Danube International School

Vienna, Austria

About Danube International School: Danube International School Vienna (DISV) is a well-established IB World School. It boasts a diverse student body representing over 60 nationalities. With a reputation for a supportive and innovative learning environment, DIS offers competitive salaries and benefits, making it an attractive option for experienced teachers.

School Mission: To nurture each learner’s potential in a challenging and supportive academic community, fostering student success and global citizenship.

School Vision: To empower each individual in a positive and inspiring learning community that cultivates creativity, innovation and agency. 

Head to the school’s website for further details and job vacancies.

ITF Review
(Based on Independent Research)

Would you recommend this school to other teaching families?

Yes – Danube International School is a strong option for teaching families. It offers competitive salaries, family tax benefits, and access to Austria’s excellent public healthcare system. While housing costs can be high, the overall package provides a supportive environment for teachers and their families.

Overall compensation package rating

Teachers receive a strong compensation package, with salaries that are competitive for Europe and decent benefits. Families benefit from Austria’s generous tax concessions and family allowances, which help offset the city’s relatively high living costs. Bear in mind that housing in Vienna can be expensive.

Tuition benefits

Teachers are eligible for a 100% fee remission for children to attend the school.

Housing

There is no housing allowance provided by the school.

Flights

A flight allowance is provided at the start of placement only for teachers and their dependents.

Healthcare

At Danube International School, teachers are covered through Austria’s public healthcare system via the E-Card. This provides access to doctors, hospitals, and dental care. This means medical coverage is public rather than private, but Austria’s healthcare system is high-quality, comprehensive, and affordable.

Adjustment for kids

This school is a nice size for families with around 500 students spread across all age levels. The majority of students are international, with over 60 different nationalities represented.

Average class sizes

Class sizes average around 18 students, with slightly smaller classes for older students.

Teaching experience required

You’ll need two years minimum teaching experience and must be a qualified teacher to work at this school.

Curriculum

International Baccalaureate (PYP, MYP, IB)

Retirement/pension benefits

Based on our research, teachers are enrolled in Austria’s state pension and social security system through the school. This isn’t paid out as a lump sum when leaving the country. But, contributions can often be transferred or recognised under EU and international agreements, helping build retirement benefits elsewhere.

School history & stability

Danube International School was founded in 1992.

Danube International School – Additional Benefits

  • Relocation allowance
  • High quality of life in Vienna
  • Public healthcare coverage
  • Family tax allowances can make your salary go further

What Teachers are Saying About Danube International School

Teachers and students at this school are fantastic. You’ll find collaborative colleagues who are easy to work with. And the school is located in a beautiful location of Vienna.

EX INTERNATIONAL TEACHER AT DVIS

Be aware that although the salary looks ok, you’ll lose a lot of it to tax and the state pension fund. Many staff have found it challenging to live on and it’s difficult to travel and save. There’s also no real support with finding a home and settling in.

EX TEACHER, DISV

Vienna is absolutely beautiful. There’s always lots going on and it’s very family friendly. The are expat groups and lots of opportunities to socialise. The health care is good, transport is excellent, and the sheer volume of parks and outdoor places is fantastic. I can’t recommend the city enough.

TEACHER IN VIENNA
  • Busy pedestrian street in Vienna's historic centre, with a view of St Peters Church, Austria
  • Schonbrunn Palace, Vienna in Austria on a sunny day - what you might choose to visit if you teach at Danube International School
  • A horse drawn carriage with tourists in Vienna

Safety, Adaptability & Cost of Living

  • Safety: High – Vienna is one of Europe’s safest cities, with low crime rates and a very family-friendly atmosphere. Many expat families live in central districts near the school such as Leopoldstadt (2nd District), or quieter, residential areas like Landstraße (3rd District) or Döbling (19th District), all of which offer good housing options and easy access to parks.
  • Adaptability: Strong – With a large international community and English widely spoken, Vienna is welcoming and straightforward for expat families. Learning some German can make daily life smoother, but most newcomers adapt quickly. Families can enjoy plenty of green spaces, top cultural attractions, music, cafés, and nearby mountains for hiking and skiing.
  • Cost of Living: High – Housing, especially in desirable districts close to international schools, can be expensive. Groceries and public transport are more affordable, and the quality of public services is excellent. Many families find that with careful budgeting, Vienna’s high standard of living is well worth the cost.

General Overview for Teaching Families

Danube International School Vienna is a well established private international school, founded in 1992. It’s home to about 500 students from over 60 nationalities, offering the full International Baccalaureate continuum (PYP, MYP, and DP). Instruction is in English, with German also taught, and the school is known for its inclusive, supportive environment that encourages academic achievement alongside creativity and global citizenship.

DISV emphasises student well-being and community. With small class sizes, a diverse student body, and a central location in Vienna’s 2nd District, the school combines academic rigour with a welcoming atmosphere. Students benefit from a broad co-curricular programme, leadership opportunities, and strong pastoral care.

For teachers, DISV offers competitive salaries for Europe, relocation support, health coverage through Austria’s excellent public system, and family tax benefits that make living in Vienna more affordable. Professional development is supported, and the city itself provides an exceptional quality of life, with a strong international community, reliable public transport, and family-friendly neighbourhoods near the school.

Do you currently teach at DISV? Please get in touch with us to share your story or complete our teacher survey to tell us more.

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