Suggestion ?

I'm a non-EU student planning to study in Austria, and I'm really confused about the whole residence permit timeline. I was planning to apply for the Summer 2027 semester, but I've talked to quite a few people and many of them keep telling me that it's almost impossible for non-EU students to make the summer intake because the residence permit process can take around a year. Is that actually true, or are people exaggerating?

If I apply, get admitted for Summer 2027, but my residence permit isn't approved before classes begin, can I simply start in the Winter 2027 semester, or would I need to request a deferral or submit a completely new application? I'd really appreciate hearing from other non-EU students who have actually gone through this process and how it worked for them.