Lexi Webster
In Austria, children generally start primary school in the September following their sixth birthday. This is a requirement by law and applies to all children who are long-term residents in Austria, regardless of citizenship. To enrol in a public primary school, children must be able to communicate in German and be in good physical, mental, social, and cognitive health. There are also private and international primary schools available, which are more expensive but may offer a better quality of education and a more multicultural environment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Age children start school | 6 |
| Compulsory education | 9 years |
| School year start date | First Monday in September |
| School day timings | 8 am to 2 pm |
| Class duration | 45-50 minutes |
| Language of instruction | German |
| Primary school types | State, Private, International |
| Primary school fees | State schools are free |
| Primary school curriculum | Math, Reading, Literacy, Physical Education, Music, Art, Religion, Foreign Language |
| Primary school holidays | February break |
| Admission requirements | Adequate German communication skills, Good physical, mental, social, and cognitive health |
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What You'll Learn
Compulsory education
If a child has not reached compulsory school age but turns six before the first of March of the subsequent calendar year, they may be admitted to Year 1 early on the condition that they are deemed ready for school and possess the required level of social competence. Children who turn six after the first of September cut-off date but before the 31st of December may also be permitted to start primary school early if they pass an assessment test.
During their time in primary school, children in Austria will learn the basics in general subjects such as reading, writing, and math, as well as everyday skills like responsibility, tolerance, and respect. They will also be required to learn at least one foreign language, and many schools offer classes in physical education, music, art, and religion. To complete primary school and progress to middle school, students must successfully complete their classes in German, math, and reading.
After completing primary school, students can attend a higher-level school, which is divided into a lower level and an upper level of four years each. To qualify for an AHS school, students must have received a grade of "1" (Sehr Gut) or "2" (Gut) in German/Reading and Mathematics in grade 4. Alternatively, they can take a qualifying examination. After eight years of education, students can choose to switch to a technical vocational training college, which offers three-year or five-year programs.
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Public vs private schools
In Austria, children typically start primary school ("Volksschule") in the September after they turn six. Compulsory primary education lasts four years, until the age of ten.
Public schools in Austria are free of charge for the compulsory school years, and children will usually attend the closest school to their home. Public schools are generally of good quality, especially in cities like Vienna, Salzburg, and Linz. However, the quality of education in rural areas may not be as high, and some state schools lack resources. In public schools, pupils receive free school books for all subjects, and bilingual children can request books for German as a second language as well as bilingual dictionaries.
Private schools in Austria, on the other hand, charge tuition fees, which can be quite expensive, starting from €5,000 per year for international primary schools. There are around 600 private schools in Austria, making up about 10% of the total number of schools in the country. Many private schools are denominational, with religion playing a major role in the curriculum. Roman Catholic schools, in particular, have a reputation for more discipline and rigor than public institutions, and some are considered elite. Private schools may also follow a specific educational philosophy, such as the Waldorf or Montessori methods. International primary schools offer instruction in languages other than German, such as English, French, or American, and follow the curriculum of those countries. This can be beneficial for children of expat families who are not native to Austria, as it provides a more familiar educational environment and facilitates cultural integration.
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School readiness
In Austria, children must attend school from ages 6 to 15, and primary education is compulsory. The school year starts in September, and children who turn six before the 1st of September must register for school. However, school readiness is determined by more than just age.
Physical and Mental Health
To be considered ready for school, children must be in good physical and mental health. Schools may request additional medical and psychological certifications before acceptance. This ensures that children are physically and mentally capable of handling the demands of a formal learning environment.
Social and Emotional Development
Language Skills
Language skills are crucial for school readiness. Children should be able to communicate effectively in German, the primary language of instruction in Austrian schools. This includes both verbal and written communication skills, as they will be expected to read and write and understand the language at a level appropriate for their age.
Cognitive Abilities
Cognitive abilities, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and concentration, are essential for school readiness. Children should have the cognitive capacity to understand and retain new information, follow instructions, and complete age-appropriate academic tasks. This includes basic numeracy and literacy skills, as well as the ability to think creatively and solve simple problems.
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Curriculum
The Austrian education system offers pathways from primary school to university. Primary school in Austria is called a Volksschule or Grundschule and is compulsory from ages 6 to 10. Children who turn six after the September 1st cut-off date and before December 31st may be permitted to begin primary school early, provided they pass an assessment test.
At primary school, children receive a general education that covers elementary concepts in math, reading, and literacy. Many schools also offer classes for physical education, music, art, and religion. Once students start their third year in school, they are also required to learn a foreign language. After their fourth year in school, children must successfully complete their classes in German, math, and reading to progress to middle school.
There are 2,865 public primary schools in Austria, as well as 106 private schools receiving government assistance. Approximately 90% of students attend state schools, which are conveniently located close to home and are free of charge. Private schools, on the other hand, can be expensive, with tuition fees starting from €5,000 per year, plus additional fees for applications, meals, and boarding. International primary schools are also an option for expats, as they offer a good environment for children’s development and instruction in a non-German language.
After completing primary school, students can continue on to a variety of secondary school options. The “Mittelschule” (MS), formerly known as the "Hauptschule", is a public school that covers the 5th to 8th school years and accepts all students. The AHS, on the other hand, decides whether to admit students based on their academic performance. After the 8th year, students may opt to switch to a 3-year or 5-year technical vocational training college.
Higher-level schools require eight years of education in total and are divided into "lower-level" and "upper-level" streams. Students graduate by successfully passing the Austrian "Matura" school-leaving certificate. From the 10th school year onwards, students can choose elective subjects and create an individual curriculum that aligns with their academic and professional goals.
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School hours
In Austria, primary school is compulsory for children between the ages of 6 and 10. The school year typically starts in September and ends in June or July, with two semesters and a week-long break in February. The academic year is punctuated by five major holidays: Christmas (December), semester break (February), Easter (March/April), Pentecost (May/June), and the summer holidays (July to August).
The school day for primary school children starts around 8 am and ends at approximately 2 pm, with each class lasting 45 to 50 minutes. After the school day finishes, pupils can attend after-school care, either on-site or at another school. While public elementary schools have some autonomy in setting timetables for lessons, meals, learning, and free time, there are rules in place, such as the requirement for lessons to start at 8 am and finish before lunch.
In addition to the standard school day, children in Austria have access to a variety of childcare options, including public and private kindergartens, children's groups, and daycare centers. Public kindergartens are usually open all year round, except on official holidays, semester breaks, December 24th and 31st, and some have a summer break. Daycare in Austria can be public or private, with the latter incurring additional costs.
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Frequently asked questions
Children in Austria are required by law to start school from the first day of September following their sixth birthday.
Children need to be able to communicate adequately in German and be in good physical, mental, social, and cognitive health. The admissions team may also request additional medical and psychological certifications before acceptance.
Primary school in Austria is called a Volksschule or Grundschule and is compulsory for children aged 6 to 10. The school year usually starts in September and ends in June, with two semesters and a February break. The school day typically runs from 8 am to 2 pm, with each class lasting 45 to 50 minutes.
International families can choose from several private and international primary schools that offer education in non-German languages such as English, French, or American curricula. These schools can provide a smoother transition and a more familiar environment for children adjusting to life in a new country.
Public schools in Austria are free of charge and conveniently located close to home. Children in public schools often have the opportunity to learn multiple languages, including German, and benefit from better cultural integration. Private schools, on the other hand, may offer smaller class sizes and more specialized educational programs, but they typically charge tuition and fees.
