Click on the drop down menu below to learn more about our admissions policy.
Admissions Criteria
We consider each application carefully, and admissions decisions are based on a composite of information including the age of the applicant, his/her prior academic performance, comments from references, and the interview with our relevant head of Section (PYP/MYP/IB coordinator).
Primary School assessments are conducted by the Head of Primary School or PYP Coordinator and involve observation in core subjects and social development. Secondary School assessments include a General Admissions Test, an interview with our relevant Head of Section and an (optional) assessment day/trial day Assessments for Secondary School students are conducted by the Head of Secondary School or MYP/DP Coordinator.
Applicant’s Profile
AMADEUS Vienna serves the educational needs of the internationally-mobile community worldwide. Admissions are open to all students who, in the school’s opinion, will benefit from a challenging international English-language education with a focus on Music and Arts which prepares them for higher education and a life of challenge, change, and purpose.
AMADEUS Vienna admits students whose academic, personal, social, and emotional needs can be met by the school’s programme and services, and who can be fully integrated into a mainstream classroom subject to availability at the time of admission.
The type of student we search for is best articulated by the students themselves. They say:
‘If AMADEUS Vienna were a person, they would be:
- Open-minded, diverse, international. S/he is someone who saw the world, a traveler, who saw good and bad.
- Passionate, creative, imaginative, reflective. S/he is connected to both arts and music and is keen to learn.
- Fun, inspirational, risk taker. S/he is not afraid of challenges, but s/he could also be boring. We are not perfect.
- Likes to communicate, and is a good communicator. S/he speaks two or more languages.
- Smart, critical thinker, curious. S/he has her/his own opinions.
- Friendly, non-judgmental, caring. S/he welcomes new people into her/ his life.
- Unique, balanced, colorful. S/he brings something special to the community.’
(AMADEUS Vienna Student Leadership Team, 2019)
Placement Policy
Decisions with respect to initial grade placement, promotion, retention, and continued attendance at AMADEUS Vienna are determined by criteria specific to the age and development of the student.
Annual re-enrolment is contingent upon successful School performance.
Students who are receiving additional support will be reviewed at specific intervals to determine if AMADEUS Vienna can continue to provide for their needs. All students receiving Learning Support will have an annually reviewed Individual Education Plan (IEP).
Placement based on the Date of Birth is reflected below for the school year 2024/2025:
The Head of Primary and Head of Secondary will only approve applications for enrolment and grade placement when all requested documentation is complete. Students are placed at a grade compatible with their age, development, and previous school performance. The first priority is to place a student with the age peer group. Occasionally the School may decide that a student’s best interests will be served by a placement a Grade Level above or below that of their age peers. The School’s decision on Grade Level placements is final.
*Students turning 3 years of age outside the timeframe specified for Early Years 1 may join Early Years 0, and in the following Academic Year, be placed in Early Years 1
Students with Additional Education Needs (AEN)
The AMADEUS Vienna Learning Support Department is able to support a limited number of students. One class can fit in a maximum of one full-time 1:1 AEN specialist.
We can assist and provide for students with mild learning disabilities. If a student requires additional support (including but not limited to external assessments, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, a personal assistant, or tutors) services are at the parents’ expense.
In order to understand if a child needs learning support, all previous and existing documents and evaluations of the student’s special needs must be submitted with the application.
Language requirements and English as an Additional Language (EAL) Programme
We align our decision-making with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Generally, we expect our students’ proficiency to match the English levels below.
For students who have been assessed as requiring support during the admissions process, AMADEUS Vienna provides additional English instruction. If necessary, students may be required to take an intensive EAL (English as an Additional Language) course for approximately the first two months of the school year. The decision is made by the Head of Section and the EAL Coordinator. Information is shared with the family at the time of application.
Based on students’ current proficiency level in English, students are placed in the Intensive, Intermediate, or Basic EAL programme.
EAL programme placement is based on various components such as:
- General Admissions Test (written and online assessments)
- recommendations of the previous school
- several other diagnostic testings that have been designed and tailored to AMADEUS Vienna students by our EAL Department, as needed
Diversity/Nationality Mix
AMADEUS Vienna strives to provide a diverse and cultural experience to all of our students. In order to create a balance among our student body, AMADEUS Vienna has a soft target of 20% of each nationality per class and more than 60 different nationalities in total. At AMADEUS we believe in the importance of diversity, inclusion, and solidarity within Education.
Siblings
After having processed all applicants, siblings of AMADEUS Vienna students are given priority over other applicants.
Waiting Lists
If there is no space available in the appropriate class, you may have to be put on the waiting list. The Admissions team will reach out to your family as soon as there is availability again in the desired class and for the desired school year.
Withdrawal
AMADEUS Vienna reserves the right to ask that a student be withdrawn if:
- The student’s best interests cannot be met
- The student’s behaviour is determined to jeopardise the welfare of the school community
- Educationally significant information is withheld from the School
After receiving a withdrawal notification from the family, the family is required to meet with the Head of School for the exit interview.
The family may withdraw by:
1. Submitting the official withdrawal form
2. Meeting the withdrawal deadline or giving a valid reason for sudden withdrawal (see Terms and Conditions)
After receiving a withdrawal notification from the family, the family is required to meet with the Head of School for the exit interview.
We welcome the opportunity for prospective students and their families to visit AMADEUS Vienna and learn more about our unique programme and inspiring school environment. Contact our Admissions team to ask your questions or schedule a tour.