The education system in Austria
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Loading... - Julia Maier
- 05 Jul 2022
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From school tracks to homeschooling, and daycare to funding, we explain everything you need to know about education in Austria.
Between vocational and academic tracks, public and private options, education in Austria can seem complex. So when it comes to enrolling your children in school, this can seem an intimidating process; especially for expat parents who need to first familiarize themselves with the education system. Fortunately, with a little research and some preparation, navigating education in Austria can be a relatively seamless process.
To help you out, this guide explains everything from school tracks to homeschooling, and daycare to resources for special needs children. It includes the following information:
Education in Austria
Education in Austria is divided into public, private, and international schools. Overall, educational quality is high, and your child will be in good hands. In fact, in 2015, Austrian students performed above-average when compared to other European countries. School attendance is mandatory up until the age of 15, through to ninth grade.
The Federal Ministry of Education funds and supervises all primary, secondary, and tertiary education in Austria, but each individual state is the administrator.
School sections
In Austria, school sections have different names. Students up to age ten will complete their primary school at a Volksschule or Grundschule, while students aged 10 to 14 or 15 will attend a junior high (Hauptschule) or secondary school (Kooperative Mittelschule). Students interested in vocational training may complete their ninth year at a polytechnical school, or Polytechnische Schule. While educational inequality is generally low in Austria, students from immigrant backgrounds do tend to have higher rates of grade repetition and early school leaving. You can find more specific information about the schooling system in Austria in our guides to schools and international schools.
Preschool education in Austria
Parents interested in preschool education in Austria have a few options. Kinderkrippen are care centers for children under the age of three, while kindergartens welcome children aged three to six. Preschool begins at age five, is free, and is mandatory. Before this age, education in Austria is not mandatory; that said, many parents do choose to enroll their children. Early childhood education, on the other hand, is not free, and costs depend on the province and the daycare center.
Fortunately, you can apply for a childcare allowance if your family circumstances meet the requirements. Generally, early childhood education in Austria is popular and accessible; in fact, in 2018, 90% of Austrian children aged three to five participated in early childhood education.
Primary education in Austria
The primary school system in Austria
Primary school education in Austria is mandatory for all students. It takes place at a Volksschule or Grundschule and caters to students aged six to ten, and ends after the fourth grade is successfully completed.
The local state authority administers primary schools in the region, however, they are funded by the federal government.
Public primary schools in Austria
Public primary education is free in Austria and the quality throughout the country is widely considered to be very high. However, if your child does not speak German, then your options are a little more limited. If your child is young and would thrive in a German-speaking school, you can enroll them in a regular public school. Another option is bilingual schooling. Read More...
