Austrian Schools: Open Or Closed?

Austria is known for its high-quality education system, which is open to all children who permanently reside in the country, regardless of their citizenship. The school year typically starts in September and is divided into two semesters, with a nine-week summer break in between. The academic calendar includes various holidays, such as semester breaks, Christmas vacations, and Easter holidays, with specific dates varying by federal state.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Austrian schools underwent periods of closure and distance learning. However, institutions remained open for children whose parents worked in essential sectors. As of 2024, Austria has lifted many restrictions, and schools are operating with in-person learning.

The Austrian schooling system offers a range of options, including state and private schools. State schools are free, while private schools charge monthly tuition fees. Compulsory education in Austria typically covers ages 6 to 15, with a focus on providing students with the skills and knowledge to participate effectively in society and the economy.

Compulsory education for all children aged 6-15

In Austria, schooling is compulsory for all children aged 6 to 15, which covers primary, junior high, and secondary schools. This requirement is enshrined in the Austrian Constitution and applies to all long-term residents, not just Austrian citizens. Compulsory education begins on the 1st of September following the completion of a child's sixth year of life and lasts for nine school years. The school year is divided into two semesters, with pupils receiving a report in February and a certificate at the end of the year in early July.

The first four years of compulsory education are completed in primary schools, known as "Volksschule". From the age of ten, children can attend either a junior high school or a secondary school, such as the "Hauptschule" or "Kooperative Mittelschule". Alternatively, in certain provinces like Vienna, they can attend a "Neue Mittelschule" or the lower grades of a higher general secondary school (AHS). All school types comprise four educational levels.

The ninth school year, usually between the ages of 14 and 15, can be completed at a polytechnic school, focusing on vocational orientation and preparation for an apprenticeship, or other types of schools. There are also special schools for children with disabilities or special educational needs, who are often also educated in standard schools in "integration classes".

After completing compulsory education, all young people in Austria must either continue their schooling or undergo professional training until the age of 18 or the successful completion of a further educational level. The country's education system aims to enable children to take the educational path that is right for them as individuals, fostering a well-educated, productive, and skilled population that can effectively participate in society, the economy, and cultural life.

Private and public schools

There are two types of educational institutions in Austria: private and public schools. State schools are free of charge, while private schools and so-called private schools with public rights charge a monthly tuition fee. Around 90% of students in Austria attend state schools, while 10% attend one of the 600-odd private educational institutions.

Private schools with public rights are officially accredited private schools that follow the same school year schedule as public schools. This schedule is determined by the Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research, and includes compulsory summer, semester, and Pentecost holidays, as well as public holidays. The school year starts in September and is divided into two semesters, with a nine-week summer break between July and September.

Public schools in Austria do not cater to full-day education, and afternoon care must be registered for separately by parents. All pupils receive free textbooks for all subjects, and bilingual children can request books for German as a second language, as well as bilingual dictionaries. Public schools accept children who speak very little German as non-regular pupils, allowing them to attend school with other children and advance to the next level. These pupils are granted one year to improve their language skills, and schools usually offer language-support courses.

Private schools, on the other hand, often have their own registration deadlines and admission requirements, and it is advisable to start the registration process a year in advance. They may also charge fees for meals and certain extras, such as extended attendance times or special activities.

In Austria, compulsory schooling is laid down in the Federal Constitution and applies to all children who permanently reside in the country, irrespective of their citizenship. It begins in the year a child turns six and lasts for nine school years. Children must also complete one year of kindergarten before starting school.

School holidays

The school year in Austria typically begins in mid-September and ends in early July, similar to most other European countries. It is divided into two semesters, with pupils receiving a report in February and a certificate at the end of the school year in early July.

There are five major school holidays in Austria: Christmas (December), semester break (February), Easter (March/April), Pentecost (May/June), and summer holidays (July to August/mid-September). The Christmas break lasts about two weeks, while the summer break is about two months long. The exact dates of the semester break and Easter holidays vary by region.

In addition to these major holidays, students in Austria also enjoy a few days off in the middle of the school term, such as autumn break at the end of October. Religious holidays are also observed, including a week off for Easter, as Christianity plays a significant role in Austrian society.

It's worth noting that private and international schools in Austria may have different holiday schedules compared to state-run public schools, as they have more autonomy over their calendars. Therefore, it's advisable to check the respective school's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Language support for non-German speakers

In 2018, the Austrian government introduced two segregative language support measures: German Language Support Classes (GLSC) and German Language Support Courses (GLSCO). These measures were implemented to harmonise and improve the quality of German language support in schools.

The GLSC and GLSCO are pull-out classes, where students who have not yet mastered German are separated from their peers. Students with poor German language skills are required to attend a GLSCO for six hours a week, in addition to their regular classes. Students with insufficient German language skills must spend the majority of their class time in a separate GLSC (15 hours per week in primary schools and 20 hours per week in secondary schools).

However, not all Austrian schools adhere to the segregated language support policy. A study conducted in 2023 identified four types of language support models in practice:

• Segregation Model: Students with beginner-level German are taught in separate classes for 15-20 hours per week.
• Mixed Segregated and Integrated Model: Students with beginner-level German participate in both separate and integrated settings. This model can be further divided into a balanced approach (50:50) and an imbalanced approach (80:20).
• Individualized Language Support Model: All resources for German language support are pooled together, and teachers work collaboratively to provide flexible and competence-oriented support for all students.
• Inclusive Support Model: Students with a first language other than German are taught in mainstream classes, and German language support is provided within these classes.

The Austrian government has invested 4 million Euros annually since 2020 to provide additional German support classes for students with insufficient language skills. Primary school pupils receive 15 out of 24 hours per week of remedial classes, while secondary school pupils receive 20 out of 32 hours. For all pupils whose German is not fluent, special support is offered in preschool.

In addition to these measures, Austria offers mother-tongue teaching in more than 26 languages. This is particularly important given that over 26% of pupils in Austria used a language other than German in their daily lives in the 2017/18 academic year.

Extra-curricular activities

Austria offers a wide range of extra-curricular activities for students, providing them with opportunities for enrichment, academic improvement, and engagement in a safe and supervised environment after school.

After-School Activities in Vienna International School:

Vienna International School (VIS) offers an extensive programme of after-school activities. Primary students can stay on campus until 16:15, while secondary students can stay until 17:15, participating in a diverse range of activities. This programme ensures a safe and engaging environment for students to meet and become role models for each other.

Out-of-School and After-School Care:

For school-age children, after-school care is available at their schools or other designated locations. Additionally, preschool children often attend after-school care instead of or in addition to kindergarten or children's groups, especially during the compulsory kindergarten year.

Excursions and Project Weeks:

Elementary schools typically organise excursions lasting several days for students, usually in the 3rd and 4th grades. These trips are an opportunity for students to explore new places and learn outside the traditional classroom setting.

Sports and Music Education:

Austria offers secondary schools with a focus on sports and music, providing students with specialised educational opportunities in these fields. The Sportmittelschule, for instance, is a secondary school that includes a compulsory 9th grade and has a sports-oriented curriculum.

Language Support and Integration:

Austria accommodates students whose native language is not German through international schools, bilingual programs, and immersive German lessons. The country has invested in additional German support classes, and schools offer language-support courses for students learning the language.

Summer Camps and Holiday Activities:

During school holidays, such as the summer vacation, families can explore various holiday activities and camps for children. These programmes ensure that children remain engaged and active even when school is not in session.

Frequently asked questions