Are public schools in Austria good enough for expat children?

Yes — Austrian public Gymnasium (secondary) schools produce outstanding academic outcomes, and the education system is well-funded and well-staffed. The main challenge is language: classes are entirely in German. Children under 10 typically adapt within 6–12 months; older children may find the transition harder. For short-term expat assignments (under 2–3 years), international schools minimize disruption. For longer stays, public schools are excellent and far cheaper.

Can I study at an Austrian university in English?

Yes. The number of English-taught programs in Austria has grown significantly. WU Wien and TU Wien have the most comprehensive English master's offerings. The University of Vienna has English programs particularly in philosophy, economics, and sciences. IST Austria conducts all research in English. For bachelor's programs, German is more commonly required. Check universities-austria.ac.at for a full list.

What is the Matura and do expat children need it for university entry?

The Matura is Austria's secondary school leaving certificate, required for entry to Austrian public universities. It involves written and oral examinations in German, mathematics, and specialization subjects. International students can bypass the Matura requirement by presenting equivalent qualifications (IB, A-levels, US high school diploma with SAT — varies by university). Contact the specific university's admissions office for recognition requirements.

Are German language skills needed at Austrian universities?

For German-medium programs (the majority of bachelor's and law/medicine programs), C1 German is required. For English-medium master's programs (particularly at WU Wien, TU Wien), B2–C1 German is usually only required for practical purposes, not necessarily for admission. IST Austria's doctoral programs are fully English-medium with no German requirement.

How do I get my foreign qualifications recognized in Austria?

The ENIC-NARIC Austria (anabin.kmk.org equivalent) handles recognition of foreign academic qualifications. For regulated professions (doctors, lawyers, engineers), recognition goes through the relevant professional chamber (Ärztekammer, Rechtsanwaltskammer, etc.) and may require exams or remedial training in Austrian law and practice. Nostrifikation (full equivalence recognition) is available for academic degrees. The process takes 2–6 months.

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🇦🇹 Austria

Education

Austria has one of Europe's strongest education systems, from free high-quality public schools through to internationally ranked universities. Vienna is a major university city, home to the oldest German-language university (University of Vienna, founded 1365) and several world-class technical and business institutions.

Free

Public School

For all legal residents

1365

Univ. Vienna Founded

Oldest German-language university

€12,000–€28,000/yr

Int'l School Fees

Vienna international schools

€363/semester

University Tuition

EU students at public unis

200,000+

Student Population

Students in Vienna

5 universities

Graz Universities

60,000 students in Graz

Last updated: March 2026

Overview🎭Vienna 🏰Graz

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Overview

Key Takeaways

Volksschule (primary school): ages 6–10 (4 years); free; German-medium; integration support classes available
Vienna International School (VIS): Agnesgasse 534, 19th district; IB curriculum; ages 3–18; ~€14,000–€25,000/year; waiting lists common
University of Vienna: founded 1365; 90,000+ students; strong in humanities, law, natural sciences; many English master's programs
Goethe-Institut Wien: intensive and part-time courses; internationally recognized certification; A1–C2; ~€400–€1,200 per intensive course

Austria's Public School System

Austrian public education is free for all children resident in Austria from age 6, and compulsory until age 15 (9 school years). The system is fully funded by the state and the quality of teaching — particularly at the Gymnasium (grammar school) level — is high. The main challenge for expat children is the German-only teaching environment; integration support (Deutschförderklassen) is available in most urban schools.

Volksschule (primary school): ages 6–10 (4 years); free; German-medium; integration support classes available
Mittelschule (new middle school): ages 10–14; vocational and academic tracked; replacing Hauptschule
Gymnasium (academic secondary): ages 10–18; preparation for Matura (university entrance); elite academic track
Matura: Austria's university entrance examination; required for public university entry
Religion classes: Catholic by default (Austria is traditionally Catholic); parents may withdraw children
Language support: Deutschförderklassen (German as a second language classes) available for non-German-speaking newcomers in public schools
School year: September to June; summer holidays approximately 9 weeks
School fees: zero for public schools; textbooks subsidized or free; school supplies cost approximately €200–€500/year

International Schools in Vienna

Vienna has a well-developed cluster of English-language international schools serving the city's large diplomatic, UN, and expat professional community. Most offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) or American curricula. Fees are substantial and waiting lists at the most popular schools can be long — apply 12–18 months in advance for guaranteed placement.

Vienna International School (VIS): Agnesgasse 534, 19th district; IB curriculum; ages 3–18; ~€14,000–€25,000/year; waiting lists common
American International School Vienna (AIS): American Academy Road, 19th district; US AP curriculum; ages 3–18; ~€16,000–€28,000/year
Danube International School (DIS): Am Kaisermühlendamm 3, 22nd district; IB and Austrian Matura; ages 3–18; ~€12,000–€20,000/year
Lycée Français de Vienne: 19th district; French baccalaureate; ages 3–18; ~€6,000–€12,000/year (subsidized for French nationals)
International Christian School of Vienna: evangelical Christian school; IB curriculum; smaller community
Most international schools: application deadline 12–18 months ahead; register on waiting lists as early as possible
Scholarships: limited; most international schools offer income-based bursaries to a small percentage of students

Higher Education in Austria

Austria's public universities are highly regarded internationally and remarkably affordable — EU students pay just €363/semester in tuition fees. The University of Vienna, TU Wien, and the Vienna University of Economics and Business (WU Wien) are among the most recognized. Vienna also hosts several private universities and specialist institutions. English-taught master's programs are increasingly available.

University of Vienna: founded 1365; 90,000+ students; strong in humanities, law, natural sciences; many English master's programs
TU Wien (Vienna University of Technology): top-ranked STEM university; computer science, engineering, architecture
WU Wien (Vienna University of Economics and Business): AACSB accredited; ranked among Europe's best business schools
Medizinische Universität Wien: Austrian medical university; highly competitive entry; German-language
Tuition: EU/EEA students €363/semester; non-EU students €726/semester + ÖH (student union) fee ~€22
English-language programs: extensive list at universities-austria.ac.at; particularly strong at WU Wien and TU Wien
IST Austria (Institute of Science and Technology Austria): world-class research institution in Klosterneuburg near Vienna; English-only; doctoral and postdoctoral research
Graz universities: Karl-Franzens-Universität, TU Graz, Med Uni Graz, KUG (music), FH Joanneum — 60,000 students across Graz

German Language Learning Resources

German is essential for deep integration in Austria. Vienna has excellent formal language learning resources at all price points, from affordable Volkshochschule courses to intensive Goethe-Institut programs. The ÖSD (Österreichisches Sprachdiplom) is the recognized German certification for Austrian residence and citizenship applications, alongside the Goethe-Zertifikat.

Goethe-Institut Wien: intensive and part-time courses; internationally recognized certification; A1–C2; ~€400–€1,200 per intensive course
Volkshochschule (VHS) Wien: affordable community-run courses across all districts; standard courses ~€150–€300/semester
ÖSD certification: Austrian government-recognized German exam required for permanent residency (A2) and citizenship (B2) applications
Tandem language exchange: meet Austrians learning your language via Tandem App, Language Transfer, or expat community groups
Apps: Duolingo (A1–A2 basics), Babbel (conversational German), Anki (vocabulary), Deutsche Welle (free structured German learning)
University German courses: most Vienna universities offer subsidized or free German courses for enrolled students
German level required for: permanent residency (A2), citizenship (B2), most Austrian employers (B2–C1)
Time to reach B1: approximately 6–12 months of consistent daily study combined with immersion in Vienna