The education system in Austria

Austria has one of Europe’s strongest and most affordable education systems. More than 160,000 international students choose to study here every year.

1. Secondary education

State schools in Austria are free and compulsory for children aged 6 to 15. After primary school (up to age 10), pupils follow one of two routes: the Gymnasium (academic) or the secondary school (practical and vocational). Upper-secondary study concludes with the Matura — the school-leaving qualification that grants direct entry to university with no further entrance tests.

2. Higher education

Austria offers three levels of study:

• Bachelor's — 6 semesters

• Master's — 2–4 semesters

• Doctoral (PhD) — 6 semesters

Tuition fees for international students range from €380 to €760 per semester. Most programmes have no entrance exams, the exceptions being medicine and creative subjects. Students enjoy considerable academic freedom to shape their own curriculum, and internships are compulsory from the first year. The strongest fields include the natural sciences, law and the arts.

3. Language requirements

To study in Austria you will usually need German at B2 or above (Goethe-Zertifikat, ÖSD or TestDaF). Applicants who have not yet reached this level can enrol on university language courses, which confer student status and the right to work part-time.

Summary

Key benefits for international students:

• Tuition fees from €380 to €760 per semester;

• No entrance exams for most programmes (except medicine and creative subjects);

• Internationally recognised degrees;

• Academic freedom and flexibility in choosing your courses;

• Compulsory internships from the early semesters;

• The right to work part-time during your studies.