The long-awaited new examination regulations for Austrian academic secondary schools (AHS) introduce a new format for the English Matura. At schools where English is the language of instruction, students will be able to complete the Matura in English at a native level—not as a foreign language exam, but similarly to how the exam is conducted in German or for minority languages. The regulations also provide details on the implementation of the new “Final Project,” which will replace the previous pre-scientific paper (VWA). In 2022, the legal framework was created to offer English more frequently as a language of instruction in higher schools, and subsequent pilot projects were integrated into the regular school system. This new Matura option in English marks the culmination of these efforts. Additionally, students at English-language schools can now complete their final projects in English, including the presentation and discussion. Furthermore, the math Matura must be provided in both German and English at these schools. Oral exams, except those in other languages, must also be conducted primarily in English.
The regulations, issued by Education Minister Martin Polaschek (ÖVP), include further details on how the Matura will proceed following the end of the VWA requirement. The new “Final Project at a Pre-Scientific Level (including its presentation and discussion) with a concluding character, particularly in the form of research-based, creative, or artistic work,” will take the VWA’s place.
Similar to previous years, students can complete a written project “that applies work techniques and methods going beyond simple reproduction,” accompanied by a presentation and discussion. Alternatively, they may now submit the results of a “research-based, creative, or artistic” process or its written documentation, including a presentation and discussion.
The project guidelines are somewhat broad, specifying, “A research-based project may take the form of a written report describing applied methods and reflecting on the results, or it may be the outcome of a research process using media formats. In creative or artistic works, acquired skills, design tools, and techniques should be applied, and creativity demonstrated.” At the presentation of the guidelines, examples such as video reports, podcasts, or multimedia products were mentioned.
AI Usage Allowed
The use of AI applications—which Polaschek cited as a reason for abolishing the mandatory VWA—is generally permitted but must be clearly indicated.
Until the 2028/29 school year, students can opt for an additional written or oral Matura exam instead of the final project. Students choosing this option must declare their intention by January 15 of their penultimate school year. The deadline for submitting the final project remains the same as for the VWA: by the end of the first week after the semester break in their final school year.
Sign Language Matura
The new regulations also formalize the possibility of a Matura in Austrian Sign Language (ÖGS). Since early 2023, both deaf and hearing students have been able to study ÖGS as an alternative to a second foreign language, Latin, or Greek, and as an elective subject. The Matura option for ÖGS, which will become available in the coming years, completes this reform.
Moreover, written Matura exams will now be permitted in certain school-specific subjects if students have completed the required hours, while oral exams in these subjects were already possible.
The final projects are being eliminated entirely for middle-level vocational schools (BMS). At higher-level vocational schools (BHS), the diploma project remains unchanged, but a new rule requires that any use of AI applications must be clearly disclosed.
