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 Oberwart
    AHS, 7400 Oberwart, Burgenland
    Collected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
  • Europagymnasium Klagenfurt
    AHS, 9020 Klagenfurt, Kärnten
    Collected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
  • BG und BRG Baden Biondekgasse
    AHS, 2500 Baden, Niederösterreich
    Collected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
  • Akademisches Gymnasium Linz
    AHS, 4020 Linz, Oberösterreich
    Collected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
  • Akademisches Gymnasium Salzburg
    AHS, 5020 Salzburg, Salzburg
    Collected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
  • Akademisches Gymnasium Graz
    AHS, 8010 Graz, Steiermark
    Collected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
  • Akademisches Gymnasium Innsbruck
    AHS, 6020 Innsbruck, Tirol
    Collected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
  • BG Bregenz Blumenstraße
    AHS, 6900 Bregenz, Vorarlberg
    Collected 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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