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Eurydice

EACEA National Policies Platform:Eurydice
Secondary and post-secondary non-tertiary education

Austria

6.Secondary and post-secondary non-tertiary education

Last update: 9 June 2022

 

According to the School Organisation Act of 25 July 1962 “it shall be the task of the Austrian school to foster the development of the talents and potential abilities of young persons in accordance with ethical, religious and social values and the appreciation of that which is true, good and beautiful, by giving them an education corresponding to their respective courses of studies. It shall give young people the knowledge and skills required for their future lives and occupations and train them to acquire knowledge on their own initiative”.

Schools at the secondary and post-secondary non-tertiary level can – depending on the selected school type – provide well-founded or in-depth general education on the one hand and, on the other, prepare pupils at different levels for entry into working life (general education is also taught at these schools, though). Two school types at this level also lead pupils directly to the higher education entrance qualification, which gives them access to programmes at universities, including universities of applied sciences.

What is important in this respect is the “systemic diversity” of vocational education and training in Austria at the upper secondary level, which ranges from dual training in schools and companies onto VET schools and VET colleges.  This means that 14-year-olds can choose between a wide range of education and training pathways.

The grades of lower secondary level (years 5 to 8) and the first grade of upper secondary level (year 9) are compulsory school years.

The lower secondary level (years 5 to 8) is provided by the following types of institutions:

After completion of the lower secondary level, pupils can enter schools of upper secondary level, provided they have a certain level of achievement (certain school grades).

The upper secondary level (years 9 to 13) comprises a general education branch and a vocational branch.

The post-secondary non-tertiary sector (ISCED 4) comprises:

The School Organisation Act (Schulorganisationsgesetz) regulates which parts a curriculum consists of. The curricula are prescribed by the Federal Minister of Education, Science and Research. These contain:

  • the general educational objective
  • didactic principles
  • subjects taught including number of hours per week
  • the content for the individual subjects

Most schools are completed with a final exam or a diploma.

The individual subjects are taught in schools by teachers who are free in their choice of methods.

Educational laws being relevant to secondary education are numerous, the most relevant comprise: