| Pre-higher
Education System
Scolarité
obligatoire de 6 à 15 ans
Age of entry: 6
Age of exit: 15
Structure of school
system
Type/level of education:
Primary
Type of school:
VOLKSSCHULE, GRUNDSCHULE, SONDERSCHULE
Length of program (years):
4
Age level:
from 6 to 10
Type/level of education:
Lower Secondary
Type of school:
HAUPTSCHULE, ALLGEMEINBILDENDE HOHERE SCHULEN, GYMNASIUM
Length of program (years):
3
Age level:
from 10 to 15
Type/level of education:
Upper Secondary
Type of school:
ALLGEMEINBILDENDE HOHERE SCHULEN, GYMNASIUM
Length of program (years):
4
Age level:
from 14 to 18
Certificate awarded:
REIFEPRUFUNG/MATURA
Type/level of education:
Commercial Secondary
Type of school:
BERUFSBILDENDE HOHERE SCHULEN
Length of program (years):
5
Age level:
from 14 to 19
Certificate awarded:
REIFEPRUFUNG/MATURA
Description of
secondary school system
Secondary education is divided into lower secondary
school, which lasts four years, and upper secondary school, which
lasts four years. At lower secondary level, there are three options:
Volkschule (rare), Hauptschule (general secondary) and allgemeinbildende
hohere Schulen (academic secondary) divided into Gymnasium (general),
Realgymnasium (science-based) and Wirtschaftskundlisches Realgymnasium
(home economics). Upper secondary education lasts four years. There
are four types of Allgemeinbildende hohere Schulen: Gymnasium, Realgymnasium,
Wirtschaftskundliches Realgymnasium and Oberstufen-Realgymnasium.
Upper technical education lasts five years. All streams lead to
the Reifeprufung/Matura, which gives access to higher education.
Higher Education System
Structure of system
Higher education is provided by universities, art
schools and Fachhochschulen which were introduced in 1994. The university
reform of 1993 has redefined the relationships of the universities
and the State. The universities remain state institutions and the
state continues to finance them. Universities are free to handle
their own internal affairs and formulate their statutes. The law
provides for the establishment of a university board (Universitatsbeirat)
at each institution which comprises leading figures from public
life and the private sector. The University Assembly elects the
rectors. The Ministry assumes a predominantly supervisory function
and continues to be responsible for strategic planning and research.
Main types of
higher education institutions in country
Type of institution:
KUNSTHOCHSCHULE
Translation:
ART SCHOOL
Type of institution:
UNIVERSITAT
Translation:
UNIVERSITY
Type of institution:
FACHHOCHSCHULLEHRGANG
Main laws/decrees
governing higher education
Name of law/decree:
Allgemeines Hochschul-Studiengesetz (General Law of Higher Education)
Date:
1966
Name of law/decree:
Universitats-Organisationsgesetz (Law on the university organization)
Date:
1975
Institution type:
Universities
Name of law/decree:
Bill on Fachhochschulen
Date:
1993
Institution type:
Fachhochschulen
Administrative
structure of higher education
Name of body:
Bundesministerium fur Wissenschaft und Verkehr
Address:
Street: Minoritenplatz 5
City: Wien
Postal code: A1014
Telephone: 43-1-531200
Fax: 43-1-531205 755
Internet: http://www.bmwf.gv.at
Name of body:
Osterreichische Rektorenkonferenz
Role:
Coordinates the policies of universities and art schools: represents
the universities' collective interests and promotes
the exchange of information.
Address:
Street: Liechtensteinstrasse 22
City: Vienna
Postal code: A 1090
Telephone: 43-1-31056560
Fax: 43-1-310565622
Internet: http://www.tuwien.ac.at/oerk
Name of body:
Geschaftsstelle des Fachhochschulrates
Address:
Street: Liechtensteinstrasse 22
City: Vienna
Postal code: A 1090
Telephone: 43-1-3195034
Fax: 43-1-3195030
Academic year
Classes start:
October
Classes end:
June
Long vacation:
from 1 July, to 15 September
Languages of instruction
German
Stages and Organization
of Higher Education Studies
Higher vocational/technical studies
The following schools offer courses to holders of
the Reifeprufung: Akademie fur Sozialarbeit (social work), Speziallehrgange
(technology, economics, tourism and catering), Kollegs (tourism
and catering, commerce and technology), Schulen fur gehobene medizinisch-technische
Dienste (medical laboratory technicians and related occupations).
These institutions are administered by the Federal Ministry of Education,
Art and Sport. The Academy of Administration for the Training of
Public Servants falls within the jurisdiction of the Federal Chancellery.
Some intermediate and higher vocational schools also provide evening
classes for working people. The Fachhochschulen, introduced in 1994,
offer shorter (six to eight semesters) programmes to train high
level technicians. They also award magister and diplom-ingenieur
degrees which comply with the regulations of the European Union.
Fields include electronics, international business, software engineering,
assembly automation.
University
level studies
Stage 1:
Magister, Diplom
Description: Access to university studies is based
on the Reifeprufung or on the Studienberechtigungsprufung for non-secondary
school leavers. Studies for the first academic degree (Magister
or Diplom in such fields as engineering) are divided into two successive
phases called Studienabschnitte (the exception being the medical
fields which are divided into three phases). Each phase ends with
an examination which counts towards the degree (Diplomprufung).
The first phase is devoted to basic study of a subject and ends
with the Erste Diplomprufung. The second involves specialization;
it ends with the writing of a thesis (diplomarbeit) and the passing
of the Zweite Diplomprufung. The student is then conferred the Magister
or Diplom after a minimum of four years' higher education study
(very often much more)
Stage 2:
Doktoratstudien
Description: Doctoral studies generally require a
minimum of four semesters after the Diplomstudien; they demand greater
independence from students in their scientific work. Doctoral candidates
are required to present a thesis approved by at least two professors
and an examining Commission, and pass the final oral examination
(Rigorosum). They are then awarded the title of Doktor. Studies
in medicine consist of three stages, each ending with a doctoral
examination, after which the degree of "Doktor" (Dr.) is conferred
to successful candidates.
Stage 3:
Habilitation
Description: The Habilitation is acquired within the
university system and is based on special research achievements
after the doctorate and production of a research monograph. It is
awarded with the title Universitatsdozent.
Teacher
education
Training of primary/basic
school teachers
Primary-school teachers are trained over three years,
at post-secondary level, in Paedagogische Akademien, each of which
is attached to a practical school. Candidates must pass an aptitude
test and at the end of their studies they must pass a Lehramtsprufung.
Training of secondary
school teachers
Secondary-school teachers, except for hauptschulen,
are trained at university. The minimum duration of studies for the
award of a teaching qualification is four-and-a-half years, including
a practical training period. On completion, students sit for the
second Diplomprufung in their major subject and are then conferred
the degree of Magister. They must, moreover, have one year's work
experience as a probationary teacher (Probelehrer).
Training of higher education
teachers
University teachers are trained at university, most
of them beginning their career primarily in research activities
and their professional advancement is a reflection on their achievement
in research.
Non-formal studies
Distance higher education
Distance education (Fernstudien) has been provided
since 1979 by the Interuniversitares Forschungsinstitut fur Fernstudien.
This Institute has links with all major Austrian universities and
offers special courses for adults seeking employment. The study
programmes which have been developed so far are courses in applied
mathematics, energy counselling, teacher training and psychotherapy.
While these study programmes are still being developed, students
may study at the Fernuniversitat Hagen, which offers normal degree
courses in economics, law, social sciences, education, management.
Lifelong higher education
Austrian universities welcome senior citizens as
students (Seniorenstudium). Courses, degrees and conditions of admission
are the same as for younger students.
Other forms of non-formal
education
In addition to the degree studies, universities offer
a wide variety of first degree studies, such as short courses (Kurzstudien),
supplementary studies (Erweiterungsstudien), courses of specialization
(Aufbaustudien), international study programmes (Internationale
Studienprogramme) and complementary studies (Erganzungsstudien)
for graduates of foreign universities.
Grading
system
Usual grading system
in (upper) secondary school
1-5; 1 sehr gut; 2 gut; 3
befriedigend; 4 genugend; 5 nicht genugend
Highest on scale:
1
Pass/fail level:
4
Lowest on scale:
5
Main grading system generally
used by higher education institutions
1-5 1 sehr gut; 2 gut; 3
befriedigend; 2 genugend; 5 nicht genugend
Highest on scale:
1
Pass/fail level:
4
Lowest on scale:
5
Admissions to Higher
Education
Admission
to Vocational/Technical Studies
Admission to higher vocational/technical
or other professionally oriented non-university level studies
Secondary school credential/certificate/diploma(s)
required for entry
Name of sec. school credential:
REIFEPRUFUNG/MATURA
For: Teacher training, social
work, medical & technical schools, Fachhochschulen
Total number of years of
primary and secondary school study: 12
Numerus clausus established
in the country for students entering higher vocational/technical
education
At level of institutions:
N At country/state level: N
Admissions
to university level
Secondary school credential/certificate/diploma(s)
required for entry
Name of sec. school credential:
REIFEPRUFUNG/MATURA
For: All higher education
institutions.
Total number of years of
primary and secondary school study: 11
Alternative(s) to these
credentials:
Studienberechtigungsprufung: examination giving access
to higher education to Austrian nationals who are over 22 years
of age and do not possess a Reifezeugnis but who have a professional
or non-professional experience. It is valid only for those subjects
in which it has been taken.
Numerus clausus established
in the country for students entering university level education
At level of institutions:
N At country/state level: N
Admission
for foreign students
Special admission requirements
for foreign students at national level:
Definition of a "foreign"
student:
A person lacking Austrian citizenship. Foreign nationals
who enjoy equal status with Austrian nationals are: citizens of
Luxemburg, citizens of Liechtenstein and those born in the province
of Bolzano (Italy) with German mother tongue, who have declared
themselves members of these language communities and who do not
have Austrian citizenship.
Quotas established for
foreign students:
At institution level: Y
At country/state level: Y
Quotas at the country/state
level: The prerequisite in all cases is that there are sufficient
places available for foreign students.
Special entry regulations
for foreign students in country/state:
Foreign students are admitted to study courses at
university if their qualifications are equivalent to the "Matura"
(Reifezeugnis) and qualify them for entry to a university in their
own country. They also must give evidence that an institution of
higher education in the awarding country has already accepted them
for university studies.
Language proficiency
requirements for foreign applicants whose first language is not
the language of instruction
Are there examinations at
institution level? Y
Authority to whom foreign
student applications should be addressed:
Application to individual
institutions: Y
For entry to:Universitat
or Akademie
Reference to further
information materials on foreign students admissions
Title:
Universitaten/Hochschulen
Title:
Information for Foreign Applicants at Austrian Universities and
Art Schools.
Title:
Osterreichische Studienvorschriften. Textausgabe
Recognition
of studies and qualifications
Bodies primarily addressing
questions relating to the recognition of foreign credentials and
studies in higher education
Name of body: NARIC.
Bundesministerium fur Wissenschaft und Verkehr
Address:
Street: Minoritenplatz 5
City: Wien
Postal code: A 1014
Telephone: 43-1-531200
Telex: 111157 bmfwf
Fax: 43-1-53150
E-Mail: cristoph.demand@bmwf.gv.at
Recognition of foreign credentials
to enter an institution:
Y
Recognition of foreign credentials
to enter a profession: Y
Description of services
provided and types of students dealt with:
The office answers questions on equivalence of studies,
carries out recognition of foreign diplomas where bilateral agreement
exists. It also deals with professional recognition, as far as professions
based on academic training are concerned.
For access to university
level studies:
Higher education entrance qualifications are declared
equivalent according to international agreements, such as the European
Convention on the Equivalence of Diplomas; unilateral or bilateral
agreements with certain European countries (list not updated).
Principal multilateral
agreements adopted by the country relating to recognition of studies,
degrees and
diplomas
Name of agreement: UNESCO CONVENTION ON THE RECOGNITION
OF STUDIES, DIPLOMAS AND DEGREES CONCERNING HIGHER
EDUCATION IN THE STATES BELONGING TO THE EUROPE REGION
Year of signature: 1976
Principal biliteral
agreements signed by the country relative to recognition of studies,
degrees and diplomas
Country: Bulgaria
Agreement name/reference: AGREEMENT
ON EQUIVALENCES OF DEGREES AND DIPLOMAS
Country: Germany
Agreement name/reference:
AGREEMENT ON EQUIVALENCES OF DEGREES AND DIPLOMAS
Country: Holy
See
Agreement name/reference:
AGREEMENT ON EQUIVALENCES OF DEGREES AND DIPLOMAS
Country: Yugoslavia
Agreement name/reference:
AGREEMENT ON EQUIVALENCES OF DEGREES AND DIPLOMAS
Country: Netherlands
Agreement name/reference:
AGREEMENT ON EQUIVALENCES OF DEGREES AND DIPLOMAS
Country: Portugal
Agreement name/reference:
AGREEMENT ON EQUIVALENCES OF DEGREES AND DIPLOMAS
Country: Italy
Agreement name/reference:
AGREEMENT ON EQUIVALENCES OF DEGREES AND DIPLOMAS
Country: Spain
Agreement name/reference:
AGREEMENT ON EQUIVALENCES OF DEGREES AND DIPLOMAS
Country: Hungary
Agreement name/reference:
AGREEMENT ON EQUIVALENCES OF DEGREES AND DIPLOMAS
Country: Liechtenstein
Agreement name/reference:
UBEREINKOMMEN UBER DIE POSTPROMOTIONELLE AUSBILDUNG DER ARZTE
Country: Luxembourg
Agreement name/reference:
UBEREINKOMMEN UBER DIE POSTPROMOTIONELLE AUSBILDUNG DER ARZTE
Country: Poland
Agreement name/reference:
AGREEMENT ON EQUIVALENCES OF DEGREES AND DIPLOMAS
Student
services
Main student services
at national level
Name of service: Austrian
Foreign Exchange Service
Address:
Street: Dr. Karl Lueger-Ring 1
City: Wien
Postal code: 1010
Category of service provided:
Social and welfare services
Academic and career counselling
services
Special services/Centre for
foreign students
Are these services available
to foreign students? Y
Is there a national social
security system health insurance for home students?
Y
Is it available for foreign
students? Y
Details on social security
for foreign students:
Both Austrian and foreign students are entitled to
health insurance which may be obtained from the Regional Public
Health Insurance Institution (Gebietskrankenkasse), at time of registration.
Student
expenses and financial aid
Average student expenses
in national currency:
| Tuition and fees for national students |
Tuition and fees for foreign students |
| Minimum: Schilling 0 |
Minimum: |
| Maximum: |
Maximum: Schilling 4000 |
Publication(s) listing scholarships/grants/loans
available
Title:
Study abroad 1996-1997
Publisher:
UNESCO
International Cooperation
Principal
national bodies responsible for facilitating international cooperation
and exchanges in higher
education
Name: Bundesministerium
fur Wissenschaft und Verkehr
Address:
Street: Minoritenplatz 5
City: Wien
Postal code: 1014
Telephone: 43-222-531200
Telex: 11157 bmfwf a
Participation
of country in multilateral or major bilateral higher education exchange
programmes
Name of programme: ERASMUS
Name of programme: CEEPUS
Name of programme: SOCRATES
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