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Dear Readers,
Welcome to the November edition of the Blend Careers Blog. This month, we are focusing on the steps and requirements for teachers from other countries, whether from the EU or outside the EU, who wish to pursue a teaching career in Austria. Whether you aim to teach in a kindergarten, primary school, gymnasium or university, this guide will provide you with all the necessary information, paperwork requirements, and helpful resources to make your transition as smooth as possible.
Steps to becoming a Teacher in kindergarten, primary school or gymnasium
1. Recognition of Foreign Qualifications
EU Teachers:
- Recognition Procedure: Your qualifications need to be recognized by the Austrian Ministry of Education, Science, and Research.
- Documents Required:
- Proof of identity (passport or ID card)
- Academic qualifications (degree certificates, diplomas)
- Proof of teaching qualifications (teacher training certificates)
- Transcripts of records
- Proof of professional experience (if applicable)
- Language proficiency certificate (usually German B2 or C1 level)
Non-EU Teachers:
- Recognition Procedure: Similar to EU teachers but may require additional steps.
- Documents Required:
- Proof of identity (passport)
- Academic qualifications (degree certificates, diplomas)
- Proof of teaching qualifications (teacher training certificates)
- Transcripts of records
- Proof of professional experience (if applicable)
- Language proficiency certificate (usually German B2 or C1 level)
- Proof of residence or work permit in Austria
Institutions for Recognition:
- Austrian Ministry of Education, Science, and Research: BMBWF Recognition Office https://www.bmbwf.gv.at/en/Topics/Higher-education---universities/Recognition-of-qualifications.html
- Austrian Academic Exchange Service (OEAD): OEAD Recognition Guide https://oead.at/en/to-austria/studying/recognition
2. Language Proficiency
- German Language Requirement: Teachers are generally required to have at least a B2 or C1 level of German.
- Accepted Language Certificates: Goethe-Institut, Ă–SD (Ă–sterreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch), TELC
3. Additional Training and Exams
- Adaptation Period or Aptitude Test:Depending on the evaluation of your qualifications, you may be required to undergo an adaptation period or pass an aptitude test.
- Institutions Providing Additional Training: Pedagogical Universities (Pädagogische Hochschulen): These institutions offer courses and training required for teachers needing additional qualifications
- Pädagogische Hochschule Wien
- Location: Vienna
- Website: https://phwien.ac.at/
- Pädagogische Hochschule Niederösterreich
- Location: Baden
- Website: https://www.ph-noe.ac.at/de/
- Pädagogische Hochschule Burgenland
- Location: Eisenstadt
- Website: https://www.ph-burgenland.at/
- Pädagogische Hochschule Oberösterreich
- Location: Linz
- Website: https://ph-ooe.at/
- Pädagogische Hochschule Salzburg Stefan Zweig
- Location: Salzburg
- Website: https://phsalzburg.at/
- Pädagogische Hochschule Steiermark
- Location: Graz
- Website: https://www.phst.at/home/
- Pädagogische Hochschule Kärnten Viktor Frankl Hochschule
- Location: Klagenfurt
- Website: https://www.ph-kaernten.ac.at/
- Pädagogische Hochschule Tirol
- Location: Innsbruck
- Website: https://www.ph-tirol.ac.at/
- Pädagogische Hochschule Vorarlberg
- Location: Feldkirch
- Website: https://www.ph-vorarlberg.ac.at/
- Kirchliche Pädagogische Hochschule Wien/Krems
- Locations: Vienna and Krems
- Website: https://kphvie.ac.at/home.html
- Private Pädagogische Hochschule der Diözese Linz
- Location: Linz
- Website: https://www.phdl.at/
4. Documentation and Paperwork
Essential Documents:
- Updated CV (in Europass format)
- Cover letter
- Certified copies of academic and teaching qualifications
- Language proficiency certificates
- Recognition certificate from the Austrian Ministry of Education
- Proof of residence or work permit
Helpful Institutions:
- Public Employment Service Austria (AMS): https://www.ams.at/
- Vienna Education Hub: https://bildungsserver.wien/start/home-wiener-bildungsserver
- Austrian Academic Exchange Service (OEAD): https://oead.at/en/the-oead#:~:text=The%20OeAD%20is%20Austria's%20Agency,of%20the%20Austrian%20Federal%20Government.
Tips for a Smooth Transition
- Start Early: Begin the recognition process and language learning as soon as possible.
- Stay Informed: Regularly check official websites for any updates on procedures and requirements.
- Network: Connect with other teachers and professional groups in Austria to gain insights and support.
To teach at an Austrian university as a foreigner, several key steps and documentation are required. Here is a comprehensive guide on the paperwork necessary:
- Required Documentation
- Proof of Identity
- Valid passport or national ID card
- Academic Qualifications
- PhD or equivalent degree certificates
- Transcripts of academic records
- Diploma supplements (if applicable)
- Recognition of Foreign Qualifications
- EU Nationals: Generally recognized automatically, but you may need to submit documents for formal recognition.
- Non-EU Nationals: You may need to apply for recognition (Nostrifizierung) through the Austrian Federal Ministry of Education, Science, and Research.
- Institution: Austrian ENIC NARIC https://www.enic-naric.net/page-Austria
- Proof of Professional Experience
- Detailed CV, including teaching and research experience
- Letters of reference from previous employers
- Language Proficiency
- Proficiency in German (often required at least B2 level, C1 preferred)
- Some universities may accept English for certain programs (proof of proficiency such as IELTS or TOEFL for English, Goethe-Zertifikat for German)
- Employment Contract
- A signed employment contract or letter of appointment from the university
- Work Permit and Residence Permit
- Non-EU nationals will need a work permit (Beschäftigungsbewilligung) and a residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel)
- Institution: Austrian Immigration Portal https://www.migration.gv.at/en/types-of-immigration/permanent-immigration/
- Research and Teaching Plan
- Outline of intended research and teaching activities
- Professional Certifications
- Any relevant professional certifications or licenses
- Additional Steps and Institutions
- Application for University Position
- Apply for open positions via university job portals or academic job boards
- Ensure your application package includes a cover letter, CV, list of publications, research and teaching statement, and references
- Austrian Federal Ministry of Education, Science, and Research (BMBWF)
- Responsible for recognition of qualifications and providing information on teaching requirements
- Website: https://www.bmbwf.gv.at/
- University Support Services
- Many universities offer support services for international staff, including assistance with visa applications, language courses, and housing
- Check specific university websites for more details
Closing Note
We hope this comprehensive guide helps you navigate the process of becoming a teacher in Austria. The journey may seem complex, but with the right preparation and resources, you can successfully transition to your new role. Stay tuned for more valuable information and updates in our next issue.
The Blend Careers Team