Austria · Master's
University of Vienna
MSc Sociology
University of Vienna
Course Overview
The University of Vienna is one of Europe's oldest and largest universities (founded 1365) and a leading centre for sociology in the German-speaking world, with a strong empirical and comparative research tradition. Its MSc Sociology trains students in advanced social theory, quantitative and qualitative methods, and substantive fields such as social inequality, work, migration and the welfare state. For Sri Lankan applicants interested in social research and policy, Vienna offers a globally respected qualification at strikingly low public-university fees in one of the world's most liveable cities.
The two-year programme combines methods training with thematic specialisation and an empirical Master's thesis, with access to Vienna's dense network of social-research institutes and international organisations (the UN's Vienna office, IIASA). Austria's modest non-EU tuition (around €1,500/year), low-cost student living, and the 12-month post-study residence permit (job-seeker visa) make it one of the most affordable serious sociology Master's in Europe.
Entry Requirements
Academic
- check_circle Bachelor's degree in sociology or a related social-science field — Sri Lankan bachelor's degrees from Colombo, Peradeniya and Kelaniya accepted (a credit / equivalence check applies).
- check_circle Coursework in social-science methods and statistics is expected.
- check_circle Statement of purpose on your research interests.
- check_circle Certified transcripts and degree documents for the equivalence assessment.
English Proficiency
- check_circle IELTS Academic: 6.5 Overall (for the English-taught track).
- check_circle TOEFL iBT: 88 Overall.
- check_circle Some modules may be in German — confirm the track language at application.
- check_circle Waived if your bachelor's degree was taught and assessed entirely in English (most Sri Lankan English-medium graduates qualify with an MOI letter).
Estimated Cost of Study
| Expense Category | Amount (€) | Approx. LKR |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (per year, non-EU) | €1,520 | Rs. 524,000 |
| Living Expenses in Vienna (12 months) | €11,000 | Rs. 3,795,000 |
| Residence Permit & Health Insurance | €1,200 | Rs. 414,000 |
| Books, Materials & Travel | €1,000 | Rs. 345,000 |
| Total Year 1 Investment | €14,720 | Rs. 5,078,000 |
*LKR conversion based on current bank rates. Subject to change.
Career Outcomes & PR
Vienna graduates qualify for Austria's 12-month post-study job-seeker residence permit, with conversion to a Red-White-Red work card (and EU Blue Card) on a qualifying offer. Graduates progress into social-research institutes, market and policy research, the UN's Vienna-based agencies and the EU statistical / research ecosystem, plus PhD study. Sri Lankan returnees route into universities, the social-research sector, development agencies and international NGOs.
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ඔබට සුදුසු විශ්වවිද්යාලයක් තේරීම, අයදුම්පත් යොමු කිරීම, SOP සකස් කිරීම සහ වීසා ලබා ගැනීම ඇතුළු සෑම පියවරකදීම, ඔබ වෙනුවෙන් සියලුම වගකීම් විශ්වාසවන්තව අප භාර ගනිමු.