Career Colleges and Vocational Schools in Austria

Vocational education and training is a large part of the Austrian education system. After nine years of compulsory schooling, young people can choose an apprenticeship in a company combined with a part-time vocational school, a school for intermediate vocational education or a five-year college for higher vocational education. Above them sit short-cycle programmes for people who already have a vocational qualification, and the universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen) at bachelor's and master's level. The OeAD, Austria's agency for education and internationalisation, describes these pathways on its education system portal.

Most vocational programmes are taught in German and are designed for young people living in Austria, so international students usually meet the system either through a university of applied sciences or through short, specialised courses.

How vocational training works

• Apprenticeship (dual system): open to all young people who have completed nine years of compulsory schooling. It lasts two to four years, usually three, in one of around 200 recognised training professions, from construction and gastronomy to information technology and musical instrument making. Apprentices spend around 20-25% of their training at a part-time vocational school (Berufsschule) and finish with the Apprenticeship Examination
• School for intermediate vocational education (BMS): one to four years; three or four years with a final examination give a full vocational qualification. Examples are technical and crafts schools, business schools and schools for tourism or social professions
• College for higher vocational education (BHS): a five-year course that ends with the Reifeprüfung and Diploma examination, which gives access to universities, universities of applied sciences and university colleges of teacher education. Examples are the higher technical colleges (HTL) and the colleges of business administration (Handelsakademie)
• Post-secondary VET courses (Kolleg): four semesters for holders of the Reifeprüfung, leading to the same professional qualification as a BHS
• Industrial master colleges and master craftsperson schools: two to four semesters for people who have completed vocational training, ending with an examination that qualifies the holder to train apprentices

Universities of applied sciences

At tertiary level, universities of applied sciences provide scientifically based vocational education with a strong occupational orientation. Bachelor's programmes last three years (180 ECTS) and include a practical training semester; master's programmes last one to two years (60-120 ECTS). They specialise mainly in technology and engineering, economics, health sciences and social sciences. All applicants go through an entrance procedure, which usually includes written documents, tests and an interview, and these institutions may charge tuition fees.

Admission and recognition

An apprenticeship requires a training contract with a company: the company registers its apprentice at the part-time vocational school, and the school depends on the profession and the company's location. Vocational schools and colleges admit pupils after the eighth or ninth year of schooling. Recognition of foreign qualifications for professional purposes is handled by ENIC NARIC AUSTRIA. For German-taught programmes, a good level of German is essential.

Short courses: the example listed

The only provider in this category on SpainExchange is not a vocational school in the official sense but a specialised course organiser. The Austrian Master Classes were founded in 1979 by Bruno Steinschaden, professor of violin at the Mozarteum University, and have been led by Georg Steinschaden since 1994. They run week-long master classes and junior courses in violin, viola, cello, piano, flute, chamber music and singing at Schloss Zell an der Pram in Upper Austria. According to the organisers, participants have come from 87 countries.

All courses are open to participants of all nations, and teaching is in German and/or English. For 2027, the course fee for a master class with 80 minutes of individual tuition a day is 780 euros, plus a handling fee of 140 euros; full board at the castle for the course week costs from 440 euros. These are short courses, not formal vocational qualifications.

How to choose

• Goal: a recognised vocational qualification (apprenticeship, BMS, BHS, Kolleg) or a short course for skills and preparation
• Language: most programmes are in German; check whether English is used
• Level: universities of applied sciences give bachelor's and master's degrees; master craftsperson schools build on a completed training
• Practical training: apprenticeships require a company, and UAS bachelor's programmes include a practical semester

Frequently asked questions

How long does an apprenticeship last in Austria?

Two to four years, depending on the profession; most apprenticeships last three years. Around 20-25% of the time is spent at a part-time vocational school.

What is the difference between a BMS and a BHS?

A BMS lasts one to four years and gives a vocational qualification. A BHS lasts five years and ends with the Reifeprüfung and Diploma examination, which also gives access to higher education.

Can international students take short music courses in Austria?

Yes. The Austrian Master Classes, for example, are open to participants of all nations and teach in German and/or English.