International Schools in Vienna

For information only. This guide is an editorial orientation resource. It does not constitute educational or admissions advice, and does not endorse any specific institution. School profiles, fees, and curricula change; always verify current information directly with each school and confirm your eligibility for any financial assistance through your organisation or mission.

Overview

Vienna has a small but well-established international school sector, shaped by several decades of UN, IAEA, OSCE, and OPEC families arriving in the city. The market is materially smaller than Paris, Brussels or Geneva, but the quality of the leading institutions is high. Fees are lower than comparable cities, and Vienna’s public transport means that families living in the 13th, 18th or 19th districts can commute to most of the main campuses without a car. This guide covers the principal schools, what they cost in 2026, and the admissions sequence.

Curricula available in Vienna

International Baccalaureate (IB). The dominant curriculum at Vienna’s established international schools. Available in the full continuum (PYP ages 3-12, MYP 11-16, Diploma 16-19) at the leading institutions. For families who will move again, the IB Diploma’s broad acceptance by European, North American and Australian universities makes it the most portable qualification available.

American curriculum (US High School Diploma + AP/IB). The American International School Vienna offers a US-accredited programme alongside IB options. The natural choice for families planning to return to the American system.

Austrian Matura. Available in combination with the IB at some institutions. Graduates holding both qualifications have automatic access to Austrian universities, which is relevant for families considering a longer or permanent stay.

Bilingual German-English. Vienna’s public bilingual schools (Wiener Mittelschulen with bilingual streams) are available for families seeking integration into the Austrian system. These are state-funded, at no tuition cost, but German language requirements mean they are generally practical only for children arriving at primary age.

Main international schools

The following schools are the most established institutions in the Vienna international school market. Fees are from published 2025-26 or 2026-27 schedules; confirm directly with each school.

Vienna International School (VIS) 22nd district, adjacent to the Vienna International Centre (UN Campus). Full IB continuum (PYP, MYP, Diploma) for ages 3-18. Over 1,400 students from more than 115 nationalities, with a large proportion from UN and IAEA families. German is compulsory throughout, which builds genuine bilingualism over the course of a posting. Accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS). The school’s proximity to the UN Campus makes it the natural first consideration for UNOV, IAEA, CTBTO and UNODC staff. For families based in the 13th or 19th districts, the commute requires good bus connections or a car. Fees 2025-26: approximately EUR 26,694 to EUR 33,562 depending on year group (plus a one-time enrolment capital contribution). vis.ac.at

American International School Vienna (AISV) 19th district (Döbling), near the Vienna Woods. US-accredited curriculum (Pre-K through Grade 12) with the IB Diploma Programme available at upper secondary. Around 800 students from 80 nationalities. Founded in 1959 with a long-established connection to the American diplomatic and corporate community in Vienna. Annual tuition at secondary level approaches EUR 25,000. ais.at

Danube International School Vienna (DISV) Central location (2nd district, Leopoldstadt). Full IB continuum for ages 3-19. Founded in 1992 by a group of parents; retains a community-centred character with smaller cohorts than VIS. Strong arts programme. Annual fees typically EUR 18,000 to EUR 22,000. The central location is a practical advantage for families based in the 1st to 9th districts. danube.org

Amadeus International School Vienna 13th district (Hietzing). IB continuum (PYP, MYP, Diploma) with a distinctive Music and Arts Academy integrated into the curriculum. Both day and boarding options. A smaller, more specialised environment suited to families whose children have a strong performing arts focus. Fees 2025-26: EUR 16,145 (early years) to EUR 37,865 (secondary, day programme). Boarding adds significantly to the total cost. amadeus-vienna.com

Fees

The average annual tuition at Vienna’s international schools is approximately EUR 17,541 for a 12-year-old, excluding one-time enrolment fees. Tuition for 2026 ranges from around EUR 7,000 per year at the entry tier in lower years to over EUR 27,000 at the IB Diploma level at the leading schools. Capital levies, transport, and exam fees add 10 to 15 percent on top.

Vienna is meaningfully less expensive than Geneva, Zurich, Paris or London for international schooling. That said, realistic total costs for a secondary student at a mid-tier Vienna international school, including all extras, often land 20 to 30 percent above the headline tuition figure. Budget accordingly.

Most diplomatic and international organisation staff receive a school fees allowance from their employer. Confirm the current allowance ceiling and eligible cost categories with your HR before shortlisting schools and certainly before signing any enrolment contract.

Admissions timing

For an August-September 2026 start, the typical admissions sequence is: October to January for applications and school visits, December to March for assessments, and February to May for offers. Year 12 (IB Diploma first year) fills earliest and should be given priority application timing.

Mid-year entry is possible at most schools subject to availability.

Documents typically requested:

Two years of school reports (with translation into English if required)
Head teacher or principal’s reference
Passport copy for the child
Vaccination records
Language assessment samples for secondary applicants
Evidence of posting (letter from mission or organisation)

German in Vienna’s international schools

VIS requires German throughout its programme, which is unusual among IB schools and worth factoring into the decision for younger children in particular: it creates a genuine bilingual outcome over the course of a three- to five-year posting, but it means the first months require language support. AISV, DISV and Amadeus offer German as a second language without making it compulsory at the same intensity, which is more comfortable for children arriving with no German. For secondary-age students joining VIS without a German foundation, the language requirement is demanding; discuss support arrangements directly with the school’s admissions team before applying.

Official and reference sources

Last reviewed 1 July 2026.