Vienna opens registration for free tutoring

Registration for Vienna’s free learning support programme opened on Monday, with courses starting on 19 October, ORF reports. The winter semester will offer 1,055 courses for up to 10,550 pupils in German, mathematics and English, as well as support for children who are learning German.

The courses are for primary school pupils and students in lower secondary education, including middle schools and the lower grades of academic secondary schools. About 890 courses, with places for up to 8,900 pupils, are available each semester for lower secondary students. They usually take place once a week at around 100 schools and cover German, mathematics, English and “Deutsch Start”, for pupils new to learning German.

Primary school pupils can choose from about 165 courses, with up to 1,650 places each semester. The 90-minute sessions cover German, mathematics and “Deutsch Start” and take place at 14 Vienna adult education centres, using age-appropriate and play-based methods.

For pupils needing help at short notice, 13 drop-in learning stations at adult education centres offer support with homework, test preparation and schoolwork questions in German, mathematics and English. Students can attend without registering, switch subjects during the day and stay until their questions have been answered.

The programme has supported children and young people for more than 10 years. A 2025 evaluation cited by the city found that many participants reported greater confidence, a more relaxed approach to school and new friendships. Families also benefited from financial and organisational relief, according to the city.

Herbert Schweiger, chief executive of the Vienna Adult Education Centres, said the programme combines subject support with enjoyment of learning and gives pupils a place to ask questions and build confidence in their abilities.