Prepustnost: preglednost in možnosti prehoda v izobraževalnem sistemu
The dual apprenticeship system in Austria is a well-established scheme at the upper secondary level of vocational education and training (VET). It exists for a very long period of time and is well regarded among employers and employees.
The regular apprenticeship training takes place in the company and the vocational school, whereby the company-based training comprises approx. 80 percent of the training period, the school-based training approx. 20 percent. The scheme is financed through the enterprises as well as public funds.
In Austria access to higher education is available for graduates of apprenticeship training through various options:
1. Vocational university entrance qualification (BRP)
Part-time examination that corresponds to a "conventional" university entrance qualification in terms of eligibility and thus gives graduates unrestricted access to universities. The BRP consists of four written and/or oral exams: German, Mathematics, a living foreign language and a professional field. Three of these exams can be taken in parallel to vocational training; the last exam cannot be taken before the candidate reaches the age of 19, the legally required minimum age for attaining vocational qualification.
2. University entrance qualification examination (SBP)
The university entrance qualification examination only entitles to attend the field of study in which it is taken. It is available in a total of 16 study groups (e.g. law, social and economic sciences, medical science, technical and natural science studies etc.) and entitles students to study at universities, colleges, universities of applied sciences, pedagogical colleges or universities.
The requirements to participate in this exam include a minimum age of 20 years as well as the proof of successful professional or non-professional training beyond the general compulsory education necessary for the desired degree.
3. Recognition of previous knowledge at universities of applied sciences
Admission to a course of study with a relevant professional qualification is a specific feature of universities of applied sciences in Austria. Applicants who are professionally qualified can apply to take the admission procedure for the requested degree without a matriculation examination - if necessary, by taking additional examinations. The scope of these additional exams depends on the training or previous professional knowledge as well as the guidelines of the respective university of applied science. The universities of applied sciences mostly offer preparatory courses for the additional exams.
Furthermore, higher education can be obtained through:
4. Vocational Academy
There is another option available for apprenticeship graduates without a university entrance qualification to acquire a tertiary qualification: The vocational academy which offers practice-oriented training and further education at university level (Master of Science - MSc).
Non-traditional access to apprenticeship is fostered through:
There is the exceptional authorization to take the apprenticeship leave examination without the regular legal requirements. In such cases the responsible body allows for applicants to take the examination if the candidates are at least 18 years of age and can demonstrate that they have either acquired the skills and knowledge necessary in the respective profession in a non-traditional way (e.g. through sufficiently long and subject related learning activities or other practical activities or by attending learning courses) or completed at least half of the apprenticeship training period and can proof that there is no possibility for them to sign an apprenticeship contract for the pending training period of the apprenticeship.