Special Educational Needs and Inclusive Education in Austria: Understanding SPF

If a child has a long-term physical, sensory or psychological difficulty, they may be entitled to special educational support in Austria. The key step is an official determination of Sonderpädagogischer Förderbedarf (SPF). This guide explains who may qualify, how the process starts and which schools are available.

SPF in brief

• Sonderpädagogischer Förderbedarf (SPF) is established by an official decision (Bescheid).
• With SPF, a child may attend a special school (Sonderschule) or receive inclusive education in a mainstream school, according to the parents’ wishes.
• Compulsory schooling lasts 9 years. With approval, a child with SPF may attend compulsory school for up to 12 school years.
• New competence-based curricula have applied in the special educational field since 1 September 2025.
• The provincial education authority (Bildungsdirektion) provides advice on choosing a school.

What is SPF, and who can receive it?

Children with disabilities have the right to special educational support. SPF may apply when all of the following conditions are met:

• The child has a physical, intellectual or psychological functional impairment, or a sensory impairment, that is not merely temporary.
• Because of this impairment, the child cannot follow teaching at a Volksschule, Mittelschule or Polytechnische Schule without special educational support.
• The child is not exempt from attending school.

The SPF decision also records which curriculum (Lehrplan) will be used to teach the child. The aim is to provide the best possible development. The curriculum does not determine which school the child may attend.

When and how does the process start?

An application is required for SPF to be established. This is usually discussed and prepared during school enrolment. It is useful to mention the following at enrolment:

• The child has a disability.
• There is a psychological or medical report or diagnosis.
• The child has already received additional support in kindergarten.
• Kindergarten staff believe that urgent further support is needed.

This can help the child receive the most appropriate support from the first day of school.

Sometimes the application is made during primary school because the child cannot follow lessons even with targeted support. In these cases, teachers generally invite the parents to an information meeting.

Special school or inclusive education?

With SPF, parents can choose whether their child attends a Sonderschule or a mainstream school with inclusive education. In both settings, the child receives support under an individual educational and development plan (Förderplan), and is taught and assessed according to the curriculum recorded in the SPF decision.

The special school: Sonderschule

A Sonderschule lasts 9 years, with the final year being the career-orientation year (Berufsvorbereitungsjahr). Schools may specialise in learning, cognition, vision, hearing, movement, emotional and social development, or speech. Teachers generally have additional qualifications. Types include general special schools, schools for blind children, deaf children, children with visual impairment, children who are hard of hearing, children with speech disorders and children with physical disabilities.

Inclusive education

A child with SPF may receive inclusive education at a Volksschule, Mittelschule, the lower level of an AHS, a Polytechnische Schule or a one-year business school (einjährige Fachschule für wirtschaftliche Berufe). Mobile teachers (mobile Lehrpersonen) support class teachers and, where necessary, work directly with the child.

School pathways and duration

• Sonderschule: 9 years, including the career-orientation year (Berufsvorbereitungsjahr).
• Inclusive mainstream education: 4 years of Volksschule, 4 years of Mittelschule or the lower level of an AHS, and 1 year of Polytechnische Schule.
• Optional 11th and 12th school years: available in both pathways with the approval of the Bildungsdirektion and the school provider.
• Sonderschule focus: individual development in a specialised setting, with changing group formats such as small groups or combined classes.
• Inclusive education focus: shared learning with children with and without SPF.
• Requirement: a formal SPF decision is required for Sonderschule; there is no separate SPF requirement for mainstream inclusive education.

New curricula since 1 September 2025

Since 1 September 2025, new competence-based curricula and curriculum supplements have applied in the special educational field. They are being introduced progressively from the 1st and 5th grades. Depending on the child’s individual needs, they can be combined with the Volksschule, Mittelschule and lower AHS curricula, regardless of the school attended.

Who helps when changing schools?

There are three main transition points (Schnittstelle):

1. Between kindergarten and Volksschule.
2. Between Volksschule and Mittelschule or the lower level of an AHS.
3. Between Mittelschule or the lower level of an AHS and Polytechnische Schule, further education or vocational training.

The next school is selected together with the parents. Teachers, school management and the Bildungsdirektion’s diversity managers (Diversitätsmanager) can help with the choice. School psychology (Schulpsychologie) and youth coaching (Jugendcoaching) may also be involved.

What happens when compulsory schooling ends?

Every curriculum includes compulsory career orientation (Berufsorientierung). With SPF, a child may follow the curriculum of the career-orientation year in the 9th school year, both at a Sonderschule and at a Polytechnische Schule.

After that, the pathway depends on the curriculum. It may involve supported transition into working life. If the child followed the Mittelschule or lower AHS curriculum and meets the requirements, they may continue to a secondary or higher-level school.

Frequently asked questions

Must a child with SPF attend a special school?

No. Parents may choose inclusive education at a mainstream school.

How long can a child with SPF attend school?

Compulsory schooling lasts 9 years. With the approval of the education authority and the school provider, a child may attend compulsory school for up to 12 school years.

Where can parents get advice?

Contact the Bildungsdirektion in your province. Its diversity managers can provide advice on choosing a school.

Can SPF be requested if a difficulty is identified later?

Yes. An application can also be made during primary school. In such cases, teachers generally initiate a discussion with the parents.

Practical steps

1. Tell the school or kindergarten about the child’s difficulties as early as possible.
2. Collect relevant psychological or medical reports, diagnoses and information about previous support.
3. Discuss an SPF application during school enrolment, or with the teachers if difficulties become clear later.
4. Ask the Bildungsdirektion’s Diversitätsmanager about available Sonderschule and inclusive education options.
5. Discuss the child’s Förderplan, curriculum and support with the school team.
6. At each transition point, involve the school, teachers, Bildungsdirektion and, where appropriate, Schulpsychologie or Jugendcoaching.

This information is based on sources available online and is not a substitute for professional advice. If you need specific guidance, contact an appropriate legal, medical, educational or other qualified professional.

Source: oesterreich.gv.at