Schooling in Austria is compulsory for nine years. After that, all young people must either continue their school education or undergo vocational training.
State system of school education
Schooling in Austria is compulsory for nine years (ages six to 15, grades one to nine). After that, all young people must either continue their school education or complete vocational training (Lehre) until the age of 18, according to the successful completion of the next level of education.
The first four years of compulsory education are completed in elementary schools (Volksschule or Grundschule). From the age of ten, children can visit:
or incomplete high school;
or secondary school (Hauptschule, or Kooperative Mittelschule);
or in certain provinces, e.g. Vienna, "new middle school" (Neue Mittelschule);
or the lower classes of an upper general high school (allgemeinbildende höhere Schule (AHS).
There are also special schools for disabled children or children with special educational needs (e.g. with severe learning difficulties, etc.) during the first eight to nine years of school education and special pedagogical centers (Sonderpädagogisches Zentrum). However, in many cases these children also study together with others in standard schools in "integration classes".
Information for Ukrainians 2022
The Federal Government of Austria expresses its full solidarity with the entire Ukrainian population. The Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research (BMBWF) is launching initiatives in many areas and these are aimed at directly helping the victims on several levels. Detailed information on training and support for Ukrainians: https://www.bmbwf.gv.at/en/services/as/ukraine.html.
How to choose a school?
The application process for public schools in Austria differs depending on the type of school you want to go to. In general, you choose a school in your area and apply directly to it. As a rule, you will need to pass a personal interview. There are often waiting lists for the more popular public high schools.
List of documents
When you apply, you will need to provide certain documents, such as:
photo;
copy of passport;
preliminary assessments;
teacher recommendations.
Features of private schools
No fees are charged for public schools. Private schools in Austria make up about 8% of the total number. Most officially sanctioned private schools are denominational. In addition, there are some schools that teach according to a certain system. Private schools are fee-based.
Language of instruction, availability of integration classes
All public schools in Austria teach in German.
Visa, visa issues
In connection with Russia's military aggression against Ukraine, the governments of the EU, Georgia, Canada and the USA provide Ukrainians with war protection programs. Ukrainians seeking refuge from the war on the territory of these countries will receive residence and employment permits, and their children will be given the opportunity to continue their education in local schools.
If you intend to study in Austria outside of the war protection program, you need a long-term visa. If you plan to stay in Austria longer (more than 90 days within 6 months), you need to apply for a long-term national visa type D. Please note that visa centers do not accept students who intend to study in Austria. If you want to apply for a student visa, you need to contact the Embassy of Austria in Kyiv https://www.bmeia.gv.at/oeb-kyjiw/.
Important links