FAQs

The International Standard Classification of Education, or the ISCED for short, was developed to classify and characterise types of schools. ISCED is a statistical instrument and increases the international comparability of qualifications.

ISCED 2011 makes a distinction between nine different levels, from early childhood education to Doctoral or equivalent qualifications. The colors of the diagram showing the Austrian Education System are based on ISCED 2011.

For more detailed information, please visit ISCED

The European Qualifications Framework (EQF) as well as the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) form the foundation for a transparent presentation and a comparison of qualifications. The NQR in Austria is divided into 8 levels, which are orientated towards learning outcomes. Each of the eight levels is characterised by different descriptors made up of knowledge, skills and competencies.

For more detailed information, please visit NQF

The introduction of NOST led to a redesign of the curricula by dividing the educational and teaching tasks into so-called "competence modules". School performance is assessed and completed on a semester basis. In the case of a negative assessment or non-assessment, pupils can advance to the next school level and be re-tested in the relevant subject area by means of a semester examination within two semesters. While the previous system of early warning remains in place, the NOST introduces the additional institution of individual learning support for pupils by trained learning guides.

Further information can be found here:
https://www.bmbwf.gv.at/en/Topics/school/krp/nuc.html

The legally consolidated educational standards are verifying to which extend schools are fulfilling their core task. This core task is the mediation of necessary competences. The educational standards determine which capabilities students should possess after the 4th and 8th grade. Regular reviews of these standards are securing the quality of education. Teachers are receiving feedback on the learning outcomes of their students.

Further information (in German):
https://www.bmbwf.gv.at/Themen/schule/bef/bist.html

In addition to the forms of school-based education regulated by law, schools may also have their own organisational status pursuant to Section 14, Paragraph 2 (b) of the Private Schools Act, including a range of comprehensive schools designated as "alternative schools" or "independent schools", various colleges for vocational education as well as music schools and conservatoires.