Moving to a new country is exciting but can be a little daunting, especially if you have to consider your own or your child’s education. Of course, you’d want to choose the perfect school, but Austria’s education system has many different pathways, languages, and traditions. This guide will help families like yours understand how Austria’s education system works and what to expect from its culture. We’ll also take a look at universities to give you a clear idea of the higher-education opportunities available.

Understanding the Austrian School System

Navigating a new education system can feel overwhelming, especially when it operates in a different language. Whether you’re moving to Austria permanently or for a few years, understanding how schooling is structured will help you make informed choices for your child’s education.

The Structure of Schooling in Austria

The Austrian education system is divided into several stages, with compulsory schooling lasting nine years (from age 6 to 15). Many students continue beyond this in academic or vocational education. Here’s how the system is structured:

1. Kindergarten (Pre-School): Ages 3 to 6
   Kindergarten is optional but widely attended. The final year before primary school (from age 5) is mandatory. It focuses on play, social skills, and early literacy.

2. Volksschule (Primary School): Ages 6 to 10
   Primary education lasts four years and covers basic subjects such as German, mathematics, reading, writing, art, and physical education. Classes are usually small, and students often stay with the same teacher for multiple years.

3. Sekundarstufe I (Lower Secondary School): Ages 10 to 14
   After primary school, students attend either:

   • Mittelschule (Middle School) – a general education pathway for most students, or

   • Gymnasium (Academic Secondary School, AHS Unterstufe) – a more academic route preparing students for higher education.

4. Placement depends on academic performance and parental choice, and there’s room to switch later.

5. Sekundarstufe II (Upper Secondary School): Ages 14 to 18
   After completing lower secondary, students choose between two main directions:

   • AHS Oberstufe (Academic Secondary School, Upper Level) – a continuation of the Gymnasium leading to the Matura, Austria’s school-leaving diploma and university entrance qualification.

   • Vocational Schools (Berufsbildende Schulen, BMS/BHS) – a respected and popular alternative combining general education with professional training.

What Comes After Compulsory School?

Once the nine years of mandatory education are complete, students can continue their studies or enter vocational training.

Option 1: The Academic Route, Matura and University Preparation

Students who attend an AHS (Academic High School) or a BHS (Higher Vocational School) work toward the Matura exam, the qualification required for university entry. The Matura is comparable to the International Baccalaureate or British A-levels.

Option 2: Vocational Training and Apprenticeships

Austria is renowned for its dual education system, combining classroom instruction with paid on-the-job training (Lehre).

• Berufsbildende Mittlere Schulen (BMS): Offer 1–3-year programs leading directly into the workforce.

• Berufsbildende Höhere Schulen (BHS): Five-year programs ending with a Matura, allowing entry to university or skilled employment.

Vocational education is highly respected in Austria and produces strong career prospects in engineering, hospitality, design, healthcare, and more.

Can Students Switch Between Paths?

Yes. Austria’s education system offers flexibility. Students may move from vocational education to higher education by taking the Berufsreifeprüfung (a professional Matura exam) or through adult education programs. This adaptability allows students to change directions as their interests evolve.

School Types: Public, Private, or International?

When choosing a school, expat families will typically encounter three main categories:

Public Schools (Staatliche Schulen)

Public education in Austria is free for residents and offers high-quality teaching standards. The curriculum is delivered in German, but many schools provide German as a Second Language (DaZ) support for newcomers.

Private and Faith-Based Schools

Private schools are often run by Catholic or other religious organizations. They may charge modest fees and follow similar curricula to public schools, with smaller class sizes and more individual attention.

International Schools

International schools are popular among expats and multilingual families. Most offer curricula such as the IB (International Baccalaureate), British GCSE/A-Levels, or American programs. Instruction is primarily in English, with optional German language courses to help students integrate locally.

Universities in Austria

Austria’s higher education system is internationally recognized for its quality and accessibility. Many programs are tuition-free or low-cost, especially at public universities.

Some of the best-known universities include:

• University of Vienna – one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious universities

• Vienna University of Technology (TU Wien) – known for engineering and sciences

• University of Graz – strong in humanities and law

• University of Innsbruck – popular among international students

• WU (Vienna University of Economics and Business) – Europe’s largest business university

Academic calendar: September to June
Tuition: Public universities charge minimal fees for EU/EEA students (around €20–€750 per semester). Non-EU students typically pay around €1,500 per semester.
Language: Many bachelor’s programs are taught in German, while master’s and PhD programs increasingly offer English-taught tracks.

Cultural School Norms in Austria

Understanding cultural expectations will help you and your family settle smoothly into Austrian school life.

• Formality and respect: Teachers are addressed formally (Herr / Frau + surname). Punctuality and politeness are important.

• No uniforms: Austrian students typically wear casual clothes to school.

• School hours: Classes often run from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., with older students attending afternoon lessons.

• Homework and independence: Students are expected to complete substantial homework and manage their study time responsibly.

• Community engagement: Parent-teacher cooperation is valued. Most schools have active parent councils.

• Outdoor learning: Many schools include skiing weeks, hiking trips, and cultural excursions as part of the curriculum.

Where to Begin Your Search

Finding the right school can take time, but these steps will help streamline the process:

1. Define your priorities: Decide what matters most (curriculum, language, location, class size, extracurriculars, tuition).

2. Research schools: Use official education portals, expat communities, and city websites (like wien.gv.at or austria.info).

3. Visit in person: Meet teachers, tour the facilities, and ask about language support and integration for foreign students.

4. Talk to parents: Expats and local families can offer first-hand advice and recommend supportive schools.

5. Check language support: Many public schools provide special German integration classes (Deutschförderklassen).

6. Understand admissions timelines:

   • Public school enrollment starts in spring for the next school year.

   • International schools may have rolling admissions, depending on availability.

7. Plan logistics: In urban areas like Vienna or Graz, consider proximity to public transport and safe commuting routes.

Regional Highlights – Schools for Expat Families

To help you start your search, here are a few excellent options across Austria’s major cities:

Vienna

• Vienna International School (VIS): Offers the full IB curriculum, from kindergarten to diploma. Highly diverse, with over 100 nationalities.

• Danube International School: English-language education with small class sizes and a focus on creativity and global citizenship.

• Amadeus International School Vienna: Combines IB academics with a music and arts specialization.

Salzburg

• St. Gilgen International School: IB curriculum with boarding options and an emphasis on outdoor education.

• American International School Salzburg: Offers an American college-preparatory program in English.

Graz

• International School Carinthia (ISC): Offers a bilingual (English/German) IB program, fostering cultural integration.

• Graz International Bilingual School (GIBS): A state-funded option combining Austrian curriculum with English immersion.

Final Thoughts and Next Steps

Finding the right school for your child in Austria is a rewarding process. The country’s strong education system, multilingual environment, and focus on both academic and vocational excellence make it ideal for international families.

Whether you choose a public, bilingual, or international school, starting early and visiting schools personally will help you make a confident decision. With Austria’s welcoming culture and world-class education, your child will thrive in their new academic home.