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St. Gilgen International School

Austria, Salzburg

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees €32,800 - 75,800
Ages 9 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 225
Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Opened 2008
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (MYP), IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum
Taught languages German, Spanish, French, Italian, Russian, Mandarin, English
Typical class size 12
Strengths Outdoor Education, Visual and Creative Arts, Languages
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Community and Service
Stages Primary School, Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

St. Gilgen International School (StGIS) is an IB World School in Austria offering phased curriculum for ages 9 to 18: Primary, Middle (IB MYP) and Senior (IBDP) alongside StGIS Diploma. The Primary Phase emphasizes English and German development with interdisciplinary study and culminates in a UN SDG–linked Primary Exhibition. The Middle Phase uses enquiry-led learning within the IB MYP and includes a Grade 10 Personal Project across eight subject groups. In the Senior Phase, students study six IBDP subjects, complete the Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge and CAS, and graduate with StGIS Diploma alongside CIS and WASC accreditation. Instruction is in English, with German, Spanish and French offered and IB mother tongue options. The lakeside campus sits in UNESCO World Heritage region with mountains and lakes. Facilities include theatre, an art studio, lake-facing Idea Alm with a 3D printer, and boathouse. Mozarteum Pre-College Salzburg provides music lessons and university guidance.

Ischlerstraße 13, 5340 St. Gilgen, Austria

The Essentials

St. Gilgen International School has 225 pupils, typical class sizes of 12, instruction in English.

Location
St. Gilgen International School is located in St. Gilgen, Austria, in the Salzkammergut Alpine region. The campus sits in an alpine village with year‑round outdoor opportunities and access to Salzburg, Vienna, and Munich cultural experiences. It is about 35 minutes from Salzburg Airport, with easy connections via Salzburg, Munich, and Vienna airports, and a dedicated school bus from Salzburg. The area features an UNESCO World Heritage region with 50 peaks, 67 lakes, and 300 km of ski slopes.

Stages
Primary Phase; Middle Phase; Senior Phase.

Type
IB World School.

Pupil Nationality Mix
Nationalities represented: over 35.

Additional learning support
Pastoral network provides personalised care through mentor tutors, houseparents, nurses and teachers. The Medical Center offers care with nurses and visiting therapists, including therapy and psychological support. Mentor Tutoring provides daily check‑ins and small group sessions to help students grow academically and personally.

Country affiliation
Austria.

Bus service
Dedicated school bus from Salzburg.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
Boarding houses Bachwirt, Traube, and Kendler are minutes from campus. They offer en-suite, shared double rooms arranged by age and gender to provide comfort and community. A dedicated boarding team supports a safe, structured environment and the overall wellbeing of boarders.

Uniform Requirement
All students are expected to wear the distinctive school uniform smartly and formally, upholding the school's ethos. The uniform reflects the high standards valued by StGIS.

Food Options
Boarders have breakfast and dinner in boarding houses, while all students receive healthy lunches from local village eateries. Menus feature fresh, locally sourced Austrian and international dishes, with plenty of salads, vegetables, and fruit. Vegetarian and special dietary needs are fully accommodated.

House System
Pupils are assigned to boarding houses Bachwirt, Traube, and Kendler, arranged by age and gender and located near campus. Mentor Tutors and Houseparents provide ongoing support within the house structure. The school offers an Activities Programme with events such as The Dare Adventure Race.

Governance and Ownership
The school is owned by a parent-established foundation, St. Gilgen International School Privatstiftung, since May 17, 2016. Day-to-day operations are managed by St. Gilgen International School GmbH, a non-profit company. The Foundation provides strategic oversight, including governance, long-term planning, and Head of School appointments, with a Board Policy Manual detailing operations.
Fees

Annual tuition at St. Gilgen International School ranges from EUR 32,800 to EUR 75,800 for 2026/27.

Application & enrolment fees and refundable deposit

- Application Fee: EUR 290.
- Enrolment Fee (one-off at contract signing): EUR 2,700.
- Refundable Deposit: EUR 12,000 (boarding student); EUR 6,000 (day student). The Enrolment Fee and Refundable Deposit are due within 10 days of signing the school contract (or at contract signature if signed less than 15 days before the first school day).

Tuition fees by year group (annual) and per term (simple division of annual fee by three)

Note: the per-term figures below are the annual fee divided by three (simple arithmetic). If tuition is paid in three instalments a surcharge of 4% applies to the total. All annual fees are stated in euros.

- Boarding students (annual):
- Grades 7 and 8: EUR 67,500 — Per term (annual ÷ 3, simple division): EUR 22,500.
- Grades 9 and 10: EUR 74,200 — Per term (annual ÷ 3, simple division): EUR 24,733 (rounded).
- Grades 11 and 12: EUR 75,800 — Per term (annual ÷ 3, simple division): EUR 25,267 (rounded).

- Day students (annual):
- Grades 4 and 5: EUR 32,800 — Per term (annual ÷ 3, simple division): EUR 10,933 (rounded).
- Grade 6: EUR 35,400 — Per term (annual ÷ 3, simple division): EUR 11,800.
- Grades 7 and 8: EUR 42,000 — Per term (annual ÷ 3, simple division): EUR 14,000.
- Grades 9 and 10: EUR 48,300 — Per term (annual ÷ 3, simple division): EUR 16,100.
- Grades 11 and 12: EUR 50,300 — Per term (annual ÷ 3, simple division): EUR 16,767 (rounded).

What the tuition covers (examples)

- Boarding students: academic tuition within the published curriculum, accommodation and all meals, sports programme including most sporting trips, afternoon and weekend outdoor education and activities programmes, on‑piste skiing (excluding ski racing), and curriculum day trips; exercise books and loan of library materials are included.
- Day students: academic tuition within the published curriculum, lunch, sports programme including most sporting trips, afternoon outdoor education and activities programme, on‑piste ski pass during the week, curriculum day trips; exercise books and loan of library materials are included.

Not included / additional costs

- School uniform and required sports clothing.
- Laptop computer (students must provide their own).
- External laundry service for private items (official uniform cleaning for boarders is included, not dry‑cleaning).
- Private one‑to‑one tuition or optional extracurricular tuition (e.g., music lessons), major optional trips and expeditions, travel insurance for trips, ski rental equipment, travel to/from school and special escort/booking fees.
- IBDP examination entry fees where applicable (Grade 12).
- Additional courier charges for extra copies of IB Diploma/transcripts: EUR 100 (within EU) and EUR 120 (outside EU) per additional request.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Tuition invoices are issued by April 10 each year. There are three accepted payment options for the published tuition:
- Pay in full by 20 June (no surcharge).
- Pay in full by 20 August with a 2% surcharge on the published tuition.
- Pay in three equal instalments on: 20 June, 20 October, and 20 January; a 4% surcharge applies to the published tuition when choosing this instalment option.
- An early payment incentive is available (2% reduction) if full payment is made by the early payment date noted in the annual fee policy (the policy specifies the early payment incentive date). Invoices must be paid into the school account in full and transaction costs are to be borne by the payer. Late payments are surcharged at 1% per month or part month.
- For late enrolment during the school year the published annual tuition is pro‑rated as follows: start after October break = 80% of published yearly tuition; start after Winter break = 60%; start after March/April break = 40%.

Boarding fees and boarding-specific items

- Boarding annual fees are the boarding student figures listed above (see "Tuition fees by year group"). Boarding fees include accommodation, all meals, on‑site residential care, scheduled activities and most curricular trips as described in the tuition inclusions. The refundable boarding deposit amount is EUR 12,000.

Refunds, deposit return and withdrawal

- Application and Enrolment Fees are non‑refundable.
- The Refundable Deposit will be returned (minus any unpaid invoices or agreed deductions) by the end of August in the year the student departs. Families with multiple children at the school are required to provide the Refundable Deposit only once.
- Notice and withdrawal: the school contract may be terminated in written form by the last day of each term; a one‑term notice period applies. If notice is given by the end of Term 1, 40% of the tuition fee is required; if notice is given by the end of Term 2, 70% of the tuition fee is required (these percentages relate to contractual obligations). If the annual tuition has been paid in full and the correct notice period is observed, refunds of the paid tuition are issued as follows: departure at end of Term 1 — 60% refund of the full paid tuition; departure at end of Term 2 — 30% refund of the full paid tuition. No refunds are granted for distance‑learning.

Payment methods and banking details

- The school requires payment into its bank account and notes that transaction fees must be borne by the payer. Bank details provided by the school are:
- Bank: Raiffeisenbank St. Gilgen. Account holder: St. Gilgen International School GmbH. IBAN: AT23 3505 6000 0006 8585. SWIFT/BIC: RVSAAT2S056.

Late payment consequences and administrative notes

- Tuition fees not paid on time are subject to a surcharge of 1% per month (or part month). The school may withhold reports, transcripts or deny admission to a new school year until outstanding financial obligations are met. The Head of School may suspend a student from classes if fees for a term are not received prior to the start of that term.
Academics

St. Gilgen International School teaches IB (MYP), IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum for students aged 9 to 18.

Curriculum
Curriculum is delivered in three phases: Primary Phase (Grade 5) focuses on English development with interdisciplinary study in English, German, World Studies, Science, Mathematics, The Arts, and Movement & Wellbeing; Primary culminates in a UN SDG–linked Primary Exhibition. Middle Phase (Grades 6–10) follows the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), with enquiry-led learning and a Personal Project in Grade 10, based on a balanced eight-subject framework: Language & Literature (English and German), Language Acquisition (English, German, French, Spanish), Individuals & Societies, Science, Mathematics, Arts, Design, and Movement & Well-being. Senior Phase (Grades 11–12) offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) alongside the StGIS Diploma, with CIS and WASC accreditation; the IBDP core includes the Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge, and CAS, and students choose six subjects from the subject groups. Graduates have access to top universities worldwide, with destinations such as Harvard, Oxford, IE University, Paracelsus University Medical School, Bocconi, Groningen, LSE, King's College London, St Andrews, Imperial College, Stanford, and the University of Vienna, supported by university and careers guidance.

Exam Results
The IB Diploma Programme is scored out of 45 points. Our students consistently perform above the world average and gain entry to top universities.

Higher Education Progression
Graduates go on to universities worldwide, with recent destinations including Harvard University (USA), University of Oxford (UK), IE University (Spain), Paracelsus University Medical School (Austria), Bocconi University (Italy), University of Groningen (Netherlands), LSE, King's College London, University of St Andrews, Imperial College London, Stanford University, and the University of Vienna; university and careers guidance supports each student's path, including help with entrance tests and applications.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school supports social and emotional learning through a dedicated pastoral network of mentor tutors, houseparents, nurses, and teachers, providing personalised care supporting academic, social, and emotional growth. The Pastoral Web fosters belonging, respect, and responsibility. Flourishing Together, through the Summit programme, assemblies, and inquiry days, helps students develop emotional intelligence and resilience.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Beginner English language learners receive support in Primary and Middle Phases; from Grade 10 upward, strong English proficiency is expected.

Mental Wellbeing
The Medical Center provides high-quality care for physical, social, and mental wellbeing, with therapy and psychological support available from visiting specialists twice monthly. Our medical staff works closely with Boarding House Teams and the Student Support Team to ensure comprehensive care for every student.

Safeguarding
The school has a safeguarding framework and a Child Protection Policy; a dedicated pastoral team—Mentor Tutors, Residential staff, Nurses, and the School Counsellor—provides care and protection to students and fosters a safe environment.
Parent Experience

History
St. Gilgen International School was founded in 2008 by Austrian architect Alexander Serda. The historic lakeside campus was once home to writer Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach. The school is governed by a parent-established foundation; ownership transferred on May 17, 2016 to the St. Gilgen International School Privatstiftung, with day-to-day operations managed by St. Gilgen International School GmbH, a non-profit limited company that reinvests surplus into school development. The Foundation provides strategic oversight, guiding governance, long-term planning, head-of-school appointments, and financing; it began with nine founding members in 2016, with additional founders and donors since. A €100,000 endowment secures a lifelong seat on the Advisory Council.

Community
Over 35 nationalities make up the StGIS community in the lakeside town of St. Gilgen, Austria, in a UNESCO World Heritage region. Instruction is in English, with German, Spanish, French and self-taught IB mother tongue options. The program includes sports, arts, and outdoor activities, with weekend trips and cultural visits described for students. Student Life features events such as golf tournaments, HYROX competitions, the Salzburg Marathon, and the Wolfgangsee Challenge, plus trips to Vienna and Munich to engage with Austria's history and culture.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The Advisory Council includes Founders, Parent Association reps, and Betriebsrat (staff council) reps, along with representatives from the St. Gilgen municipality and Salzburg county. The Foundation provides strategic oversight, while day-to-day operations are handled by St. Gilgen International School GmbH. Ownership transitioned to the St. Gilgen International School Privatstiftung on May 17, 2016; the Foundation finances governance and planning. The Executive Board is led by Chair Gert Fahrnberger, Deputy Chair Christian Dreyer, and Tanja Scherb. The Foundation began with nine founding members in 2016 and welcomes new philanthropic members, including a €100,000 endowment securing a lifelong seat on the Advisory Council.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The lakeside campus in St. Gilgen sits in a UNESCO World Heritage region with 50 peaks, 67 lakes and 300km of ski slopes nearby. The historic campus hosts spaces for music, theatre, art and outdoor education. Creative Arts spaces include a theatre in a former village cinema, an art studio in a former auto workshop, and the lake-facing Idea Alm with a 3D printer. A fully equipped boathouse supports water sports, and Mondsee Golf Club is nearby for the golf pathway with winter training at a nearby indoor driving range. Instruction is in English, with German, Spanish, French and self-taught IB mother tongue options, and the school maintains a 5:1 staff-to-student ratio.

Sports Facilities
Students compete in football, volleyball, basketball, golf, tennis, and ski racing through the Danube Valley Athletics Conference (DVAC). A wide range of sports is offered beyond these, including touch rugby, table-tennis, boxing, ultimate frisbee, yoga, and group and individual fitness sessions. Our Mentor Tutor system supports student-athletes in balancing academic responsibilities with training demands. StGIS hosts and participates in events such as golf tournaments, DVAC athletics competitions, HYROX competitions, the Salzburg Marathon, and the Wolfgangsee Challenge. A boathouse and proximity to golf facilities support water sports and golf training as part of the program.

Academic Facilities
Instruction is in English, with German, Spanish, French and self-taught IB mother tongue options. Curriculum is delivered in three phases: Primary (Grade 5), Middle Phase (Grades 6–10) with the IB Middle Years Programme, and Senior Phase with the IB Diploma Programme. The IB Diploma Programme for Grades 11–12 offers six subjects (HL/SL), the Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge, and Creativity, Activity, and Service. The StGIS Diploma is CIS and WASC accredited. The Mozarteum Programme brings Mozarteum University Pre-College Salzburg to StGIS, including weekly private music lessons and related studies. University and Careers Guidance is provided through a dedicated counsellor.

Extra Curricular Facilities
The Activities Programme includes Outdoor Education, Sports, Creative Arts, and Service, Cultural & Academics, with activities on weekday afternoons and Saturdays. Activities are refreshed three times a year to match the seasons, with Grades 6–12 taking part in three activities per week. Outdoor Education offers water sports with a fully equipped boathouse, rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking, rope skills, and seasonal options like horse riding and archery. Creative Arts spaces include a theatre in a former village cinema, an art studio in an industrial-style former auto workshop, and the lake-facing Idea Alm with a 3D printer, with concerts and exhibitions throughout the year. Specialist programmes support music, horse riding, and competitive sports, with sailing and ice hockey among the national-level pursuits and mentoring through the Mentor Tutor system. Mozarteum Pre-College Salzburg provides weekly music lessons and performance opportunities integrated with the Mozarteum Programme.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
St Gilgen International School offers the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP). The Primary Phase emphasizes English and German development with subjects including English, German, World Studies, Science, Mathematics, The Arts, and Movement & Wellbeing. The MYP uses eight subject groups, with Language & Literature in English or German and Language Acquisition in English, German, French, or Spanish. The Senior Phase delivers the IBDP alongside the StGIS Diploma (CIS and WASC accredited); students study at least two languages and complete the CAS, ToK, and EE Core, with a University and Careers Guidance Counsellor to assist with applications and entrance tests.

Arts & Creative
Excellence in Activities goes beyond the classroom with sports, outdoor expeditions, arts, cultural trips, and service. The Activities Programme runs on weekday afternoons and Saturdays, with clubs in Outdoor Education, Sports, Creative Arts, and Service, Cultural & Academics. Staff and external experts lead activities, and many coaches hold lifeguard, climbing, skiing, mountain biking, or powerboating certifications to ensure safe, high-quality experiences. The program includes events and competitions such as the annual Dare adventure race and other DVAC-affiliated activities.

Cultural & Language
StGIS fosters an international community with around 35 nationalities represented on campus. The IB language structure supports multilingual learning, with Language & Literature in English or German (Group 1) and Language Acquisition in English, German, French, or Spanish (Group 2). International-mindedness is cultivated through intercultural understanding and cultural trips, and students have opportunities through Trips and Visits and the International Community to deepen global awareness.

Social & Hobbies
The school offers a broad Activities Programme with clubs in Outdoor Education, Sports, Creative Arts, and Service. Activities run on weekday afternoons and Saturdays for boarders and nearby day students, with choices updated three times a year (September, November, April). Grades 6–12 participate in three activities per week, guided by staff and external experts.

Community & Service
Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) is a core part of the IB Diploma Programme, fostering community engagement and service. Outdoor education and service trips complement academic learning, and students engage in service activities as part of CAS. The pastoral and boarding networks support student wellbeing alongside academic achievement.

Leadership & Professional
A University and Careers Guidance Counsellor supports students through university selection and applications, including preparation for entrance tests such as the SAT, ACT, LNAT, and BMAT. The school also provides a strong pastoral framework with Mentor Tutors, residential staff, nurses, and a School Counsellor to support student development and wellbeing.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Movement & Wellbeing and a comprehensive nutrition program support student health and balance. Outdoor Education offers year‑round adventures on water, land, and snow, including a swim test and a boathouse, with optional instructor certifications. The Summit programme, assemblies, and inquiry days develop emotional intelligence and resilience, and a 1‑2‑1 laptop policy integrates technology into learning while promoting responsible digital citizenship.
Languages

Language Provision
Instruction is in English, with German, Spanish, French, and self-taught IB mother tongue options. Language & Literature is offered in English and German; Language Acquisition includes English, German, French, and Spanish. Self-taught languages are available as IB Group 1 options (e.g., Italian, Russian, Mandarin).
Admissions

Admissions
Stage 1: Written application. Submit a completed application form, school reports from the last three years translated into English and certified if required, a copy of the student's passport, a motivation letter, a recommendation from the current school, and copies of relevant certificates, along with the €290 application fee. All application documents must be submitted in English; rolling admissions are available and placement is typically age-based with flexibility when appropriate. Beginner English language learners receive support in Primary and Middle Phases; from Grade 10 upward, strong English proficiency is expected.
Stage 2: Arrange a visit. The Trial Day lets you explore a typical day at StGIS and includes an interview with the Head of School, a guided campus tour, placement tests in English and Mathematics, and attendance in regular classes; boarding applicants may overnight in the boarding house. Primary Trial Days can be arranged on most days, with a dedicated Primary Open Day recommended.
Stage 3: Contractual documents. Tuition invoices are issued in line with the agreed start date and must be paid in full before the student begins. To complete enrollment provide a signed school contract and Power of Attorney; proof of tuition payment; a valid health insurance policy in Austria; a copy of the passport; birth certificate translated into English or German; photographs in accordance with EU passport photo guidelines. A full copy of the Admissions and Fee Policy is available upon request or after submitting a completed application.

Scholarships
Show us your best. St Gilgen International School offers a generous scholarship program for exceptional students. Most scholarships granted are partial; full scholarships are extremely rare and awarded only for truly exceptional applicants. Scholarships are reviewed annually by the Head of School; Applications must be submitted no later than mid-March; Scholarships can only be awarded upon first entry to the school, or in cases of an extreme change in circumstances.
School Events
The school has not added events
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