Fill out the visa application. The student visa application can be found on the Austrian Embassy website. It is filled with simple questions such as name, address, citizenship information, travel information, and passport information such as your passport number and expiration date. It can be downloaded as a .pdf file.
Get your picture taken. Two additional passport photos will be required in order to process the visa application.
Acquire a valid American passport. If you do not have a passport or if yours is expired then go to your local post office and a clerk can help you get a new one. If you already have a passport, make sure that the passport will be valid for at least six months after your estimated arrival date.
Submit your letter of acceptance from an Austrian University. You must be able to submit an acceptance letter from a university to the Austrian government with your visa application. You will not be granted a student visa if you cannot verify that you will be studying there.
Find a place to stay. The application also requires that show proof of housing while you are in the country. Some universities will provide housing, so if you choose to take that route you will have to show proof that you will be living on campus--otherwise proof in the form of a lease will be acceptable in all other cases. There are some online resorses that will help American students find a place to stay before departure.
Buy medical insurance. Full insurance coverage is required. Emergency coverage is not acceptable, nor is a photocopy of the insurance ID. You must provide a letter from the insurance company saying that you are covered during your stay in Austria.
Obtain a bank statement or proof of financial responsibility. You must be able to provide a bank statement that says that you have sufficient funds when you enter the country. You then must also provide a letter of responsibly. This can either be written by yourself or by your parents, whoever is financially responsible for the student. Sufficient funds will be determined by the Embassy after they note how much your schooling and housing expenses will be.
Write out your itinerary. You must be able to supply an itinerary for the Austrian Embassy of your plans during your stay there. For example, make note if you plan on taking any trips outside of the city where you will reside, or if you plan on leaving Austria.
Purchase a round trip ticket. You must have your return flight booked upon arrival.
Submit the application. As of 2010 each of the above required documents will have to be submitted in person to the Austrian Embassy or consulate. There are locations in Washington D.C., Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York.
