Translating Austrian Education To The Us: A Comprehensive Guide

Austria has a free and public school system, with nine years of mandatory education. The Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research is responsible for the entire educational system, from early childhood education to higher education entrance examinations. The country's education system is quite different from that of the USA, with varying levels of schooling, grading systems, and even the language of instruction. For example, in Austria, the school year is divided into two semesters, and there are several school holidays throughout the year. Understanding these differences is essential for translating the Austrian school system to the USA.

Mandatory education: 9 years of schooling is mandatory in Austria

In Austria, children are required to attend school for nine years. This rule applies to all long-term residents of Austria, not just Austrian citizens. The requirement for children to complete compulsory school education is written into the Austrian constitution.

Children must go to school from the 1st of September after they turn six years old. Their compulsory school education lasts for nine school years, which usually takes children up to the age of 15. The school year is calculated from the day after a child's birthday up until the day before their next birthday. So, if a child turns six on the 1st of September, they will be expected to start school on that date as their sixth year of life will have ended on the 31st of August.

The types of school that children must attend are as follows:

• From the 1st to the 4th school year (usually between the ages of 6 and 10), children attend primary school (Volksschule)
• From the 5th to the 8th school year (usually between the ages of 10 and 14), children attend middle school (Mittelschule) or the junior department of a general secondary school (allgemein bildende höhere Schule)
• In the 9th year of school (usually between the ages of 14 and 15), children attend a polytechnic school (polytechnische Schule), the senior department of a general secondary school (allgemein bildende höhere Schule) or a vocational (berufsbildende) upper or middle school.

Children with special educational needs are entitled to attend special schools. They can also be educated alongside other children in standard schools in 'integration classes'.

School structure: The Austrian school system is split into primary and secondary education

The Austrian school system is split into primary and secondary education, with nine years of mandatory schooling.

Primary Education

In Austria, children start primary school, known as "Volksschule", at the age of six. Volksschule lasts for four years, and at the end of it, children receive a certificate (Abschlusszeugnis) that allows them to continue their education in secondary school.

Secondary Education

The secondary school system is split into two levels:

• Sekundarstufe I (the Unterstufe): Years 5 to 8
• Sekundarstufe II (the Oberstufe): Years 9 to 12 or 13

There are two options for Unterstufe secondary education: Mittelschule (MS) and Gymnasium (AHS). The Mittelschule is a public school that covers years 5 to 8 and accepts all students who have completed the 4th year of elementary school with at least an "adequate" grade. The Gymnasium is an academic secondary school that prepares students for university and is highly competitive. Students can attend the Gymnasium for both Unterstufe and Oberstufe.

The Sekundarstufe II features numerous options, including:

• AHS (allgemeinbildende höhere Schulen): This corresponds to the Oberstufe in a grammar school and prepares students for university.
• BHS (berufsbildende höhere Schulen): Vocational schools that offer 5-year courses and finish with both a Matura qualification for university entrance and professional qualifications.
• BMS (berufsbildende mittlere Schulen): Vocational middle schools that lead students towards a professional trade. Studies last for 3 or 4 years without the qualifications necessary for university.
• PTS (Polytechnische Schule/Pre-vocational school): A one-year course that prepares students for the dual system of Berufsschule (vocational school) and apprenticeship.

Higher Education

Students who want to pursue higher education typically continue their studies beyond the age of 15, completing secondary education and obtaining their school-leaving certificates, usually the Matura, which allows them to enrol in universities or other higher education institutions.

Austria has a number of universities that offer undergraduate and graduate degrees. Admission to universities is competitive, and students must pass a Studienberechtigungsprüfung (Austrian Matura or an equivalent from abroad). Universities in Austria are heavily subsidised by the government, and students pay only a small fee.

Higher education: There are 23 public and 13 private universities in Austria

Higher education in Austria is split into four sectors: federal universities, private universities, and universities of applied science. The differences between these types of institutions are largely based on their funding models.

Austria has 23 public universities and 13 private universities. The University of Vienna is the country's oldest and largest university, having been established in 1365.

The country's higher education system has undergone significant changes since the 1960s, shifting from serving the elite to serving the masses. This has resulted in a more diverse student body, with an increase in the number of students from working-class and agricultural backgrounds. However, universities remain predominantly accessible to middle- and higher-income groups.

The cost of studying at an Austrian university has also changed over time. Until 2001, higher education in Austria was free. Following this, fees were introduced, with terms costing €366 for Austrian citizens and €700 for non-Austrians. In 2008, the government abolished fees for students who completed their studies in the minimum time and were EU/EEA citizens.

The process of applying to university in Austria has also evolved. In recent years, restrictions have been implemented in certain fields, including Biology, Human Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine, Pharmacology, Psychology, Journalism, and Economic Sciences. Additionally, the reforms have given universities more discretion to act without ministerial control.

Language: German is widely spoken in Austrian schools

German is an essential language in Austrian schools. The Österreichisches Sprachdiplom (OSD) is a four-stage examination system for German as a foreign language and is recognised as proof of German language skills by universities, educational institutions, and employers in many countries. German is also offered as a daily course in grades 1 to 8 at the American International School in Vienna.

The Austrian Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research (BMBWF) is responsible for the entire educational system, from early childhood education and primary schools to higher education entrance examinations, university colleges of teacher education, and adult education. The BMBWF aims to create the best possible environment for schools, universities, and research institutions and represents Austria's interests on the international stage.

There are many opportunities to learn German in Austria, with courses available for all fluency levels, ages, and durations. German courses are offered by language schools, universities, and language institutes across the country. These courses can be general, junior, test preparation, business, teacher training, professional, work and study, and specialty courses.

Additionally, the US Teaching Assistantship (USTA) Program offers Americans the opportunity to teach English in Austria. This program is administered by Fulbright Austria on behalf of the Austrian Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research (BMBWF).

School holidays: There are several school holidays throughout the year, including Christmas and Easter

School holidays in Austria are set by the Austrian Federal Ministry of Education, Science, and Research. While the main holidays remain the same across the country, each of Austria's nine regions can make slight adjustments to the schedule to accommodate local holidays and requirements.

The school year in Austria usually begins in mid-September and ends in early July, similar to most European countries. There are two semesters in the school year. The first semester is from September to February, and the second is from February to July.

There are several school holidays throughout the year, including Christmas and Easter. Here is a breakdown of the school holidays in Austria:

• Herbstferien (Autumn Holidays): Usually a few days at the end of October.
• Weihnachtsferien (Christmas Holidays): Schools typically offer a two-week holiday during this period, starting around December 23 until around January 6.
• Semesterferien (Semester Holidays): These vary by region. For example, in 2025, Lower Austria and Vienna had their semester break from February 3-5, while Burgenland, Carinthia, Salzburg, Tyrol, and Vorarlberg had theirs from February 10-15.
• Osterferien (Easter Holidays): Students typically get around a week off for Easter.
• Pfingstferien (Pentecost): Students get a couple of days off in May (around 50 days after Easter).
• Sommerferien (Summer Holidays): The long summer holiday is the busiest time for travel within Austria and Europe. It usually lasts about two months, starting in early July and ending in mid-September. The specific dates vary by region.

In addition to these major school holidays, students in Austria also benefit from several public and religious holidays throughout the year, such as Labor Day and Easter Monday. These provide additional days off from school, although they are typically not as long as the main school holidays.

Frequently asked questions