High School in Austria
CLASSIC • AGE 15-18
You don’t have to be skier to love Austria. But if fresh powder and well prepared slopes is your thing then Austria will be your kind of heaven. There are mountains and lift systems everywhere and they are often close to the cities.
High School Classic
High School Classic is the traditional high school exchange programme, chosen by most of our students. It is the perfect programme for those who long for a genuine high school experience abroad and who are willing to embrace all the surprises it can bring. Here’s how it works: based on your profile, we find you a suitable host family and school, and the best part is, it can be anywhere in Austria, from the peaks of the Alps to the banks of the Danube! If you’re open to adventure and are willing to let yourself be surprised by your exchange experience, this is the programme for you.
High school exchange – all you need to know
✅ Explore all our destinations!
✅ Find the program that fits your goals
✅ Costs, timelines & key details
✅ How to apply
Music is important
Winter sports aren’t everything, though. Austria is also famous for its musical history, such as Mozart’s years in Salzburg. Music is still a big deal, not the least in all the music oriented schools. You will also notice that all the cozy villages seem to have their own big orchestras. If you sing or play an instrument, there are plenty of opportunities for you to develop your talent during an exchange year in Austria.
Postcard beauty
Austria is one of the world’s most secure countries and a favorite among tourists. The country is full of postcard beautiful scenery and cities and villages with amazing architecture. Bring your skis or your instrument, or both, and grab the chance to live here and see it all for yourself!
Population: Nearly 9 millon
Area: 83 856 km2
Capital: Vienna
Language: German
National holiday: October 26
Highest mountain: Grossglockner, 3 798 m
Country code: +43
School life in Austria
Sprechen Sie Deutsch? Do you speak German? You don’t need any grades in German to become an exchange student in Austria, but some basic knowledge and a curious mindset is recommended. You will learn a lot by just living in Austria, but if you’ve studied the language before you will get the most out of the education.
Your year in an Austrian school
If you like music or sports
If you have a particular interest in music, economics or sports, please let us know. There are many high schools in Austria with a certain specialisation. We will try our best to find a school that fits your interests.
Gemütlichkeit awaits you!
Austria is famous for its conviviality, locally known as Gemütlichkeit, and you will be heartily welcomed by your warm and carefully selected host family. Our families live all over the country, meaning you may be placed in a bigger city or in a smaller, rural village.
You will spend a lot of time with your family and get to know the country through their daily life. Food is always an important part of the culture and while living in Austria you will probably be served some traditional dishes. Wiener schnitzel, sachertorte and apple strudel are some of our favorites!
Follow our students on Tiktok
Quick facts
Who can go: 15–18 years on arrival
Departure month: January/August/December
Language requirements: Basic German knowledge
Visa: Yes
Prep course: STS Welcome Camp included
School year: September–July
School day: Usually 08.00 – 14.00
Subjects: Compulsory and optional
Free time in Austria
Austria is a country with majestic nature and lots of outdoor activity options. Exactly what’s on offer for your free time depends on the size and location of your town or village. On the weekends families often go hiking, trekking or skiing in the mountains. Be prepared to improve your downhill skills. You might even get the chance to visit a famous ski resort such as St Anton.
If you don’t want to spend all your time on the slopes, there will of course be other things to do as well. Some popular activities can be table tennis, fencing, riding and swimming. There will probably be lots of days when you just take a stroll with your friends and visit a café. The country has a great café culture.
Activities with your school
The location of Austria makes it great for travelling. Many schools arrange trips for their students. Seize the opportunity and join your new friends on travels to France, England and the Alps.
Want to sing or play an instrument? Well, you’ve come to the perfect place. Music is important in Austria and you will have great opportunities joining a choir or an orchestra – in school or outside.
STS activities in Austria
Throughout the year in Austria, we will arrange activities and excursions for our exchange students. You can join us on a trip to St. Gilgen-Salzburg, Hallstadt, Snowboard trip or a weekend to Vienna. Your local contact person will provide you with information about travel dates and costs connected to the different activities.
STS Welcome Camp in Vienna
What's included
Journey to host country and back (including flight taxes)
Accommodation in a host family
Full board in a host family
School spot in a local high school
Personal assistance and contact person in both home and host country
STS Welcome Camp
Pre-departure orientation in your home country
Emergency support 24/7
Add-ons
Would you like a little more control over your high school exchange, or prepare yourself a little extra? With our add-ons, your dreams may become reality.
Special Request ($ 600)
Special Request
Do you have a special request concerning your exchange? A certain town you want to stay in, a favorite subject you want to study, a sport you want to continue to practice or try out, or something completely different. You name it, we will try to arrange it! The sky is the limit.
If we can fulfill your request, you pay an additional fee. If not, there is no charge.
Preparatory language course – German ($ 1 600)
Prepare yourself for the best year of your life!
Are you going on an exchange year to a German-speaking country? Prepare yourself with our digital language course! It’ll help you master the language faster once you’re there and make it easier to understand what your new friends, host family and teachers are saying right from the start.
Designed to prepare you for your exchange year, this course is perfect for those who want to start practising the language as soon as possible. You will gain confidence in the language, get the tools to face the challenges of studying abroad and increase your awareness of different cultures.
The course is digital and includes a total of 15 hours.
Prices
For you that wish to stay shorter than 5 or 10 months we also have shorter programme lengths. Please call us!
| Length | Period | Year | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 months | August | 2026 | From $18,500 |
| 10 months | August | 2026 | From $19,500 |
| 5 months | January | 2027 | From $18,500 |
| 5 months | August | 2027 | From $18,500 |
| 10 months | August | 2027 | From $19,500 |
| 5 months | January | 2028 | From $18,500 |