St. Gilgen International School

• Location: St. Gilgen
• Age of students: 9 - 18 years
• Educational programs: Primary, Secondary School, Pre-IB, IB
• Number of students: 250 people
• Year of foundation: 2008
• Type of education: mixed
• Accommodation: boarding house, from 11 years old
• Ranking: the school accredited by the International Baccalaureate Organization is one of the best bilingual educational centers in the region and the country.

St. Gilgen International School is a prestigious educational institution with an impeccable reputation. It offers general education programs for primary and secondary schools, preparation for undergraduate and IB in Austria. Education can be conducted in German and English. From September to July, the school has about 250 students. On vacation on campus there is a summer camp.

St. Gilgen International School pays equal attention to the academic, physical and creative development of students. The educational institution welcomes an active life position, aspiration for leadership. Each student in the school not only receives a high-quality secondary education corresponding to international standards, but also can effectively prepare for continuing education in a college or Austrian university.

Ulrike Weil

PA to Head of School at St Gilgen International School

What advice would you offer to potential students before joining an Austrian school?

We encourage you to visit us for a trial day. It's the best way to experience firsthand the opportunities and environment at one of Austria's top schools, especially here at St Gilgen International School.

The educational process at St Gilgen International School is built on the principles of an authorized MYP program school and the international diploma. The school implements three consecutive phases:

• Primary (Grade 5),
• Middle Phase / MYP (Grades 6–10),
• Senior Phase / International Diploma program, Diploma (Grades 11–12).

The academic year runs from September to July (three trimesters).

The language of instruction is English (primary); German, Spanish, French, and a self-studied native language are also available. The average class size is 12–15 students, with a student-to-teacher ratio of 5:1.

Among the key methodological tools:

• 1-2-1 Policy: each student has their own laptop; technology is integrated into the learning process, with clear rules on the use of mobile phones and artificial intelligence.
• Summit Program: regular inquiry days during which students work on real-world problems and develop emotional intelligence. At the end of the academic year, the entire school goes on a field trip across Austria.
• Mentor Tutor: daily check-ins and small group sessions for goal setting.
• University admissions support: a personal university and career counselor, assistance with SAT, ACT, LNAT, BMAT preparation, and admission interviews.

The Middle Phase applies an inquiry-based approach: Approaches to Learning, conceptual thinking, Service Learning, authentic assessment, and interdisciplinary learning in a global context.

Education at St Gilgen International School is organized in three phases:

• Primary Phase (Grade 5) — a practical introduction to international education. Subjects: English, German, world studies, natural sciences, mathematics, arts, movement and wellness. The phase culminates in an independent research exhibition (Primary Exhibition) linked to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
• Middle Phase (Grades 6–10, MYP) — 8 subject groups: language and literature (English/German), language acquisition (English/German/Spanish), individuals and societies, sciences, mathematics, arts (music/visual arts/theater), design (product and digital), movement and wellness. An inquiry-based approach is used: conceptual thinking, global context, Service Learning, interdisciplinary learning. The phase culminates in the Personal Project (Grade 10).
• Senior Phase (Grades 11–12, International Diploma Programme) — 6 subjects (3 at Higher Level and 3 at Standard Level), Extended Essay (a 4,000-word essay), Theory of Knowledge, CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service). Assessed on a scale of up to 45 points. Students simultaneously receive the StGIS Diploma, accredited by CIS and WASC. Subjects cover: literature and language (English A, German A, or self-taught language), languages (English, German, French, Spanish), social sciences (economics, geography, history, global politics, psychology), sciences (biology, chemistry, physics, design technology), mathematics (two courses), arts (music, theater, visual arts).

Special programmes:

• Mozarteum Pre-College Programme (Grades 5–12) — a joint programme with Mozarteum University Salzburg: 90-minute individual lessons (~30 per year) on one of 20 instruments, singing, or composition. Chamber music — from age 12, music theory — from age 15, mandatory piano — from age 16. An entrance audition and knowledge of German (A1/A2) are required.
• Professional Golf Programme — the first international school golf professional pathway programme in Austria. Training 4 times per week at Mondsee Golf Club (summer season) and at an indoor driving range (winter); with professional instructors.
• Equestrian Programme — up to 3 times per week, including weekends and private lessons; in partnership with EWOT Academy and Stud Farm Frech.

• The inter-school committee Green Minds won the Lions Young Ambassador Award across Austria (2022).
• Green Minds reached the final of the Jugend Innovativ competition in Vienna (May 2023) — the top prize was 42,000 euros.
• The Eco-Schools Green Flag was awarded to the school in June 2022.
• 43,600 euros were raised for the Scholarship Fund at Homecoming Weekend.
• The Puls4 documentary «Schulwahnsinn» presented StGIS as a model of personalized learning.
• In 2022, an independent study of the school's public value (Public Value Study) was conducted, the results of which confirmed the institution's significance for the region.
• The 2017 CIS evaluation noted «outstanding commitment of leadership, teachers and staff to students».

• About 225 students and about 50 teachers; the ratio of boarders to day students is approximately 40/60.
• The village of St. Gilgen is the birthplace of Mozart's mother, Anna Maria. Salzburg (30 km) is Mozart's birthplace; the campus served as the home of the great composer's family for many years.
• The school is unofficially known as the «Hogwarts of the Alps».
• St Gilgen International School is the first international school in Austria with a professional golf program.
• The campus is surrounded by 50 mountain peaks, 67 lakes, and 300 km of ski slopes.
• Since March 2026, it has been part of the global educational network Cognita.
• The first interschool Climate Solutions Conference was held on April 24–25, 2026.
• The historic campus formerly belonged to the Austrian writer Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach.

• There are 4 residences for accommodation in the school. Each has an exclusive design, style, character. In residences, children are under 24-hour supervision of school personnel. Educators help in solving organizational and domestic issues.
• Accommodation is offered to students in 2-bed rooms with private facilities. In general use in the residences there are rest rooms, laundries, kitchens.
• Students at the boarding school are provided with a comprehensive meal. Hot breakfasts, lunches and dinners are served in the cafeteria on campus.

Subject list: Art, biology, chemistry, design, drama, economics, English literature, geography, German literature, history, maths, music, Natural science, physical education, physics

During free time, students of St. Gilgen International School can study music (classical, jazz), art (in particular web design), master media technologies, engage in theater and take part in plays.

Depending on the season, school students have an opportunity to practice following sports:

• Sailing
• Swimming
• Rowing
• Skiing
• Snowboard
• Sokker
• Basketball
• Volleyball
• Tennis
• Golf
• Horseback riding
• Yoga and others.

On weekends and every Wednesday afternoon, students can ride on the slopes, since winter sports are included in tuition fees - such as skiing or sledding, snowshoeing, and so on.

• St. Gilgen International School is the only school-city in Austria. The campus of the educational institution occupies almost the entire territory of the village of St. Gilgen, located on the shore of Lake Wolfgangsee, 25 kilometers east of Salzburg.
• The school has a family friendly atmosphere. Each student receives here all the necessary pedagogical support on the way to academic goals.
• In the modern school, an individual approach to students is practiced, an educational program is selected for each child, taking into account his preferences and priorities.
• The town, where the school is located, is considered to be one of the safest in Austria.
• The campus is located close to the famous Austrian ski slopes. In winter, students of the school can ski, snowboard. In summer, young extreme sportsmen are offered cycling tours in the forest park area.

The St. Gilgen International School campus includes historic buildings and modern buildings. The educational buildings are equipped with modern classrooms, a library, several computer classes, cafeterias, lounge zones. Also, there is a theater, a cinema, a lake boat station, an indoor sports complex, shops, an art studio, several grounds for team games, tennis courts. Also on the territory there are recreation areas, cafes. 

Academic year: from September to July (three trimesters). Summer camps 2026 are held in three sessions:

• session I (July 4–17),
• session II (July 18–31),
• session III (August 2–15);
• sessions I and II form a continuous 4-week program.

The following fees are charged upon enrollment: application fee, enrollment fee, refundable deposit. The tuition cost includes the academic program, educational and enrichment trips; for day students — school lunches; for boarding students — accommodation and meals. Additional charges apply for: school uniform, laptop, transfer to Salzburg, examination and graduation fees. Tuition is paid in full before the start of classes.

Extras:

• Application fee 250 EUR
• Registration fee (for a programme/course) 2500 EUR
• Deposit for a course/programme 10000 EUR

Enrollment at St Gilgen International School takes place in several stages.

1. First, a written application is submitted with documents and a registration fee is paid.
2. Then the school invites applicants to a Trial Day: an interview with the principal, a campus tour, English and math tests, attendance of regular classes, participation in leisure activities; for boarding students — an overnight stay in the residence.
3. After a positive decision, a contract is signed and an enrollment fee and a refundable deposit are paid.
4. The final stage involves submitting additional documents (medical insurance, birth certificate, EU-standard photo) and full payment of tuition fees before classes begin.
5. Students without an EU passport must obtain a student visa (processing time — up to 3 months). Smapse specialists will guide you through all stages of the application process.

Graduates of St Gilgen International School successfully gain admission to leading world universities in the UK, USA, and Europe. The average score in the International Diploma program in 2024 was 31.6, which is above the world average. A personal university and career advisor helps each student prepare for entrance exams (SAT, ACT, LNAT, BMAT) and interviews, and the Alumni Association is active — a graduates' association with an annual general meeting (Homecoming Weekend).

St Gilgen International School accepts motivated students of all genders and nationalities. Admission requirements:

• English language proficiency (EAL support is available in the primary and secondary phases, a confident level is expected from Grade 10),
• Motivation and alignment with the school's values,
• Meeting financial and medical criteria,
• For the Mozarteum program — knowledge of German (A1 for ages 12–14, A2 for ages 15 and above) and readiness for an entrance audition.

Required documents for application:

• Completed application form,
• School reports for the last 3 years (translated into English),
• Copy of passport,
• Applicant's motivation letter,
• Letter of recommendation from the current school,
• Copies of achievement certificates.

The admission process includes a Trial Day. Smapse specialists will help gather all the necessary documents.

St Gilgen International School offers scholarship programs — approximately 30% of students receive a scholarship. Most scholarships are partial; full scholarships are extremely rare and are awarded only to exceptional candidates. Scholarships are reviewed annually by the school principal and are awarded only upon initial admission or in the event of a significant change in circumstances. The deadline for scholarship applications is mid-March; by this time, parents must provide detailed information about the family's financial situation.

The school has a Scholarship Fund (scholarship fund), replenished in part through Homecoming events. Smapse specialists will guide you through all stages of the admissions process and help with the scholarship application.

• Guardianship services during the studies
• Student supervision