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IB: International Baccalaureate in Austria for international students

This content was developed and approved with active participation of Paul McLean.

In the process of preparing the material, we referenced the following sources:

  • https://www.migration.gv.at/en/living-and-working-in-austria/children-and-education/educational-systems/
  • https://www.bic.at/downloads/en/brftipps/0_1_bildungssystem_en.pdf
Current page last update date: 2025-07-15
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  • Amadeus International School Vienna
    IB World School with an integrated Music and Arts Academy
    Amadeus International School Vienna
    Austria
    Vienna
    Currently watching: 10
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    6 reviews
    8.7
    from 62705.00 € / year
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    from 62705.00 € / year
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    16-18
    from 62705.00 € / year
    from 62705.00 € / year
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  • Schloss Krumbach International School (Castle School in Austria)
    Very good
    10 reviews
    8.3
    from 43680.00 € / year
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    from 43680.00 € / year
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    Last booking 1 weeks ago
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    16-18
    from 43680.00 € / year
    from 43680.00 € / year
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  • St. Gilgen International School
    St. Gilgen International School
    Austria
    St. Gilgen
    Currently watching: 5
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    4 reviews
    8.2
    from 58300.00 € / year
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    from 58300.00 € / year
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    14-15
    from 58300.00 € / year
    from 58300.00 € / year
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  • Danube International School Vienna
    Danube International School Vienna
    Austria
    Vienna
    Currently watching: 1
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    3 reviews
    7.3
    from 31500.00 € / year
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    from 31500.00 € / year
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    16-19
    from 31500.00 € / year
    from 31500.00 € / year
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  • TEMPERA Learning Lab Vienna
    TEMPERA Learning Lab Vienna
    Austria
    Vienna
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    7
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    from 450.00 € / month
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    MYP Learning Lab
    Last booking 5 weeks ago
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    13-16
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IB – International Baccalaureate in Austria is a great opportunity for schoolchildren and students from all over the world to get an excellent international education. IB curricula and IB preparation are provided by a number of private educational institutions (international schools), which are distinguished by a high level of training, equipment, and security. Austria is one of the leaders in high-quality and affordable European education, a country where thousands of foreign students and schoolchildren come every year. The educational system of Austria implies individual assistance and support, an effective system of pre-professional and pre-university training.

International Baccalaureate in Austria: varieties and characteristics of programs, prices and rankings

IB - International Baccalaureate - in Austria for foreign students is represented by a number of prestigious educational institutions and quality programs, thanks to which Austrian and foreign students can get a diploma that gives advantages when enrolling in any university in the world.

The IB program began to operate in the 1960s and quickly became widespread. The popularity of the standard is easily explainable, because in addition to an exceptionally high level of education, IB involves the issuance of a diploma that is recognized worldwide and allows you to enter the best universities in Europe, America, Asia, Australia (in case of high marks for final exams, some universities accept applicants even without entrance examinations). The standard includes 4 educational programs for children and schoolchildren aged 3 to 19 years:

  • First level
  • Secondary school
  • Graduation program (high school)
  • Career development.

The standard at all levels involves:

  • Individualized and comprehensive development
  • Specialized and standard disciplines
  • Special courses / classes
  • Sports, creative, spiritual and moral education.
Dr Samuel De León
Head of Admissions and Marketing
Amadeus School Vienna has adopted the international IB program - from elementary grades to graduation. This allows children from an early age to choose their own additional activities, hobbies and classes - for example, dance, music or other arts. At the IB graduation stage, students choose 6 subjects for 2 graduation classes. In 2020-2021 We offered a choice:
  • English
  • Russian
  • Chinese
  • History
  • Business and management
  • Biology
  • Physics
  • Ecology
  • Mathematical applications and interpretations
  • Mathematical analysis
  • Chemistry
  • Economy
  • Music
  • Art.

 

IB Diploma in Austria for international students

The most popular is the diploma, graduation program IB Diploma, where studying lasts for 2 years and includes the development of critical thinking, research skills, the implementation of complex projects, independent academic and creative activities. Subjects are divided into 6 large groups: each student selects six subjects, three of which are specialized and are studied in advanced mode. Direction groups include:

  • Foreign languages and literature
  • Native languages and literature
  • Science cycle
  • Mathematical and related sciences
  • Humanitarian cycle
  • Disciplines of choice.

To obtain a diploma, each graduate must pass complex and multi-stage final exams:

  • Final tests (separately for each discipline, grades from 1 to 7)
  • Essay (4000 word research paper)
  • At least 150 hours of work on the CAS project (volunteering, social work)
  • Scientific works on the TOK course ("Theory of Knowledge").

IB is available in a number of private institutions (international private boarding schools):

School

Ranking

Cost in Euros

Amadeus International School Vienna

86.8

From 25000 / year

St. Gilgen International School

81.9

From 53000 / year

Danube International School Vienna

73

From 25000 / year

These schools are distinguished by a high level of quality of education, excellent equipment, comfortable living conditions. Schoolchildren receive comprehensive development, engage in sports, creativity, arts, participate in conferences and competitions. The schools have special departments for career guidance, seminars and classes are held to identify the most preferred specialties for future study and work.

What is International Baccalaureate (IB)?

The IB is an international education program designed to prepare students aged 16 to 19 for university study and international life. It focuses on developing critical thinking, research skills and intercultural competence.

What subjects are included in the required IB program?

Compulsory subjects in the IB program include English Language and Literature, Mathematics, and three additional subjects that students choose from various categories such as science, social studies, arts, languages, and others. Also an important part of the program is the Theory of Knowledge, where students explore the nature of knowledge and reflect on issues of ethics and knowledge.

What is the structure of the IB program?

The IB program consists of six compulsory subjects, including three High Level (HL) and three Standard Level (SL). Higher level subjects require more in-depth study, Theory of Knowledge and CAS as well as essay writing.

What alternatives to the IB program exist in Austria?

In Austria there are various secondary education programs, such as the Austrian matura or the German Abitur. However, the IB provides a unique international perspective and preparation for studying abroad, which can be particularly beneficial for students planning to study outside of Austria.

What are the conditions for obtaining an IB Diploma?

To obtain the IB Diploma, students must successfully complete all required courses, at least one of them at a high level (HL), and fulfill the requirements for Theory of Knowledge, CAS, and write an essay. Grades for each subject and additional requirements are calculated in points.

What measures are taken to prepare students for the IB exams in Austria?

Schools offering the IB program typically provide students with regular tutorials, mock exams, one-on-one guidance, and access to self-study resources. Curricula and courses are focused on mastering the material and preparing for standard IB exams.

What financial support opportunities are available to IB students in Austria?

Some schools and organizations provide scholarships or tuition discounts for talented students. There are also international funds and programs that can provide financial support to students to help them pay for their studies.

What are the advantages of the IB program for entering university in Austria?

The IB program provides students with broad skills and knowledge, making them more competitive when applying to universities in Austria. The IB Diploma is often regarded by universities as a highly qualified document that demonstrates the ability for analytical thinking, independent work and intercultural interaction.

How are students' final results assessed in the IB program?

Each subject in the IB program is graded on a scale of 1 to 7, with 7 being the highest. To receive an IB diploma, a student must score a certain number of points, the final score is calculated based on grades for all subjects and completion of additional requirements (CAS, Theory of Knowledge, essay).

What steps are taken to ensure a balance between academics and outside activities for IB students?

IB schools actively promote a balance between academics and outside activities. The schedule usually includes time for sports, hobbies, and other student interests. In addition, teaching staff often provide one-on-one support to ensure students are able to cope successfully with their workload.

Learning programs-summary information

Name Meaning Equivalent Min. age Duration,
years
Next stage Cost
GCSE General certificate of secondary education secondary education (non-accomplished) 14 1–2 A-Levels 15,000 USD+
A-Levels Advanced level secondary education (accomplished) 16 2 University 15,000 USD+
BTEC Business and Technology Education Board secondary special education 14 2–3 University/ work 15,000 USD+
Oxbridge Preparation Preparing for Oxford and Cambridge secondary education (accomplished) 17 1 University 15,000 USD+
International Baccalaureate International baccalaureate secondary education (accomplished) 16 2 University 18,000 USD+
Foundation/ Pathway Year Preparatory year admission to the 1st year of university 17 1 University 14,000 USD+
NCUK The Northern consortium 2 year university 17,5 1 2 year University of NCUK 13,000 USD+
Special Preparation (Medics/Math/Business) Specialized training - 14 optional optional 4,000 USD+
Academic English Academic English Language school 8 + 6–12 months School or University 8,000 USD+

Advantages and disadvantages of English schools

Advantages Disadvantages
The opportunity to enter the best universities in England, USA, Canada, Switzerland, Europe, the world Expensive
High quality of education and academic standards Strong workload
Perfect English after graduation The need to change the social environment; it takes time to adapt
Useful contacts The difficulty of choosing the most suitable school for the child, requires a qualified specialist

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Paul McLean
Director of AIS-Salzburg since 1995

Paul is the Headmaster at The American International School in Saizburg. Paul became the Director of AIS-Salzburg in 1995, however he has been working in secondary education since 1983 when he started his teaching career in Colorado, USA. He was a sports coach for about 6 years and then moved to Austria, where he was already a teacher and administrator in Salzburg and Innsbruck (since 1989). In Paul's opinion, security level, stability (starting from the national level, social and political organizations), and strong social norms that allow children to live and learn in peace are the most important features to consider when choosing a school.

 

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