Austria

Cultural, scientific and technical cooperation

French remains the most widely studied foreign language in Austria after English (9.6% of pupils learn it). In view of the importance given to French by the Austrian authorities in their education system, Austria gained observer status at the International Organisation of La Francophonie (IOF) in 2006.

Our cultural relations are especially close. Many French artists, musicians and intellectuals are received regularly in Austria.

Cultural cooperation between France and Austria is carried out by the Institut français in Vienna of which the work is based on the priorities of French cultural diplomacy, including partnerships with Austrian institutions, “Beyond the Walls” events in Vienna and other regions of Austria, and renewal of teaching and communication tools.

The French school (lycée) of Vienna was founded in 1946 and currently has more than 1,900 pupils at all school levels, of whom 39% are Austrian, 41% are French, and 20% are from third countries.

Academic and education cooperation programmes are many and diverse. France is the fifth-most popular destination for Austrian students behind Germany, Switzerland, the United States and the United Kingdom.

In the scientific field, cooperation develops directly between research laboratories and organizations (French National Centre for Scientific Research – CNRS, French Institute of Health and Medical Research – INSERM, French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission – CEA), as well as under the Hubert-Curien Amadeus Integrated Action Plan (IAP). France is Austria’s fifth-largest scientific partner.