13 - Austria - Student assessment

Colleges and other training institutions for health occupations

In order to evaluate the knowledge acquired in theoretical instruction, teachers at both the paramedical and the midwifery colleges generally hold examinations for their particular subject (evaluation of students’ examination performance as Very good, Good, Satisfactory, Sufficient and Insufficient), as well as assessing students on an on-going basis in practical training (traineeship periods are evaluated as follows: With distinction, Pass, Fail). A certificate showing the examinations and traineeship periods that were accomplished is issued at the end of every year of training.

After completion of the full training course, the students must sit for a diploma examination which is held by a board of examiners. The overall result, either "With distinction" or "Pass", must be stated in the diploma.

Universities

All courses have to be assessed by the course heads. At universities, students must pass Diplomprüfungen (diploma examinations) after each stage of study (for diploma programmes) and bachelor's and master's examinations for bachelor's and master's degree studies.

According to the 2002 "Universitätsgesetz", the responsible collegiate bodies establish the examination regulations for the different curricula. Provisions governing examination methods and purposes have been abolished, giving universities wide leeway in designing their own rules.

In addition to bachelor's, diploma and master's degree examinations, students must present at least two bachelor's papers during their courses, and a more comprehensive research paper ( Diplomarbeitor master's dissertation). In doctoral studies, students must submit a Dissertation (doctoral thesis). Doctoral studies end with the successful passing of the 'Rigorosum' examination.

There are five assessment grades (marks) which are used to evaluate exams as well as academic and artistic work: Very good (1), Good (2), Satisfactory (3) and Sufficient (4) (for successful completion) and Insufficient (5) (for fails).

Fachhochschulen

There is no general statutory provision on examinations at Fachhochschulen, the examination regulations are established in detail and accredited by the Fachhochschule Council. Fachhochschule master's degree and diploma study programmes end with a Diplomprüfung (diploma examination), consisting of a research paper ( Diplomarbeit) and an examination in front of a board of examiners. For bachelor's programmes at Fachhochschule, students must present independently elaborated course papers (bachelor's papers) and take a final examination in front of a board of examiners.

The assessment grades for examinations and papers at Fachhochschulen are as follows: With Distinction, With Excellent Success, With Good Success, Pass, Fail.

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