Compare SEN / Special Education International Schools in Austria

Located in Klosterneuburg, Lower Austria, the school is at Buchberggasse 31, 3400 Klosterneuburg. The town lies close to Vienna and is surrounded by vineyards, Wienerwald and the Danube. The school building and premises lie in the heart of the city. It is a public senior secondary school serving residents of Klosterneuburg and offering the IB Diploma Programme.

The school comprises two branches: a language-focused Gymnasium and a science-oriented Realgymnasium. The language branch includes Bilingual Classes with instruction in English and German. The school serves students aged 10–18, with lower grades 10–14 and upper grades 15–18, and offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in addition to the Austrian curriculum.

The school is a public senior secondary school. It includes a Gymnasium and a Realgymnasium and offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.

Austria

The school offers a canteen/buffet. The school buffet is run by Hollander and offers snacks, a warm lunch (vegetarian or non-vegetarian) and drinks. A lunch consists of a main course plus soup or dessert and costs €6. Hours: Monday to Friday 7:45–15:00.

Public Bundesgymnasium and Bundesrealgymnasium Klosterneuburg (BG/BRG Klosterneuburg) in Klosterneuburg, Lower Austria; a public school within the Austrian public education system. The school provides the IB Diploma Programme in addition to the Austrian Matura.

The Bilingual Programme follows the Austrian curriculum for secondary schools. English begins in Grade 1 and is gradually used in more subjects; by Grade 4 students can follow lessons taught entirely in English. In the upper school, students may complete the Austrian school leaving exam and can also earn the International Baccalaureate Diploma as part of the bilingual track. The programme teaches a third foreign language from Grade 5, and Latin is offered in a reduced form that still meets university requirements. The IB component includes six subjects with higher and standard levels, plus core elements such as Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay, and CAS; the timetable is tailored to integrate both curricula and at least seven hours of IB courses are chosen according to the student's interests.

There is a dedicated university counselling service that guides and assists pupils in applications to colleges and universities in the UK and USA.

A broad range of IB electives and the option to study three subjects at higher level allows advanced students to tailor their learning; tutorials, support programmes, and native English-speaking teachers are available to support bilingual and enhanced study.

Health and Care (HC) is an elective with two weekly hours in 6th and 7th grade. It focuses on mental health and stress management, childhood and adolescence development, health in old age, and NGO work (e.g., the Red Cross). The course includes real-world encounters with health and care sector staff and practical activities, plus 16 social-project hours and reflection on experience. It teaches teamwork, communication, self-competence, conflict resolution, and empathy to support a future-oriented, responsible, health-promoting lifestyle.

The school offers a Bilingual Programme with English as the language of instruction in the Upper School for most subjects, supplemented by a Native English-Speaking Teacher (NEST) team to support bilingual teaching in several subjects. In the Upper School, all lessons are taught in English with the exception of language lessons.

Mental wellbeing is addressed within Health and Care, with Mental Health and Stress Management as a core topic.

The Bilingual Programme uses English and German in the Lower School. The IB Diploma Programme is taught and examined exclusively in English. For the 2026/27 school year there are currently no places available in Grades 1, 2, 4, 5, and 8. In January/February of the entry year, the legal guardian must register the student using the online form for general enrolment and select the preference for the Bilingual Programme. The online general enrolment form requires you to select the Bilingual Programme as the preferred option; after submitting, you will be invited to enrol on one of the three specified registration days. The school provides links for online pre-registration on Sokrates (select 'Interesse am Bilingual Programme') and for online appointment booking for registration at the school office. After registering at the school office, interviews with the head of school and members of our teaching staff take place in mid-February for all new pupils. A two-part consultation procedure is then necessary and takes place in the language of choice (German or English) at the end of February/beginning of March. If you register during the general enrolment process, you will receive all necessary information; if the child wishes to join the Bilingual Programme later, there is a consultation procedure as well. All placements into grades 1 to 7 are administered by the Bilingual Office. It is a legal requirement to live in the Klosterneuburg catchment area, which includes central Klosterneuburg and surrounding districts. There is an orientation day in late February to determine the most suitable candidates for the 50 places in Year 1, with invitations issued accordingly. In cases of oversubscription for admission into grades 2–7, the admissions policy sets the criteria and a waiting list is used for the Bilingual Programme; if a bilingual place is not allocated, a place in a regular class is guaranteed.

Oversubscription criteria and a waiting list exist for the Bilingual Programme; if no bilingual place is available, a regular class place is guaranteed.

Graz, Austria. The school operates at two locations: the main campus at Münzgrabenstraße 18 and an external facility at Brockmanngasse. The address line lists Kastellfeldgasse 5/Münzgrabenstraße 18, 8010 Graz, Austria.

Primary school with 12 classes; at each level there are 3 parallel classes.

Bilingual primary school (English–German instruction).

Up to 30 different first languages are spoken at the school.

In each year group there is one integration class; dedicated special needs teachers; English is taught by native speakers; inclusive education is a key focus.

Austria

No boarding; after-school care (Ganztagsschule) is provided at Münzgrabenstraße and at the Expositur location Brockmanngasse, with about 100 children participating in the after-school program.

The school operates at two locations in Graz, supervised by teams that include a primary school teacher and a special education teacher. Expositur classes were started by the City of Graz in 2018/19 to meet demand, and the school collaborates with the municipal day-care network Städtische Tagesbetreuung Graz.

BIPS-Krones is a bilingual primary school in Graz. English is used as the working language, alongside lessons in German, and all English teachers are native speakers. Each class has a designated native English teacher for 6-7 hours per week, and English is used for general studies such as geography, history and science in both German and English. In every year, one class is an integration class led by primary school teachers and qualified special needs teachers. The school operates at two locations with 12 classes in total, three parallel classes per year, and a team structure including a primary school teacher and a special education teacher; four integration classes have two teachers. Sport and physical activities are emphasized, with swimming lessons offered in cooperation with the movement of Styria and ATG, plus other activities such as ball games, dancing and yoga.

The school emphasizes inclusion. In each year, one class is an inclusive class; these classes are led by primary school teachers and qualified special needs teachers.

One inclusive class in each year is led by primary school teachers and qualified special needs teachers.

English is the medium of instruction, alongside lessons held in German. All English teachers are native speakers.

The current Child Protection Policy is available for download (currently only in German).

Admission to our school for the first grades takes place in January; admission for all other grade levels is possible at any time when space is available; there are no admission tests.

Georgigasse 85, 8020 Graz, Austria

Eight-year program (Grades 5–12; Years 1–8)

Bilingual senior secondary school (German-English)

20+ nationalities represented

Additional learning assistance in core subjects with GIBS teachers

Austria

45-minute periods

Group lunch is provided for students as part of after-school care and education. After-school care includes homework assistance and additional learning support.

The school is Austrian state-funded and operates as a Gymnasium.

GIBS provides a bilingual German-English senior secondary curriculum for students aged 10–18. The bilingual programme starts in Grade 5. It offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in Grades 11–12, with preparation in Grade 10; graduates earn both the IBDP and the Austrian Standardisierte Reifeprüfung (Matura). German (A, B or Ab Initio) is an obligatory subject.

The IB Diploma Programme is internationally recognized and opens doors to leading universities worldwide.

GIBS supports social-emotional learning through Discovery Learning, which uses a wide range of approaches to help students develop social skills and gain academic knowledge for lifelong learning. Personal and Global Responsibility develops autonomy and teamwork that extend beyond the individual and immediate community. Language Proficiency is fostered through multilingual teaching, with International Mindedness promoting respect for cultural diversity. The school maintains a harmonious climate based on mutual understanding and respect, guided by a Code of Conduct to support a positive study environment. Social Learning is embedded in daily life, including Year 1 companions (older students who welcome and assist newcomers) and ongoing collaboration among staff, students and parents, reinforced by weekly staff meetings.

Language of instruction is English and GIBS provides bilingual German-English education throughout Years 1–8. Native Speaking Language Assistants support English, French, Spanish and Russian. German as a Second Language (DaZ) courses run year-round and are grouped by CEFR levels A1–C1, with new students placed via informal interviews. German tutoring groups for new students are offered and can be attended for up to two years. In Year 3, students choose between French or Spanish as a second language and in Year 5 Latin, French, Spanish or Russian is offered.

GIBS provides mental wellbeing support through two School Counselors (Eva Koegeler and Jana Staltner) and a School Psychologist (Mag.a Fabienne Konrad-Wieser). The counselors assist with exam anxiety, career guidance, conflicts in the social environment, integration, and personal crises, with designated office hours for accessibility. The school also connects to the Steiermark Schulpsychologische Beratungsstellen (School Psychological Counseling) for additional support.

The Code of Conduct ensures the safe and efficient running of the school, the comfort and well-being of all students and staff, and the protection of the school premises. Safeguarding is supported by School Counselors and a School Psychologist, who provide guidance for students, parents and staff, and the school directs to regional safeguarding resources as needed.

Year 1/Grade 5 enrolment: Applications for 2026/27 begin with an early online admissions window from December 1 to December 20, 2025. Interviews for new Year 1 classes (three classes of 25 students each) are held January 9–10, 2026; bilingual interviews are conducted in English and German. Applicants should upload 2024/25 report cards (Schulnachricht and Jahreszeugnis) or the last two report cards if not in Austria, with file names in the format SURNAME-FIRSTNAME-REPORTCARD. Following the interview, acceptance or non-acceptance is communicated by February 22, 2026. Schul- und Berufsinformationsmesse (Wohin nach der Volksschule?) occurs on 17–18 October 2025; due to limited capacity, not all applicants can be accepted. An online application form is available from December 1 to December 20, 2025.

Admission Years 2-6/Grades 6-10: To be considered for year 2 and above, the majority of classes are currently full and there are waiting lists for all year groups; priority will be given to applicants who perform well in academic assessments and to those relocating to Styria for employment purposes. 1. Complete the GIBS international admissions form. 2. 3. Attend an assessment and interview (assessment days organized throughout the school year; can be online in exceptional circumstances). 4. Decision: once the steps are completed, a decision is given; if suitable but no space is available in the requested class, the applicant is placed on a waiting list. For transfers within Austria, language requirements apply and students begin language study in Year 3.

Admission IBDP (Grades 11-12): Application process for international students for the IB and pre-IB programs. Placements are based on availability, residency and fluency in either English or German, and due to limited places, placements for the upcoming school year are offered at the end of each academic year. Step 1: General enquiry via the international admissions form. Step 2: Provide copies of educational history and proof of residency. Step 3: School visit and appointment with the admissions officer. Step 4: Assessment in Math and English (and German when applicable). The written and oral assessment carries a 50 euro fee per candidate. Step 5: Formal registration with required documents and enrollment; being a state-funded Gymnasium, the Austrian Ministry covers the majority of costs; your contributions include IB examination and mentoring fees, textbooks, and proof of residency.

There are waiting lists for all year groups; priority is given to applicants who perform well in academic assessments and to those relocating to Styria for employment.

St. Gilgen International School is located in St. Gilgen, Austria, in the Salzkammergut Alpine region. The campus sits in an alpine village with year‑round outdoor opportunities and access to Salzburg, Vienna, and Munich cultural experiences. It is about 35 minutes from Salzburg Airport, with easy connections via Salzburg, Munich, and Vienna airports, and a dedicated school bus from Salzburg. The area features an UNESCO World Heritage region with 50 peaks, 67 lakes, and 300 km of ski slopes.

Primary Phase; Middle Phase; Senior Phase.

IB World School.

Nationalities represented: over 35.

Pastoral network provides personalised care through mentor tutors, houseparents, nurses and teachers. The Medical Center offers care with nurses and visiting therapists, including therapy and psychological support. Mentor Tutoring provides daily check‑ins and small group sessions to help students grow academically and personally.

Austria.

Dedicated school bus from Salzburg.

Boarding houses Bachwirt, Traube, and Kendler are minutes from campus. They offer en-suite, shared double rooms arranged by age and gender to provide comfort and community. A dedicated boarding team supports a safe, structured environment and the overall wellbeing of boarders.

All students are expected to wear the distinctive school uniform smartly and formally, upholding the school's ethos. The uniform reflects the high standards valued by StGIS.

Boarders have breakfast and dinner in boarding houses, while all students receive healthy lunches from local village eateries. Menus feature fresh, locally sourced Austrian and international dishes, with plenty of salads, vegetables, and fruit. Vegetarian and special dietary needs are fully accommodated.

Pupils are assigned to boarding houses Bachwirt, Traube, and Kendler, arranged by age and gender and located near campus. Mentor Tutors and Houseparents provide ongoing support within the house structure. The school offers an Activities Programme with events such as The Dare Adventure Race.

The school is owned by a parent-established foundation, St. Gilgen International School Privatstiftung, since May 17, 2016. Day-to-day operations are managed by St. Gilgen International School GmbH, a non-profit company. The Foundation provides strategic oversight, including governance, long-term planning, and Head of School appointments, with a Board Policy Manual detailing operations.

Curriculum is delivered in three phases: Primary Phase (Grade 5) focuses on English development with interdisciplinary study in English, German, World Studies, Science, Mathematics, The Arts, and Movement & Wellbeing; Primary culminates in a UN SDG–linked Primary Exhibition. Middle Phase (Grades 6–10) follows the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), with enquiry-led learning and a Personal Project in Grade 10, based on a balanced eight-subject framework: Language & Literature (English and German), Language Acquisition (English, German, French, Spanish), Individuals & Societies, Science, Mathematics, Arts, Design, and Movement & Well-being. Senior Phase (Grades 11–12) offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) alongside the StGIS Diploma, with CIS and WASC accreditation; the IBDP core includes the Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge, and CAS, and students choose six subjects from the subject groups. Graduates have access to top universities worldwide, with destinations such as Harvard, Oxford, IE University, Paracelsus University Medical School, Bocconi, Groningen, LSE, King's College London, St Andrews, Imperial College, Stanford, and the University of Vienna, supported by university and careers guidance.

The IB Diploma Programme is scored out of 45 points. Our students consistently perform above the world average and gain entry to top universities.

Graduates go on to universities worldwide, with recent destinations including Harvard University (USA), University of Oxford (UK), IE University (Spain), Paracelsus University Medical School (Austria), Bocconi University (Italy), University of Groningen (Netherlands), LSE, King's College London, University of St Andrews, Imperial College London, Stanford University, and the University of Vienna; university and careers guidance supports each student's path, including help with entrance tests and applications.

The school supports social and emotional learning through a dedicated pastoral network of mentor tutors, houseparents, nurses, and teachers, providing personalised care supporting academic, social, and emotional growth. The Pastoral Web fosters belonging, respect, and responsibility. Flourishing Together, through the Summit programme, assemblies, and inquiry days, helps students develop emotional intelligence and resilience.

Beginner English language learners receive support in Primary and Middle Phases; from Grade 10 upward, strong English proficiency is expected.

The Medical Center provides high-quality care for physical, social, and mental wellbeing, with therapy and psychological support available from visiting specialists twice monthly. Our medical staff works closely with Boarding House Teams and the Student Support Team to ensure comprehensive care for every student.

The school has a safeguarding framework and a Child Protection Policy; a dedicated pastoral team—Mentor Tutors, Residential staff, Nurses, and the School Counsellor—provides care and protection to students and fosters a safe environment.

Stage 1: Written application. Submit a completed application form, school reports from the last three years translated into English and certified if required, a copy of the student's passport, a motivation letter, a recommendation from the current school, and copies of relevant certificates, along with the €290 application fee. All application documents must be submitted in English; rolling admissions are available and placement is typically age-based with flexibility when appropriate. Beginner English language learners receive support in Primary and Middle Phases; from Grade 10 upward, strong English proficiency is expected.
Stage 2: Arrange a visit. The Trial Day lets you explore a typical day at StGIS and includes an interview with the Head of School, a guided campus tour, placement tests in English and Mathematics, and attendance in regular classes; boarding applicants may overnight in the boarding house. Primary Trial Days can be arranged on most days, with a dedicated Primary Open Day recommended.
Stage 3: Contractual documents. Tuition invoices are issued in line with the agreed start date and must be paid in full before the student begins. To complete enrollment provide a signed school contract and Power of Attorney; proof of tuition payment; a valid health insurance policy in Austria; a copy of the passport; birth certificate translated into English or German; photographs in accordance with EU passport photo guidelines. A full copy of the Admissions and Fee Policy is available upon request or after submitting a completed application.

Show us your best. St Gilgen International School offers a generous scholarship program for exceptional students. Most scholarships granted are partial; full scholarships are extremely rare and awarded only for truly exceptional applicants. Scholarships are reviewed annually by the Head of School; Applications must be submitted no later than mid-March; Scholarships can only be awarded upon first entry to the school, or in cases of an extreme change in circumstances.