Everyday Life

Waste is a valuable raw material for new products and is therefore disposed of separately in Austria. But which waste belongs in which bin and where can I dispose of it? We have listed the rubbish calendars of our five towns for you and put together an information sheet on waste disposal as a pdf.

Children from 0 to 6 years of age:
Care for infants and preschoolers in so-called crèches (for babies and toddlers), kindergartens (ages 3 to 6), and preschools (from 5 years old onwards). Toddlers (from around 2 years old) are also cared for, particularly in small towns and rural areas, in small groups by so-called "childminders".

To cover the costs of childcare, there is the possibility of receiving income-dependent childcare support.

Tipp!
Find out about childcare options in your area in advance, visit the facilities in person, and speak with the responsible individuals as well as other parents about your specific needs. Don't forget to enroll your child on time!

The half-day kindergarten attendance (at least 20 hours per week) is mandatory for children who turn five years old by August 31st, from September to June (excluding school holidays). In addition to vacation periods and days off, a holiday of up to a maximum of five weeks can be taken.

In Tyrol, there are no parental fees for the half-day attendance of 4- to 6-year-olds in public kindergartens.

Enrollment for a place in a public kindergarten is usually done at the respective municipal office or magistrate's office, and in some cases directly at the kindergarten itself.

Compulsory schooling in Austria lasts for nine years (from the age of 6 to 15, grades 1 to 9).

The first four years of compulsory schooling are completed at the Volksschule (elementary school). From the age of 10, students can choose to attend a Mittelschule (secondary school). Each of these school types comprises four grades. The ninth year (ages 14-15) can be completed at a Polytechnische Schule (which focuses on career orientation and preparation for an apprenticeship) or in other types of schools.

Special education
For children with disabilities or special educational needs (e.g., significant learning deficits, etc.), there are specialized school forms for the first eight to nine years of their education (e.g., special schools or special education centers).
However, these children are often taught together with others in regular schools, specifically in so-called integration classes.

In Austria, there is a nine-year compulsory schooling. Moreover, there is a legal obligation for all young people up to the age of 18 to pursue further education, attend vocational training, or engage in other forms of education.

Schools for further education
Vocational middle schools (starting at age 14, 9th to 11th or 12th grade) culminate in a specialized examination. Vocational higher schools (starting at age 14, 9th to 13th grade) conclude with a specialized examination and the general qualification for university entrance (Matura). Upon completing vocational schools, individuals attain various professional qualifications depending on the type of school attended, allowing them to practice one or more professions.

The upper level of the general secondary school (AHS) and the upper secondary school (from the age of 14, 9th to 12th grade) culminate in the general qualification for university entrance (Matura).

Apprenticeship
Around 250 professions can be learned through vocational initial training (apprenticeship) starting at the age of 15. Most apprenticeships last between three and four years. The profession is learned simultaneously in a company and in vocational school. After completing their apprenticeship, the young individuals (apprentices) take a final apprenticeship examination and then become skilled workers.

University, college
The "Matura" is a prerequisite for higher education studies (university, college, technical college, vocational college). Graduates from vocational middle schools or apprentices can obtain access to higher education through the so-called 'Vocational Qualification Examination' or 'Vocational Exam.' Graduates from secondary schools or individuals who did not complete their education can acquire access to higher education through the 'University Entrance Qualification Examination'."

In Austria, there is a wide range of study options available in technical, human sciences, arts, and other fields. Universities of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschulen) provide practice-oriented education that enables a direct entry into the workforce. Pedagogical colleges train primary school, secondary school, special education, and Polytechnic school teachers.