Independent private schools with their own organizational statute in accordance with §14 of the Private Schools Act

Independent private schools with their own organizational statutes according to § 14 of the Private School Act benefit from a continuously open funding opportunity, which is managed through recognized umbrella organizations. Targeted support is provided to secondary level I and II schools that do not receive state subsidies for personnel expenses and instead cover their costs through this special grant. Eligible for funding are non-profit sponsors with public law status whose annual tuition fees do not exceed the OECD average of approximately €8,000. Alternative pedagogical concepts as well as the use of quality management instruments (QIS) are among the central funding requirements, as are transparent financial management and the assurance of the economic viability of the respective umbrella organization. The funding aims to raise the performance and educational level of the students and to strengthen the diversity of private educational institutions in Vienna in the long term.

For the application process, umbrella organizations must submit a form provided by the Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research along with current student numbers. Applications have been able to be submitted continuously since January 1, 2013, without any deadline restrictions. By granting subsidies, private middle and higher-level schools are enabled to maintain their organizational statutes while professionally implementing alternative educational approaches. Thus, the funding contributes to a pluralistic school landscape in Vienna and strengthens non-profit sponsors characterized by a willingness to innovate and transparent structures.