The twoyear basic vocational course with federal certificate should lead to a fully-fledged profession. Holders of a federal certificate of basic vocational education can also transfer to a three or four year vocational education leading to a federal certificate of vocational maturity. Abilities that have already been acquired can be credited. Transferability is regulated in the respective regulations. Graduates of the two year vocational education can also attend vocationally orientated further education courses.

 

Higher vocational education
Individuals in possession of a federal certificate of vocational maturity can attend vocationally orientated further education courses or undergohigher vocational education (vocational exams and higher professional exams as well as universities of applied sciences).

Universities of applied sciences
The vocational Matura allows for working but provides admission to courses at universities of applied sciences. Admission to universities of applied sciences (FH) is free of examination, if the vocational Matura has been attained combined with a job related to the course. Holders of a vocational Matura without general professional education in a job related to the course are admitted without examination if they can prove at least one year's work experience. Holders of a vocational Matura may also study at a university by passing an additional examination. Additional examinations cover the following topics: first national language, second national language or English, maths, natural sciences as well as humanities and social sciences. The decision on admission is made by the university in question.