MATURA WITH ADDED VALUE – AN OVERVIEW OF VILLACH’S VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS
A solid education remains a key foundation for young individual’s professional futures. When combined with comprehensive vocational training, it creates the best possible conditions for entering an increasingly demanding job market.
As a city of education, Villach offers a wide range of vocational upper secondary schools (Berufsbildende Höhere Schulen – BHS) that not only lead to the Matura – Austria’s upper secondary school leaving certificate – but also provide practical, career-oriented qualifications. Whether in construction engineering, IT, business, tourism, fashion, art, or healthcare, the educational pathways are as diverse as the career opportunities they open up.
Here you’ll find all the key information about Villach’s vocational schools with Matura at a glance.
FASHION, MEDIA, BUSINESS & ART
The Centrum Humanberuflicher Schulen (CHS) Villach (Villach Centre for Human Vocational Schools) brings together several vocational specializations under one roof. These include the College for Higher Education in Business Professions (HLW), with focus areas such as Health & Social Care or Sports & Nutrition; the College for Fashion Management and Design, whose program replaces the final apprenticeship examination in clothing design; the College for Communication and Media Design, where students learn photography, web design, animation techniques, database management, and programming; and the College for Art & Design, which focuses on creative design and artistic competencies. All programs include a mandatory internship.
The five-year program concludes with the Matura and is designed for students who wish to combine creativity with practical expertise.
CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING, INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE & IT
The Höhere Technische Bundes-Lehr- und Versuchsanstalt (HTL) Villach (Higher Technical Federal Institute for Education and Research) is known for its high-quality technical education in construction engineering, interior architecture, and IT. The wide range of programs spans structural and civil engineering, interior architecture, software engineering, computer science & management, cyber security, and media and systems engineering. After five years, including a compulsory internship, students complete their school-leaving and diploma examination.
In addition, some programs are offered as two-year post-secondary colleges, providing graduates of higher schools or individuals with relevant prior education the opportunity to obtain either the diploma examination or the full school-leaving and diploma examination.
TOURISM & MANAGEMENT
The Kärntner Tourismusschule (KTS) (Carinthian Tourism School) in Warmbad Villach is the leading address in Villach for comprehensive, practice-oriented education in hotel management & IT, international tourism management, and tourism & equine management. As part of the Higher College for Tourism (HLT), students not only earn their Matura but also receive a business education and extensive practical training in gastronomy, hospitality, and tourism. International orientation and hands-on learning are central to the program.
BUSINESS, IT & MANAGEMENT
The Bundeshandelsakademie (BHAK) Villach (Federal Commercial Academy) is a five-year vocational school that combines the Matura with hands-on business education. Graduates receive, among other qualifications, an EU-recognized business diploma, may take the entrepreneurial examination, acquire trade licenses, and gain additional certifications such as SAP credentials, foreign language qualifications, and project management skills.
The school places a strong focus on business, digitalization, and entrepreneurial thinking. Through various specialized tracks – including JusHAK (Business & Law), eBusiness & Multimedia, Start-up & Management, and Sports & Event Management – students are prepared in a practical and career-oriented way for professions in the commercial, economic, legal, and digital sectors.
NURSING & SOCIAL CARE
The Höhere Lehranstalt für Pflege und Sozialbetreuung (HLPS) (College for Nursing and Social Care) of Diakonie de La Tour offers forward-looking education in the healthcare and social services sector. After five years, graduates earn both the Matura and a qualification as a certified nursing assistant – a highly relevant credential with excellent career prospects. Practical training and a wide range of teaching methods are central to the program, ensuring students are optimally prepared for careers in nursing and social care.
ENROLLMENT FOR THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR
Enrollment for the upcoming school year generally takes place during the semester break or until the end of February. Required documents include the completed application form of the respective school, the original school report from grade 8, the birth certificate, and proof of citizenship or, alternatively, a registration certificate for applicants without Austrian citizenship. Applications can be submitted in person at the school office, by post, or in some cases by email. For detailed and specific requirements, it is advisable to consult the individual school websites.
Those wishing to gather more detailed information in advance can attend open house days, which are often offered several times throughout the school year. Many schools also provide trial days, allowing prospective students to gain deeper insight into daily school life and the respective specializations.
VILLACH AS A CITY OF EDUCATION
Villach’s vocational upper secondary schools successfully combine upper secondary education with practical specialization, offering young people a well-rounded education with clear prospects – whether they choose to enter the workforce directly or continue their studies at a university or other higher education institution. With a broad educational spectrum spanning healthcare, business, tourism, fashion, and construction engineering, the city further reinforces its reputation as an attractive center of education.