Primary, secondary education in Vienna 2024

Austria is in the top twenty in the ranking of the most popular countries for studying abroad: Vienna's secondary schools are only becoming more popular year by year. Its capital Vienna attracts schoolchildren and students from all over the world with its developed infrastructure and economy, unique culture, mild climate and excellent living conditions, so studying at a secondary schools in Vienna will be very comfortable, pleasant and productive.

Below the main advantages of getting secondary education in Vienna are provided:

• Austrian secondary education is recognized prestigious in TOP universities and leading companies all over the world.
• Vienna is a safe city with a high standard of living, excellent ecology and friendly locals. Study and life take place in a comfortable environment, and the adaptation process takes a very short time.
• There are several prestigious universities in Vienna, which are among the world's top universities, where the international students can successfully continue studies after graduation.
• The foreign students can enroll in local universities right after high school: this is a great advantage and the main difference between Austria and other European countries, in which the main requirement for applicants is to complete a two-year educational course.
• A significant part of academic programs involves basic education in English with the study of German as a foreign language.
• Leading academic programs from all over the world are available in primary schools in Vienna. In addition to classical Austrian education, you can get a certificate of British, American, German, Swiss and other directions here.

The Austrian pedagogical methodology is based on freedom of student’s choice, the formation of cognitive interest, and an individual approach.

Vienna's secondary education landscape is diverse, encompassing various types of schools:

• Volkschule: This is the standard secondary school in Vienna.

• Allgemeinbildende Höhere Schule (AHS): These schools offer in-depth subject studies and introduce specialized courses from seventh grade.

• Hauptschule: A five-year program focusing on preparation for professional education.

• Gymnasiums: Highly prestigious institutions demanding exceptional academic performance.

• Private Boarding Schools: These offer comprehensive educational programs.

Paul McLean

Director of AIS-Salzburg since 1995

What does make Austrian schools special for parents and children from all over the world?

Austria has a lot to offer international students: we are visited by those who are simultaneously interested in obtaining a quality education of the world level and cultural experience. Austria is a small country, but widely known for its history and contribution to art, culture, music, literature. It is traditionally a desirable country for winter sports - skiing and snowboarding. Since 1945, Austria has been a neutral country, the headquarters of the UN and OPEC are located in Vienna, it serves as a place for peace negotiations, diplomatic meetings, and the signing of disarmament agreements. Socially and politically it is a very stable country with a strong and reliable system of social democratic support. Austria is hospitable and diverse, becoming home to people from all over the world: cities are small, you quickly settle in them, nature is incredibly beautiful, and the level of security is amazing.

By the way, Austrian schools also offer excellent environmental education for their students! It is a stimulating, supportive experience every day.

Secondary education in Vienna, commended as one of Europe's finest, is compulsory for children aged 6 to 15. Schools follow a 4-year cycle, emphasizing personal and career development. The Austrian curriculum aligns with international standards, including languages, mathematics, and sciences.

Three-Tiered School System in Vienna

Vienna's school system has three levels:

• Primary Schools: Grades 1-4, for students aged 6-10.

• Middle Schools in Vienna: Grades 5-8, catering to ages 10-14. This includes junior classes of higher secondary schools or AHS.

• Higher Secondary Schools: Grades 9-12, for students aged 14-18, encompassing the mandatory 9th grade.

Children who turn 6 before September 1 are enrolled in primary schools under regional authority but federally funded. Admission involves developmental assessments, including German language proficiency tests.

In the 4th grade's first semester, schools provide recommendations for each student's educational path, tailored to their interests and performance. After primary school, students progress to mandatory secondary education.

Secondary education in Vienna focuses on maximizing students' abilities and interests. Children receive comprehensive guidance to make informed decisions about their future education and careers.

Vienna's secondary system divides into two phases. Initially, students attend a comprehensive institution covering grades 5-7. Subsequently, they can choose between a comprehensive middle institution (Mittelschule) or an academic setting (AHS-Unterstufe).

Academic settings specialize in areas like grammar (Gymnasium), science (Realgymnasium), or economics, spanning grades 8-12. Students have the option to switch to vocational or technical paths from the 9th grade. The academic route is ideal for university aspirants. After grade 8, students can also pursue professional programs.

Progression to higher grades requires passing exams. For university or college entry in Austria, students must succeed in the Matura exam, with written and oral sections in German. Graduates receive a Maturazeugnis certificate, listing their grades.

For international learners, the average cost for a term in Vienna's educational settings begins at 10,000 euros per trimester, generally including accommodation, meals, and study materials.