|
EuroEducation.net The European Education Directory |
||
|
|
| Austria |
|
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) Universität der
Künste (University of the Arts) Fachhochschul-Studiengang
(Fachhochschule programme) Akademie (College) School leaving and higher education
credentials: Reifeprüfung/Matura Akademisch
geprüfter… Bakkalaureus (FH) Bakkalaureus Diplom Diplom-Ingenieur Diplom-Ingenieur
(FH) Lehramtsprüfung Magister Magister (FH) Master Doktorat Habilitation STRUCTURE OF EDUCATION SYSTEM Pre-higher
education: Duration
of compulsory education: Age of
entry: 6 Age of
exit: 15 Structure of school system: Primary Type of
school providing this education: Volksschule, Sonderschule Length
of program in years: 4 Age level from: 6 to: 10 Lower Secondary Type of
school providing this education: Hauptschule, Allgemein bildende höhere Schulen,
Gymnasium Length
of program in years: 4 Age level from: 10 to: 14 Upper Secondary Type of
school providing this education: Allgemein bildende höhere Schulen, Gymnasium Length
of program in years: 4 Age
level from: 14 to: 18 Certificate/diploma awarded: Reifeprüfung/Matura Vocational Type of
school providing this education: Berufsbildende höhere Schulen (Handelsakademie,
Höhere technische Lehranstalt, Höhere land- und forstwirtschaftliche
Lehranstalt) Length
of program in years: 5 Age
level from: 14 to: 19 Certificate/diploma
awarded: Reifeprüfung/Matura School
education: Primary education lasts for
four years. Secondary education is divided into lower secondary school, which
lasts for four years, and upper secondary school, which lasts for four or five
years. At lower secondary level, there are three options: Volkschule (rare),
Hauptschule (general secondary) and Allgemein bildende höhere Schulen (academic
secondary) divided into Gymnasium (general), Realgymnasium (Science-based) and
Wirtschaftskundlisches Realgymnasium (Home Economics). Upper secondary
education lasts for four or five years. There are four types of
Allgemeinbildende höhere Schulen: Gymnasium, Realgymnasium,
Wirtschaftskundliches Realgymnasium and Oberstufen-Realgymnasium. Vocational
secondary education lasts five years. All streams lead to the Reifeprüfung/Matura,
which gives access to higher education. In 1997, the Berufsreifeprüfung
(Vocational Certificate) was introduced. It gives access to university and
Fachhochschule programmes. Apprentices will be able to sit for an examination
giving access to higher education. A law to this effect has been approved by
the National Council. The new Secondary Technical and Vocational Certificate is
designed for apprentices who successfully sit for their final apprenticeship
examination and for those completing vocational colleges, including Nursing
Colleges and Technical Medical Colleges. Higher
education: In Austria, higher education is
provided by universities (including the universities of the arts) and
Fachhochschulen which were introduced in 1994. There are also Academies (e.g.
Teacher Training Colleges). The 1993 University Reform redefined the
relationships of the universities and the State. The universities remain state
institutions and the State continues to finance them. Universities are free to
handle their internal affairs and formulate their statutes. The law provides
for the establishment of a university board (Universitätsbeirat) at each
institution which comprises leading figures from public life and the private
sector. It also provides for the University Curatorium which is responsible for
providing the Federal Minister of Education, Science and Culture with expert
opinion on issues of university policy and launching evaluation measures that
pertain to the university sector as a whole. The University Assembly elects the
rectors. The Ministry assumes a predominantly supervisory function and
continues to be responsible for strategic planning and research. The 1997
Universities Studies Act establishes which degree programmes may be introduced
at universities and regulates admissions and the award of academic degrees. In
1998, a law was passed which reorganised the Schools of Art and Music into
universities of the arts. In 1999, the university Accreditation Act was enacted
which allows private institutions to obtain accreditation as a Private
University by an autonomous board, the Accreditation Council. Main
laws/decrees governing higher education: Decree: DUK-Gesetz (Act on
the Postgraduate Danube University of Krems) Year: 1994 Concerns: Danube University Krems
(postgraduate) Decree: Fachhochschul-Studiengesetz
(Fachhochschule Studies Act) Year: 1993 Concerns: Fachhochschule programmes Decree: Kunstuniversitäten-Organisationsgesetz
(Universities of the Arts Organization Act) Year: 1998 Concerns: Universities of the arts Decree: Universitäts
Studiengesetz (University Studies Act) Year: 1997 Concerns: Studies at Universities Decree: Universitäts-Akkreditierungsgesetz
(University Accreditation Act) Year: 1999 Concerns: Accreditation of Private Universities Decree: Universitäts-Organisationsgesetz
(University Organization Act) Year: 1993 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: Akademie für Sozialarbeit
(Social Work), Speziallehrgänge (Technology, Economics, Tourism and Catering),
Kollegs (Tourism and Catering, Commerce and Technology), Schulen für gehobene
medizinisch-technische Dienste (medical laboratory technicians and related
occupations). These institutions are administered by the Federal Ministry of
Education, Science and Culture. 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: Bakkalaureus, Bakkalaureus (FH): Bachelor (Bakkalaureus) programmes have only been
introduced in a few fields of study. The universities or Fachhochschulen
respectively are free to split diploma programmes into Bachelor and Master
programmes. Access to Bachelor programmes
is based on the Reifeprüfung/Matura or on the
Studienberechtigungsprüfung for non-secondary school leavers. There are two
kinds of academic programmes: degree programmes (ordentliche Studien), which
lead to the first academic degree, and university course programmes
(Universitätslehrgänge) which lead to a Certificate. Bachelor studies last for
6-8 semesters, require at least two Bachelor essays and end with a Bachelor
examination (Bakkaureatsprüfung). They lead to the academic degree of
Bakkalaureus/Bakkalaurera. Access to Fachhochschule Bachelor programmes is
based on the Reifeprüfung/Matura or on the Studienberechitigungsprüfung for
non-secondary school leavers, or on a relevant professional qualification in
combination with certain additional examinations in subjects of general
education. The Fachhochschule Bachelor programmes last for six semesters,
including one practical training semester. They lead to the academic degree of
Bakkalaureus (FH)/Bakkalaurera (FH). University
level second stage: Magister, Magister (FH), Diplom-Ingenieur, Diplom-Ingenieur
(FH): Access to university diploma programmes (I.e.
programmes which are not preceded by a Bachelor programme) is based on the
Reifeprüfung/Matura or on the Studienberechtigungsprüfung for non-secondary
school leavers. There are two kinds of academic programmes: degree programmes
(ordentliche Studien) which lead to an academic degree and university course
programmes (Universitätslehrgänge) which lead to a Certificate. Diploma
programmes are divided into two or three (Medicine) stages. Each stage of the
first degree concludes with a diploma examination (Diplomprüfung; Medicine:
Rigorosum) consisting of one or more required subjects. Degree programmes
(ordentliche Studien) also require a diploma thesis or a corresponding piece of
documentation. The prescribed duration of study for the majority of degree
programmes is between eight and ten semesters and twelve semesters for General,
Dental and Veterinary Medicine and many programmes in the Arts. Diploma
programmes lead to the academic degree of Magister/Magistra, in Engineering to
the Diplom-Ingenieur/Diplom-Ingenierin, in Medicine to the Doktor/t.in der
gesamten Heilkunde, i.e. MD. Access to Fachhochschule diploma programmes is
based on the Reifeprüfung/Matura or on the Studienberechtigungsprüfung for non-secondary
school leavers, or on a relevant professional qualification in combination with
certain additional examinations in subjects of general education. The
Fachhochschule diploma programmes last for 7 to 8 semesters, including one
practical training semester. They lead to the academic degree of Magister
(FH)/Magistra (FH), in Engineering to the Diplom-Ingenieur (FH)/Diplom
Ingenieurin (FH).Access to university Master programmes (i.e. programmes which
are preceded by a Bachelor programme) is based on a completed Bachelor
programme. There are two kinds of academic programmes: degree programmes
(ordentliche Studien) which lead to the second academic degree and university
course programmes (Universitätslehrgänge) which lead to an Advanced Master's
degree (e.g. MAS,MBA, LLM). 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 Magister/Magistra, in Engineering to the
Diplom-Ingenieur/Diplom-Ingenieurin. Fachhochschule Master programmes, which
are organized in a similar way to university Master programmes, lead to the
academic degree of Magister (FH)/Magistra (FH) and in Engineering to the
Diplom-Ingenieur (FH)/Diplom Ingenieurin (FH) University
level third stage: Doktoratstudien: Doctoral studies generally require a minimum of
four semesters. Access is based on a completed Diploma or Master programme at a
university or a Fachhochschule (in the latter case, the doctoral programme is 2
semesters longer). They 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.
Universities of the arts may confer a limited number of Doctoral degrees. 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. 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. 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
University Organization Act of 1993 transferred the final selection of
candidates to 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. The terms of employment as a professor
are "definitive" (tenured), with the exception of the recently
introduced category of contract professors whose contracts are limited to a
maximum of two five-year periods. 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. The programmes which have been developed
so far are courses in Applied Mathematics, Energy Counselling, Teacher Training
and Psychotherapy. While these programmes are being developed, students may
study at the Fernuniversität Hagen, 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. The courses offered in
cooperation with the Fernuniversität Hagen include Business Management,
Economics, Mathematics, Informatics, Electrical Engineering, Educational
Sciences, Sociology, Political Science, Philosophy, Literature, History and
Social Behavioural Sciences. Some 2,000 students are currently making use of
this facility. There is a similar study centre at the Open University London
located in Vienna. Under the University Studies 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. Other
forms of non-formal higher education In addition to the
degree studies, universities offer a wide variety of university courses
(Universitätslehrgänge), some of them leading to the Diploma
("Akademischer....") or, in qualified cases, the academic degrees
Master of Advanced Studies (MAS), Master of Business Administration (MBA), or
Master Legum (LL.M.). NATIONAL BODIES Administration
& co-ordination: Responsible
authorities: Federal Ministry of
Education, Science and Culture (Bundesministerium für Bildung, Wissenschaft und
Kultur) Head: Elisabeth Gehrer, Minister Minoritenplatz
5 Tel: +43(1) 531-20-0 Fax: +43(1) 531-20-8 EMail: elisabeth.gehrer@bmbwk.gv.at WWW: http://www.bmbwk.gv.at Austrian Rectors'
Conference (Österreichische Rektorenkonferenz) Head: Georg Winkler, President Administrative officer: Andrea Henzl,
Secretary-General Liechtensteinstrasse
22 Tel: +43(1) 3105-656-0 Fax: +43(1) 3105-656-22 EMail: andrea.henzl@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 (Austrian
Accreditation Council) Head: Wilhelm Brandstätter, Director Teinfaltsrasse
8, Zi 326 Tel: +43(1) 53120-7863 Fax: +43(1) 53120-7890 EMail: akkreditierungsrat@bmbwk.gv.at WWW: http://www.bmbwk.gv.at Role of governing
body: Evaluates
private universities Geschäftsstelle des
Fachhochschulrates Liechtensteinstrasse
22 Tel: +43(1) 3195-034 Fax: +43(1) 3195-030 EMail: office@fhr.ac.at WWW: http://www.fhr.ac.at Austrian Exchange
Service (Österreichischer Austauschdienst (ÖAD)) Head: Alfred Ebenbauer, President Administrative officer: Ulrich
Hörmann, Secretary-General Dr Karl
Lueger-Ring 1 Tel: +43(1) 4053-150 Fax: +43(1) 4277-9281 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/Matura For
entry to: Teacher Training, Social Work, Medical Technical Schools 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/Matura For
entry to: All higher education institutions (universities, universities of the
arts, Fachhochschule programmes) 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 (only for Fachhochschule programmes). 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
Luxemburg, 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 the arts,
Fachhochschule programmes Recognition
of studies & qualifications: Studies
pursued in home country (System of recognition/accreditation): The Austrian
Accreditation Council (Akkreditierungsrat) evaluates private universities and
programmes (http://www.bmbwk.gv.at).. Studies
pursued in foreign countries (bodies dealing with recognition of foreign
credentials): NARIC.
Bundesministerium für Bildung, Wissenschaft und Kultur Head: Heinz Kasparovsky, Head of
NARIC/ENIC Administrative officer: Christoph
Demand, Deputy Head Teinfaltstrasse
8 Tel: +43(1) 531-20-5920 Fax: +43(1) 531-20-7890 Telex: 111157 bmfwf a EMail: naric@bmwf.gv.at WWW: http://www.bmbwk.gv.at Deals
with credential recognition for entry to: University and Profession Services
provided & students dealt with: The office answers questions on equivalence of
studies, carries out recognition of foreign diplomas where bilateral agreements
exist and gives assessment and advice for all other cases. It also deals with
professional recognition, as far as professions based on academic training are
concerned. 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: Agreement on Equivalences of Degrees and Diplomas Year of
signature: 1997 Country/state involved: Yugoslavia Name of
agreement: Agreement on Equivalences of Degrees and Diplomas Year of
signature: 1972 Country/state involved: Luxembourg Name of
agreement: Agreement on Equivalences of Degrees and Diplomas Year of
signature: 1994 Country/state involved: Switzerland Name of
agreement: Agreement on Equivalences of Degrees and Diplomas Year of
signature: 1996 Country/state involved: Croatia Name of
agreement: Agreement on Equivalences of Degrees and Diplomas Year of
signature: 1993 Country/state involved: Slovenia Name of
agreement: Agreement on Equivalences of Degrees and Diplomas Year of
signature: 1998 Country/state involved: Hungary Name of
agreement: Agreement on Equivalences of Degrees and Diplomas Year of
signature: 1980 Country/state involved: Bulgaria Name of
agreement: Agreement on Equivalences of Degrees and Diplomas Year of
signature: 1997 Country/state involved: Liechtenstein Name of
agreement: Agreement on Equivalences of Degrees and Diplomas Year of
signature: 1934 Country/state involved: Holy See Name of
agreement: Agreement on Equivalences of Degrees and Diplomas Year of
signature: 1995 Country/state involved: Poland Name of
agreement: Agreement on Equivalences of Degrees and Diplomas Year of
signature: 1990 Country/state involved: Netherlands Name of
agreement: Agreement on Equivalences of Degrees and Diplomas Year of
signature: 1985 Country/state involved: Portugal Name of
agreement: Agreement on Equivalences of Degrees and Diplomas Year of
signature: 2001 Country/state involved: Italy Name of
agreement: Agreement on Equivalences of Degrees and Diplomas Year of
signature: 1990 Country/state involved: Spain Name of
agreement: Agreement on Equivalences of Degrees and Diplomas Year of
signature: 1997 Country/state involved: Macedonia Name of
agreement: Agreement on Equivalences of Degrees and Diplomas Year of
signature: 2002 Country/state involved: Germany Name of
agreement: Übereinkommen über die Postpromotionelle Ausbildung der ärzte Year of
signature: 1980 Country/state involved: Liechtenstein Name of
agreement: Übereinkommen über die Postpromotionelle Ausbildung der ärzte Year of
signature: 1977 Country/state
involved: Luxembourg References
to further information on foreign student admissions and recognition of studies Title: Information for
Foreign Applicants at Austrian Universities and Universities of the Arts Publisher: ÖAD Title: Österreichisches
Hochschulrecht Publisher: BMBWK Title: Universitäten/Hochschulen Publisher:
BMBWK/AMS/ÖH STUDENT LIFE Main
student services at national level Austrian Exchange
Service (ÖAD) Dr. Karl Lueger-Ring
1 Tel: +43(1) 4053-150 Fax: +43(1) 4081-777 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 Liechtensteinstrasse
13 Tel: +43(1) 310-88-80-0 Fax: +43(1) 310-88-80-36 EMail: oeh@oeh.ac.at WWW: http://www.oeh.ac.at/oeh 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: Average
living costs: 7272 (Euro) Home
students tuition fees: Minimum: 726 (Euro) Maximum:
736
(Euro) Publications
on student services and financial aid: Title: Study abroad
2000-2001 Publisher:
UNESCO/IBE Year of
publication: 1999 INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION & EXCHANGES Principal
national bodies responsible for dealing with international cooperation and exchanges
in higher education: Bundesministerium
für Bildung, Wissenschaft und Kultur Minoritenplatz 5 Tel: +43(1) 531-200 Telex: 11157 bmfwf a EMail: post@bmbwk.gv.at WWW: http://www.bmbwk.gv.at Participation
of country in multilateral or bilateral higher education programmes Name of
exchange programme: CEEPUS Name of
exchange programme: LEONARDO Name of
exchange programme: SOCRATES 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; 2
genügend/sufficient:; 5 nicht genügend/failure Highest
on scale: 1 Pass/fail
level: 4 Lowest
on scale: 5 NOTES ON HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM University cooperation and
exchanges also take place in Auslandsbüros (Foreign Offices) at universities,
universities of the arts and Fachhochschule programmes. Data for
academic year: 2001-2002 Source: Bundesministerium für Bildung, Wissenschaft und Kultur (NARIC Austria), Vienna, 2002 Copyright © International Associations of Universities |
|
STUDENT SERVICES
|