The Vienna Chamber of Labour (Arbeiterkammer Wien - AK Wien) particularly supports those being first of their family to start studying or considering this. The start of studies is frequently connected with insecurities, especially if there are no "academic footprints" within your family which you can follow.

Therefore, AK Wien offers information material and presentations on how to make the start and the time of their studies a success.  The message for the acadmic pioneers is: Do not despair, many first-year students are in the same situation as you! Get helpful advice on the organisation of studies, possible funding and much more!

• Further information for academic pioneers is available here (in German)

The University of Vienna enables particularly committed pupils to attend courses even before they finish secondary school. After school graduation, examinations will be recognised for the degree programme. The University of Vienna cooperates with the Zentrum für die Zusammenarbeit von Wissenschaft und Schule (OeAD, Young Science).

In the course of the programme "Pupils go to university" prospective students can attend university courses, pass exams, have an in-depth look at specific areas of interest, get to know a degree programme and shorten their overall study time. Certain degree programmes are open to these young students. Also, they are exempted from the tuition fee and only have to pay the Students' Union fee. Additionally to the participation in this programme, pupils have the possibility of being accompanied by a mentor.

• Further information on the programme (available only in German)
• List with all possible degree programmes (available only in German)

The Zentrum für die Zusammenarbeit von Wissenschaft und Schule (Centre for Cooperation of Science and Schools) offers Austrian pupils diverse possibilities to get in touch and work together with researchers.

Topics for pre-scientific paper/diploma thesis: On the Young Science thematic platform young people can find numerous suggestions for their final papers originating from Austrian research projects, involving reading suggestions and support offered by researchers.

School visits of researchers: In the Framework of the initiative "Young Science ambassadors" researchers from all over Austria voluntarily visit school classes to speak of their everyday work.

Participation in Research projects: Pupils can participate in numerous research projects and Support the sciences, for example by collecting data. Once a year, the Citizen Science Award invites all schools (and those interested in science) to participate in research projects and win prizes.

The Young Science Centre is financed by BMBWF and part of the OeAD-GmbH.

• Further information is available on the Young Science website (in German)