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, ÖSD (Österreichisches 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

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