The Matura (Reifeprüfung) is the Austrian national secondary school diploma, administered by the Bundesministerium für Bildung, Wissenschaft und Forschung (BMBWF). It is recognized worldwide as a rigorous pre-university qualification and is accepted by universities across Europe, North America, and beyond.
At Internationale Akademie St. Lichtenberg, students follow the Austrian AHS (Allgemeinbildende Höhere Schule) Gymnasium curriculum from 1. Klasse (age 10) through to 8. Klasse (age 18), culminating in the Matura examination at the end of 8. Klasse.
| Stage | Years | Ages | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unterstufe (Lower Secondary) | 1. - 4. Klasse | 10-14 | Core subjects: German, Mathematics, English, History & Political Education, Geography & Economics, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Music, Art, Sport. Students develop a broad foundation across all disciplines. |
| 5. Klasse (Transition Year) | 5. Klasse | 14-15 | Transition to Oberstufe. Students begin their second modern language and start to identify areas of strength for their Wahlpflichtfächer (elective subjects). |
| Oberstufe (Upper Secondary) | 6. - 8. Klasse | 15-18 | Students choose Wahlpflichtfächer (elective compulsory subjects) alongside core subjects. The Matura examination is taken at the end of 8. Klasse and includes written and oral components. |
In the Oberstufe, students select elective compulsory subjects to complement their core studies. Internationale Akademie St. Lichtenberg offers the following:
Advanced algebra, analysis, probability, and geometry. Essential for students pursuing engineering, science, or economics at university.
Mechanics, thermodynamics, optics, electromagnetism, and modern physics. Practical laboratory work forms a significant part of the course.
Genetics, ecology, human biology, and environmental studies. Includes fieldwork and laboratory sessions. Suited for students aiming for medicine or biological sciences.
Analysis of historical and contemporary political issues, Austrian and European history, international relations, and civic education.
Microeconomics, macroeconomics, Austrian legal foundations, and political science. Preparation for business, law, and social science degrees.
In-depth study of English language, Anglophone literature, and cultural analysis. Conducted primarily in English.
In addition to the Matura, Internationale Akademie St. Lichtenberg is an authorized ÖSD preparation centre. Students whose first language is not German are entered for ÖSD examinations as they progress through their studies. This provides them with an internationally recognised certification of their German language level.
The ÖSD (Österreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch) is an internationally recognized German language diploma based on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).
| Level | CEFR | Typical Stage | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| ÖSD A1 | A1 | End of 1st year | Basic interactions, simple phrases |
| ÖSD A2 | A2 | End of 2nd year | Routine tasks, describing surroundings |
| ÖSD B1 | B1 | 4. Klasse / 5. Klasse | Independent use, opinions, travel |
| ÖSD B2 | B2 | 7. Klasse / 8. Klasse | Fluent interaction, complex texts |
Students who join Internationale Akademie St. Lichtenberg with limited or no German receive dedicated language support through our German Language Integration Programme (DLI - Deutsch als Lernsprache Integration). This intensive programme runs alongside the regular curriculum and typically lasts one to two years, depending on the student's starting level and progress.
DLI students receive additional hours of German language instruction each week, adapted coursework in content subjects, and regular one-to-one tutoring. The goal is for students to transition fully into mainstream German-medium classes as quickly as possible.
Our university guidance programme begins in 6. Klasse and continues through to 8. Klasse. Students receive individual advice on university selection, application procedures, and personal statement preparation. Recent graduates have been accepted at universities including:
