Volksschule enrolment in Austria: A guide for families

Families moving to Austria need to organise not only their relocation and administrative matters, but also their children’s school enrolment. The Volksschule is the first four-year school stage after Kindergarten and generally serves children between approximately 6 and 10 years of age.

What is a Volksschule?

The Austrian school system differs in several ways from systems in other countries. Kindergarten accepts children from the age of 3. However, compulsory kindergarten attendance begins only in the year when the child turns 5 before September 1. This means that every child must spend one year in Kindergarten before starting school.

The Volksschule is broadly comparable to the lower level of primary school. Children attend it for four school years, usually between the ages of 6 and 10, immediately after completing Kindergarten.

How Volksschule enrolment works

Once you know where in Austria you plan to live, contact the local Volksschule administration. In one example, the school confirmed by email that the child would be placed in the year group appropriate for their age.

Children whose first language is not German must take a MIKA-D test. Depending on the results, the school provides targeted language support.

Documents required for enrolment

The following documents and information were requested for enrolment:

• Meldezettel
• A copy of the child’s birth certificate
• The child’s Sozialversicherungsnummer
• Completed forms supplied by the school

If the child does not yet have a Sozialversicherungsnummer, the school may initially accept the information already available. The number can be provided later, before the school year begins.

Health and religion forms

As part of enrolment, parents may need to provide information about the child’s health, including chronic illnesses, allergies and regularly taken medication. The forms may also ask about religion. This information is relevant to religious education, which is available at the Volksschule.

School hours and Ganztagesschule

Some schools offer a Ganztagesschule, or GTS, after regular lessons. In the example described, lessons ended no later than 12:30. Children could then go home or stay at the GTS until 17:00.

The GTS provided lunch and an afternoon snack, followed by one hour of supervised study time and free play. The snack was fruit. Facilities included a gym room, many toys and creative materials, with outdoor activities provided when the weather was good.

Example weekly timetable

• 1st year: Monday 2 lessons, 8:00–9:20; Tuesday 3 lessons, 7:40–10:40; Wednesday to Friday 4 lessons, 7:40–11:35.
• 2nd year: Monday, Tuesday and Friday 4 lessons, 7:40–11:35; Wednesday and Thursday 5 lessons, 7:40–12:30.
• 3rd year: Monday, Tuesday and Friday 4 lessons, 7:40–11:35; Wednesday and Thursday 5 lessons, 7:40–12:30.
• 4th year: Monday, Tuesday and Friday 4 lessons, 7:40–11:35; Wednesday and Thursday 5 lessons, 7:40–12:30.

German-language support at school

Children who do not speak German as their first language receive additional German-language instruction. These DAZ lessons are incorporated into the curriculum and the child’s timetable.

The lessons are taught by a native German-speaking teacher. Instruction is not provided in every child’s first language, but this is not considered necessary for the support programme.

What to arrange before moving abroad

If a child is transferring from another school, the new Volksschule may provide confirmation that the child will continue their education there from September. This confirmation should be passed to the child’s previous school.

Frequently asked questions

What does Volksschule mean in Austria?

Volksschule is Austria’s four-year primary school stage. Children generally attend between the ages of 6 and 10.

Which documents are needed to enrol?

Typical requirements include a Meldezettel, the child’s Sozialversicherungsnummer, a copy of the birth certificate and completed school forms.

Is Kindergarten compulsory in Austria?

Compulsory Kindergarten attendance applies only during the year before the first school year. It begins in the year when the child turns 5 before September 1.

Do children receive German support?

Yes. Children whose first language is not German must take a MIKA-D test and may receive targeted support, including DAZ lessons integrated into their timetable.

Practical steps for enrolment

1. Choose the town or city where your family will live.
2. Contact the local Volksschule administration by email or through its published contact details.
3. Ask about placement, the MIKA-D test and available DAZ support.
4. Prepare the Meldezettel, birth certificate copy and Sozialversicherungsnummer.
5. Complete the school’s health, religion and enrolment forms.
6. Ask whether a Ganztagesschule is available and submit the GTS form if required.
7. If your child is transferring from another school, arrange confirmation of the new placement and notify the previous school.