Austria's Education: An Overview

In Austria, many private schools are so-called private schools with public status, which means that the children's school reports are officially recognized and legally comparable to those of public schools. Private schools with public status are obliged to follow largely the same curriculum as public schools. In contrast, private schools without public status are not officially recognized and these pupils must take external examinations every year.

Public schools are obliged to accept children from the local area, while private schools can select pupils according to their own criteria. The monthly school fees at Austrian private schools range between €150 and €400, including lunch and afternoon care between €400 and €700. International schools are generally a little more expensive. It is recommended to inform yourself and visit a school before making a decision.

Home schooling is permitted in Austria. Parents only need to apply for home schooling at the beginning of each school year and ensure that the lessons their children receive are at least equivalent to those at public schools. It is also possible for parents to send their children to a private school that is not open to the public. At the end of each year, pupils who are taught at home or in private schools must take an external exam (Externistenprüfung).