)
Registry ID: AT-rwr-other-key-workers | Status: Publishable
The Red-White-Red Card is Austria's points-based skilled worker visa for non-EU nationals in shortage occupations.
Points system
Minimum score: 55 points out of 100
| Category | Maximum points |
|---|---|
| Special qualifications / skills | 40 |
| Work experience | 20 |
| Age (under 35 scores highest) | 15 |
| Language skills (German or English) | 15 |
| Job offer in Austria | 10 |
A job offer is mandatory regardless of total score.
Source: migration.gv.at — verified 2026-09-14
Salary requirement
Minimum gross monthly salary: EUR 2,685 (2026). Set by the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber, updated annually.
Application process from Nigeria
- Secure a job offer from an Austrian employer (employer must complete a labour market test).
- Calculate your points score at migration.gv.at.
- Apply at the Austrian Embassy in Abuja. Book an appointment — waiting times 4-8 weeks.
- Submit: application form, passport, certified degree certificates, employment contract, proof of accommodation.
- Processing: 8-12 weeks.
Common rejection reasons
- Points score below 55
- Employer did not complete the labour market test
- Degree certificates not certified and translated into German
- Insufficient proof of accommodation in Austria
Pathway 2 — Study Residence Permit
Registry ID: AT-study | Status: Publishable
Non-EU students pay approximately EUR 726/semester (EUR 1,452/year) at most Austrian public universities.
Requirements
| Requirement | Value | Source | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admission offer | Required | oesterreich.gv.at | 2026-09-13 |
| Minimum monthly funds | EUR 1,217 | oesterreich.gv.at | 2026-09-13 |
| Health insurance | Required | Austrian embassy | 2026-09-13 |
Source: oesterreich.gv.at — verified 2026-09-13
Costs
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (public university, non-EU) | EUR 726/semester |
| Living funds required | EUR 1,217/month |
| Visa application fee | EUR 100 |
| Health insurance | EUR 50-100/month |
Post-study options
After completing a degree in Austria, you can apply for a 12-month job-seeker visa, then transition to the RWR Card if you secure skilled employment.
Official sources
- Austrian immigration portal: migration.gv.at
- Austrian government services: oesterreich.gv.at
- Austrian Embassy Abuja: bmeia.gv.at/en/austrian-embassy-abuja
Last fact-checked: 2026-10-28. Requirements verified against official Austrian government sources. This post is general information, not immigration advice.