Software developer
Software developers write programs, apps and websites and solve tricky logical problems along the way. They plan how a piece of software should work, build it in a team and keep improving it.
Typical tasks
- understanding requirements and working out how to implement them technically
- writing and reviewing code in programming languages
- testing programs and fixing bugs
- coordinating with designers and other developers in the team
- maintaining and further developing existing software
Where people work
Software developers work in IT companies, in the IT departments of banks, industry and public administration, in agencies or as freelancers. Part of the work can often be done from home.
A good fit if
- you like thinking problems through logically
- you are interested in computers not just for gaming but also in how they work
- you work carefully and are patient when looking for bugs
- you can at least read English or want to learn it
Education pathways in Austria
In Austria you can get into this job through an HTL (higher technical college) specialising in IT or software development, a degree at an FH (university of applied sciences) or a computer science degree at a university. If you prefer to learn on the job straight away, a Lehre (apprenticeship) in application development is another way in. In Germany the equivalent is the Fachoberschule Technik, a Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaften or a university, in Switzerland the Berufsmaturität Technik, a Fachhochschule or a university or ETH.
- HTL (Höhere Technische Lehranstalt)
- Matura and technical vocational training in one. 5 years
- Fachhochschule (FH)
- Practice-oriented degree, often with an internship. 3-year bachelor
- 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.
- HTL PinkafeldHTL, 7423 Pinkafeld, BurgenlandCollected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
- HTL MössingerstraßeHTL, 9020 Klagenfurt, KärntenCollected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
- HTL MödlingHTL, 2340 Mödling, NiederösterreichCollected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
- HTL LeondingHTL, 4060 Leonding, OberösterreichCollected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
- HTL SalzburgHTL, 5020 Salzburg, SalzburgCollected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
- HTL BULME Graz-GöstingHTL, 8051 Graz, SteiermarkCollected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
- HTL AnichstraßeHTL, 6020 Innsbruck, TirolCollected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
- HTL DornbirnHTL, 6850 Dornbirn, VorarlbergCollected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to be very good at maths?
Logical thinking matters more than arithmetic. Some areas, such as graphics or data analysis, do need more maths.
Can I start while I am still at school?
Yes. With free learning environments you can build small projects. That also helps with applications.
Do I need a degree?
Not necessarily. Many people start through an HTL or an apprenticeship. A degree does open extra doors, for example in research.
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