Professional Baccalaureate
Students who commence their basic vocational training with an advanced federal certificate, i.e. who have obtained an apprenticeship and signed an apprenticeship contract or have completed vocational training with an advanced federal certificate, are entitled to attend a vocational Matura school.
Instruction covers six basic subjects, specialist career subjects (technical, commercial, design, scientific, health and social studies) and a supplementary subject. The vocational Matura is obtained in parallel with vocational basic training at a vocational middle school or, following completion of vocational basic training, in the form of a full-time apprenticeship (2 semesters) or on a part-time basis (3 to 4 semesters).
Those with a Matura can also do the Professional Baccalaureate provided that they have at least one year's practical experience. The Professional Baccalaureate affords examination-free entrance into colleges of higher education.
