Lexi Webster
In Austria, children between the ages of 10 and 15 must attend junior high or secondary school. There are many types of secondary schools, and students can choose to attend a trade school, local state school, or private international school. The Gymnasium, or Allgemeine Höhere Schule (AHS), is a type of secondary school that provides a higher level of general education for those who plan to attend university and pursue professional careers. Students at an AHS take a comprehensive school-leaving exam and are granted the Matura, a diploma that allows them to enroll in most Austrian university programs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Age of attendance | 10 to 15 |
| Types of schools | Trade school, local state school, private international school, secondary technical and vocational high school, classical academic secondary school, academic secondary school emphasizing mathematics and science, academic secondary school emphasizing economics, etc. |
| Grading system | 5-grade scale |
| Performance levels | Standard and Standard AHS |
| Grading at Standard AHS level equivalent to | "Satisfactory" at Standard AHS level is equivalent to a grade of "Good" at the "Standard" level |
| School-leaving exam | Matura, a diploma or secondary-school certificate of completion that entitles the student to enroll in most Austrian university programs |
| School curriculum | Core subjects, electives |
| Teaching techniques | Team teaching, flexible grouping, remedial and advanced courses |
| School costs | Public schools are free of charge, while private schools charge tuition and fees |
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What You'll Learn
Types of high schools in Austria
Education is compulsory for children in Austria from the age of six to fifteen, which equates to nine years of compulsory education. The primary language of instruction in Austrian schools is German, although there is a strong emphasis on learning foreign languages. More than 90% of students aged 10 to 19 learn at least one foreign language, and there are also opportunities to learn subject matter in a foreign language, such as history, economics, and geography.
After four years of primary school, from ages six to ten, children can attend either a junior high school or secondary school, which are known as Hauptschule or Kooperative Mittelschule. In certain provinces, such as Vienna, children may first attend a new middle school (Neue Mittelschule) or a German-style Gymnasium (allgemeinbildende höhere Schule or AHS). The two types of public secondary schools (AHS and MS) begin in the fifth grade and last until the end of the eighth grade. After completing the lower level of secondary school, pupils can choose from a large selection of higher-level vocational secondary schools and schools for intermediate vocational education.
There are also special schools for disabled children or those with special educational needs. Private schools in Austria account for about 8-10% of all schools, and most are denominational schools. Private schools are fee-paying, whereas there are no fees for state schools.
After completing compulsory education, all young people must either continue their schooling or go into professional training until the age of eighteen or until they have successfully completed a further educational level. There are many types of vocational upper secondary schools, and students can attend a polytechnic school (Polytechnische Schule) for vocational training and apprenticeships. Higher-level vocational secondary schools, also known as colleges for higher vocational education, last for five years (9th-13th grades) and conclude with a school-leaving examination ("Reifeprüfung" or "Matura") or a diploma examination ("Diplomprüfung").
Austria has a variety of course options in technical studies, humanities, arts, and other fields of study. Technical universities offer practical training that facilitates direct access to a profession, and higher education colleges offer training for teachers at various levels.
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Costs of attending high school
Education in Austria is compulsory for children aged 6 to 15. After four years of primary education, children can choose to attend a compulsory secondary level or the first four years of an eight-year university preparatory track at higher schools of general education (Allgemeinbildende Höhere Schulen, or AHS).
State schools are free of charge for the compulsory school years, which include the first four years of an AHS. However, parents must pay for school outings, meals, and teaching materials.
After the four years of compulsory secondary education, students can continue their high school education at an AHS, a vocational secondary school, or a pre-professional school. The AHS is an institution that provides different fields of specialisation that grant the diploma (Reifeprüfung or Matura) needed to enter university. The cost of attending a private Austrian school is more than €25,000 per year. Boarding schools are also available but are more expensive, costing between €30,000 and €50,000 annually.
For those interested in pursuing a vocational path, there are two options: a polytechnic institute (Polytechnische Schule) or a part-time vocational school (Berufsschule). The polytechnic institute is for students who want to take up an apprenticeship and do not want to complete a degree. After finding an apprentice position, they must attend a vocational school for three years, which can be done through block release or day release.
Austria also offers various higher education institutions, including public and private universities, colleges, and Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS). Public universities are free for EU citizens, while non-EU/EEA students can expect to pay between 727 and 7,500 EUR per semester, depending on the university and programme. Private universities have their own tuition fees, ranging from 3,000 to 23,000 EUR per year, with some business programmes costing over 35,000 EUR per year.
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Grades and grading systems
The Austrian grading system offers a range of five different grades (1 to 5), with 1 being the highest and 5 the lowest. Students need to achieve at least a grade of 4 to pass a course. The top 10% of students in class typically earn a 1. However, all passing grades (1 to 4) allow students to pursue further studies at university. The GPA is often used as a measure of academic success and is increasingly important for applications.
The grading system in Austria is consistent across the country, but there may be slight variations in how grades are awarded, especially in borderline cases or the application of '+' and '-' indicators. The interpretation and emphasis on certain criteria can also vary between general secondary schools, vocational schools, and higher technical institutes. This reflects the different educational focuses and objectives of these institutions.
In terms of secondary education, Austria offers a few pathways, including general secondary schools (Gymnasium), vocational schools (Berufsschulen), and higher technical institutes (Höhere Technische Lehranstalten, HTL). Each type of school may prioritize different skills and knowledge areas, potentially influencing grading practices.
Students in Austria are required by law to attend school. Children who are aged 6 by September 1st must begin their formal education, which consists of four years of elementary school and five years of secondary school, typically between the ages of 6 and 15.
For students with a grade of "3" in German/Reading and Mathematics, a commission will decide whether they qualify to attend an AHS school. If they do not meet the requirements, they can take a qualifying examination. After completing the 8th year, students may choose to switch to a 3-year or 5-year technical vocational training college.
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Entry requirements
In Austria, schooling is compulsory for nine years, from age six to 15 (first to ninth grade). The first four years of compulsory education are completed in primary schools (known as 'Volksschule' or 'Grundschule'). From age ten, children can attend either a junior high school or secondary school ('Hauptschule' or 'Kooperative Mittelschule'), or in certain provinces, a 'new middle school' ('Neue Mittelschule') or the lower grades of a higher general secondary school ('allgemeinbildende höhere Schule' or 'AHS', also called 'Gymnasium').
After four years in elementary school and four years in a school for lower secondary education or grammar school, students who want to pursue a degree must complete four to five years at an institution of higher education ('Höhere Schule') or a vocational school with a higher education focus. The ninth school year can be completed at a polytechnic school ('Polytechnische Schule') or other types of schools, such as special schools for disabled children or those with special educational needs.
For admission to higher education institutions, students typically need to provide a secondary school leaving certificate that entitles them to university studies in their home country. German language proficiency is also required, which can be demonstrated through a secondary school leaving certificate confirming a minimum of four years of German language instruction or an equivalent qualification.
Specific requirements for international students studying in Austria are provided by the Austrian Exchange Service (OEAD) and on the website 'Study in Austria'. The National Academic Recognition and Information Centre (ENIC NARIC Austria) provides information on the recognition of exams, report cards, and other matters related to higher education.
The Austrian university system requires students to meet certain academic standards for admission. Most institutions require an entrance exam or demand high marks on the student's last school certificate. The final exam for entry into higher education is the 'Matura' examination. After completing the Matura, students are qualified to enrol in university, although certain subjects may require additional exams, such as medicine.
For bachelor's programmes, students must register by September 5th for the winter semester or February 5th for the summer semester. The registration period starts on April 15th, but different deadlines may apply for specific study programmes. It is recommended to contact the university of choice before submitting an application to ensure all necessary requirements are met.
In terms of grades, the Austrian system requires a minimum average of 2 out of 5 (1 being the highest) or 'Gut'. This is equivalent to a 'B' average or a 3.00-grade point average (GPA) on a 4.00 GPA grading scale in the US system.
Additionally, proof of English language proficiency is required for admission to Austrian universities. This can be demonstrated through standardised test scores, a General Certificate of Secondary Education or General Certificate of Education "O" level in English, or an American associate degree, among other options.
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Post-high school options
In Austria, students can choose from a variety of options after completing their high school education. Here are some of the most common paths:
- University education: Students who have obtained the "Matura" school-leaving certificate are eligible to enrol in most Austrian university programs. The "Matura" is awarded upon successful completion of the Gymnasium or Allgemeine Höhere Schule (AHS). Students can also enrol in University Colleges of Teacher Education, Universities of Applied Sciences, or Academies. Additionally, they can pursue higher occupationally-oriented Continuing Education Courses and Post-secondary VET Courses.
- Vocational training: Students can opt for vocational training programs such as the Berufsbildende Mittlere und Höhere Schulen (BMHS). These programs combine general education with vocational training in various fields, including engineering (Höhere Technische Lehranstalt, HTL), business and tourism (Handelsakademie, HAK), and kindergarten teaching (Bildungsanstalt für Kindergartenpädagogik, BAKIP). Students graduating from a BMHS can either continue their education at a university or work in their trained field.
- Trade schools: Students can choose to attend trade schools to find jobs in specific fields. These schools provide training and apprenticeship programs that equip students with the skills and qualifications needed to enter the workforce directly after high school.
- International education: Students may opt for international secondary schools, which offer qualifications such as GCSEs, A-Levels, SATs, AP programs, or the International Baccalaureate (IB). These schools can be expensive, but they provide a multicultural environment and often offer higher levels of education and better facilities than state schools.
- Specialized education: Austria offers specialized education programs for students with specific interests or talents, such as information technology, science, competitive sports, music (Musikhauptschulen), or those who are gifted or have learning disabilities. These programs are designed to cater to the unique needs and strengths of the students.
- Employment: Students who wish to enter the workforce immediately after high school can seek employment and obtain the necessary professional qualifications through workplace training or continuing education programs.
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Frequently asked questions
The equivalent of high school in Austria is called a Gymnasium or an Allgemeine Höhere Schule (AHS).
The purpose of secondary schools in Austria is to provide the best possible individual support for each pupil and ensure equality of opportunity.
There are many types of secondary schools in Austria, including trade schools, local state schools, and private international schools. There are also Academic Secondary Schools with different specialisations, such as the Classical Academic Secondary School (Gymnasium), the Realgymnasium, and the Wirtschaftskundliches Realgymnasium, which emphasises economics.
The Matura is a diploma or secondary-school certificate granted to students who successfully complete the Gymnasium or certain other secondary school programmes. It allows students to enrol in most Austrian university programmes.
In Austria, children aged 6 by September 1st are required to begin their formal education. High school or secondary school typically covers grades 5 to 8, so the age range is approximately 10 to 15 years old.
