School's Out: Austria's Academic Calendar Explained

when does school end in austria

Austria's education system is quite similar to those of other European countries, especially Germany. The country offers a variety of educational options, including excellent international schools and good kindergarten and primary education. With a rich cultural heritage and beautiful landscapes, Austria provides families and students with numerous opportunities to enjoy their school holidays. The academic year in Austria generally starts in September and ends in July, with the summer holiday stretching from the end of June or early July to the end of August or early September.

Characteristics Values
School year September to July
Number of term breaks 5
Christmas break 23 December 2024 to 6 January 2025
Semester break One week in February
Easter break 12 April 2025 to 21 April 2025
Summer break Begins between 28 June and 5 July; ends between 31 August and 7 September
Mandatory education 9 years
Age range 6 to 15
Kindergarten 20 hours on at least 4 days a week

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School holidays in Austria

The school year in Austria usually begins in mid-September and ends in early July, which is similar to most other European countries. The academic year typically concludes on the 29th of June and classes resume on the 6th of July. The Austrian education system offers pathways from primary school to university, and school attendance is mandatory for children aged 6 to 15.

The summer holidays in Austria typically last for two months, starting in early July and continuing through to mid-September. This extended break coincides with the busiest travel period in Austria and across Europe, so families often plan their vacations well in advance. The semester break in February and the Easter holidays in March or April also provide students with a week-long respite from school. Additionally, students can expect a few days off in the middle of the school term and a short autumn break in October.

It is worth noting that Austria has nine states, and school holiday dates can vary between them. For instance, the summer holidays commence in the first week of July in Burgenland, Lower Austria, and Vienna, while the remaining six states start their summer break in the second week of July. Moreover, 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. Religious holidays, such as Corpus Christi Day, Assumption Day, and All Saints' Day, may also impact school schedules, depending on the region.

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Academic year dates

The academic year in Austria usually starts in September and ends in July. The school year is divided into five major breaks, during which schools are closed. These holidays are consistent across all nine federal states, although there may be slight variations depending on regional traditions or specific circumstances. The summer break, for instance, is staggered regionally to prevent overcrowding of popular holiday destinations.

The Christmas and New Year holiday usually falls between December 24 and January 6. The winter holiday/Carnival lasts from February 5 to February 10 (or one week from February 3, depending on the school group). The Spring holiday or 'spring break' goes from March 24 to April 3. The summer holiday usually stretches from June 30 to September 2, but in 2025, it will begin on June 28 or July 5 and end on August 31 or September 7.

The primary term breaks in the 2024-2025 academic year are as follows: Autumn Break from October 28 to 31; Christmas Break from December 23 to January 6; Semester Break for one week from February 3, 10, or 17; and Easter Break from April 12 to 21.

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Kindergarten and primary school

Primary schools in Austria, known as 'Volksschule', offer flexible timetables for lessons, meals, learning, and free time. Typically, lessons start at 8:00 AM and end before lunch, after which pupils can attend after-school care either on-site or at another school. The academic year usually begins in September and ends in July, with holiday breaks throughout the year. These breaks include Autumn, Christmas, Semester/Winter, Spring, and Summer. The specific dates of these breaks may vary slightly between regions to prevent overcrowding during popular travel times.

The Austrian government has invested significantly in its childcare system, ensuring that children have access to quality education from a young age. The primary school curriculum includes religious and moral education, reading, writing, and arithmetic. Upon completion of primary school, students transition to lower secondary education or grammar school.

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Secondary school

In Austria, nine years of education are mandatory. After four years of secondary school, students who want to take up an apprenticeship and not complete a degree go to a polytechnic institute (Polytechnische Schule) for a year. After finding an apprentice position, they must attend vocational school (Berufsschule) for three years. At the end of those three years, they must take the final apprenticeship examination (Lehrabschlussprüfung).

Pupils who want to get a degree go to an institute of higher education (Höhere Schule) for four or five years. At the end of their education, they must take the matriculation (Matura) exam to get into university. Alternatively, academic students who enjoy vocational work can go to a vocational school (Berufsbildende Höhere Schule) before moving on to university.

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Tertiary education

In Austria, nine years of education are mandatory for pupils. This includes four years of primary school (known as "Volksschule") and four years of lower secondary education ("Mittelschule") or grammar school ("Gymnasium"). After completing their lower secondary education, students have a choice between pursuing apprenticeships or continuing their education to obtain a degree.

Students who wish to take up an apprenticeship can enrol in a polytechnic institute ("Polytechnische Schule") for a year. After finding an apprentice position, they must concurrently attend vocational school ("Berufsschule") for three years. At the end of this period, they are required to take the final apprenticeship examination ("Lehrabschlussprüfung").

On the other hand, students who want to obtain a degree can pursue higher education at an institute of higher learning ("Höhere Schule") for four to five years. Upon completion, they must pass the matriculation exam ("Matura") to gain university admission. Alternatively, they can opt for a vocational school with a higher education focus ("Berufsbildende Höhere Schule") as a stepping stone to university.

Austria offers a mix of public and private tertiary education options. The country has a free and public school system, with state schools being free of charge. However, private schools and "private schools with public rights" charge monthly tuition fees. While historically, there was no tradition of private university education in Austria, this has slowly been changing in recent years, with private universities becoming more common.

The academic year in Austria generally starts in September and ends in July, with holiday dates varying across schools and provinces. The Austrian grading system is unique, with higher numbers indicating poorer performance. For instance, a student with a score of 1 is considered excellent.

Austria boasts several top-ranked universities, including the University of Vienna, which is the highest-ranked institution in the country. In 2018, seven Austrian universities were featured in the QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) top universities in the world rankings. Notably, EU students do not have to pay tuition fees at Austrian universities.

Frequently asked questions

The academic year in Austria usually starts in September and ends in July.

The summer holiday in Austria usually stretches from the end of June to the start of September.

Yes, there are 4 other major breaks during the academic year in Austria. These are the Christmas and New Year holiday, the Autumn/Winter break, the Spring break, and the Easter break.

In Austria, 9 years of education are mandatory, starting from age 6.

State schools in Austria are free of charge. Private schools and private schools with public rights, on the other hand, charge a monthly tuition fee.

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