How can foreign children get an education in Austria?

About the author

The author of the article is Dmitry Efuni, who heads the company Iconinvest. The question of where foreign children can study in Austria often becomes relevant for families planning to move to this country.

Choice of residence

When choosing a new place to live, many immigrants prefer large cities like Vienna and Graz. This is because there are many educational institutions of various types concentrated there. However, when planning a move, it is important to consider the possibility of obtaining a residence permit, as there are specific rules and quotas in Austrian legislation regarding the acquisition of residence permits (other than for study purposes).

This creates a shortage of places for immigrants dreaming of settling in Vienna or Graz, as the number of those wishing to do so often exceeds the limits set by the government.

Quotas for obtaining a residence permit

In 2019, the total number of residence permit quotas issued was just over 6,000, which is, to put it mildly, not very high. However, if we look at less populated regions, such as Burgenland, the situation is more optimistic. In these areas, the number of people wanting a visa is lower, and the chances of obtaining one significantly increase.

It is also worth noting that in the provinces, the cost of housing is significantly lower, and you can find many free educational institutions. Additionally, the distance from these regions to major cities like Vienna and Graz is usually no more than 100 kilometers, making them attractive for families.

Education for immigrant children

When it comes to the opportunities for immigrant children to receive an education, two main ways to enroll in Austrian schools can be identified:

• Moving in with parents:When a child moves with their parents, they are required to attend an educational institution, and there are no language proficiency requirements. Even if the child has no skills in the German language, the school is obligated to accept them based on their place of residence.
• Internships:The second option concerns boarding schools that provide the opportunity for children whose parents do not plan to move to live and study. Usually, children can enroll in such institutions starting at the age of 14, although in some cases, admission at 11 is possible, as was the case with my son. He lives in the boarding school and spends weekends at home. If a child is under 14, the living conditions are discussed individually with the school administration.

The cost of tuition at the boarding school

The cost of education at the boarding school is about530 euros per monthThis amount includes accommodation, three meals a day, extended day group services, as well as round-the-clock care for children, including a supervising teacher at night.

Admission to Austrian educational institutions

Getting into Austrian educational institutions for foreigners is quite simple. The main requirements for candidates are fairly lenient:

• It is sufficient to demonstrate knowledge of the German language at the A2 level.
• No special certificates will be required for this.
• All that's needed is to provide a certificate or diploma with current grades.

After that, there is a preliminary interview with the school director, which can be conducted via Skype under modern conditions. If the interview is successful, the educational institution will issue the necessary documents for obtaining a student visa.

After the child arrives in Austria, he is issued a residence permit for the purpose of studying. My son was accepted into a gymnasium where the instruction is conducted in German, despite the fact that he did not know the language at all – he was only 11 years old at the time of admission.

The entire process largely depends on the school's administration. Considering that the primary language in educational institutions in Austria is German, there is a special adaptation program for international students. If a new student has communication skills in English, it significantly simplifies the transition process, as many teachers are proficient in this language.

Adaptation in school

Assuming that a child has successfully enrolled in an educational institution but only has basic German language skills, they are definitely given extra time to study the language. For example, the standard schedule may include subjects such as:

• mathematics
• literature
• history
• geography
• biology
• English

Nevertheless, for foreigners, advanced German language classes can take important spots in the schedule – second or third place. When the language proficiency level becomes sufficient for full participation in class, the child is transferred to regular lessons.

Adaptation period

The adaptation period can take a significant amount of time: during the first one to two years, students who do not have knowledge of the German language are not assessed in their subjects. At the end of the school year, teachers gather to discuss the possibility of promoting such students to the next grade.

Structure of the educational system

The education system in Austria is organized as follows: in kindergartens (kinderkrippen), children are aged from three to six years, after which they enter school. There are many public educational institutions in the country, and education is compulsory for children aged 6 to 15 years.

Elementary school covers the first four years, and at the age of ten, students begin their education in middle school. From the ninth grade, preparation for career choices starts, and during this time, teenagers can enroll in polytechnic high schools. These institutions prepare students for both obtaining a secondary vocational education and for further studies.

Stages of education in Austria

The education system in Austria is divided into stages:

• 6–10 years:primary school (volksschule / grundschule)
• 10–14 years old:secondary school (Hauptschule / cooperative middle school)
• 14–18 years old:high school (polytechnic school)

The duration of studies at the senior polytechnic school varies depending on the chosen specialty and is determined by legislation.

Education in Austria

In Austria, after completing their studies, young people receive diplomas with qualifications as technicians or masters, as well as maturity certificates known as matura. Russian certificates are accepted on par with matura, but to enroll in higher education institutions, it is necessary to provide a certificate confirming German language proficiency at the B1 level. This certificate is a crucial entry requirement for admission to universities.

High school graduates can choose to start their studies at Austrian universities and colleges, with some opting to take a preparatory course to better prepare for entrance exams or to decide on their future career.

Opportunities for free education

In Austria, there are colleges and universities that offer the opportunityfree educationFor graduates of Russian schools. However, it is necessary to provide proof of German language proficiency at the B1 level. It should be noted that the cost of living in student dormitories ranges from 500 to 600 euros per month, which is important to consider when planning an educational program abroad.

Quality of education

Speaking about Austrian education, it is important to note that although its level may be lower than in countries like the UK or the USA, immigrants can be assured that their children will receive a quality education. The school system in Austria is considered one of the best in Europe. The authorities in the country ensure safety and comfortable conditions for foreign children.

Bilingual programs and infrastructure

State educational institutions often offerbilingual programswhere education is conducted in German and English. Some educational institutions have infrastructure comparable to well-known Swiss boarding schools. Moreover, many high-quality educational establishments are concentrated in provincial towns, where students have the opportunity to live in school dormitories.

Advantages of the Austrian educational system

One of the key advantages of the education system in Austria is that all public schools providefree educationand are open to children from different countries, regardless of their citizenship. In comparison, in Switzerland, all educational institutions charge fees for foreign students, and the cost of education, including accommodation, averages around 150,000 euros per year.

The future of graduates

As for the future of graduates from Austrian educational institutions, they have the opportunity to apply to both public universities in Austria and Germany. The cost of education at these institutions is quite attractive, making finishing school in Austria a worthwhile investment in the future. After completing gymnasium or school in Austria, young people can apply to any universities in the European Union.

• Graduates can apply to five educational institutions at the same time.
• The admission process has a lot in common with the Russian system.

Conclusion

Thus, obtaining an education in Austria for international students opens up extensive opportunities. It not only allows for a high-quality education but also provides comfortable living conditions, as well as safety and support from the government. Parents should carefully consider the possibility of their children studying at Austrian educational institutions, as this can serve as an excellent foundation for their future life and career.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I would like to emphasize the importance of choosing a place for your children's education and life in Austria. As I described in this article, immigration to major cities like Vienna and Graz can pose certain challenges due to the limited number of available visas. However, provincial areas like Burgenland can offer more favorable conditions for families seeking education and a better quality of life.

The structure of the Austrian education system is quite flexible, allowing children of foreign citizens to adapt to new conditions without serious obstacles. The availability of boarding schools and lenient language skill requirements make the integration process smoother, especially for young people, who will ultimately have the opportunity to study in a supportive environment.

Personal experience

Personally, I can say that my son's experience shows that age and readiness to adapt play a huge role in the learning process. Having a basic level of German is not a barrier, but rather an opportunity to receive additional support through advanced classes.

Quality of education

It is also important to remember that the education system in Austria, in terms of its quality and structure, can serve as a useful guide for those who want to ensure a good future for their children. Education here does not end with a school diploma; opportunities for development and professional growth remain open throughout life.

Key points

• Immigration to large citiesIt can be complicated due to the limited number of visas.
• Provincial areas, such asBurgenlandThey might offer better conditions.
• The Austrian education system promotesadaptation of foreign children.
• Boarding schoolsand the available German language courses facilitate the integration process.
• The quality of education in Austria opens uppossibilitiesfor professional growth.

Thus, if you are considering the option of immigrating to Austria for your children's education, it is important to take into account not only geographical factors but also the opportunities that the country offers to meet educational needs. I hope our conversation has been helpful and informative for you, and that you will be able to make an informed choice for your children's future.