Doctor
Doctors make diagnoses, treat illnesses and support people in difficult moments. The way there is long, and the options afterwards range from a family practice to research.
Typical tasks
- asking patients about their symptoms and examining them
- ordering and evaluating tests such as blood counts or X-rays
- making diagnoses and planning treatment
- prescribing medication or carrying out procedures
- explaining things clearly to patients and relatives
Where people work
Doctors work in hospitals, their own practices, health centres, emergency services, public authorities, research or teaching at universities.
A good fit if
- you are interested in the human body and health
- you want to help people
- you can study a great deal and stick with it
- you stay calm and focused under pressure
Education pathways in Austria
In Austria you need the Matura (school-leaving exam), for example at an AHS (academic secondary school). This is followed by an admission test and a medical degree at a university, and then several years of training in hospital in general medicine or a specialty. In Germany the equivalent is the Gymnasiale Oberstufe (Abitur) and a university degree, in Switzerland the Gymnasium (Maturität) and a degree at a university or ETH.
- AHS-Oberstufe (Gymnasium)
- General education with Matura as the basis for university. 4 years
- Universität
- Academic degree: bachelor, master or diploma. 3 to 6 years
Matching schools in Austria
A selection from our school list. Not every school of this type offers every specialisation, so ask the school directly.
- BG und BRG OberwartAHS, 7400 Oberwart, BurgenlandCollected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
- Europagymnasium KlagenfurtAHS, 9020 Klagenfurt, KärntenCollected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
- BG und BRG Baden BiondekgasseAHS, 2500 Baden, NiederösterreichCollected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
- Akademisches Gymnasium LinzAHS, 4020 Linz, OberösterreichCollected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
- Akademisches Gymnasium SalzburgAHS, 5020 Salzburg, SalzburgCollected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
- Akademisches Gymnasium GrazAHS, 8010 Graz, SteiermarkCollected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
- Akademisches Gymnasium InnsbruckAHS, 6020 Innsbruck, TirolCollected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
- BG Bregenz BlumenstraßeAHS, 6900 Bregenz, VorarlbergCollected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to become a doctor?
The degree takes at least six years. This is followed by several years of training in hospital before you can work independently.
How do I get into medical school?
There is an admission test with limited places. Many people prepare specifically for it, especially in biology, chemistry, physics and maths.
What if I do not get a place?
You can retake the test. There are also related paths, for example nursing, biomedical science or pharmacy.
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