Nostrifizierung in Austria: Medical License Recognition Guide 2026
homologation 10 min read · English
Complete guide to Nostrifizierung — the process of getting your medical degree recognized in Austria. Requirements, costs, timeline, and step-by-step process.
Key Takeaways
- Nostrifizierung is the Austrian process for recognizing non-EU medical degrees, managed by Austrian universities.
- EU/EEA graduates receive automatic recognition through the Austrian Medical Chamber (Österreichische Ärztekammer).
- Non-EU doctors may need to pass additional exams (Ergänzungsprüfungen) at an Austrian medical university.
- Doctor salaries in Austria range from €5,000 to €13,000 per month, comparable to Germany.
- Solvia offers Nostrifizierung support packages starting from €789.
What Is Nostrifizierung?
Nostrifizierung is the Austrian term for the academic recognition of a foreign university degree. For medical professionals, this means having your medical degree officially recognized as equivalent to an Austrian medical degree (Dr. med. univ.) by an Austrian public university.
Unlike Germany, where the process is handled by state government offices, in Austria the recognition is managed by medical universities (Medizinische Universität Wien, Graz, or Innsbruck).
Recognition Pathways in Austria
| Origin | Process | Exams Required? | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU/EEA/Switzerland | Automatic recognition | No | 1–3 months |
| Non-EU (similar curriculum) | Nostrifizierung (simplified) | 0–3 exams | 3–6 months |
| Non-EU (significant gaps) | Nostrifizierung (full) | Multiple exams | 6–18 months |
Step-by-Step Nostrifizierung Process
Step 1: Choose a University
Submit your application to one of Austria's three medical universities:
- Medizinische Universität Wien — Largest, most applications
- Medizinische Universität Graz — Smaller, potentially faster processing
- Medizinische Universität Innsbruck — Located in Tyrol, scenic Alpine setting
Step 2: Submit Required Documents
- Medical degree diploma (apostilled and translated by a sworn translator)
- Detailed academic transcript with subject hours
- Curriculum/study plan from your university
- Certificate of good standing
- Passport copy
Step 3: Curriculum Comparison
The university compares your curriculum with the Austrian medical curriculum. Gaps in training are identified as Ergänzungsprüfungen (supplementary exams) that must be passed.
Step 4: Pass Required Exams
Common subjects for Ergänzungsprüfungen include pharmacology, pathology, and Austrian healthcare law. You have 3 attempts per exam.
Step 5: Register with Ärztekammer
After receiving the Nostrifizierungsbescheid, register with the Austrian Medical Chamber to obtain your ius practicandi (right to practice).
Doctor Salaries in Austria
| Position | Monthly Gross (€) |
|---|---|
| Turnusarzt (Intern) | €4,500 – €5,500 |
| Assistenzarzt | €5,500 – €7,000 |
| Facharzt | €7,000 – €10,000 |
| Oberarzt | €9,000 – €13,000 |
| Primarius (Head of Dept.) | €12,000 – €20,000+ |
Austria vs Germany: Quick Comparison
| Factor | Austria | Germany |
|---|---|---|
| Recognition process | University-based (Nostrifizierung) | State authority (Approbation) |
| Language exam | ÖIF B2 + medical language test | FSP (C1 medical German) |
| Salary range | €5,000 – €13,000 | €5,200 – €12,000 |
| Quality of life | Very high (Vienna ranked #1 globally) | High |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Nostrifizierung take in Austria?
The Nostrifizierung process typically takes 3 to 18 months, depending on how many supplementary exams (Ergänzungsprüfungen) are required. EU graduates receive automatic recognition within 1–3 months.
Do I need to speak German to work as a doctor in Austria?
Yes. Austrian hospitals require German language proficiency at minimum B2 level, and most require C1 for clinical positions. The ÖIF (Österreichischer Integrationsfonds) language certificate is commonly accepted.
Can I apply to multiple universities simultaneously?
No. You can only have one active Nostrifizierung application at a time. Choose your university strategically based on processing times and your location.
Is the Austrian medical license valid in Germany?
Yes. Once you have Austrian Nostrifizierung and ius practicandi, you can apply for license recognition in any EU country, including Germany, under EU Directive 2005/36/EC.
Start your Austria Nostrifizierung with Solvia — packages from €789.