Last updated: 12/02/2025
(This article will be updated each semester.)

Introduction

This article provides detailed information about the process of studying high school in Austria, helping students and parents prepare their application and paperwork with ease.

We encourage you to prepare your own application so that you better understand the process and save on costs. Any form of copying or use of this article on other platforms must clearly cite the source.

A. Before arriving in Austria

I. Finding a high school in Austria

🔗 List of high schools in Austria: bildungssystem.at
🔗 Educational programs: bmbwf.gv.at

📌 Note:

Students can choose between types of secondary schools such as AHS (Allgemeinbildende Höhere Schule) or BHS (Berufsbildende Höhere Schule) depending on their academic or vocational orientation.
High schools in Austria may require a minimum German level of A2-B1.

II. Admission process

🗓 Application deadlines:

Main intake: September every year
Some schools have an additional intake in February

1. Preparing the application

The application includes:

📄 A copy of your passport (the page with your photo).
📝 Application form for admission (downloaded from the school's website or from the local education authority).
📜 German certificate A2 or B1 (or a confirmation of enrollment in a German course in Austria).
🎓 Academic transcripts from the last 2-3 years (translated and notarized into German).
📩 Motivation letter (Motivationsschreiben) (written in German or English, depending on the school's requirements).
👪 Certificate of guardianship (if under 18) (confirming that you have a guardian in Austria if you are not accompanied by your parents).

2. Steps for processing the application

Step 1: Search for and contact the school

Students or parents send an email to the school or the education office in Austria to ask about admission requirements.

Step 2: Submit the application
Send the application by email or post following the school's instructions.

Step 3: Take an entrance test or interview
Some schools may require students to take a German test or an online interview.

Step 4: Receive the letter of admission (Zulassung)
If accepted, the school will send the official admission letter.

Step 5: Apply for an Austrian study visa 📅 Book an appointment at the Austrian Embassy: bmeia.gv.at

📜 The visa application includes:

A valid passport.
Study visa application form.
Admission letter (Zulassung).
Proof of finances (a bank account with a minimum balance of 7,000-10,000 Euro/year or sponsorship from a relative in Austria).
Health insurance (valid from the date of entry into Austria).
Certificate of legal guardianship (if under 18).
Visa fee: 150 Euro.

⏳ Visa processing time: 6-12 weeks.

B. After arriving in Austria

I. Things to do immediately upon arriving in Austria

️ Register your residence (Meldezettel) (within the first 3 days)

Go to the district's residence registration office to declare your address.
Form: wien.gv.at

️ Open a bank account (Erste Bank, Raiffeisen, Sparkasse, etc. recommended)

️ Buy health insurance (ÖGK, UNIQA, Wiener Städtische, depending on the school's requirements)

️ Receive your residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel)

Submit the application at MA35 (in Vienna) or your local immigration authority.
Fee: around 160 Euro.

️ Official enrollment

Complete the enrollment procedures at the high school.
Receive your timetable and information about your school and class.

️ Renew your residence permit annually (provide a certificate of enrollment and your annual academic results).

💬 If you need support, please contact the Page: Community of Vietnamese International Students in Austria

We wish you every success! 🇦🇹🎓