Structure of the chapter

This chapter provides a thematic and chronological overview of national reforms and policy developments since 2022.

The web pages that follow group reforms in the following broad thematic areas:

• Early childhood education and care

• General school education

• Vocational education and training

• Higher education

• Adult education and training.

Inside each thematic area, reforms are organised chronologically. The most recent reforms are described first.

Government's key objectives for education

The Work Programme of the Austrian Government 2020 – 2024 accentuates the strategic out-lines. The section on education, science and research (p. 286 et seqq.) states the main targets concerning the policy domains referred to in the educational context.

The vast majority of education bills comes from the Federal Government. In the National Council the draft is first referred to the Education Committee, where it is deliberated in detail. The draft, revised by the committee, is then referred to the plenary of the National Council and adopted there after thorough debate. For details please see: The federal legislative process (chapter 1.2).

National elections will be held on 29 September 2024. The government programme applies until a new government is appointed. The political parties that could be part of the next government are currently presenting their priorities for education policy in the next government period (2025 to 2029).