Online Guide to Educational Systems Around the World Austria Submitted by Emily Tse April 2011
About NAFSA NAFSA: Association of International Educators is a member organization promoting international education and providing professional development opportunities to the field. Hundreds of NAFSA members volunteer to serve the Association and thousands advocate for international education. NAFSA serves international educators and their institutions and organizations by establishing principles of good practice, providing training and professional development opportunities, providing networking opportunities, and advocating for international education. For more information about NAFSA, visit www.nafsa.org. In 1948, NAFSA pioneered the concept of providing professional services for postsecondary exchange students. Early efforts to enhance living and learning environments for exchange students have blossomed into today s active association of accomplished professionals whose numbers continue to grow worldwide. Notice of Liability The information in these documents is distributed on an As is basis, without warranty. While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of each document, neither the submitter(s) nor NAFSA shall have any liability to any persons nor entity with respect to any loss or damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by the information contained in any of these documents. Information about each country was current at the time of upload. Education systems change periodically and updates will be written to reflect significant changes, once known. Please note that while NAFSA periodically verified the Web site links included in these e- Publications, NAFSA cannot guarantee that every link will be current at the time of download. Acceptable Use Guidelines Electronic resources are provided for the benefit of the international education community. However, commercial use, systematic or excessive downloading, or electronic redistribution of these publications are all expressly prohibited. 2011 NAFSA: Association of International Educators. All rights reserved. Online Guide to Educational Systems Around the World 1
Instructions for Using the Online Guide to Educational Systems Around the World Susan Whipple, Editor May 2011 These documents are updates to those in the 1999 publication A Guide to Educational Systems Around the World (which was an update to The Handbook on the Placement of Foreign Graduate Students, published in 1990 and colloquially known as the "Graduate Handbook.") It is important to note that these documents do not replace either of the earlier publications, which should be used for credentials issued prior to 1999, the period those publications cover. Readers familiar with the original version of A Guide to Educational Systems Around the World will note that these updates use the same format: 1. Each of these publications provides lists of credentials and other data that can be used both for undergraduate and graduate admissions. 2. "Advice for admissions officers" is intentionally not provided. We have attempted to avoid all types of subjective interpretation, relying instead on objective data. Users of these updates should use the information provided in conjunction with other resources to determine their own placement recommendations and possibility of transfer credit. Questions about credentials can be posted on the Admission and Credential Evaluation discussion forum on the Recruitment, Admissions, and Preparation Knowledge Community: http://www.nafsa.org/aceforums. For information on how to subscribe to the network, please visit www.nafsa.org/networksubscribe. Please note that these updates should be supplemented by additional written materials that describe complete foreign educational systems, including data on specific institutions, and by professional training in the theory and practice of credential evaluation. Many of these resources are available from NAFSA, either as printed publications or on-line. The need for institution support for budgetary resources and training for undergraduate and graduate admissions personnel remains important, regardless of the increased availability of resources on the Web. These publications were compiled by many authors using a standardized template and style. Although minor variations among entries do occur, the basic guidelines are explained as follows: Educational Ladder 2 Online Guide to Educational Systems Around the World
The year or half-year at which a credential is awarded is the point at which the corresponding credential letter is placed. In the example above, credential A is awarded after the 9th year of education. Note that the corresponding letter is placed directly below the number 9. All normal possibilities of the total number of years of education that a credential might require are indicated on the ladder. This occurs for credential B, in which the credential can be awarded after either 12 or 13 total years of education. An explanation is provided in the description of the credential whenever a letter appears on the ladder more than once. There are a few cases when this multiple-listing style was not used; in these cases, there are explanatory comments. An arrow ( ) is used after a credential letter in cases where no maximum length of study for a particular program is specified, or where the study time is open-ended. For example, a doctor of philosophy degree program may require a minimum of three years of enrollment. The corresponding credential letter with an arrow will appear under the minimum number of total years of education required to earn the Ph.D. Explanations About Documents Credentials are divided into two categories: secondary and postsecondary. The decision to include the credential under one or the other category is not a subjective one a credential is determined to be either secondary or postsecondary according to its designation by the country of origin, regardless of how individual institutions might perceive the level (and recommend transfer credit). Numerical endnotes, placed directly after the complete list of credentials, are used when a lengthy explanation about a credential is necessary. Foreign Terms and Words Foreign terms are used whenever possible, and are translated literally, in most cases. Literal translations are used to avoid subjectivity. We have attempted to be consistent with translations across languages, though readers may notice some differences between countries because of preferences indicated by the submitters. Credential evaluators and admissions personnel should always rely on official foreign language documents, using translations only as guides. Grading lnformation Only the most common grading scales used in each country are listed. Evaluators understand that variations in grading are common and that one should always consult the grading information that may be provided on official transcripts. Rather than making grade equivalency statements, the submitter(s) of the update provided information regarding grading practices within the countries. Online Guide to Educational Systems Around the World 3
AUSTRIA YEARS OF EDUCATION 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 A B C D E F I I M O R a a b c E F H J K N P S b b F G I K L O Q T M P R Y Q S Z R T a S W T X U V W X CREDENTIALS OR DOCUMENTATION Primary and Secondary A Abschluβzeugnis (Certificate of Completion) from a Primary School: represents completion of the primary education cycle with a total of 4 years of study. May also be referred to as a Jahres-und Abschluβzeugnis (annual and completion certificate). Mainly offered at Grundschulen and Volksschulen (primary schools). B Abschluβzeugnis (Certificate of Completion) from a Lower Secondary School: represents completion of the lower secondary education cycle with a total of 8 years of study. Mainly offered at Hauptschulen (lower secondary schools), neue Mittelschulen (new middle schools), and Volksschuloberstufe (upper level primary schools). May also be offered during the first 4 years of an 8-year allgemeinbildende höhere Schule AHS (general academic secondary school). C Abschluβzeugnis (Certificate of Completion) from a Polytechnische Schule (Pre-Vocational School): represents completion of compulsory education with a total of 9 years of study. Intended as 1 year of preparatory study for vocational training. Grants access to further vocational secondary studies, usually at Berufsschulen and Berufsbildende Pflichtschulen (vocational schools within the dual system). D Berufsreifeprüfungszeugnis (Vocational Maturity Examination Certificate): represents completion of upper secondary education within a vocational track. Introduced in 1997 to grant vocational-track students access to postsecondary studies. Typically 3 years in length. E Abschluβprüfungzeugnis (Completion Examination Certificate) from a Berufsbildende mittlere Schule BMS (Middle-Level Technical and Vocational School): represents completion of upper secondary education within a vocational track. While the length of studies may vary between 1 and 4 years, the most common duration is 3-4 years of study. Primarily prepares students as skilled workers and middle-level employees. F Abschluβzeugnis (Certificate of Completion) from a Berufsschule or Berufsbildende Pflichtschule (Vocational School within the Dual System): represents completion of upper 4 Online Guide to Educational Systems Around the World
secondary education within a vocational track. Refers to the parallel training students receive in a vocational school classroom and in on-the-job apprenticeship training. While the length of studies may vary between 2 and 4 years, the most common duration is 3 years of study. Gives access to employment in a skilled trade. G Reifeprüfungszeugnis/Matura (Maturity Examination Certificate): represents completion of upper secondary education in the academic track, with a total of 12 years of study. For students entering after primary school, they study for 8 years at allgemeinbeildende höhere Schulen AHS (general academic secondary schools), of which there are 3 types: Gymnasium (secondary school with a Latin or modern language focus), Realgymnasium (secondary school with a science focus), or Wirtschaftskundliches Realgymnasium (secondary school with a social science focus). For students entering after lower secondary school, they study for 4 years in an Oberstufenrealgymnasium (upper level academic secondary school). Gives access to postsecondary education. H Reife- und Diplomprüfungszeugnis (Maturity and Diploma Examination Certificate): represents completion of upper secondary education, resulting in a dual qualification from the vocational and academic tracks, usually with a total of 13 years of study. Most commonly obtained after 5 years of study at Berufsbildende höhere Schulen BHS (higher-level technical and vocational schools). Gives access to employment and postsecondary education. I J Reife- und Diplomprüfungszeugnis (Maturity and Diploma Examination Certificate) from a Bildunganstalt für Kindergartenpädagogik (Training School for Preschool Teachers) or a Bildunganstalt für Sozialpädagogik (Training School for Educators): represents completion of upper secondary education, resulting in a dual qualification from the vocational and academic tracks. Gives access to postsecondary education and employment as teachers at the preschool level in Austria. Diplomprüfungszeugnis (Diploma Examination Certificate) from a Kolleg: represents completion of a secondary-level vocational qualification. A Kolleg is a higher-level technical and vocational school that provides training in a particular field for graduates of other types of academic or vocational secondary schools. The typical duration is 2 years of full-time study or 3 years of part-time study. Gives access to employment. Postsecondary K Diplom (Diploma) from an Akademie für Gesundheitsdienste (Academy for Allied Health Professions)/Schule für gehobene medizinisch-technische Dienste (School for Medical Technical Professions: represents 2 to 3 years of postsecondary education, requiring credential G or equivalent for admission. The Title of Diplomierte in the area of specialization is usually conferred. Since 2006/07, such training is being phased into bachelor s degree programs at Fachhochschulen (universities of applied sciences). L Bachelor of Education: represents 3 years of postsecondary education, requiring credential G or equivalent for admission. First awarded in 2008 at Pädagogische Hochschulen (university colleges of teacher education). Holders are eligible to teach at the primary or lower secondary levels in Austria, depending on the specialization. M Bachelor: represents 3 to 4 years of postsecondary education, requiring credential G or equivalent for admission. Engineering programs are typically 3.5 years in length and art and Online Guide to Educational Systems Around the World 5
music programs 4 years. Offered at universities and Fachhochschulen (universities of applied sciences). N Magister (Master)/Magistra der Rechtswissenschafte (Master of Law): represents 4 years of postsecondary education at universities, requiring credential G or equivalent for admission. First professional degree in law in Austria. May also be abbreviated as Mag. iur. O Diplom (FH))(Diploma at a Fachhochschule [University of Applied Science]): represents 4 to 5 years of postsecondary education, requiring credential G or equivalent for admission. P Magister (FH)/Magistra (FH)(Master at a Fachhochschule [University of Applied Science]): represents 4 to 5 years of postsecondary education, requiring credential G or equivalent for admission. Q Diplom-Ingeniur (FH)/Diplom-Ingeniurin (FH) (Diploma of Engineer at a Fachhochschule [University of Applied Science]): represents 4 to 5 years of postsecondary education, requiring credential G or equivalent for admission. May also be abbreviated as Dipl-Ing or DI. R Diplom (Diploma): represents 4 to 6 years of postsecondary education at universities, requiring credential G or equivalent for admission. S Magister /Magistra (Master): represents 4 to 6 years of postsecondary education at universities, requiring credential G or equivalent for admission. T Diplom-Ingeniur/Diplom-Ingeniurin (Diploma of Engineering): represents 4 to 6 years of postsecondary education at universities, requiring credential G or equivalent for admission. May also be abbreviated as Dipl-Ing or DI. U Magister/Magistra and Lehramtsprüfungszeugnis (Master Degree and Teaching Examination Certificate): represents 4.5 years of postsecondary education at universities, requiring credential G or equivalent for admission. Holders are eligible to teach at the upper secondary level in Austria. V Magister/Magistra der Pharmazie (Master of Pharmacy): represents 4.5 years of postsecondary education at universities, requiring credential G or equivalent for admission. First professional degree in pharmacy in Austria. May also be abbreviated as Mag. pharm. W Master: represents 1 to 2 years of postsecondary education, requiring credential M for admission. The length is typically 1 to 2 years at Fachhochschulen (universities of applied sciences) and 2 years at universities. X Master of Science in Engineering/Master of Engineering/Diplom-Ingeniur/Diplom-Ingeniurin (Diploma of Engineering): represents 1 to 2 years of postsecondary education, requiring credential M for admission. The length is typically 1 to 2 years at Fachhochschulen (universities of applied sciences) and 2 years at universities. Y Doktor/Doktorin der gesamten Heilkunde (Doctor of Medicine): represents 6 years of postsecondary education at universities, requiring credential G for admission. First professional degree in medicine in Austria. May also be abbreviated as Dr.med.univ. 6 Online Guide to Educational Systems Around the World
Z Doktor/Doktorin der Zahnheilkunde (Doctor of Dental Medicine): represents 6 years of postsecondary education at universities, requiring credential G for admission. First professional degree in dentistry in Austria. May also be abbreviated as Dr.med.dent. a b c Doktor/Dokorin der (Doctorate): represents 2 years of postsecondary education at universities, requiring credentials R or S for admission. Being phased out. Doctorate (Doctor of Philosophy PhD ): represents 3 to 4 years of postsecondary education at universities, requiring credentials W or X for admission. Habilitation (Post-doctoral Qualification): represents completion of scholarly research after credentials a or b and the publication thereof. The process usually takes several years. GRADING SCALES Secondary (Maturity Certificate) Mit ausgezeichnetem erfolg bestanden Mit gutem erfolg bestanden Bestanden Nicht bestanden Pass with high distinction Pass with distinction Pass Fail Postsecondary 1 Sehr gut Very Good 2 Gut Good 3 Befriedigend Satisfactory 4 Genügend Passing 5 Nicht genügend Not Passing POSTSECONDARY INSTITUTION RECOGNITION BODY Bundesministerium für Wissenschaft und Forschung (Federal Ministry for Science and Research): http://www.bmwf.gv.at/ Fachhochschulrat (Council of Universities of Applied Sciences): http://www.fhr.ac.at/ Österreichischer Akkreditierungsrat (Austrian Accreditation Council): http://www.akkreditierungsrat.at/cont/de/index.aspx RESOURCES FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Printed Lukas, Karen Hammerlund. Austria: A Study of the Educational System of Austria and a Guide to the Academic Placement of Students in Educational Institutions of the United States. Washington, D.C.: American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO), 1987. Online Guide to Educational Systems Around the World 7
National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (NOOSR). Austria: A Comparative Study. Canberra, Australia: Australian Government Department of Education, Science and Technology, 1992. Stedman, Leslee. Austria. A Guide to Educational Systems around the World. Feagles, Shelley. Ed. Washington, DC: NAFSA: Association of International Educators, 1999. Tse, E. Austria. The New Country Index: Volume II. Culver City, CA. International Education Research Foundation, 2011. Vollman, W. Ed. Higher Education in Austria. Bucharest: UNESCO European Centre for Higher Education, 1987. On-line Bildungssystem Österreich (The Austrian Educational System). Austrian Agency for International Cooperation in Education and Research (OEAD): http://www.oead.at/fileadmin/oead_zentrale/willkommen_in_oe/bildungssystem/education_syst em_web.pdf Bologna Country Updates: Italy and Austria. World Education News & Reviews 17.3 (May/June 2004): http://www.wes.org/ewenr/04may/austria.htm Bundesministerium für Unterricht, Kunst und Kultur (Federal Ministry for Education, Arts and Culture): http://www.bmukk.gv.at/ Bundesministerium für Wissenschaft und Forschung (Federal Ministry for Science and Research): http://www.bmwf.gv.at/ Country Module: Austria. NUFFIC. Netherlands Organization for International Cooperation in Higher Education, 2010: http://www.nuffic.nl/international-organizations/docs/diplomarecognition/country-modules/country-module-austria.pdf Dirnberger, Margit and Heinz Kasparovksy. Postsekundäre Bildungseinrichtungen / Institutions of Postsecondary Education: October 2010. Vienna: Austrian Agency for International Cooperation in Education and Research and Federal Ministry of Science and Research, 2010: http://www.bmwf.gv.at/fileadmin/user_upload/wissenschaft/hochschulwesen/postsek_bildungseinri chtungen.pdf Europass Österreich (Austrian Europass): http://www.europass.at/ European National Information Centre and National Academic Recognition Information Centre (ENIC-NARIC). Gateway to Recognition of Academic and Professional Qualifications: www.enic-naric.net Eurybase: The Information Database on Education Systems in Europe: The Education System in Austria: 2008/09. EURYDICE. Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency, 2009: http://eacea.ec.europa.eu/education/eurydice/documents/eurybase/eurybase_full_reports/at_e N.pdf Fachhochschulrat (Council of Universities of Applied Sciences): http://www.fhr.ac.at/ 8 Online Guide to Educational Systems Around the World
Mitterauer, Barbara et al. Eds. Development of Education in Austria 2004-07. Vienna: Federal Ministry of Education, the Arts and Culture, 2008: http://www.bmukk.gv.at/medienpool/17147/bildungsentwicklung_07_e.pdf National Summary Sheets on Education Systems in Europe and Ongoing Reforms: Austria. EURYDICE. Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency, September 2010: http://eacea.ec.europa.eu/education/eurydice/documents/eurybase/national_summary_sheets/0 47_AT_EN.pdf Österreichischer Akkreditierungsrat (Austrian Accreditation Council): http://www.akkreditierungsrat.at/cont/de/index.aspx Österreichische Austauschdienst (Austrian Agency for International Cooperation in Education and Research (OEAD)): http://www.oead.at/ Österreichische Fachhochschul-Konferenz FHK (Austrian Association of Universities of Applied Sciences): http://www.fhk.ac.at/ Österreichische Qualitätssicherungsagentur AQA (Austrian Agency for Quality Assurance): http://www.aqa.ac.at/ Österreichische Universitätenkonferenz (Universities Austria, formerly the Austrian Rectors Conference): http://www.reko.ac.at/ Structures of Education and Training Systems in Europe: Austria 2009/10. Austrian EURYDICE Information Unit, 2010: http://eacea.ec.europa.eu/education/eurydice/documents/eurybase/structures/041_at_en.pdf Submitted by Emily Tse International Education Research Foundation (IERF) April 2011 Online Guide to Educational Systems Around the World 9