Universities in Austria

Austria, located in Central Europe, has a long tradition of providing quality education. The education system in Austria is overseen by the Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research, and consists of primary, secondary, and tertiary education. Primary education is compulsory for all children aged 6-10 and is followed by lower secondary education, which is also mandatory and typically lasts for four years. Upper secondary education is optional and students can choose between general academic education or vocational education and training. Tertiary education in Austria is provided by universities, universities of applied sciences, and teacher training colleges. Austria has 22 public universities and 13 universities of applied sciences, offering a wide range of courses and degrees at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. The country has a strong focus on research and innovation, with many universities and research institutions ranking highly in global university rankings. According to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the literacy rate in Austria was 99% in 2021. The government invests heavily in education, with education expenditure accounting for 5.2% of the country's GDP in 2020, according to UNESCO. Overall, Austria's education system is highly regarded for its quality and innovation, attracting students from around the world.