some basics
The Austrian school system is structured to provide education from early childhood to higher education. Here’s a simple breakdown of the key stages:
1. **Kindergarten (Volksschule)**:
– Not mandatory but widely attended.
2. **Primary School (Grundschule)**:
– Starts at age 6 and lasts for 4 years (grades 1-4).
– Basic education in reading, writing, math, and general knowledge.
3. **Lower Secondary School**:
– After primary school, children go to either:
– **Neue Mittelschule (NMS)**: For all students, focusing on a broad education.
– **Gymnasium (AHS – Allgemeinbildende Höhere Schule)**: An academically oriented school, preparing students for higher education.
– This stage lasts for 4 years (grades 5-8).
4. **Upper Secondary School**:
– For students aged 14 to 18.
– Choices include:
– **Gymnasium (AHS)**: Continues from the lower secondary Gymnasium, ending with the Matura exam (equivalent to high school diploma).
– **Berufsbildende Mittlere Schule (BMS)**: Vocational middle schools lasting 1 to 4 years, preparing students for specific careers.
– **Berufsbildende Höhere Schule (BHS)**: Higher vocational schools lasting 5 years, combining general education and vocational training, also ending with the Matura exam.
5. **Post-secondary Education**:
– **Universities** and **Fachhochschulen (Universities of Applied Sciences)**: For higher education degrees like Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorates.
– **Berufsschulen (Apprenticeship Schools)**: Part of the dual education system, combining work-based training with classroom education.
This structure allows students to choose between a more academic path (Gymnasium and universities) or a vocational path (BMS/BHS and apprenticeship schools) based on their interests and career goals.