Leaving School In Austria: What's The Legal Age?

In Austria, children are required to attend school from the age of six to fifteen. Compulsory education lasts for nine years, after which young people must continue their education or enter professional training until they turn eighteen. The first four years of compulsory education are completed in primary schools, followed by lower secondary education or grammar school. Students who wish to pursue an apprenticeship attend a polytechnic institute for a year, followed by three years at a vocational school. Those who want to obtain a degree attend an institution of higher education or a vocational school with a higher education entrance qualification.

Schooling is compulsory from ages 6 to 15

In Austria, schooling is compulsory from ages 6 to 15. This means that all children who live in Austria must attend school from the age of 6 to 15. The first four years of compulsory education are completed in primary schools, known as 'Volksschule' or 'Grundschule'. During this time, children will learn the basics, including reading, writing, and arithmetic. They will also develop a deeper understanding of their environment and learn about tolerance, participation, shared responsibility, and respect for others.

After primary school, from ages 10 to 14, students have two main options: a comprehensive middle school that accepts all students, called 'Mittelschule', or a more academic-focused school, the 'Allgemeinbildende Höhere Schulen' or 'AHS' (also known as a Gymnasium). The Mittelschule prepares students for vocational training or further academic studies, while the AHS is a more rigorous path that leads to a university preparatory track.

At age 14, students can also opt for a pre-vocational school, the 'Polytechnische Schule', which lasts for one year and enables them to complete the compulsory 9 years of schooling. This school emphasizes vocational orientation and preparation for apprenticeships.

It is important to note that Austria has a free and public school system, and state schools are available at no charge. The country also offers a range of educational options for students with special needs, ensuring an inclusive learning environment.

After compulsory schooling, further education or training is required until age 18

In Austria, schooling is compulsory between the ages of six and fifteen. After completing compulsory schooling, all individuals under the age of eighteen who are permanent residents in Austria are required to pursue further education or training until they turn eighteen. This means that young people in Austria must continue their studies or training for a minimum of three years after completing compulsory schooling.

There are several options available for young people who have completed compulsory schooling in Austria. They can choose to continue their academic studies at a higher secondary school, which will lead to an internationally recognised qualification called the Matura, which is required for university entrance. Alternatively, they can opt for a vocational path and enrol in a vocational secondary school, which offers a combination of general education and vocational training in various fields. Another option is to attend a pre-vocational school for a year, which prepares students for vocational training and apprenticeships. After completing their pre-vocational programme, students can enter an apprenticeship, which offers hands-on training in specific trades alongside part-time vocational school. Apprenticeships typically last three to four years and lead to a recognised professional qualification. It is worth noting that some apprenticeships also include the option to obtain the Matura qualification, keeping university options open for students.

For those seeking a more academic route, the Oberstufe Gymnasium is the upper-level continuation of the academic path, which culminates in the Matura examination. From the age of fourteen, students at this stage can choose elective subjects and create an individual curriculum that aligns with their academic and professional aspirations.

Overall, the Austrian education system offers a diverse range of options for students to continue their education or training after completing compulsory schooling. These options are designed to cater to different interests, abilities, and future goals, ensuring that young people in Austria have the opportunity to pursue a path that suits their unique needs and learning style.

State schools are free, while private schools charge fees

In Austria, schooling is compulsory between the ages of six and fifteen. Children must attend one year of kindergarten and nine years of school. After completing compulsory schooling, all individuals under the age of eighteen who are permanent residents in Austria are obliged to pursue further education or training until they turn eighteen.

State schools in Austria are free of charge, while private schools charge fees. Private schools under public law (Privatschulen mit Öffentlichkeitsrecht) are essentially officially accredited private schools. They charge a monthly tuition fee.

Publicly authorised private schools, which make up about 8% of all schools, typically charge fees but are also held to high educational standards. They are often affiliated with religious organisations, such as the Catholic Church, and charge relatively modest fees ranging from €200 to €500 per month.

The Austrian school system can seem complicated, especially for international families seeking the right fit for their child’s education. With the diversity of choice on offer, there are education and learning options for all different types of students.

Austria's primary education goals include teaching basics and encouraging tolerance

In Austria, compulsory education starts at the age of six and lasts for nine years, until the age of fifteen. The first four years of compulsory education are completed in primary schools, where the focus is on teaching the basics: reading, writing, and arithmetic.

Austria's primary education goals also include encouraging tolerance and social integration. The curriculum is designed to deepen children's understanding of their environment and to support them in learning and practicing tolerance, participation, shared responsibility, and respect for others. This includes the social integration of children with disabilities.

After primary school, students move on to lower secondary education, which lasts for four years. During these four years, students are separated based on their aptitude for vocational or academic work. At the end of lower secondary education, students can choose to continue with vocational training or pursue a more academic pathway.

Overall, Austria's primary education system lays the foundation for children's academic and social development, equipping them with the necessary skills and values to succeed in their further education and future careers.

Austria's school year is split into two semesters, with various holidays in between

In Austria, schooling is compulsory for children aged between six and 15, which means nine years of education are mandatory. The school year is split into two semesters, with various holidays in between. The academic year usually starts in mid-September and ends in early July, similar to the rest of Europe. The winter semester runs from September to February, and the summer semester from February to June.

The school year is punctuated by several holidays. The major ones include Christmas (December), semester break (February), Easter (March/April), Pentecost (May/June) and the summer holidays (July to August). The Christmas break is typically two weeks long, and the summer holidays last two months. There is also a shorter break in October, known as the autumn break, as well as a term break in February. The exact dates of these breaks may vary by region.

In addition to these longer holidays, students also get a few days off in the middle of the school term. Religious holidays are common, given the role of Christianity in Austrian society. For instance, there is usually a week off for Easter, and students also get time off for Pentecost Monday, also known as Whit Monday.

It is worth noting that private and international schools have more autonomy over their schedules and may follow a different calendar.

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