Austria

The scheme is close to the German one: primary school (Volksschule, 4 years), then a secondary stage and higher education. Education is compulsory for nine years, from 6 to 15.

After primary school, pupils choose between an academic secondary school and the more practically oriented Mittelschule.

The upper stage is either an academic Gymnasium (AHS) or a vocational college (BHS, 5 years). Both end with the Matura maturity exam and give the right to enter university.

Vocational colleges are valued because a graduate gets both a qualification and access to university at the same time.

Public universities charge a token fee to EU citizens and around €730 per semester to others. Alongside them are universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschule) and renowned universities of music and fine arts.

Degrees follow the common European 3 + 2 + 3 scheme. Vienna is traditionally strong in economics, law, social sciences and international relations — the offices of the UN, OSCE and OPEC are located here.

Most bachelor’s programmes are taught in German (B2 level required, an ÖSD certificate or equivalent); master’s programmes are more often in English. Admission is directly to the chosen university.

Some subjects (medicine, psychology, some creative fields) have entrance tests and limited places.

Students are allowed to work part-time, and the cost of living is lower than in Switzerland or Germany. There are many short summer schools (2–4 weeks) that you can join without a full admission process.

Grants for mobility and exchanges are supported by Erasmus+ and the national agency OeAD.