The Best International Schools in Vienna

Overview of the School System in Vienna

Vienna offers a wide range of schooling options. Firstly there are strong state schools and bilingual state options, offering German-English bilingual tracks within the public system. However places are competitive and can be hard to get.

There are also well-established international schools offering International Baccalaureate programmes, American and English curricula, French and other national systems, even Swedish and Japanese. This range of options makes Vienna particularly attractive to globally mobile families, as well as those planning to stay long term and integrate locally. However it can also be highly confusing, and complicated to find the right option for your family.

Parents often discuss the tension between international schools, on one side, which offer English-language instruction. Then the public German taught programme or bilingual track, which offer affordability and cultural integration into the local community.

With different approaches, application processes and waiting lists, choosing the right school depends very much on your child, your family’s plans, and how long you expect to stay in Austria.

Let’s get into the details.

Types of Schools in Vienna

Public Schools in Vienna

In Vienna’s public system overall, schooling is split into four years of primary (Volksschule) and eight years of secondary (Gymnasium or vocational paths), with no strict catchment area, giving families flexibility to apply for any school with space and acceptance. Many are Catholic, so if a school with a religious foundation is not for you, an international school might be a better fit.

Bi-lingual Public Schools in Vienna

A big advantage to Vienna is that some public schools offer bilingual schooling. It is known as the Vienna Bilingual Schooling (VBS) programme, and it runs across about ten public schools citywide, spanning primary to upper secondary. In VBS classes, children begin reading and writing in their first or dominant language (German or English), then start literacy in the second language by Year 2, and many subjects are taught in German, English, or both by co-teachers. However, as these schools are popular, getting a place can be highly competitive. So early applications are essential.

Private Schools in Vienna

As well as the private International schools there are also private schools providing German instruction. Often with smaller classes than the public system, and additional options for extra curricula activities.

International Schools in Vienna

As you might imagine from a big European city there is a huge range of international schools to choose from. For non German-speaking students international school can be a wise choice and facilitate a faster transition.

Best International Schools in Vienna

If you are not sure how long your family will be based in Vienna. Or you are bringing older children who will not have time to learn German before academic demands increase, then international schools may be your best choice.

Here we look at the best known schools:

Schloss Krumbach

A private school in a 13th‑century castle, 1 hour from Vienna and surrounded by nature, makes for a very different learning environment compared to typical international schools. It also may be at the top end of families’ budgets.

With a strong focus on academics, the school offers bilingual education (English & German) and prepares students for internationally recognised diplomas (both IB and A‑Levels).

Small class sizes and personalised support are often noted by parents as key reasons for students’ academic growth.

Vienna International School (VIS)

Vienna International School is one of the oldest and largest international schools in Austria.

It offers the full IB continuum from early years through the Diploma Programme, with a truly global community of students from over 100 nationalities and strong links to the diplomatic and UN community in Vienna.

There is a well-established IB programme focused on academic development, creativity, critical thinking, and global citizenship.

American International School Vienna (AISV)

The campus is located in the 19th district near the Vienna Woods, set in a beautiful natural environment, with space for impressive sporting facilities. However, some parents find traffic at drop off and pick up and the bus‑uphill walk from the nearest stop a little inconvenient.

Students can participate in strong extracurriculars like Model UN, robotics, arts, music, athletics, and community service.
AISV is an IB World School, offering the IB Diploma Programme, and also the High School Diploma.

Danube International School Vienna (DISV)

Danube International School Vienna delivers a comprehensive International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum from age 3 to 18, accredited as an IB World School. Instruction is in English with German language support, and small class sizes help personalised development and confidence.

With a central Vienna location the school is easy to access compared with some more suburban international schools, however there is also less space. So while the school has DISV has a gymnasium and indoor sports hall on campus for regular PE lessons and activities.

The school uses nearby external sports facilities (like the KSV sports complex with large pitches and padel courts) for weekly PE and team sports.

Amadeus International School Vienna (AISV)

Amadeus is generally well-regarded for its creative focus and supportive community in independent reviews. Parents say Amadeus as an alternative international option with a stronger arts programme, compared with more traditional academic schools.

it is a “must” to consider if your child is drawn to the arts, music, or creative fields and you like the idea of an IB programme with specialised pathways. It also offers the IB Careers Programme,

The smaller, arts-oriented environment can appeal to families looking for something different from the larger school model. Plus it offers boarding as well as day school options, with a community focus and structured pastoral support.

Curricula Offered by the International Schools in Vienna

International Baccalaureate (IB)

English Curriculum (IGCSE / A-Levels)

American Curriculum Local Curriculum

Local Curriculum

How to Choose the Right International School in Vienna

Choosing the right school in Vienna as an international family isn’t just about the schools’ reputation, it’s about how well a school fits your individual child. Continuity will be important if you’re relocating between countries. International schools in offer globally recognised pathways, which make transitions smoother. Other options include bilingual programmes that blend German and English instruction to help children stay connected both locally and internationally, and Austrian public schools which follow the national curriculum and can be ideal if you plan a long‑term stay and want deep cultural and language immersion for your child.

Admission Process and School Fees in Vienna

Admissions at international schools in Vienna generally begin with an online application and a non‑refundable application fee to start the process.

After the application, some age groups (particularly older students) may complete assessments or interviews, especially for language proficiency in programmes like the IB. Offers are usually sent in the late winter or early spring for the following school year, however for late applications there is still a chance as schools continue filling places into late spring and even August if they still have vacancies.

Once an offer is made, parents typically confirm acceptance by signing a contract and paying a reservation or enrolment fee to hold the place ahead of the school year start.

International school fees in Vienna include one‑time charges such as application, reservation and capital or enrolment fees, plus annual tuition. For a detailed breakdown of costs take a look at each school’s listing.
In Vienna’s public schools the application (Schuleinschreibung) process is a two‑part annual event: first you register your child at one public school of your choice by appointment, bringing the required documents. Then at the second meeting you find out if you have got a place at your preferred school.

Pros and Cons of Studying at Schools in Vienna

  Advantages

• Quality of education and choice of options
• Safety of the city and great expat lifestyle
• International environment

Challenges

• Competition for places in certain schools
• Cost of education if you choose private
• Language immersion can take time if you choose the local option

Conclusion

More than anything else, choosing a school in Vienna as an international family means finding the environment where your child will feel supported, engaged and able to thrive academically and personally. With many excellent international, bilingual and local options available, it’s important to look beyond the glossy brochure and focus on a school’s academic approach, language support, class sizes, extracurricular offerings, and consider how they align with your child’s strengths, interests and your family’s short‑ and long‑term goals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What are the best international schools in Vienna?
  • We recommend finding the school that fits your child’s strengths the best.
• Are public schools in Vienna free for international students?
  • Public schools in Vienna are free for all students, including international students. However there are some expenses parents have to cover. Things like books, school trips and extra curricular activities are financed by families.
• How much do private schools in Vienna cost?
  • Day school tuition at established international schools often ranges from about €15,000 – €40,000 per year depending on age and grade level.
• Is it difficult to get a place in a school in Vienna?
  • It can be hard to get a place in a specific public school in Vienna, but every child is legally guaranteed a school place somewhere in the city up to age 15. However, because demand has risen, space at the most popular schools can be tight and not everyone gets into their first choice.
• What languages are taught in schools in Vienna?
  • German is the core school language, English is the most common foreign language in many public schools in Vienna. International schools also support a wide variety of additional languages through bilingual programmes, mother‑tongue classes, and language support options.
• Which curriculum is best for expat families in Vienna?
  • IB is generally the best all‑around choice for globally mobile expat families thanks to its international acceptance and continuity.
  • American and English curricula are strong alternatives depending on university goals.
  • French curriculum fits francophone expats, and bilingual public programmes are excellent for long‑term stays with a desire for local language and cultural integration.
• When should parents apply to schools in Vienna?
  • In Vienna (public and international schools) parents should plan to apply in the autumn before the school year their child will start.

Schools

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