Family Life in Austria
At a Glance
Navigating family life in Austria is well supported by a strong network of public services. From free family counselling to reliable day care, kindergartens, and a high-quality school system, you will find clear guidance at every stage.
Key financial support includes the Family Allowance (Familienbeihilfe), a monthly payment for all resident parents regardless of income.
For general information on family and partnership matters in Austria, visit this official government website: Family and Partnership.
Daycare and kindergarten
In Vienna, all children up to compulsory school age can attend municipal kindergartens free of charge (meals and some private extras may cost extra). The final year before primary school is compulsory for all children with their main residence in Vienna who have turned five by September. Official government website with more information on the topic: Compulsory kindergarten year – City of Vienna
The University of Vienna also operates its own Children and Youth Office of the University of Vienna with five nurseries at three locations, offering childcare from six months of age.
Municipal and private kindergartens in Vienna
In Vienna, parents and guardians can choose between private and municipal kindergartens for their children.
All children can attend municipal kindergartens in Vienna free of charge until compulsory school age. Additional costs may arise for meals or for extra services at private kindergartens.
To be eligible for a free place, at least one parent and the child must have their main place of residence in Vienna for the duration of attendance. The child must also be registered in the Vienna kindergarten register (Client ID).
| Link | Description |
|---|---|
| Municipal kindergarten registration – City of Vienna | Register for a place at a municipal kindergarten |
| Vienna kindergarten information (PDF) | For questions about kindergartens in Vienna |
Schooling and the Austrian education system
School attendance is compulsory for all children permanently resident in Austria, and lasts for nine years. Compulsory schooling starts on the first of September following the child's sixth birthday and is generally fulfilled by attendance of four years of primary (elementary school), plus levels 5 to 8 at a secondary modern school or the lower stages of an AHS (academic secondary school providing general education) and the pre-vocational year, or attendance of an intermediate or higher-level school.
| Link | Description |
|---|---|
| Austrian education system overview | Graphic Austrian Education System |
| Schools in Vienna | School system, registration, and calendar |
| After-school care for school children | Hort and after-school options |
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Bilingual Education and Language Support
- German as a second language: Vienna public schools provide intensive German support for non-native speakers
- First-language-tongue instruction: many public schools offer first-language classes and actively promote multilingualism
- International private schools in Vienna: tuition applies; admissions timelines vary
- Public schools with international or bilingual programmes
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Family Allowance
The Family Allowance (Familienbeihilfe) is a monthly payment provided to parents to help with the costs of raising children. It is granted regardless of your income and is available to all residents who meet the eligibility criteria.
Official government website: Family Allowance and Tax Credit for Children – Federal Chancellery of Austria.
Vienna Children's University
At the Vienna Children’s University, the doors of the University of Vienna, the Medical University Vienna, the Vienna University of Technology, the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, the Hochschule Campus Wien and the Vienna University of Economics and Business are open to children aged 7 to 12 for two weeks.
What is the Vienna Children’s University?
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(Pre-) Arrival
- Pre‑arrival documents and appointments
- Registration requirements
- Links to official government authorities
Uni Wien -
Living in Austria
- Healthcare
- Housing
- Family life
- Transportation
- Language
University of Vienna -
Working @ UniVie
- Welcome Events and Contact Points
- Services @ UniVie
- Employment basics
University of Vienna