Overview
Danube International School Vienna (DISV) is a school that aims to be a world leader in international education and that is ‘striving for excellence, engaging minds and exciting learners’. In order to achieve our aims we offer the Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma Programmes of the International Baccalaureate Organisation to students aged from three to nineteen.
We are a non-sectarian, non-denominational school that welcomes students of all nationalities. In our admissions policy, we aim to maintain the diversity of students and encourage the multicultural atmosphere within the school. We welcome potential students who are motivated, internationally minded and academically capable of benefiting from our academic programmes.
The priorities for admission if a grade is oversubscribed are as follows:
- Students with siblings in the school.
- Students with a parent or sibling who had attended DISV.
- International students.
- Students with parents who are members of DISV staff.
- Students for whom the alternative of an Austrian school is unrealistic (for example, someone having already attended English speaking schools and cannot speak German).
- Students entering in September and committing to remain for at least one academic year.
- Students with the earliest application date.
A child may be accepted into a grade if he or she is of age before the 1st September. Students are assigned to instructional groups primarily on the basis of age.
However, factors such as previous records, measured aptitude and achievement, physical and emotional development and other relevant details are also considered.
The final decision rests with the Director. A six week trial period in the grade, to which the student is assigned, is mandatory.
We require all applicants to complete Part A and B application forms to the fullest.
The school requires student records in English or German.
School reports not in these languages should be translated into English before a student is accepted. These records include reports, transcripts, results of standardised tests and any reports by a counsellor or psychologist.
The School reserves the right to contact the applicant's previous school prior to acceptance.
Whenever possible, applicants are invited to attend an interview with the Director or a Principal before acceptance. In some cases, an interview is required as part of the admissions process. This meeting helps us get to know the student better and ensures that Danube International School Vienna is the right fit for their learning journey.
There is no entrance test.
The Secondary School utilises a Cognitive Aptitude Test to help place students in mathematics and English.
The other languages (German, French or Spanish) in the school may require additional placement testing in order that students are placed in the appropriate teaching groups.
After all the admissions procedures have been followed and application fee payments have been made, then the application will be considered. Decisions will be given in writing.
If, in the judgment of the school, an applicant meets all criteria and space is available, acceptance will be unconditional. However, under some circumstances, a conditional acceptance may be offered. The conditions of acceptance will be clearly stated.
An applicant is only guaranteed a place at the school once the non-refundable enrolment fee payment has been made.
The school reserves the right to deny admission or re-enrolment to any applicant if, in its opinion, there were reasons to believe that admission or re-enrolment would not be in the best interest of the applicant or the School. Please note that a re-enrolment fee also applies to students who have previously been in the school.
The school also reserves the right to postpone admission if a class is full or if the additional student will cause an imbalance in the class profile for reasons of gender, learning needs, nationality, language or culture. In these cases, the applicant is placed on a waiting list. The qualified applicants are then accepted subject to the above admission priorities.
A student may be admitted to the school at any time during the school year (if places are available).
We offer IB Diploma scholarships for high-achieving students entering Grades 11–12, who are unable to afford the school fees.
We are now accepting applications for the next academic year.
→ The deadline for scholarship applications is 1st March.
Scholarship students do not pay regular school fees, but are responsible for:
- IB examination fees (approx. €850–€900)
- Field trips, special equipment (e.g. graphic calculator)
Other incidental expenses
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Outstanding academic achievement and English proficiency
- Commitment to the IB philosophy and international-mindedness
- Leadership, initiative, and community involvement
- Curiosity and awareness of global issues
→ Scholarships are available only to students who could not otherwise afford tuition.
Living in Vienna
While DISV is not a boarding school, students from outside Vienna are welcome. We can recommend local boarding facilities. All students under 18 must have a local guardian who can act in loco parentis and visit the school when needed.
Send your application by email to
You should include:
- A letter explaining your academic history and reasons for applying, personal interests and career goals
- Copies of the last three years of school reports
- Two reference letters (one from a current teacher)
- Parent support letter