The 2026/27 school year begins September 7 in , Lower Austria, and Burgenland, introducing a headscarf ban for girls under 14 in public and private schools. Violations carry fines up to 800 euros, though home schooling and off-site events are exempt.
New regulations mandate reintegration measures for suspended students, including support plans and psychosocial projects. Additionally, schools gain autonomy in German language instruction, while 400 institutions receive 800 extra staff via the Chancenbonus.
Structural changes include middle management for larger schools and mandatory perspective talks for at-risk ninth graders. For the first time in October 2026, location-based school performance data will be published using fair student body comparisons.