School year begins with increased staffing in North Rhine-Westphalia and Burgenland

The 2026/27 school year has commenced across various German and Austrian regions, marked by significant staffing updates and enrollment figures.

In North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, the state reports its highest level of school personnel since the 1970s. Approximately 12,600 more people are working in schools compared to the start of the current legislative period in June 2022. This includes an increase of 10,410 full-time positions in pedagogical roles such as teachers, school psychologists, and social workers. The state budget for 2027 proposes record investments of 44.4 billion euros for education, including 1,300 additional teaching positions to support primary, all-day, and inclusive education.

In Burgenland, Austria, more than 33,000 students are beginning the new academic year. There has been a notable increase in students attending secondary schools (AHS and BMHS), resulting in the creation of 16 additional classes. While the region faces a demand for teachers in special education, inclusion, mathematics, and creative subjects, officials stated that all planned positions are currently filled and no school closures are planned.