Proof of funds, explained

Proof of funds (the Nachweis der finanziellen Mittel) is the requirement that rejects more student applications than almost anything else. The rule itself is simple: Austria wants to see that you can live here for a year without claiming social welfare. The hard part is showing it correctly — the right amount, in your own name, accessible from Austria, with documents that prove where the money came from. This guide walks through exactly how the figure is calculated for 2026, what counts as acceptable proof, and how to document the origin of your funds.

At a glance

Under 24: EUR 722.58 / month
24 and over: EUR 1,308.39 / month
Period to prove: 12 months in advance
Under-24 yearly total: ~EUR 8,670
24+ yearly total: ~EUR 15,700
Rent offset threshold: EUR 386.43 / month
Account holder: Must be in your name, accessible from Austria

How much you need to show

Austria does not pick an arbitrary number. The required monthly amount is pegged to the Ausgleichszulagenrichtsatz — the equalisation supplement reference rate under § 293 ASVG, the same benchmark used for the minimum pension. For applicants on a student residence permit the authorities apply the orphan-pension rates, because a student arriving alone is treated as comparable to a person supporting themselves. The figures below took effect on 1 January 2026.

| Situation | Monthly rate (2026) | 12-month total | | --- | --- | --- | | Student under 24 | EUR 722.58 | EUR 8,670.96 | | Student 24 and over | EUR 1,308.39 | EUR 15,700.68 | | Married couple (combined) | EUR 2,064.12 | EUR 24,769.44 | | Each dependent child | + EUR 201.88 | + EUR 2,422.56 |

You must prove these funds for twelve months in advance. The permit itself is normally issued for 12 months, so the year of funds maps to the year of residence.

Which age applies?

The age that matters is your age during the period the permit will cover, not necessarily on the application day. If you will turn 24 during the year, the authority can assess your case at the higher EUR 1,308.39 rate as a forward-looking prognosis. If you are close to 24, budget for the higher figure.

A note on the English migration.gv.at page

The English-language page on migration.gv.at has at times shown an outdated under-24 figure (EUR 777.58). The correct 2026 figure is EUR 722.58, confirmed by OeAD and the German BMI calculation brochure. Always cross-check the German source or your embassy.

The accommodation-cost rule (rent above EUR 386.43)

The base amounts above already assume a normal cost of living. Austria builds in a fixed housing allowance called the Wert der freien Station — EUR 386.43 per month for 2026. The logic: up to that amount, your housing is considered "covered" by the base figure. If your actual rent (or loan instalments) is higher than EUR 386.43/month, you must prove the excess on top of the base requirement.

Worked example — 24-year-old paying EUR 550 rent:

Base requirement: EUR 1,308.39/month
Rent above the threshold: EUR 550 − EUR 386.43 = EUR 163.57/month extra
Adjusted monthly figure: EUR 1,471.96
12-month total: ~EUR 17,663.52

Health insurance is treated similarly — the cost of your all-risk health cover must also be available on top. Most students self-insure with the ÖGK (Studierendenselbstversicherung) at EUR 78.84/month in 2026.

Worked examples for 12 months

The two headline numbers

A typical under-24 student with modest rent should plan for roughly EUR 8,670 for the year. A typical 24+ student should plan for roughly EUR 15,700 — before adding any rent excess or insurance.

Under 24, rent EUR 350 (below threshold): no rent top-up. Show EUR 722.58 × 12 = EUR 8,670.96, plus health-insurance cost.
24+, rent EUR 386 (at threshold): no top-up. Show EUR 1,308.39 × 12 = EUR 15,700.68, plus health-insurance cost.
24+, rent EUR 600 (above threshold): add (600 − 386.43) × 12 = EUR 2,562.84 on top of EUR 15,700.68 = EUR 18,263.52.

These are minimums. Showing a comfortable buffer above the threshold makes a cleaner case and absorbs exchange-rate movement on a foreign account.

What counts as acceptable proof

The funds must sit in a savings book or bank account in your own name that is accessible from Austria. A blocked account (as Germany requires) is not mandatory in Austria — a normal personal account is fine. You can also combine several of the sources below to reach the total.

A savings book or bank account in your name, accessible from Austria
A declaration of guarantee (Haftungserklärung) from a person resident in the EU
A confirmation of an awarded scholarship (e.g. OeAD, Ernst Mach, Erasmus+, a government grant)
Traveller's cheques
A combination of the above (e.g. your savings plus parental support)

Combining sources is allowed

You do not need one giant account. The authority explicitly accepts mixing sources — for instance your own savings plus your parents' financial support, or a partial scholarship topped up from a personal account. What matters is that the total is met and each source is documented.

Proving the origin of the funds

Showing the balance is only half the job. On request, you must prove where the money came from. This is where well-prepared applications separate from rejected ones. Gather these before you apply.

Bank statements for the last 6 months (showing deposits and the account history)
A written declaration of where the funds originate (savings, loan, scholarship, sale of property, inheritance)
If a sponsor pays: their employment contract plus last 6 pay slips and proof of salary, or their trade licence plus last tax assessment
If a sponsor pays: their bank statements for the last 6 months
A sponsor's declaration that the funds are freely at your disposal and where the money came from
For scholarships: the official award letter stating amount, duration and recipient

Proof-of-funds flow

0/6 done

Confirm the current Richtsatz for your age bracket
Add any rent excess above EUR 386.43 and your insurance cost
Choose your proof method (savings, scholarship, Haftungserklärung, or a mix)
Move funds into an account in your own name accessible from Austria
Collect 6 months of statements and sponsor documents to prove origin
Translate documents into German if the authority requests it

What does not count

Funds you would only be entitled to after the permit is granted do not count — in particular social-welfare benefits or the equalisation supplement itself. The money must already be yours and available.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a blocked account like in Germany?

No. Austria does not legally require a blocked account. A normal personal savings book or bank account in your name that is accessible from Austria is sufficient.

How much for a year if I am under 24?

Roughly EUR 8,670 (EUR 722.58 × 12), plus any rent above EUR 386.43/month and your health-insurance cost.

How much if I am 24 or older?

Roughly EUR 15,700 (EUR 1,308.39 × 12), plus rent excess and insurance.

Can my parents' money count?

Yes. You can rely on parental support, but you must document it: their income proof, their 6-month bank statements, and a declaration that the funds are freely available to you.

Does rent always get added?

Only the part of your rent (and loan instalments) above EUR 386.43/month is added on top of the base figure. Rent below that threshold needs no top-up.

Does a scholarship replace the bank balance?

Yes, if the award letter covers the required amount for the full permit period and names you as the recipient. Partial scholarships can be combined with savings.

What if the figures change?

The Richtsätze are updated each January. Always confirm the current amount with OeAD or your embassy before applying.

Sources

Related guide

The student residence permit, step by step