Training
Children in Austria must attend at least one year of preschool from the age of five. This is followed by at least nine compulsory school years.
All children attend four years of primary school (Volksschule or Grundschule). Then they can choose a four-year basic education (Hauptschule), which is followed by various vocational education. In this case, the compulsory ninth year can be vocational and preparation for an apprenticeship. Otherwise, students choose an eight-year college preparatory education (Allgemeinbildende höhere schule, AHS) – divided into two four-year stages. To go to university or college, students must pass a final exam, Matura.
- COUNTRYAAH: Country facts of Austria, including geography profile, population statistics, and business data.
Austria has over 30 universities, both public and private, and a large number of colleges and vocational schools. Vienna University was founded in 1365 and is the oldest in the German language area. It is also one of Europe’s largest universities, with around 95,000 students.
All Austrians over the age of 24 with work experience have the right to attend college courses related to their own profession. Adult education is conducted at, for example, folk high schools.
- Searchforpublicschools: Offers schooling information of Austria in each level – compulsory, technical and higher education programs.
FACTS – EDUCATION
Proportion of children starting primary school
94.3 percent (1989)
Number of pupils per teacher in primary school
10 (2016)
Public expenditure on education as a percentage of GDP
10.7 percent (2015)
Public expenditure on education as a percentage of the state budget
10.7 percent (2015)
2020
June
The borders to neighboring countries are opened in addition to Italy
June 3
Austria’s borders are reopened for entry from neighboring countries. This applies to Germany, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovenia, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. However, Italy is not yet included, although the government believes restrictions may be lifted in June.
April
The closure during the corona crisis is lifted step by step
April 7
Austrian society is gradually reopened, the government announces. It starts with the fact that large department stores are now allowed to open. This will be followed by large stores, malls and hairdressers planned to start their operations again in a few weeks. However, people are still encouraged to stay at home and continue to avoid staying close to others. The fact that the government dares to ease restrictions is met with warnings from, among others, WHO, as there may be a risk of the virus spreading again. But Chancellor Sebastian Kurz thinks it is necessary for the country to emerge from the crisis as soon as possible due to the severe financial consequences.
March
Support measures to the economy
March 19
The government is investing EUR 38 billion in support for companies to prevent mass unemployment. This involves direct financial contributions as well as loan guarantees. Companies in the country have already started dismissing staff after the decision to close ski resorts, restaurants and shops.
Tough action to fight the corona virus
the 12th of March
About 300 people are infected with covid-19 in the country and the number of infected has increased rapidly in recent days. The government is urging residents not to travel to other countries and several ski resorts will be closed prematurely. Local elections that would have been held in Vorarlberg and Styria were postponed indefinitely.
January
ÖVP forms government with the Greens
January 1st
After negotiations that have been going on since the September parliamentary elections, the conservative OVP and the Greens announce that the parties have reached an agreement to form a new government. Sebastian Kurz will continue as Chancellor. This will be the first time that the Greens are participating in an Austrian government. The party will lead an environment ministry where infrastructure issues and energy will also be handled. In addition, the party can take care of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Justice. ÖVP receives the other ministerial posts in the government.
