The American International School in Salzburg

• Location: Austria, Salzburg
• Age of students: 12 - 19 years old
• Educational programs: Advanced Placement courses, university preparation program, English courses
• Number of students: 125
• Foundation year: 1976
• Type of education: mixed
• Type of accommodation: boarding house, from 12 years old
• Ranking: one of the best American schools in Austria

The American International School in Salzburg is a private American school located at the foot of the Alps in the precinct of Salzburg. It has been operating in Austria since 1976. The school implements traditional American educational model, which is characterized by high intensity of education, practical orientation.

The Austrian school accepts students from 12 years old and older. Teaching is conducted in English. Highly skilled teachers from Canada and the USA work at the Salzburg School. The International School offers students several educational programs. Foreign students are accepted into:

• Secondary school (grades 7-8)
• Senior (9-12 grades)
• Postgraduate study (13th grade, preparatory pre-university course).

Students study English, mathematics, sciences (biology, physics, chemistry), German, social sciences. Also there are electives and other disciplines to choose from. Students can learn drama, fine art, design, etc. Foreign students are given an opportunity to additionally study English in Austria (optional, after lessons).

Upon completion of schooling, students are issued a certificate (diploma) AR, a classic American certificate of secondary education. Successful passing of examinations in the Advanced Placement program opens doors of best universities of the world. Those who wish to deepen their knowledge of core subjects, prepare for studying in the university, postgraduate study is offered. The program provides studying an individual program with an emphasis on the disciplines of a specific academic direction.

Paul McLean

Director of AIS-Salzburg since 1995

At what age do foreign students usually enter schools in Austria?

We mainly accept children 13-15 years old (grades 8-9), but admission is open to other levels as well. Many parents are afraid that their children are still small and immature to enroll at the age of 12, so they prefer to complete the main course of high school - and only then apply. On average, students at AIS-Salzburg study for 3.75 years.

The educational process at AIS-Salzburg is built on the American model and is characterized by high intensity. Students attend 30.5 hours of classroom instruction per week, with 2 hours of English and 1 hour of German every day. Classes are held in small groups of up to 12 students.

The academic year is divided into 3 trimesters. In one academic year in high school, a student earns between 6.5 and 7.5 academic credits. The minimum passing grade for all credit-bearing courses is 60%. Final exams account for 25% of the final grade in each course.

Boarding students are required to attend evening independent study time (study hall). The average teacher experience is 12 years; most teachers are native English speakers, citizens of the USA and Canada. The overall student-to-staff ratio is 3:1.

Starting from 11th grade, each student works individually with a college counselor who assists with university selection and application preparation.

The school serves as an official SAT and AP testing center: SAT exams are held in November, December, and May; AP exams — in the first two weeks of May.

AIS-Salzburg implements an American academic program for students in grades 7–12 (ages 12–18) with the option of an additional 13th year.

Core subjects: English language and literature (2 courses daily), mathematics, natural sciences (biology, chemistry, physics), social studies, German, physical education. An Ethics Seminar is held at each grade level. In grade 12, a Senior Project is required (in the fall trimester).

Advanced Placement (AP) courses — university-level courses with the possibility of earning college credits:

• Humanities: English Literature, European History, Human Geography, Psychology,
• Mathematics: Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Precalculus,
• Natural Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science,
• Foreign Languages: French, German, Italian, Spanish.

Diplomas and graduation documents:

• AIS-Salzburg High School Diploma — the school's own diploma; a minimum of 26 academic credits is required.
• APID (AP International Diploma) — an international diploma: 5 AP exams must be passed with a score of 3+ across disciplines from different subject areas.

The «Year Abroad» program (Year Abroad): full integration into the academic program for one academic year — for students wishing to spend one year in an international environment.

Summer language program: intensive German or English language courses for students aged 12–18; held in 3 sessions in July–August.

• Nominee Top EU Secondary 2023.
• The Advanced Placement (AP) program has been in operation at the school since 1983 — one of the most impressive tenures among European international schools.
• More than 75% of graduates enrolled in AP courses successfully pass the exams.

• Salzburg is the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and the filming location of the famous musical «The Sound of Music».
• The school simultaneously enrolls students of approximately 25 nationalities.
• The school deliberately chose the AP program instead of the international diploma, considering AP more flexible and convenient for admission to Austrian and German universities.
• The school's director has been leading it since 1990, ensuring continuity of pedagogical culture.
• In 2026, AIS-Salzburg celebrates its 50th anniversary.
• The week before the annual basketball tournament is called Spirit Week — students come in themed costumes.

Students are offered accommodation in a residence on campus. Students live in 2-3-bed rooms with private facilities. Also in the residence there are single rooms for high school students. In general, there are a kitchen, rest rooms, laundry.

Meals in the school are organized according to full board scheme. The dining room offers a wide choice of dishes of European and American cuisine. On an individual basis, it is possible to organize a vegetarian diet.

Subject list: Art, biology, chemistry, design, drama, maths, physics

Extracurricular life at AIS-Salzburg is distinguished by the richness and variety of activities:

• Sports. The school participates in team competitions: football (men's and women's), volleyball (autumn), basketball (winter), cross-country, swimming, tennis. Since 1990, the annual Jamboree basketball tournament has been held with teams from international schools in Austria, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland. The week before the tournament is Spirit Week, famous for its themed costume contests. Physical education is mandatory for all students every trimester.
• Excursions and trips. Annual European excursion tours are organized (autumn and winter). Autumn tour destinations: Athens, Berlin, London, Paris, Venice, Prague, Geneva, Budapest. The winter tour usually takes place in Zell am See. Since 2021, a weekend overnight program has been in place (up to 6 trips per year): Vienna, Munich, Nuremberg, Klagenfurt, Innsbruck, Bregenz, Liechtenstein, and other cities.
• Outdoor activities: ski trips, hiking, lake swimming, rope parks, canyoning, cycling, zip-lining, and other activities.

• The American International School in Salzburg is accredited by Austrian Ministry of Education, authoritative profile associations of Europe and the USA. The school is distinguished by the high quality of educational services, the level of academic preparation of students. Graduates enter  leading universities in Europe and the world.
• The school is conveniently located. From the academic buildings it takes no more than 10 minutes drive to the central part of Salzburg, rich in historical sights and the famous developed infrastructure.
• Rich extracurricular program, which includes entertaining, cognitive (excursions to museums, galleries, historical places, the most interesting cities in Austria), sports events. The latter are held on the basis of the sports complexes of the University of Salzburg.
• The school pays special attention to the physical development of students. In summer, various activities on the nature are offered: walking, hiking, biking. In winter, the services of schoolchildren are one of the best trails for skiing and snowboarding.
• Ratio of teachers and students is 1:6. Each student receives necessary amount of individual attention.

The campus covers an area of ​​3 hectares. It includes 3 buildings (one of them was built in the XVIII century). In the main building there are classrooms with interactive technology and computer equipment, a library, a dining room, several rest rooms. Two buildings represent the housing stock of the school. Boys and girls are provided with separate residences.

Entertaining, sports infrastructure is located at the University of Salzburg. Here, students are offered sports and Olympic-level facilities, fitness halls, dance classes, climbing sections.

The academic year lasts 9 months and is divided into 3 trimesters. A non-refundable enrollment fee of €150 is charged upon admission.

For boarding students, the tuition fee includes: accommodation, meals, textbooks, two European excursion tours, ski trips, and most weekend activities. A sports activities fee and medical insurance for the academic year are charged separately.

Smapse specialists will guide you through all stages of the admission process and assist with document preparation.

Extras:

• Registration fee (for a programme/course) 2500 EUR

1. Submission of documents: a completed application form with the required materials and English language test results attached.
2. Application review: the school evaluates the candidate's academic level and language proficiency.
3. Enrollment: confirmation of a place and completion of all necessary documents.

Smapse specialists will guide you through all stages of the admission process.

AIS-Salzburg graduates successfully gain admission to leading universities in the USA, the UK, Europe, and other regions of the world.

On average, graduates enroll in 4 or more AP courses, with more than 75% of them passing the corresponding exams, which opens the possibility of crediting these courses at university and reducing the duration of study.

AIS-Salzburg accepts students from 12 years old (grade 7) to 19 years old. Knowledge of German is not required for admission.

English language level requirements (for non-native speakers):

• Grades 7–8: level A2–B1,
• Grade 9: level B1,
• Grade 10: level B2,
• Grades 11–12: level C1.

The level is confirmed by English language test results (TOEFL, TOEFL Junior, Cambridge, or the school's own test).

Documents required for admission:

• Completed application form,
• Recommendations from English and mathematics teachers,
• Academic transcripts (report cards/certificates),
• Copy of passport,
• Non-refundable registration fee.

Admission is carried out on a rolling admissions basis, with enrollment possible at the beginning of each trimester.

Smapse specialists will guide you through all stages of the admission process.

AIS-Salzburg offers limited discounts for certain categories of students:

• Returning student discount: 5% off tuition upon re-enrollment for the following academic year,
• Summer program discount: 5% for siblings participating simultaneously in the summer language program.

Smapse specialists will help you select the optimal program and guide you through every stage of the application process.

• Guardianship services during the studies
• Student supervision