Our graduates also ask about Austria. Before you start working there as a doctor, you need an entry in the list of doctors (Ärzteliste) kept by the Austrian Medical Chamber (Österreichische Ärztekammer, ÖÄK). The route to the entry depends on where your degree comes from, and you need German on every route.
Who decides
The ÖÄK enters doctors in the list. With a degree from outside the EEA and Switzerland you first need nostrification, the recognition of your degree as equivalent by an Austrian university. The chamber names the medical universities of Vienna, Graz and Innsbruck.
A degree from Ukraine or Georgia step by step
- Confirmation from the Medical Chamber The ÖÄK issues a confirmation that nostrification is necessary in your case.
- Nostrification The medical university of Vienna, Graz or Innsbruck recognises your degree as equivalent to the Austrian one.
- German B2 If no exemption applies to you, you take the language exam at the Österreichische Akademie der Ärzte. To register for it you need a German certificate at B2 level.
- Documents You prepare proof of citizenship, your degrees, a contract or a confirmation from your employer, a certificate from your medical authority confirming that you may practise without restrictions (Certificate of Good Standing) and a police certificate, both no older than 3 months.
- List of doctors Once you are entered in the Ärzteliste, you can start working as a doctor in Austria.
Exemptions from the language exam
Exemptions from the exam at the Akademie include 3 years of work in health care in the German language, or medical studies and a medical or specialist exam in the German-speaking countries. Proof of German is valid for 10 years.
After nostrification you can have earlier training periods from abroad credited, but the exam for general practitioner or specialist is compulsory in every case.
A degree from Poland
A doctor with a degree from the EEA or Switzerland shows proof of completed medical studies, with a certificate of conformity with the directive where needed. After the entry in the list, they can work as an employed doctor in training (Turnusarzt). Independent practice is possible only as a general practitioner or a specialist, and professional liability insurance is needed before a private practice starts.
For Poland, the full qualification under the directive consists of the degree, a passed Final Medical Examination (LEK) and a completed postgraduate internship. LEK can be taken in English. English-language LEK tests are available on Medmigrant, our learning platform. If a degree does not meet the directive, a non-automatic recognition under § 5a of the Austrian Physicians Act (ÄrzteG 1998) may be possible.
Specialist training
A specialist title from outside the EEA can be recognised under certain conditions under § 5a(6) of the Physicians Act. If you do not meet them, after nostrification you can apply to have your previous training credited (§ 14), but you still have to pass the specialist exam.
Frequently asked questions
Does Austria recognise a medical degree from Ukraine?
Yes, after nostrification at an Austrian medical university. Then you need German at B2 level and an entry in the ÖÄK list of doctors.
Can I work independently straight away with a Polish degree?
With a degree from the EEA you work as an employed Turnusarzt. Independent practice is possible as a general practitioner or a specialist.
How can Edumetric help?
We help you choose a university and plan your studies with work in Austria in mind, and, if you wish, a transfer to studies in Poland. Book a free consultation.
Read also: Studying medicine in Ukraine: is it a good idea?, Studying medicine in Georgia: admission, costs and recognition in the UK and Studying medicine in Poland in English: admission, tuition and what comes next. We write about work in the other German-speaking countries in Working as a doctor in Germany with a degree from Ukraine, Georgia or Poland and Working as a doctor in Switzerland with a degree from Ukraine, Georgia or Poland. You will find all universities in the university directory.
Have questions about studying abroad?
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