School Education for Children in Austria

Compulsory School Attendance

All children who permanently reside in Austria are required to attend school regardless of citizenship or health insurance status.

Age and Duration of Education

• Compulsory education lasts 9 years
• School attendance begins on 1 September of the calendar year following the year in which the child turns 6
• Children who have turned 5 by 1 September are required to attend a preparatory kindergarten group for one year

Health Insurance

• As of 31 May 2025 automatic health insurance for displaced persons has ended
• The absence of health insurance does not exempt a child from compulsory school attendance
• All pupils are automatically insured against accidents through AUVA during lessons breaks and school events in accordance with §175 ASVG
• To cover medical expenses outside school private health insurance is recommended

Sources:

• AUVA RIS – ASVG §175
• Austrian Health Insurance Fund information for displaced persons

Physical Education and School Activities

• Participation in physical education is compulsory exemption is possible only with a medical certificate
• Pupils are not obliged to participate in overnight school trips or events outside the home §13 SchuG

Education Obligation Until the Age of 18

Since 1 July 2024 the obligation to participate in education applies to adolescents from Ukraine until the age of 18. This includes:

• Attendance at school AHS BMS BHS
• Participation in vocational training apprenticeship Lehre
• Attendance at educational or language courses AMS
• If necessary participation in the Jugendcoaching programme
  

Online education in a Ukrainian school that concludes with a final secondary school examination is considered fulfilment of the education obligation until the age of 18.

Useful Official Sources

• RIS Compulsory Schooling Act Schulpflichtgesetz   https://www.ris.bka.gv.at
• School Education Act Schulunterrichtsgesetz  https://www.ris.bka.gv.at
• ASVG student insurance   https://www.ris.bka.gv.at

Austrian Health Insurance Fund   https://www.gesundheitskasse.at