meinmorgen

Social worker

Social workers support people in difficult situations, such as young people, families or people without a home. They advise, arrange help and know the right places to go.

Typical tasks

  • holding counselling sessions and looking for solutions together
  • helping with applications and dealing with authorities
  • supporting families and young people over a longer period
  • working with schools, public offices and other organisations
  • documenting cases and planning support

Where people work

Social workers work in child and youth welfare, schools, youth centres, advice centres, hospitals, homeless services and associations.

A good fit if

  • you want to help other people
  • you are a good listener and can handle difficult conversations
  • you stay calm when things get emotional
  • you are interested in society and living together

Education pathways in Austria

In Austria you need the Matura (school-leaving exam), for example at an AHS (academic secondary school) or another upper secondary school, and then study social work at an FH (university of applied sciences). In Germany the equivalent is the Gymnasiale Oberstufe (Abitur) and a degree at a Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaften, in Switzerland the Gymnasium (Maturität) and a degree at a Fachhochschule.

AHS-Oberstufe (Gymnasium)
General education with Matura as the basis for university. 4 years
Fachhochschule (FH)
Practice-oriented degree, often with an internship. 3-year bachelor

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 the degree take?

The bachelor's degree in social work at an FH usually takes three years.

Do my languages help?

Yes. If you speak several languages, you can talk directly with more people. That is very valuable in social work.

How can I try it out?

Volunteering at a youth centre or with an association is a good start.

Similar careers

  • Teacher

    Teachers prepare lessons, explain, guide classes and are often also someone to turn to with worries.

  • Early childhood educator

    Early childhood educators support children in kindergarten as they play, learn and grow up.

  • Physiotherapist

    Physiotherapists help people regain movement and ease pain after injuries, operations or illness.

  • Journalism and content

    Journalists research, check facts and tell stories in text, video or podcasts.

Which careers suit you?

Find careers that suit you