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03-Sep-2025 | moving to austria Moving to Austria with Kids: Why School Planning Matters

Moving to Austria with children brings big decisions – and choosing the right school is one of the hardest.

This isn’t a comprehensive guide to the Austrian education system – we have already created a detailed overview here. Instead, this blog post focuses on the challenges international families face when entering the Austria's public school system and how to prepare for it.
 

Unravelling the Austrian Public School System


The Austrian school system offers strong education, but for international families, the process can be confusing. Timelines are tight. Placement rules differ between primary and secondary schools. And language support isn’t consistent across schools.

Ideally, you’d have months to plan ahead – visiting schools, preparing documents and choosing housing with education in mind. But many families don’t have that luxury. If you’ve already missed open days or registration deadlines, don't worry, you still have options – but acting quickly, with the right information, matters.

Think Everyone Speaks English? Not in Classrooms

One of the biggest surprises for international families arriving in Austria? Austrian public schools don’t teach in English.
 
While English is widely spoken in cities like Vienna, lessons in public schools are delivered in German. English is offered as a subject but not as the language of instruction.
 
Some bilingual public schools exist, especially in Vienna, but they are: highly selective, oversubscribed, prioritise children already proficient in both English and German and admission is not guaranteed – and families often overestimate this option.

No Rankings, Less Guidance: Why Local Knowledge Matters

Austria doesn’t publish official school rankings for primary or secondary schools. Unlike other countries, there is no single source comparing academic performance, teaching style or language support. Decisions are based on local insights – not league tables.

For international families, especially if you don’t speak German, it can feel like you're making decisions in the dark. Without relocation support or local knowledge, families often rely on word of mouth or scattered online information – which can lead to unrealistic expectations.
 
 

Austrian Primary Schools: Why Your Address Decides Everything

In Austria, primary school placement is tied directly to where you live. You can’t register your child until you’ve secured housing, and local authorities allocate places based on your residential address and school capacity.

This makes timing your move critical if you want more certainty around school placement – especially in Vienna, where demand for certain districts is high.

Key Primary School Timelines in Vienna

B2C blog post School dilemma visuals (3)


 Sept-Jan Open days where you can visit the schools (set autonomously)
Jan / Feb

Registration period for next school year
March

Placement confirmation

As housing and school placement are linked, the earlier you secure accommodation, the more control you’ll have over your options.

 

💡Tag der Wiener Schulen

Each autumn, 700 primary and secondary schools across Vienna open their doors to families on this city-wide open day.

It’s a unique chance to tour classrooms, meet teachers and understand your options before registration deadlines.

In 2025, Tag der Wiener Schulen will be held on Wednesday 8th October.


Austrian Secondary Schools: Two Paths, Different Rules

B2C blog post School dilemma visuals (2)

Secondary school brings more choices – and more complexity. Unlike primary, secondary school placements aren’t tied to your address, which can create unexpected logistical challenges, particularly for families with children in both systems.

There are two main secondary pathways (in table below): Mittelschule or Gymnasium

Aspect

Mittelschule

 

Gymnasium

Selectivity

Inclusive – must offer a place until age 15 (capacity-dependent)

 

Selective – not obliged to accept students, even with strong grades

Focus

Broader curriculum, supports a range of academic abilities

 

Academic track, prepares students for higher education

German Proficiency

Less critical – extra support more common if needed

 

Very important – higher levels (B2/B1) increase acceptance chances

Placement

Dependent on available capacity but guaranteed until age 15 years 

 

Competitive – places are limited, especially in Vienna
 
 
💡Put simply: School authorities must find your child a place in Mittleschule, until age 15, while Gymnasiums are not obliged to accept students, and German proficiency strongly affects your child’s chances of admission.

 

Key Secondary School Timelines in Vienna

B2C blog post School dilemma visuals (3)


 Oct-Jan

Open days where you can visit the schools (set autonomously)
February

Registration period for next school year
March

Final placement decisions are often confirmed

 

💡Good to know: As placement isn’t based on your address, your child’s secondary school may not be near your home. For families with both primary and secondary-aged children, this can mean managing two school commutes in different parts of the city.

 

Language Support: Why German Matters – and What Schools Really Offer

All newcomers take the MIKA-D assessment, which evaluates German comprehension and determines whether a child joins regular classes or receives additional language support.

Based on the results of the assessment, some schools may offer Deutschförderklassen (separate intensive language classes) or Deutschförderkurse (extra lessons alongside their regular class), but availability varies widely — there is no central list of which schools provide what level of help.

 
💡Planning Tip: If public school is your route, start them learning German early. It can make a huge difference in easing integration and improving placement chances.


B2C blog post School dilemma visuals (1)

 

Missed the School Deadlines? What to Do Next

Many families arrive in Austria after school registration deadlines have passed. While this makes things trickier, it doesn’t mean your options disappear:

  • Primary schools -> Your child is guaranteed a place, though it may not be your first choice.
  • Secondary schools -> Gymnasium places may be full, but Mittelschule must still offer places up to age 15.
To manage expectations, if applying after the deadline, placement decisions may not arrive until late August or early September. 
 
💡If you’ve missed the deadlines, options narrow but don’t disappear. In these situations, direct outreach to schools, persistent follow-up, and expert local support become essential.


How Recom Can Help

We’ve supported hundreds of families navigating Austrian public schools. Here is how we help you make informed choices and avoid surprises:

Before the Move

  • Explain the school process, timelines, and requirements early on
  • Help set realistic options based on your arrival date, child’s age and language level
  • Align school and housing priorities

During the Move

  • Tailor school searches to your family’s needs
  • Assist with housing decisions that support school preferences
  • Arrange school visits, manage registration and liaise with schools and authorities
  • Contact schools directly — especially critical if deadlines have passed

With our deep knowledge of the Austrian school system and local schools, we help families make informed decisions and secure the best possible outcomes, even in complex situations.

If you would like more detail on topics like application steps or selecting the right school path for your child, we regularly run information sessions about Austria’s education system. You can check our events page for upcoming sessions or get in touch with us directly to see how we can help.

Author: Nicole Arsany