Relocating to Salzburg, or considering boarding in Austria? Join us on Wednesday, 21 October 2026, 08:00–12:00.
StGIS is an IB day and boarding school for Grades 4–12 on the shores of Wolfgangsee, 35 minutes from Salzburg: ~200 students, ~35 nationalities, a 5:1 student–teacher ratio.
Experience StGIS in action: interactive activities, a range of subjects and a real insight into our everyday school life. The guided tour takes about an hour, with time to meet teachers, students and the admissions team.
Children are welcome. Please register in advance so we can prepare for your visit.
As an authorized IB World School, founded in 2008, we offer the Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme, delivering a curriculum designed to transform lives and open doors to top universities worldwide.
At StGIS, we encourage students to go beyond their limits – guided by exceptional teachers, small class sizes, and personalized support. We nurture curiosity, character, and a lifelong love of learning. Through academics, outdoor education, arts, sports, leadership and service, we shape confident, well-rounded individuals.
We believe in educating both hearts and minds – so our students grow into happy, healthy, and responsible young people, ready to make wise choices and face life with courage.
| Number of students |
230 |
| Number of nationalities represented in the school |
35 |
| Most common nationality |
Austrian |
| Ratio of local students to international students |
3:1 |
| Native English speaking teachers |
Yes. |
| Language support for students not fluent in English |
Intensive English Lessons and English support classes. |
| Additional language classes offered by the school |
German, Spanish, French as well as the facilitation of self-taught language studies, such as Chinese and Russian. |
| Max. number of students per class |
15 |
| Average number of students per class |
12 |
| Does the school employ teaching assistants? |
No. |
| Use of technology in the classroom |
All classrooms have interactive whiteboards. All students have a personal laptop and our school provides tablets. Our Curriculum is digitalised and we use a wide range of programmes and apps. |
| Is the school ready to use virtual classrooms when needed? (e.g. teaching lessons online during emergencies) |
Yes. Our school has used virtual classroom tecnologies during distance learning. Our Curriculum is fully digitalised and our virtual classrooms are set up. |
| Do students practice religion at the school? What religion? |
No. |
| External examinations or assessments available |
IB Diploma |
| Results in these examinations |
Average IBDP score: 34 Points |
| Do teachers assign homework to their students? |
Yes. |
| Approximate hours of homework given |
This is grade and subject dependent. |
| Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation |
Roughly 92% of students attend HE directly after graduation, the rest attend university following a Gap year or civil service year. |
| Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs |
Yes. |
| Learning support offered |
A dedicated learning support team.
|
| The school supports gifted, able and talented students |
A mentor tutor system, which provides individual support to our students.
|
| Student access to education psychologist |
We have a school Nurse and counsellor who can make referrals to an external Psychologist. |
| Entry evaluation for students |
Yes. |
| Brief description of entry evaluation required |
Interview with the Head of School and placement testing for English and Maths. All potential new students are also required to attend a trial day. |
| Waiting list |
In certain grades yes. |
| Deadline for registration (new academic year) |
No deadline. |
| Students can join after academic year begins |
Yes. |
| School start time |
08:00 |
| School finish time |
16:00 (followed by activities) |
| Supervised care before/after school |
Yes - through an activities programme Monday - Wednesday until 17:30. As well as weekend activities. |
| School bus service available |
Yes - only from Salzburg. |
| School provided lunches |
Yes |
| Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc) |
Yes. |
| Uniform required |
Yes. |
| Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
Alpine skiing, archery, canoeing and kayaking, cliff jumping, climbing, glacier hiking, ice skating, mountaineering, mountain biking, sledding, ski touring, showshoeing, stand-up paddle boarding, water skiing, XC skiing, badminton, basketball, golf, gym, horse riding, football, rowing, ski fitness, squash, swimming, tennis, trail running, volleyball, yoga, alpine art, art and design, choir, drama production, classical dancing, singing, music production, photography, astronomy club, lifesaving, Model United Nations, refugee aid projects, student leadership |
| Sports activities included |
Athletics, basketball, touch rugby, football, handball, volleyball, dance, gymnastics, hyrox, boxing, key movement concepts, yoga, health related fitness, nutrition, running, watersports, etc. |
| Sports teams or sport competitions available for students |
Yes |
| Facilities at the school |
Boarding facilities, music house, science lab, design lab, art centre, library, kino |
| Sports facilities at the school |
The outdoors is our greatest facility, as we are located on a lake in the mountains. We also have a bouldering area, grass pitch, indoor fitness areas and softspaces |
| Grades/ages available for boarding |
Grade 7 - Grade 12 |
| Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
St. Gilgen International School is a very young leading co-educational boarding and day school. Founded in 2008, for students between the ages of 9 and 18. StGIS provides a world-class education in an extraordinary natural environment. With a breathtaking Alpine backdrop, the magical lakeside town of St. Gilgen offers charming local traditions, a secure community and an outdoor sports paradise. Combined with the latest teaching methodologies and an inviting international community, this ideal learning environment is perfectly designed to ensure each student thrives. |
| Teaching approach of the school |
Our academic curriculum is divided into three phases: Primary (Grades 4/5), Middle (Grades 6-10) and Senior (Grades 11+12). Our Primary phase is an immersive introduction to international education characterized by experiential interdisciplinary learning and English language development. In Grades 6-10 we offer the IB Middle Years Programme which is focused on acquiring deep knowledge and understanding through enquiry, and in Grades 11 and 12 our students study the globally recognised and externally assessed IB Diploma Programme. |
Our Primary Phase offers a warm welcome to international learning—fostering curiosity, building confidence, and nurturing each young person in a caring and supportive environment.
Small class sizes mean every young person receives personalised care and attention. Our teachers nurture confident, curious learners in a warm, inclusive environment that supports growth at every step.
We build strong foundations and a love of learning. We focus on: Authentic tasks that mirror real-world challenges, Big ideas that connect across subjects, Interdisciplinary learning that helps students apply skills in meaningful ways. Students explore subjects through big ideas, inquiry questions, and interdisciplinary themes– deepening understanding and making meaningful connections: English, German, World Studies, Science, Mathematics, Arts, Movement & Wellbeing.
In the Middle Phase, students gain knowledge while developing creative, critical, and reflective thinking. They learn to apply these skills in real-world contexts, building a foundation for lifelong learning and global citizenship.
These years mark significant personal growth. Our curriculum supports students as they explore who they are – intellectually, emotionally, physically, and ethically – helping them find their place in a complex world.
The IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) offers a flexible, five-year framework tailored to individual needs. It prepares students for the rigour of the IB Diploma Programme, whilst nurturing curiosity and independence. The MYP culminates in the Personal Project – an in-depth, student-driven inquiry in Grade 10. It encourages independent thinking, self-management, and meaningful reflection.
StGIS offers the globally respected IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) for Grades 11 and 12—a rigorous, two-year curriculum leading to the full IB Diploma or individual course certificates. Concurrently, students also complete the StGIS Diploma, a Council of International Schools (CIS) and Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredited high school diploma allowing access to certain universities.
IBDP students are known for their academic strength and personal growth. They: gain deep, well-rounded knowledge, study at least two languages, excel in academic and research skills, reflect critically, engage in creativity, activity, and service, grow physically, emotionally, and ethically.
The IBDP prepares students for top global universities and a wide range of career paths—offering a broad course selection and a truly holistic education.
Austria’s safety and natural beauty make it the perfect place to learn. StGIS, set in the lakeside town of St. Gilgen, is often called the “Hogwarts of the Alps”- and for good reason.
Our breathtaking surroundings offer year-round adventures: skiing, sailing, mountain biking, hiking, rock climbing, and more – all in clean, fresh alpine air.
ust outside Salzburg, students enjoy access to world-class music, theatre, and weekend trips to museums in Vienna and Munich. With easy connections via Salzburg, Munich, and Vienna airports – and a dedicated school bus from Salzburg – StGIS is closer than you think.
Check out the facilities in this interactive virtual tour.
Our dedicated boarding team creates a safe, caring, and structured environment. We support each boarder’s personal growth, wellbeing, and academic journey. We foster confidence, character, and a balanced lifestyle – helping students reach their full potential through structure, trust, and support.
Our boarding houses – Bachwirt, Traube, and Kendler – are just minutes from campus. Originally charming village hotels, they offer en-suite, shared double rooms, arranged by age and gender to provide comfort and community.
Our Boarding Goals: promoting self-management skills, encouraging open minded communication and respectful conversations to increase our awareness of international mindedness, collaborating as a whole boarding community to create a safe environment where we can all feel at home and flourish.
We’re delighted that you’re considering St. Gilgen International School for your child’s education.
Please call or email our Admissions team, with any questions.
We’re looking forward to answering all of your questions and welcoming your family to our school.
