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EuroEducation.net The European Education Directory |
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| Austria |
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Structure of Educational System Pre-higher Education System Higher Education System Administrative structure of higher education Admissions to Higher Education and Recognition |
INSTITUTION TYPES & CREDENTIALS Types of higher education institutions: Universität (University) Fachhochschulen (Universities of Applied Sciences) Akademie (College) School leaving and higher education credentials: Reifeprüfung Bachelor's Degree Bakkalaureus (FH) (phasing out) Bakkalaureus (phasing out) Doktor (Medical Sciences) Diplom-Ingenieur Lizentiat Magister (FH) (phasing out) Magister (phasing out) Master's Degree MBA, MAS, MSc Doctor of Philosophy Doktor STRUCTURE OF EDUCATION SYSTEM Pre-higher education: Duration of compulsory education: Age of entry: 6 Age of exit: 14 Structure of school system: Primary Type of school providing this education:
Volksschule Length of program in years: 4 Age level from: 6 to: 9 Lower Secondary Type of school providing this education:
Hauptschule Length of program in years: 4 Age level from: 10 to: 13 Academic Secondary Type of school providing this education:
Allgemeinbildende
höhere Schulen, Gymnasium Length of program in years: 8 Age level from: 10 to: 17 Certificate/diploma awarded: Reifeprüfung Certificate Upper Secondary Type of school providing this education:
Oberstufenrealgymnasium Length of program in years: 4 Age level from: 14 to: 17 Certificate/diploma awarded: Reifeprüfung Certificate Prevocational Length of program in years: 1 Age level from: 14 to: 15 Vocational Length of program in years: 5 Age level from: 14 to: 18 Certificate/diploma awarded: Reifeprüfung
Certificate/ TVE Diploma School education: Compulsory education lasts for nine years including
primary and lower secondary education plus a year of pre-school or a year of
pre-vocational school. Primary education lasts for four years. Secondary
education is divided into academic secondary schools, which lasts for 8 years
and lower secondary school, which lasts for four years, and upper secondary
school, which lasts for four years. Vocational secondary education lasts for
five years. All streams lead to the Reifeprüfung Certificate, which gives
access to higher education. Higher education: Higher education is provided by universities and
universities of applied sciences (introduced in 1994). There are also Academies
(e.g. Teacher Training Colleges). The 2002 University Reform redefined the
relationship between the universities and the State. The universities remain
State institutions and the State continues to finance them. Universities are
fully autonomous to handle their internal affairs and formulate their statutes.
The law provides for the establishment of a university board (Universitätsrat)
at each institution which comprises leading figures from public life and the
private sector. It is also responsible for providing the Federal Minister of
Education, Science and Culture with expert opinion on issues of the given
university and launching evaluation measures. The University Assembly elects
the rector. The Ministry assumes a supervisory function only in legal affairs
and continues to be responsible for strategic planning and research. The law
establishes which groups of degree programmes may be introduced at universities
and lays general rules concerning admissions and the award of academic degrees.
In 1999, the University Accreditation Act was enacted which allows private
institutions to obtain accreditation as a Private University by the
Accreditation Council which works under the supervision of the Ministry. At
private universities, study programmes can be offered either in accordance with
state programmes and degrees, or without reference to them. Main laws/decrees governing higher
education: Decree: Danube University Act
Year: 2004 Decree: Fachhochschul-Studiengesetz
(University of Applied Sciences Studies Act) Year: 1993 Concerns: Universities of Applied Sciences. Decree: Hochschülerschaftsgesetz
(Union of Student Act) Year: 1998 Concerns: Student Unions. Decree: Universitäts-Akkreditierungsgesetz
(University Accreditation Act) Year: 1999 Concerns: Private Universities. Decree: Universitätsgesetz
(Universities Act) Year: 2002 Concerns: Universities. Academic year: Classes from: Oct to: Jun Languages of instruction: German Stages of studies: Non-university level post-secondary studies (technical/vocational type):
Non-university level: The following schools offer courses to holders of the
Reifeprüfung: Speziallehrgänge (Technology, Economics, Tourism and Catering),
Kollegs (Tourism and Catering, Commerce and Technology), Medizinisch-Technische
Akademien (Technical Medical Colleges, Midwifery Colleges). These institutions
are administered by the Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Culture, the
latter category, however, by the Federal
Ministry of Health and Women. The Academy of Administration for the Training of
Public Servants falls within the jurisdiction of the Federal Chancellery. The
Diplomatic Academy is a special educational institution under the supervision
of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Some intermediate and higher
vocational schools also provide evening classes for working people. University level studies: University level first stage: Bachelor: Bachelor
programmes have been introduced recently by universities or universities of
applied sciences by splitting their old diploma programmes into Bachelor and
Master programmes. Access to Bachelor programmes is normally based on the
Reifeprüfung Certificate. University level second stage: Master: Access
to Master programmes is based on a completed Bachelor programme. Master
programmes last for 1-2 years and require a master thesis and end with a Master
examination (Magisterprüfung). They lead to the academic degree of Master, in
Engineering to the Diplom-Ingenieur/Diplom-Ingenieurin. University level third stage: Doktoratstudien: Doctoral
studies, which are only offered by universities, generally require a minimum of
four semesters. Access is based on a completed Master programme at a university
or a university of applied sciences. Doctoral programmes demand greater
independence from students in their scientific work. Doctoral candidates are
required to present a thesis approved by at least two professors and an
examining Commission, and pass the final oral examination (Rigorosum). They are
then awarded the title of Doktor/Doktorin. The universities are free to offer,
in some scientific fields, PhD
programmes which last for at least 8 semesters and which are subdivided
into a more study-oriented and a purely scientific stage. University level fourth stage: Habilitation: The Habilitation is acquired within the university
system and is based on special research achievements after the Doctorate and
production of a research monograph. It is awarded with the title
Universitätsdozent/in or Privatsdozent/in respectively. This is not an academic
degree, but a special university qualification. Teacher education: Training of pre-primary and
primary/basic school teachers Primary-school
teachers are trained in three years, at post-secondary level, in Pädagogische
Akademien (Teacher Training Colleges), each of which is attached to a practical
school. Candidates must pass an aptitude test and at the end of their studies
they must pass a Lehramtsprüfung. Training of secondary school teachers Secondary-school
teachers, except for Hauptschulen, are trained at university in diploma
programmes (i.e. no splitting into a bachelor and a master programme). The
minimum duration of studies for the award of a teaching qualification is nine
semesters, including a practical training period. On completion, students sit
for the second Diplomprüfung in their major subject and are then conferred the
degree of Magister/Magistra. They must, moreover, have one year's work
experience as a probationary teacher (Unterrichtspraktikum). Training of higher education teachers After completing their diploma or master degree, most
university teachers begin their career as university assistants
(Universitätsassistent/inn/en) and acquire the additional qualifications
necessary for advancement (Doctorate, Habilitation). The final selection of
candidates is carried out by the rectors of the individual universities.
Appointment as a professor requires a Habilitation or a commensurate form of
scholarly, scientific or artistic qualification and a "call"
(Berufung) by the responsible organs of the university. Employment will be on a
contractual basis, except for those professors who have been formally appointed
as "definitive" (tenured). Employment can be full-time or part-time. Non-traditional studies: Distance higher education Distance
education (Fernstudien) has been provided since 1979 by the Interuniversitäres
Forschungsinstitut für Fernstudien. This Institute has links with all major
Austrian universities and offers special courses for adults seeking employment.
Students may also study at the Fernuniversität Hagen (Germany), which offers
normal degree courses in Economics, Law, Social Sciences, Education and
Management. Students at the Fernuniversität Hagen living in Austria may turn to
the centres in Linz, Bregenz and Vienna for technical and social advice. There
is a similar study centre at the Open University London located in Vienna.
Under the Universities Act, Austrian universities may set up distance study
courses. Furthermore there are special regulations as far as the admission, the
documentation and the examination for distance studies are concerned. Lifelong higher education Austrian universities welcome senior citizens as
students (Seniorenstudium). Courses, degrees and conditions of admission are
the same as for younger students. NATIONAL BODIES Administration & co-ordination: Responsible authorities: Bundesministerium für Bildung, Wissenschaft und Kultur
(Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Culture) Head: Elisabeth Gehrer, Minister Administrative officer: Sigurd Höllinger, Director General for Higher
Education Minoritenplatz 5 Tel: +43(1) 531200 Fax: +43(1) 531203099 EMail: ministerium@bmbwk.gv.at WWW: http://www.bmbwk.gv.at Österreichische Rektorenkonferenz (Austrian Rectors'
Conference) Head: Christoph Badelt, President Administrative officer: Heribert Wulz, Acting Secretary-General Liechtensteinstrasse 22 Tel: +43(1) 3105656-0 Fax: +43(1) 3105656-22 EMail: office@reko.ac.at WWW: http://www.reko.ac.at Role of governing body: Coordinates
the policies of universities and universities of the arts: represents the universities'
collective interests and promotes the exchange of information. Österreichischer Akkreditierungsrat/Geschäftsstelle
(Austrian Accreditation Council) Head: Hannelore Weck-Hannemann, President Administrative officer: Wilhelm Brandstätter Teinfaltstr. 8 Tel: +43(1) 531207863 Fax: +43(1) 53120817863 EMail: wilhelm.brandstaetter@bmbwk.gv.at WWW: http://www.akkreditierungsrat.at/cont/de/index.aspx Role of governing body: Evaluates
private universities Fachhochschulrat - FHR (FH Council) Head: Claus Raidl, President Administrative officer: Wilfrid Grätz, Managing Director Liechtensteinstrasse 22A Tel: +43(1) 3195034-0 Fax: +43(1) 3195034-30 EMail: office@fhr.ac.at WWW: http://www.fhr.ac.at Role of governing body: Responsible
for the external quality assurance (accreditation and evaluation) in the
Austrian FH sector. Österreichische Fachhochschul-Konferenz - FHK
(Association of Universities of Applied Sciences) Administrative officer: Kurt Koleznik, Secretary General, Acting Wiedner Hauptstr. 63 Tel: +43(1) 501055500 Fax: +43(1) 5010515500 EMail: office@fhk.ac.at WWW: http://www.fhk.ac.at Role of governing body: Association
of Austrian Fachhochschulen. Österreichischer Austauschdienst - ÖAD (Austrian
Exchange Service) Head: Alfred Ebenbauer, President Administrative officer: Ulrich Hörmann, Secretary-General Alser Strasse 4/1/3/8 Tel: +43(1) 427728101 Fax: +43(1) 42779281 EMail: zg@oead.ac.at WWW: http://www.oead.ac.at ADMISSIONS TO HIGHER EDUCATION Admission to non university higher
education studies Name of secondary school credential
required: Reifeprüfung Entrance exams required: Depending on the objectives of the programme, entrants
with special professional training may have to pass a number of additional
examinations, either prior to admission or by a deadline, in any case before
the beginning of the second year of studies. Admission to university-level studies Name of secondary school credential
required: Reifeprüfung For entry to: All higher
education institutions (universities, universities of applied sciences) Alternatives to credentials: Studienberechtigungsprüfung:
examination giving access to higher education to Austrian nationals who are
over 22 years of age and do not possess a Reifezeugnis but who have a
professional or non-professional experience. It is valid only for those
subjects in which it has been taken.Relevant professional qualification in
combination with certain additional examinations in subjects of general
education. Foreign students admission Definition of foreign student: A person who
does not have Austrian citizenship. Foreign nationals who enjoy equal status
with Austrian nationals are: citizens of Luxembourg, citizens of Liechtenstein
and those born in the province of Bolzano (Italy) with German mother tongue,
who have declared themselves members of these language communities and who do
not have Austrian citizenship. Quotas: The prerequisite is that
there are sufficient places available for foreign students. EU and EEA citizens
are admitted regardless of the number of places available. Admission requirements: Foreign
students are admitted to study courses at university if their qualifications
are equivalent to the "Matura" (Reifezeugnis) and qualify them for
entry to a university in their own country. They also must give evidence that
an institution of higher education in the awarding country would accept them
for university studies in the respective field. Language requirements: Good
knowledge of German is essential. In case of doubt, students must pass the
compulsory German language examination (both written and oral) at the
university before registering as full-time students. German language study
facilities are available in all university towns and at a number of language
schools. For students from the Near East, special courses are also conducted by
the Hammer-Purgstall Society. Application procedures: Apply to individual institution for
entry to: Universities, Universities of Applied Sciences. Application closing dates: For university level studies: 1 Sep Recognition of studies &
qualifications: Studies pursued in home country (System
of recognition/accreditation): The Austrian Accreditation Council evaluates
private universities and programmes. Studies pursued in foreign countries
(bodies dealing with recognition of foreign credentials): ENIC NARIC Austria. BMWK Head: Heinz Kasparovsky Abt. VII/11 Tel: +43(1) 53120 5921 Fax: +43(1) 53120 7890 EMail: naric@bmwk.gv.at WWW: http://www.bmbwk.gv.at/naric Deals with credential recognition for
entry to: University and Profession Services provided & students dealt with:
The
Austrian NARIC (National Academic Recognition Information Centre) is the
official contact point for all kinds of questions concerning transfrontier
recognition in the field of higher education. Special provisions for recognition: For access to university level studies: Higher
education entrance qualifications are declared equivalent according to
international agreements, such as the Lisbon Recognition Convention or the
European Convention on the Equivalence of Diplomas or unilateral or bilateral
agreements with certain European countries. Multilateral agreements concerning
recognition of foreign studies Name of agreement: Convention
on the Recognition of Qualifications concerning Higher Education in the Europe
Region (Lisbon Convention) Year of signature: 1997 Bilateral agreements concerning
recognition of foreign credentials Name of agreement: Convention
on the Recognition of Qualifications concerning Higher Education in the Europe
Region (Lisbon Convention) Year of signature: 1997 STUDENT LIFE Main student services at national level Österreichischer Austauschdienst - ÖAD (Austrian
Exchange Service) Alser Strasse 4/1/3/8 Tel: +43(1) 427728101 Fax: +43(1) 42779281 EMail: info@oead.ac.at WWW: http://www.oead.ac.at Category of services provided: Social and
welfare services; Academic and career counselling services; Special
services/Centre for foreign students Services available to foreign Students: Yes National student associations and unions Österreichischen HochschülerInnenschaft (Austrian
National Union of Students) Taubstummengasse 7-9 Tel: +43(1) 3108880-0 Fax: +43(1) 3108880-36 EMail: oeh@oeh.ac.at WWW: http://www.oeh.ac.at Health/social provisions Social security for home students: Yes Social security for foreign students: Yes Foreign student social security
provisions: Both Austrian and foreign students are entitled to health insurance
which may be obtained from the Regional Public Health Insurance Institution (Gebietskrankenkasse),
at the time of registration. Special student travel fares: By road: Yes By rail: Yes Available to foreign students: Yes Student expenses and financial aid Student costs: Home students tuition fees: Minimum: 363 (Euro) Foreign students tuition fees: Minimum: 726 (Euro) Bodies providing information on student
financial aid: Studienbeihilfenbehörde (Study Grant Authority) Gudrunstraße 179 Tel: +43(1) 60173-0 EMail: studien.beihilfen@stbh.gv.at WWW: http://www.stipendium.at/stbh/ Deals with: Grants Publications on student services and
financial aid: Title: Study Abroad 2005-2006 Author: UNESCO Year of publication: 2005 INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION &
EXCHANGES Principal national bodies responsible
for dealing with international cooperation and exchanges in higher education: Auslandsbüros (Foreign Offices) at the universities
and universities of applied sciences Participation of country in multilateral
or bilateral higher education programmes Name of exchange programme: ASEA-UNINET Name of exchange programme: CEEPUS Name of exchange programme: LEONARDO Name of exchange programme: SOCRATES Name of exchange programme: TEMPUS GRADING SYSTEM Usual grading system in secondary school Full Description: 1-5; 1 sehr
gut; 2 gut; 3 befriedigend; 4 genügend; 5 nicht genügend Highest on scale: 1 Pass/fail level: 4 Lowest on scale: 5 Main grading system used by higher
education institutions Full Description: 1-5 1 sehr
gut/excellent; 2 gut/good; 3 befriedigend/satisfactory; 4 genügend/sufficient:;
5 nicht genügend/failure Highest on scale: 1 Pass/fail level: 4 Lowest on scale: 5 NOTES ON HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM Data for academic year: 2005-2006 Source: IAU from ENIC NARIC Austria,
BMBWK, Vienna, 2006 |