Education and Schools in Austria

Education and schools in Austria are generally considered to be of a good standard and on par with that in other prominent European countries.

Children can attend standard Austrian public schools at no cost, but the language of instruction is German. Many foreign parents, particularly those with older children, feel that the language barrier is too difficult to overcome. 

There are a few bilingual public schools, which can be a good midway point for those who still want their children to learn German and integrate into the local population. 

There are also private international schools that teach foreign curricula. These schools allow a child to continue with a familiar curriculum with minimal disruption.

Public schools in Austria

The education system in Austria strongly emphasises vocational training and academic pathways. Schooling is compulsory between the ages of 6 and 15 (Grades 1 through 9). 

Compulsory schooling begins with primary school (Volksschule or Grundschule) and ends with the completion of junior secondary school (Hauptschule), co-operative intermediary school (Kooperative Mittelschule) or grammar school (Gymnasium). 

Following this, students wanting to continue on an academic track undertake higher secondary education, while those searching for professional training can undertake a vocational track at a commercial school.

Useful links

• Austria's Federal Ministry of Education, Science, and Innovation

Bilingual public schools in Austria

Bilingual public schools are an attractive option for expats who are eager to have their children interact with local students and learn the local language. As part of the public system, these schools are free and follow the Austrian national curriculum.

Instruction in bilingual schools is given in both English and German, and young expat children tend to achieve fluency in both languages quickly and efficiently. Older children may initially struggle, as the curriculum is tailored to those who have knowledge in both languages, but still, with a little determination they can succeed.

Space can be limited, especially for the popular schools in high demand. Students may need to attend an alternative school while waiting for admission.

International schools in Austria

International schools, most of which are based in Vienna, are privately run schools that offer globally recognised curricula. These can either be a foreign-country curriculum of countries like the UK or US or the International Baccalaureate curriculum, and are taught in either English or the language of the sponsoring country. 

Many expat parents prefer to send their children to these schools to eliminate difficulties created by the language barrier, and to allow children to continue with a familiar curriculum and teaching style.

Such comforts are naturally accompanied by high costs, with tuition varying depending on the child's age and school. The more popular schools have limited space, and children still stand the chance of being denied entrance even after paying a hefty application fee. For this reason, it's best to start research and applications as early as possible.

Read more

• International Schools in Vienna

Special-needs education in Austria

Learners officially labelled as having special educational needs often attend mainstream schools as far as possible or, for severe disabilities, special schools designed to cater to their specific needs. According to Austrian law, parents have the right to choose the kind of schooling they prefer for their child.

Special schools educate disabled children using various methods depending on their disability. These methods include small learner groups, specially trained teachers, curricula that pay attention to the respective disabilities and special methods and materials.

Special schools provide education throughout compulsory schooling. After academic education, special-needs schools offer a pre-vocational year, during which learners are supported in the transition period from school to the labour market.

Useful links

• Austria's Federal Ministry of Education, Science, and Innovation – Special Educational Needs

Tutors in Austria

Tutors are widely used in Austria to improve and assist children's schooling. They might be employed to assist children in more complex and specific subjects such as maths or science. 

Many parents also hire a tutor to improve their child's German language proficiency. If your child requires help preparing for university entrance exams or other critical tests, tutors may also be an excellent help.

As a newcomer to Austria, you may also find that your child may benefit from a guiding hand in navigating the new school system or just to build some confidence. Top private tuition companies in Austria include GoStudent and TeacherOn.

Useful links

• GoStudent
• TeacherOn