Austria
Graz
Graz is the capital of the Austrian federal state of Styria and the second largest city in the country, with a population of around 303,000 at the beginning of 2024 (Statistik Austria, 2024). The Graz metropolitan area, which also includes surrounding municipalities, has a population of around 660,000. The city is administratively divided into 17 districts, which together form the municipal district. Graz has a diverse population structure: around 26% of residents are foreign nationals and around 31% have a migrant background, reflecting the city's increasing internationalisation (Statistik Austria, 2024). The gender distribution is relatively balanced, with women making up around 52% of the population. Known for its well-preserved old town, which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a thriving creative industry, Graz combines historical charm with a dynamic economy and a strong education sector.
Education in Graz
Graz is one of Austria’s major education hubs, offering a broad spectrum of academic and vocational pathways. The city hosts several secondary schools, including general (AHS), technical (BHS), and vocational (BMS) institutions. Detailed city-specific secondary school numbers are limited, but the regional education system accommodates thousands of pupils in both full-time schooling and Austria’s dual apprenticeship system, which combines classroom learning with practical training. In higher education, Graz boasts four universities, two universities of applied sciences, and two universities of teacher education. Roughly 61,000 tertiary students are enrolled in the city, with the University of Graz and Graz University of Technology as leading institutions (UNESCO Creative Cities Network, 2024). The city also emphasizes lifelong learning, with about 16.9% of Styrian adults engaged in continuing education (Eurostat, 2024).
Youth in Graz
Graz benefits from relatively low youth unemployment compared to both national and EU levels. In 2024, the youth unemployment rate (ages 15–24) in Styria, which includes Graz, stood at approximately 9.3% (Eurostat, 2024), well below the EU average of 14.8%. The NEET rate (youth not in employment, education, or training) was 7.6% in Styria, also below the EU average of around 11% (Eurostat, 2024). To further support young people, Graz offers a range of programs that include apprenticeships, vocational guidance, skills development, and close partnerships between educational institutions and regional industries, particularly in sectors like green technology, engineering, and creative industries. These initiatives aim to ensure young residents are well-prepared for the evolving labor market.
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