Final examinations in English instruction schools will now be conducted in English, mirroring assessments in other languages. A new ‘Final Work’ replaces the pre-scientific work, allowing for diverse project formats. Students can utilize AI tools, and options for Matura examinations in sign language are introduced. Additionally, vocational middle schools will eliminate final works, while vocational higher schools will maintain diploma theses with AI disclosure requirements.
Final Examination Changes in English Instruction Schools
In educational institutions where English serves as the primary language of instruction, students will now have the opportunity to complete their final examinations in English, paralleling the structure of assessments in German or minority languages, rather than as a foreign language Matura. Additionally, the recent regulations detail the implementation of a new ‘Final Work’ that will take the place of the pre-scientific work (VWA).
Innovations in Final Work Requirements
In 2022, legislation was introduced to expand the offering of English as a language of instruction in higher education settings. Pilot programs have since been integrated into regular school systems, culminating in the ability for students to graduate using English as their language of instruction. This advancement also allows students to write their final work in English, which must be presented and discussed in the same language. Furthermore, for mathematics examinations, materials will now be provided in both German and English, ensuring that oral exams are conducted primarily in English, except in other languages.
The recent decree from Education Minister Martin Polaschek (ÖVP) outlines that the requirement to complete a VWA has been removed. Instead, students will undertake a ‘final work at a pre-scientific level’ which may take the form of research, creative, or artistic projects, complete with presentation and discussion components.
Students may opt for written work that employs advanced techniques beyond simple reproduction, and they may document their research or creative processes through various media formats. The guidelines for these projects remain somewhat broad, allowing for flexibility in students’ approaches. Ideas discussed during the requirements presentation included video reports, podcasts, and multimedia projects.
The use of AI tools, as noted by Polaschek in support of abolishing the VWA, is permitted, provided that it is properly acknowledged. Until the academic year 2028/29, students can choose to take an additional written or oral Matura examination instead of completing the final work, with notifications required by January 15 of their seventh-grade year. The submission timeline for the final work remains consistent with the previous VWA requirements, being due by the end of the first week following the semester break in eighth grade.
Another significant update allows for a Matura in sign language. This year, both deaf and hearing students have the opportunity to take Austrian sign language (ÖGS) as an alternative to traditional second languages such as Latin or Greek. This Matura option will be fully implemented over the next few years as part of the ongoing reform.
Moreover, for school-autonomous subjects, students will now have the chance to graduate in writing, contingent upon attending a specified number of instructional hours, a process that has previously been limited to oral examinations.
It is also important to note that final works at vocational middle schools (BMS) will be entirely eliminated. Conversely, the diploma thesis at vocational higher schools (BHS) will maintain its current format, although it must now also include a disclosure regarding the use of AI applications.