Schools

The basic principles of the Austrian school system are well described on the web pages of Euroguidance Österreich (available in 20 languages). In Austria; schooling is mandatory for all children between the age of 6 and 15 years. School attendance in public schools is free of charge, while private schools will charge tuition.

6-10 Years

Primary Schools

Children aged between 6 and 10 years attend primary school. For public schools, the principle of residence applies, which means that the child attends a school associated with the parents' place of residence (private schools and pedagogic training schools [Praxisschulen] are exceptions to this rule).

Usually, classes are taught in the mornings only. Currently, there are two schools in Innsbruck with all-day classes (schools: Praxisvolksschule, Innere Stadt).

Afternoon Care of School-Age Children

For childcare in the afternoons either school-organized offers (Tagesheime) or after-school care centers (Horte) are available.

Holidays

In Tyrol, in general, the following holidays apply:

• 2 weeks at Christmas,
• 1 week in February,
• 10 days at Easter,
• 4 days at Whitsun,
• 9 weeks of summer holidays (variations can apply in the different Districts)

10-14 Years

After completion of primary school, it is possible to attend either a New Secondary School [Neue Mittelschule] or an Academic Secondary School [Allgemeinbildende Höhere Schule, AHS].

New Secondary Schools [Neue Mittelschulen, NMS]

New Secondary Schools (NMS) follow the curriculum of AHS and of the NMS. Many of them have a thematic focus (languages, art, music, etc.) and accept pupils up to an age of 14 years.

Academic Secondary Schools [Allgemeinbildende Höhere Schulen, AHS]

Attendance of an AHS requires a specific grade point average. The grades achieved in the 3^rd and 4^th grades of primary schools are used to determine admittance. 

AHS offers two "cycles" – the long cycle (10 - 18 years) or the short cycle (upper cycle 14 - 18 years) and is completed with a Reifeprüfung examination ["Matura"].

The thematic focus can be on languages, natural sciences, art, sport, etc.

Higher Education

After completion of the 4^th grade of NMS or the AHS lower cycle, various further educational opportunities are possible: For example, attending a one-year Pre-vocational School [Polytechnische Schule] and pursuing a dual vocational training – i.e. practical work in a company and attendance of a vocational school. Apprenticeship ends with an apprenticeship exam; apprenticeships with school-leaving examination [Matura / Reifeprüfung] are also possible.

Other options include attendance of an Upper Secondary Academic School [Oberstufenrealgymnasium], a School for Intermediate Vocational Education [Berufsbildende mittlere Schule; BMS] or a College for Higher Vocational Education [Berufsbildende höhere Schule, BHS].