The entrance exam simplifications introduced as a result of the coronavirus pandemic have improved both the pass rate and the grades of high school graduates. On the main date in spring 2022, slightly worse results were achieved than in the first two Corona years – but they were still significantly above the results of the pre-Corona period.
In the years 2017 to 2019, about 85 to 86 percent of the students who took the main date passed the entrance exam. In the first two Corona years, 2020 and 2021, this percentage shot up to around 94 percent each, in 2022 it was slightly less to almost 91 percent – probably also because some of the simplifications were no longer available.
Due to the pandemic, new Matura rules were introduced in 2020. For example, the oral Matura was only voluntary, there were also a maximum of three written exams and the working time for the exams was extended by one hour. In addition to the exam grade, the year grade was also used for the Matura grade.
The largest change is kept
In 2021 and especially in 2022, some simplifications were no longer available. From the Matura date of 2023, scheduled for early May, the “old” Matura rules apply again, but the inclusion of the annual figure, which is probably the biggest change, remains.
Figures generally improved
Incidentally, not only did the success rate rise sharply during the Corona years, the figures in general also improved. Before the pandemic, between 15 and 17 percent of participants passed the entrance exam with excellent results (average grade maximum 1.5 and no “pass” or “fail”, note). In 2020 it was 19 percent, in 2021 24 percent and 2022 21 percent, according to an analysis published on Tuesday by Statistics Austria.
At the AHS, the development of success rates was somewhat less pronounced: between 84 and 86 percent on key appointments before the pandemic, and then between 90 and 92 percent during the pandemic years. At the HBO schools (BHS), the corresponding numbers rose from 85 to 86 percent to almost 97 percent in 2020, 95 percent in 2021 and 91 percent in 2022. On the other hand, the number of benefits at the AHS increased slightly more. than at the BHS.
“Good performance despite the pandemic”
Education Minister Martin Polaschek (ÖVP) said that “comprehensive support measures accompanied the way back to the usual final exams and created the conditions to perform well despite the pandemic”. For this year’s Matura, the ministry “relied on planning certainty and determined early – before the autumn break – which regulations will apply”.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
