School, education and holidays
School in Austria
Children living in Austria are required to attend school for 9 years. This applies from the age of 6.
Education is compulsory until the age of 18 (school, apprenticeship or other).
The school year begins in September and ends in July.
Here you can find an overview of the Austrian education system.
Here you can find an overview of the Austrian school holidays.
Here you can find childcare options during school holidays.
The primary school is usually a school that is close to where you live. However, it is also possible to choose a different school.
Some schools have specialisations such as music, languages, sport, integration, accessibility...
All information on primary school and registration can be found on the website of the department in charge, the ABI Service Graz.
If you want to enrol your child at a school during the year, the department in charge, the ABI Service Graz, will inform you. Click here for the appointment booking tool.
After primary school, the school system is divided into AHS - general secondary schools, and NMS - new secondary schools.
The AHS, also known as the Gymnasium, lasts 8 years and concludes - after secondary level II - with the general school-leaving examination (Matura) .
The NMS lasts 4 years and only covers secondary level I.
In addition to the AHS, there are numerous other options at secondary level II.
Find out more online, directly at the schools as well as at the school and careers information fair, which always takes place at the end of October.
Registration for the first classes takes place directly at the schools.
Information on this can be found on the school websites.
Enrolment during the year is done by parents contacting the school management directly.
For the lower classes, there is usually an offer consisting of lunch, childcare or learning support.
You can find out more about this and the costs directly from the school.