Education. in Austria 2014

Transcription

1 Education in Austria 2014

2 The Austrian Education System Special needs education / Integrated education Sonderpädagogik / Inklusive Bildung BVJ* Integrated vocational training Integrative Berufsausbildung ISCED 3B Pre-primary school Vorschulstufe General secondary school Hauptschule** ISCED 2 New secondary school Neue Mittelschule ISCED 3C Pre-vocational school Polytechnische Schule 1 Part-time vocational school / Secondary technical and vocational school 3 Berufsbildende mittlere Schule (BMS) ISCED 3B 1 apprenticeship Berufsschule und Lehre (Duale Ausbildung) ISCED 3B 3 1 Kindergarten Primary school Volksschule ISCED 2 College for higher vocational education Berufsbildende höhere Schule (BHS) 5 ISCED 0 Academic secondary school Lower level Allgemein bildende höhere Schule (AHS) Unterstufe ISCED 3A 4A Academic secondary school Upper level Allgemein bildende höhere Schule (AHS) Oberstufe 4 Grade Schulstufe > Age Alter > Primary level Primarstufe ISCED 1 ISCED 2 Compulsory education Allgemeine Schulpflicht Lower secondary level Sekundarstufe I ISCED 3A Upper secondary level Sekundarstufe II Education System Key Legende des Bildungssystems 1 Apprenticeship examination Lehrabschlussprüfung (LAP) 2 Diploma examination Diplomprüfung 3 Leaving examination Abschlussprüfung 4 Matriculation examination Reifeprüfung 5 Matriculation and diploma examination (including apprenticeship combined with matriculation examination) Reife- und Diplomprüfung 6 Higher education entrance examination (also including apprenticeship diploma plus the upper secondary certificate ) Berufsreifeprüfung / Studienberechtigungsprüfung (inklusive Lehre mit Matura)

3 Das österreichische Bildungssystem 6 Add-on course Aufbaulehrgang 5 6 ISCED 5B Postsecondary VET courses Kollegs 4 sem. 6 sem. ISCED 5B University colleges of teacher education Pädagogische Hochschulen 2 Universities of applied sciences Fachhochschulen Universities Universitäten ISCED 5A ISCED 5A ISCED 5A Bachelor Mag. a ; Mag.; Dipl-Ing. in ; Dipl-Ing.; Master 6 8 sem. 2 4 sem. 6 8 sem. DoktorIn, PhD Postsecondary and tertiary level Postsekundar- und Tertiärstufe Initial vocational qualification Berufliche Erstqualifikation General higher education entrance qualification Allgemeiner Hochschulzugang Higher-level vocational qualification Höhere Berufsqualifikation * Pre-vocational year Berufsvorbereitungsjahr ** By 2015 /16 all general secondary schools will be turned into new secondary schools Bis 2015 /16 entwickeln sich alle Hauptschulen zu Neuen Mittelschulen ISCED = International Standard Classification of Education Status: May 2014

4 Introduction The diverse Austrian education system offers pupils, students and adults a wide range of possibilities to find an individual educational pathway and shape it throughout the course of their life. The brochure Education in Austria provides quick and comprehensive information on the entire Austrian education system: from enrolment in elementary school to adult education. The illustration on the previous double-page shows the Austrian education system broken down by grade levels and age as a preliminary overview of the various educational pathways. You will find follow-up links at the end of each chapter for in-depth information. I sincerely hope that you can take advantage of all that the Austrian education system has to offer! Gabriele Heinisch-Hosek Federal Minister for Education and Women

5 Contents Primary school 4 New secondary school 6 Secondary school 8 Pre-vocational school 10 Academic secondary school 12 School abroad 14 Special needs education 16 Compulsory technical and vocational school 18 Secondary technical and vocational school 20 Colleges for higher vocational education 22 New upper secondary diploma 24 Educational paths after the upper secondary diploma 26 Adult education 31 Educational advice 33

6 Primary school (elementary school) All children permanently residing in Austria are subject to general compulsory education. It begins with the 1 st of September following the child's sixth birthday, and lasts for nine years. Registration (pupil enrolment) Children reaching the age of 6 prior to the 31 st of August of a given year are required to attend school from the 1 st of September of that year. Children subject to compulsory education must be registered at a primary school by their parents or guardians. The admission to a primary school is based on student enrolment. At enrolment, the school readiness of the child is determined. A child is said to be ready for school, if it can be assumed that they are able to follow the lessons of the first grade without being overwhelmed physically or mentally. If there are grounds for believing that the child is not ready for school at enrolment, or if the parents or guardians require a review of the school readiness of their child, the administration of the school decides. School-age children who are not ready for school are entered into the pre-school level. Information about full-day care arrangements in compulsory schools is available from the competent regional school board or the Vienna Board of Education. Registration at private schools When registering at private schools, it is recommended to get in touch with the relevant school administration in advance of enrolment. It should be noted that not all private schools have public status, which is required for the provision of compulsory education. In such cases, the parents or guardians must notify the district school board of their child s attendance of a private school without public status before the start of the school year. 4

7 Attendance of the pre-school level Attendance of the pre-school level may take place in separate pre-school classes or in conjunction with first grade or first and second grade classes. Early admission to school Children who will reach 6 years of age by the 1 st of March of the next calendar year, and are thus not yet subject to compulsory education, but are ready for school and have the required social skills, may be enrolled in the first grade early at the commencement of the school year, if the parents or guardians submit a written application to the administration of the primary school within the enrolment period. Transfer to secondary school In the first semester of the 4 th grade, parents will be informed and advised on the recommended educational path for their children, based on each child's interests and performance (e.g. in the context of a parents' evening). Note: More information on the Internet 5

8 New secondary school The new secondary school (NMS) has been the regular school since the 1 st of September By the year 2015 /16, all secondary schools are set to become new secondary schools. The legal grounds for a common school for all 10 to 14 year-olds, which is also open to all students after the fourth grade of primary school, have thus been established. The lower levels of the academic secondary schools (AHS) are invited to participate in the NMS model in the form of school trials. The NMS curriculum The NMS curriculum combines the traditional high expectations of the lower AHS level with a new learning and teaching culture. The potential and talents of the children are paramount. Educational guidance and counselling establish an optimal basis for a later decision on future learning and career paths. Apart from avoiding the premature separation of children by educational path, the broad implementation of a new learning culture with the cornerstones of individualisation and internal differentiation is a central feature of the new secondary school. This means that each child s individual skills and talents are promoted in the best possible way. On the one hand, students are granted enough time and support to capture learning content at their own pace; on the other, they receive additional offers at an early age, so as to strongly encourage their individual talents. In class, the primary method is group work on themes and content, enabling students to understand and comprehend knowledge rather than just reproducing it. The use of new media also forms part of the curriculum. 6

9 E-learning permits not just interactive knowledge transfer; rather, the critical use of new media such as the Internet is taught at the same time. The integration of all pupils regardless of their origin, as well as equal opportunities for both genders are intended to sensitise the pupils to these issues by fostering social skills such as respect, consideration for others and tolerance, as well as a non-discriminatory way of thinking. At many new secondary schools, day care provides students with ample time and opportunity to consolidate this knowledge. A range of artistic, creative, sporting and scientific activities ensures that the afternoons include recovery phases, thus enabling students to enjoy meaningful leisure activities. Classes at the NMS Classes at the new secondary school follow the curriculum of the new secondary school; it is jointly organised by teams of teachers from secondary schools, academic secondary schools or colleges for higher vocational education. Successful completion entitles pupils to attend an academic or secondary school, depending on the educational targets achieved. The individual strengths of learning and performance are recorded in the supplementary differentiating performance report, which is issued in addition to the school report. The choice of educational path is accompanied by regular parent-child conversations. Note: More information on the Internet 7

10 Secondary school in transition to the new secondary school The secondary school is being phased out and gradually replaced by the new secondary school. By the school year 2015 /16, all secondary schools will be turned into new secondary schools; the full implementation of the new secondary school (all grades) will be achieved by the school year 2018 /19. In the subjects German, mathematics and modern foreign language, there will be achievement groups at the outgoing secondary schools. The requirements of the highest achievement groups correspond to those of the academic secondary school. Special remedial classes are provided for all compulsory subjects. This particularly applies to the subjects with performance differentiation. The enrolment at secondary school, as well as the new secondary school must be conducted by the parents or guardians in good time (within two weeks after the end of the semester break of the previous school year). Pupils are allocated by the competent education authority, subject to availability of school places and on the basis of statutory criteria. Parents or guardians are notified of the allocation by the end of the previous school year at the latest. Within certain limits, schools have the opportunity to adapt their range of teaching subjects in accordance with their situation. They may also adopt their own autonomous school curricula. In this way, certain locations with a specific profile and focus (e.g. computer science or languages) may emerge. The legally regulated special forms are: Music Sports and skiing 8

11 Any focal points beyond the framework of school autonomy are only permissible as school trials. In the 3 rd and 4 th grade, the question of the future professional and educational path of the pupils is subject to special attention. This takes place in the scope of career orientation. Pupils with strong performance in secondary school have the option to change directly to the upper level of an academic secondary school or a secondary vocational school or college for higher vocational education. Note: More information on the Internet 9

12 Pre-vocational school The pre-vocational school follows the 8 th grade, and includes another grade. In the 9 th or voluntary 10 th year of school, pupils are prepared for life, and especially for their working life, by way of further general education, professional guidance and basic vocational training. An orientation period at the beginning of the school year and professional guidance as a principle of teaching provide a range of opportunities for learning more about the world of work. The choice of career is supported by exploration of businesses and professions in the scope of training workshops and extracurricular institutions, as well as one-day internships (mini-apprenticeships) in companies. Basic vocational training is offered in specialised areas (elective subjects). They correspond to broad occupational fields in the economy, and basic skills, abilities and knowledge (key skills) are acquired. Action and work-based learning encourages the individual talents and learning motivation of the pupils. There is a choice of seven areas according to professional interests and inclination: metal, electrical, wood, construction, trade /office, services and tourism. Within the framework of school autonomy, new areas (e.g. mechatronics, health / social) may be offered. An in-depth general education is provided in the mandatory general knowledge subjects (e.g. professional guidance and life skills, politics and economics, German, modern foreign language, mathematics, natural history and ecology, health education, exercise and sports). 10

13 The 32 hours of teaching per week are intended to impart basic professional knowledge and skills for an optimal qualification for apprenticeships and the transition into secondary schools. Schools may autonomously adapt the weekly hours in the elective area and in the general compulsory subjects to the interests of the pupils. The pre-vocational school is run either as an independent school or in the organisational context of a general compulsory school. Upon successful conclusion of the pre-vocational school, pupils have the right to attend the 2 nd grade of a vocational secondary school in the same field of study (at least 15 hours per week in the elected field of study) or the 1 st grade of a college for higher vocational education without an entrance examination. Since , Austrian school laws govern the integration of the 9 th grade. Pupils with special educational needs have the right to attend pre-vocational school. Note: More information on the Internet 11

14 Academic secondary school Academic secondary schools (AHS) comprise a four-year lower level and a four-year upper level, and conclude with the upper secondary diploma (Matura). The upper secondary diploma entails the entitlement to study at universities, universities of applied sciences, colleges of teacher education and other colleges. The prerequisite for entry into the 1 st grade is the successful completion of the 4 th grade of a primary school ( very good or good in the subjects German, reading, writing and mathematics) or the evaluation of the primary school committee that it is highly likely for the pupil to meet the requirements of the academic secondary school in spite of the grade of satisfactory in these compulsory subjects, or by way of an entrance exam. Forms of academic secondary school Lower level (1 st to 4 th grade) and upper level (5 th to 8 th grade): Gymnasium, Realgymnasium and Wirtschaftskundliches Realgymnasium. Oberstufenrealgymnasium For all pupils: In the 6 th, 7 th and 8 th grade, there are elective compulsory subjects for a total of six (Gymnasium, Oberstufenrealgymnasium) or eight (Realgymnasium) or ten (Wirtschaftskundliches Realgymnasium) hours per week. However, the volume may be changed in the scope of school autonomy (minimum four hours, maximum ten hours). 12

15 Academic secondary school Schools are permitted to adapt the subjects offered in both the lower and upper level in accordance with their situation within certain limits (school autonomy). They may also adopt their own autonomous school curricula. Special school forms: AHS with musical and sporting focus by aptitude test Aufbaugymnasium and Aufbaurealgymnasium Gymnasium, Realgymnasium and Wirtschaftskundliches Realgymnasium for professionals AHS for linguistic minorities (Slovenian, Croatian, Hungarian) Werkschulheim Gymnasien and Realgymnasien with a focus on foreign language teaching (further information at the regional school boards). The regional school boards provide information about other special forms in the scope of school trials (e.g. focus on computer science, natural science, performance sports, etc.), as well as academic secondary schools with boarding facilities (public and private). Note: More information on the Internet

16 School abroad Austrian schools abroad The Federal Ministry of Education and Women s Affairs promotes international collaboration through various mobility programmes, as well as fostering global learning, diversity competence and openness to the world by offering programmes, in Austrian schools abroad. There are currently eight Austrian schools abroad: two in Budapest (NMS and Oberstufenrealgymnasium) and one in Prague (Oberstufenrealgymnasium), Istanbul (Oberstufenrealgymnasium and commercial college), Guatemala City (primary school and AHS), Shkodra (BHS for IT), Querétaro (primary school) and Liechtenstein (bilingual AHS). The teaching at Austrian schools abroad is based on the currently applicable curriculum for the respective Austrian school type, taking into consideration the country-specific curricular requirements. The schools are attended primarily by students of the host country, i.e. the Austrian teachers impart their subject in German to students whose native language is not German. This requires much flexibility and the willingness to engage in new teaching methods. AHS and BHS teachers may apply for work in all Austrian schools abroad; VS, HS and NMS teachers may work at the Austro-Hungarian European School in Budapest, at the Instituto Austriaco Guatemalteco in Guatemala City, and at the Colegio Austriaco Mexicano in Querétaro. In addition, there are also short-term internships at Austrian schools abroad, which provide an insight into the school abroad, as well as other local educational institutions. Note: More information on the Internet 14

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18 Special needs education Integrated training and education give disabled and nondisabled children and young people the possibility of a shared learning experience. Pupils with special educational needs may be taught by way of integrated training in a primary school, secondary school, new secondary school, the lower level of an academic secondary school, pre-vocational school and the one-year domestic science school. Integration in the pre-vocational school as well as the one-year domestic science schools has been legally established by the amendment filed under Federal Law Gazette I, no. 9 / The relevant changes in fundamental provisions of the SchOG, SchUG and SchPflG entered into force on the 1 st of September Special needs school (6 to 15 years of age) Special needs school consists of nine grades. The final grade is the vocational training year. With the approval of the school board and the consent of the school provider, special needs school may be attended for a maximum of twelve years. The Austrian special needs education system consists of ten divisions. The pupils receive basic general education from specially trained teachers, as well as by individual teaching methods, which is intended to provide a basis for further vocational training or the attendance of secondary schools. Depending on the curriculum, the following forms of special needs school are distinguished: Special needs schools with their own curriculum: General special needs school (for children with learning difficulties), special needs school for blind children, special needs school for deaf children, special needs school for children with severe disabilities, special needs school for maladjusted children (special education school). 16

19 Special needs schools that teach the curriculum of the primary school, secondary school / new secondary school, pre-vocational school, or the curriculum of a special needs school of another kind: special needs school for physically handicapped children, special needs school for children with language disorders, special needs school for visually impaired children, special needs school for deaf children, special needs school for maladjusted children (special education school); sanatorium school. In 1998, the school subject Career guidance in the 7 th and 8 th grade was introduced as a compulsory course at special needs schools. This mandatory training is intended to ensure that the young people consider their personal development, aptitudes, interests, and future career plans, as well as gaining an insight into professional life and discovering options for their individual career path. Another measure for preparing young people with special educational needs for professional life is the vocational preparation year in the 9 th grade of special needs education. In the context of general education and practice-oriented vocational subjects, pupils are to develop their outlook on a sense of their personal and professional prospects for the future. Note: More information on the Internet 17

20 Compulsory technical and vocational school The compulsory technical and vocational school (vocational school) entails the part-time, specialised teaching of the basic theoretical knowledge to apprentices in the scope of their training in a profession. This is intended to foster and supplement training on the job and general education. The duration of the technical and vocational school corresponds to the duration of the apprenticeship. Depending on the apprenticeship, training may last for two to four years; however, the usual duration is three years. The classes at the vocational school may be held in one of the following organisational forms: all year, i.e. at least one full or at least two half days of school per week; per course, i.e. at least eight weeks of constant school or seasonal, i.e. at a particular time of the year. The broad range of organisational forms has emerged out of the consultation of industry and school leaders, and takes into account the needs of the various sectors and regions. The cooperation of all parties involved in vocational training across various teaching localities is one of the key factors for the success of the dual system. Modern vocational training requires a close connection between theory (vocational school) and business practice. There are currently over 200 recognised apprenticeships for the following professional groups: construction; office, administration, organisation; chemistry; print, photo, graphics, paper processing; electrical engineering and electronics; catering; health and personal care; trade; wood, glass, plastic, clay; information and communication technologies; food and beverages; metal and mechanical engineering; musical instrument manufacturing; textiles, clothing, leather; animals and plants; transport and storage. 18

21 Once the vocational school pupils have achieved the teaching goals of the last grade of the vocational school, the final examination for the apprenticeship consists only of the practical part. Persons wishing to attend university after the final examination may do so after passing the higher education entrance examination. This consists of four partial exams (German, mathematics, modern foreign language, special topic). As part of the BMBF initiative Apprenticeship with Matura, apprentices have the opportunity to attend preparatory courses for the higher education entrance examination during their apprenticeship. Three exams may be completed during the apprenticeship, and the final exam upon turning 19 years of age. The preparatory courses and exams for the higher education entrance examination are free of charge to apprentices. Integrated vocational training is offered both as apprenticeships with a prolonged training period (extension to a maximum of two years), as well as vocational training with partial qualifications. The option of partial qualification makes individual training possible, which can be tailored to address specific personal abilities and needs. Training locations are apprenticeship companies or independent special needs education institutions and vocational schools (requirement or right to attend vocational school). Note: More information on the Internet

22 Secondary technical and vocational school General information Secondary technical and vocational schools (BMS) last for between one and four years. BMS with a training period of one or two years result in partial vocational training. BMS with a training period of three or four years result in full vocational training. Graduates gain the relevant professional qualifications of the Commercial Code. After a minimum BMS of at least three years, supplementary courses (three years) lead to matriculation and diploma examinations. There are special forms of professional colleges for graduates of four-year technical schools. Admission To attend, applicants must have completed the 4 th / 8 th grade of an HS, NMS or AHS successfully (except for Latin, geometry and required core subjects). Acceptance for a BMS of at least three years also entails an entrance examination in German, English or mathematics for applicants from the 4 th grade of an HS, if they were in the lowest achievement group for that particular subject area. If a PTS was successfully completed, the entrance examination is waived. 20

23 The main BMS: Technical, commercial and crafts school (three or four years) Trade school, practical trade school (three years) School of business professions (three years) School of fashion (three years) Hotel school, school of tourism (three years) School of social professions (three years) School of social services (two years) School for social care professions (two to four years): Admission from 17 or 19 years of age Agriculture and forestry trade school (two to four years) School of health and nursing (admission from 16 or 17 years of age) Federal sports academy (three years) Business school (one or two years) Note: More information on the Internet

24 Colleges for higher vocational education General information Higher technical and vocational schools impart higher vocational training as well as a broad general education, and conclude with a matriculation and diploma examination after five years. The diploma entails the entitlement to study at universities, universities of applied sciences and colleges of teacher education; it also permits the employment in legally regulated professions under the Commercial Code. The recognition of relevant professional knowledge for graduates of BHS for universities and colleges is required by law; authorisation according to engineering law applies for graduates of higher technical and agricultural schools. At the European level, the Directive 2005 / 36 / EC enables access to regulated professions in other EU Member States, which require the successful completion of a college or university education of (up to) four years for authorisation to practise the profession. Admission The BHS may be attended by pupils who have completed the 4 th / 8 th grade of an HS, NMS, the 4 th or a higher grade of the AHS, or the 9 th grade of the PTS successfully (except for Latin, geometry and required core subjects). Pupils from the 4 th grade of an HS must pass an entrance examination in German, English or mathematics, if they were in the lowest achievement group for that particular subject area, or received the grade satisfactory in the medium achievement group. With Satisfactory in the medium achievement group, admission is possible by resolution of the class teachers committee. 22

25 There is an aptitude test for schools for kindergarten teachers and educational institutions for social education open to all interested pupils. The main BHS: Higher technical and commercial school Commercial college Higher school of fashion Higher school of artistic design Higher school of tourism Higher commercial school Higher school of agriculture and forestry Higher school for kindergarten teachers Higher school for social education Note: More information on the Internet 23

26 New upper secondary diploma The new standardised matriculation examination at the AHS, as well as matriculation and diploma examinations at BHS The standardised, competency-based matriculation examination or matriculation and diploma examination provides uniform basic skills and a level playing field for all pupils. This uniform school leaving certificate degree makes Matura certificates nationally and internationally comparable. Due to work-related curricula, there are different assignments for AHS and BHS candidates in mathematics and the foreign language. When will the new Matura be introduced? At the AHS, the new Matura will be introduced at the main exam date for 2014 /15, and one year later, in 2015 /16, the new matriculation and diploma examination will be implemented at all BHS. In 2014 /15, BHS may participate in the new matriculation and diploma examination in the context of school trials (individual exams or option model: SGA resolution, 2/3 majority). The new matriculation examination at the AHS The pupils decide: Either they complete three written and three oral exams, or four written and two oral exams. The general education subjects are standardised. In the written exam, pupils throughout Austria are examined in the standardised subjects simultaneously, with the same assignments. The focus of oral examinations is adapted to the focal points of the schools. The assignments are not defined centrally, they remain under the responsibility of the teachers. All pupils write a pre-scientific paper on an elective topic, and present it in the scope of an oral examination. 24

27 The new matriculation and diploma examination at BHS The pupils decide: Either they complete three written and three oral exams, or four written and two oral exams. The general education subjects are standardised. In the written exam, pupils throughout Austria are examined in the standardised subjects on the same date; texts in the foreign language are profession-specific. Mathematics is examined in an application-oriented manner. The focus of oral examinations is adapted to focal points by the schools. The assignments remain under the responsibility of the teachers at the school. All pupils write a diploma thesis on a topic relevant to the profession or business, and present it in the scope of an oral examination. Note: More information on the Internet 25

28 Educational paths after the upper secondary diploma The prerequisite for these educational paths is a matriculation examination, vocational matriculation examination or higher education entrance examination. For some colleges and higher schools, there are special admission opportunities for graduates of relevant professional four-year colleges or applicants with complete vocational qualifications. Note: More information on the Internet Postsecondary VET courses Colleges offer a two-year (two to three years for working professionals) higher vocational training equal to the higher vocational schools or educational institutions. Training in the following subjects is offered: Structural engineering, chemistry and chemical engineering, electronics and technical computer science, electrical engineering, computer science and IT, information technology, interior design and wood technology, kindergarten education, communication and media design, art and design, mechanical engineering, media technology and media management, fashion / textiles, optometry, social work, industrial engineering, business computer science /digital business, environment. Also consult other opportunities with colleges at trade academies with a training focus / field of study. Note: More information on the Internet 26

29 Universities of teacher education (PH) The minimum duration of study for a bachelor s degree at public and private teacher training colleges (additional courses for private entities also exist) is at least three years; upon successful completion of their studies, graduates receive a teaching certificate for the corresponding subjects. Courses are conducted as required. Admission requirements (for all courses): The prerequisite for admission to a regular bachelor s programme for a teaching position is the general university entrance qualification (matriculation examination, vocational matriculation examination or entrance exam) and suitability for the course. Some courses (see Training 2 and Training 3) have further admission requirements. Training 1: At public and private colleges of teacher education, training for the following subjects takes place: teacher training for primary schools (Note: As of the 1 st of October 2015, the study period will be extended from three to four years), teacher training for new secondary schools (instead of teacher training for secondary schools), teacher training for special needs education and teacher training for pre-vocational schools. Note the admission requirements! Training 2: At some colleges of teacher education (training is available in full or only partially), the teacher training is conducted for vocational schools, the technicalcommercial field at vocational schools and colleges (BMHS), the fashion and design field at BMHS, the nutrition field at BMHS and the information and communication field at BMHS. 27

30 Training 3: At the college for agricultural and environmental teacher training, the training for agricultural and forestry vocational and technical schools, as well as for the fields of agriculture and the environment at higher agricultural and forestry schools (study course: agricultural and environmental education) takes place. Furthermore, there is a study course in environmental education for professional subjects in the field of environment at the secondary and higher schools. Further admission requirements: graduates of higher agricultural and forestry schools or persons with equivalent qualifications and graduates of university studies are accepted (such as the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences). Training 4: At private colleges of teacher education and some institutions run by private entities, teacher training is conducted for religious studies teachers (Catholic, Protestant, old Catholic, Orthodox, oriental Orthodox, Muslim, Jewish) at compulsory schools. Special characteristic: A contract is concluded between the students and the private college of teacher education (no certificate issued). Note: More information on the Internet 28

31 Universities of applied sciences Universities of applied sciences offer science-based vocational training with an emphasis on vocational orientation (at least one practical semester is included in the course). The following types of courses are currently offered: Bachelor s studies: usually six semesters (three years), concluded with the academic degree Bachelor. In some subjects, especially in the field of social work and health care, the authorisation to practise the profession is awarded upon completion of the course (e.g. Social Worker, Physiotherapist). Master s studies: based on bachelor s studies, they primarily serve as a scientific extension of this degree, usually last four semesters (two years), and are concluded with the academic degree of Master. Studies concluding with a Diplom were gradually replaced by bachelor s and master s courses. They used to last eight semesters (four years), and concluded with the academic degree Magister / Magistra or Diplomingenieur / Diplomingenieurin. Currently, study courses in the sectors of art and design, engineering, social sciences, economics, military /security studies, natural and health sciences are conducted at universities of applied sciences. Admission to such study courses is also open to candidates with relevant professional qualifications who have not completed the matriculation examination (usually by way of additional exams). Note: More information on the Internet 29

32 Universities Courses in the humanities and cultural studies, engineering and arts, teacher training programmes for teachers in higher secondary schools (two teaching subjects), medical, natural sciences, law, social and economic sciences and theological studies are offered. Diplom studies: These entail an in-depth training in the sciences or arts, and usually last eight to twelve semesters (one semester comprises 30 ECTS), consisting of two or three study periods, each ending with a Diplom examination. The degree entitles recipients to admission to a graduate degree, such as Magister / Magistra, Diplomingenieur / Diplomingenieurin (Exception: medical studies conclude with a Doktorat [medical degree]). There are only very few Diplom courses left. Bachelor s and master s programmes: In accordance with the Bologna declaration, universities have converted most of the programmes to bachelor s courses (three to four years, with 180 to 240 ECTS), extended by master s courses (one to two years, with 60 to 120 ECTS). The bachelor s programmes entail vocational training in the sciences or arts, with a qualification by subject, concluding in the academic degree Bachelor. Depending on the department, master s programmes conclude with Master or Diplomingenieur / Diplomingenieurin. Doctoral studies and PhD studies (Doctor of Philosophy) are based on Diplom or master s degree courses at universities or universities of applied sciences, and serve the development of the ability to work independently and scientifically. Upon conclusion (after three or four years), the relevant doctoral degree or PhD is awarded. Note: More information on the Internet 30

33 Adult education Adult education in Austria consists of a variety of educational institutions with different objectives and educational opportunities. The training ranges from general education, basic education and remedial training, education qualifications as part of second-chance education, vocational offerings, to management classes and courses for personal development, through to university courses and university education. Schools for professionals and tertiary training Individuals who have already started their professional life or have completed vocational training have the opportunity to acquire relevant qualifications in the form of evening classes. There are secondary and higher vocational schools of general education for professionals, advanced training programmes, colleges and academies. There are also continuing education courses at universities and colleges; the latter also offer additional university of applied sciences courses for working professionals. Adult education Institutions of adult education funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Women s Affairs, such as adult elementary education, vocational training institutes, business development institutes and a number of non-profit regional adult education institutions offer general education, vocational education and training measures. An important task of adult education is the development and implementation of an adult-oriented and target-group adjusted offering, and the high-quality educational and vocational guidance to enable access to lifelong learning by way of educational information /advice, provision of basic education / basic skills, acquisition of educational qualifications, etc. 31

34 Interested parties may enrol in preparatory courses for compulsory schooling, the matriculation exam for external parties, and the university entrance exam to attend adult education institutions. The vocational matriculation examination may be completed by way of three of four exams in preparation for the vocational matriculation examination at various adult education institutions. Preparatory courses for the compulsory schooling examination are offered in an adult-friendly format at institutions of adult education. Examinations must be taken in a maximum of six fields of competence (four compulsory subjects and two of four electives); a maximum of five exams may be conducted at institutions of adult education, which have obtained examination competence. The traditional forms of external exams for completion of certificates of the new secondary school or secondary school remain in place. Note: More information on the Internet 32

35 Educational advice Federal Ministry of Education and Women s Affairs Abteilung I/9 (Schulpsychologie-Bildungsberatung, Allgemeine Schulinformation) 1014 Vienna, Freyung 1 School Information Hotline: / schulpsychologie@bmbf.gv.at schulinfo@bmbf.gv.at Internet: Institutions or individuals who assist in educational decisions: School psychology educational advice: 77 advice centres in Austria (national centres see page 34) Pupil and education consultants: Appropriately trained teachers in each school from the 5 th grade: School information and service points: At all provincial school boards: Career orientation: Portal ibobb information: information, advice and guidance on learning and work : Career information centres: Implemented by the Employment Service or the Economic Chambers in all Federal States > Berufs- und Bildungsberater/innen 33

36 Educational guidance for adults: Information and addresses of education advice centres under or School psychology educational advice by the provincial school boards / Vienna Board of Education Burgenland > Schulpsychologie Carinthia > Organisation > Schulpsychologie Lower Austria > Schulpsychologie Upper Austria > Schulpsychologie-Bildungsberatung Salzburg > Servicestellen > Schulpsychologie Styria > Service > Schulpsychologie > Bildungsberatung Tyrol > Schulpsychologie Vorarlberg > Schulpsychologie Vienna > Stadtschulrat > Abteilungen > Schulpsychologie 34

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38 Primary school New secondary school Secondary school Pre-vocational school Academic secondary school School abroad Special needs education Compulsory technical and vocational school Mandatory secondary technical and vocational school Mandatory college for higher vocational education New upper secondary diploma Educational paths after the upper secondary diploma 36

39 Postsecondary VET courses Colleges of teacher education Universities of applied sciences Universities Adult education Imprint Media owner, publisher and editor: Federal Ministry of Education and Women s Affairs Minoritenplatz 5, 1014 Vienna Phone: Photos: FB Design: BKA ARGE Grafik Vienna, 2014 /15, 38 th Edition 37

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