What VHS does

VHS (Die Wiener Volkshochschulen GmbH) is the largest adult education institution in the German-speaking region, operating 31 district locations plus 9 specialized facilities across Vienna and serving approximately 2.4 million participations across 270,000+ course offerings annually. Founded in 1888 and reorganized in 2008 as a non-profit limited liability company, it is co-owned by the Verband Wiener Volksbildung (74.9%) and the City of Vienna (25.1%), employing roughly 1,000 staff and engaging approximately 5,000 course instructors. The portfolio spans German-as-a-second-language courses (A1–C2), vocational maturity and university entrance preparation (Berufsreifeprüfung, Studienberechtigungsprüfung, Pflichtschulabschluss), basic literacy and numeracy (Basisbildung), youth coaching, and a broad leisure and professional development catalog. VHS is also a certified ÖIF and ÖSD testing center and delivers specialized publicly-funded programs for migrants, refugees, Roma, ex-offenders, and disadvantaged youth.

The core technology platform is the Moodle-based elearning.vhs.at learning management system, extended by VHS Digital for online courses, webinars, and blended learning with Zoom and BigBlueButton for live sessions; learner management is supported by a MyVHS personal portal and Piwik analytics. The organization complements its public-service mandate with three wholly-owned subsidiaries: Filmcasino & Polyfilm Betriebs GmbH (cinema), Kleine Galerie der Wiener Volkshochschulen GmbH (gallery), and VHS Umweltberatung GmbH (commercial environmental consulting).

Revenue is generated through a mix of unit-priced course fees (with discounts for welfare recipients at €1/UE, sibling discounts of -10%, and free programs such as Wiener Lernhilfe, StartWien, basisbildung, and College 25+), project and program grants from municipal (Stadt Wien, FSW, waff), federal (AMS Wien, Sozialministeriumservice, federal ministries), and European (ESF/ESF+, Erasmus+) funders, plus subsidiary revenues. Distribution occurs via physical classrooms across all Vienna districts, the e-learning platform, partner referrals (schools, AMS), and outreach initiatives (e.g., Sichtbar!), with marketing concentrated on the vhs.at website, email, and social channels.

Name

VHS

Legal name

Die Wiener Volkshochschulen GmbH

Website

https://vhs.at

Company type

Private

Founded year

1888

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

VHS (Die Wiener Volkshochschulen GmbH) is Vienna's municipal adult education provider, operating 31 locations and a Moodle-based digital platform to deliver language, credentialing, integration, youth, and basic-education programs to the city's general public, migrants, and disadvantaged learners, co-owned by the Verband Wiener Volksbildung and the City of Vienna.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Adult Education Services

NAICS

Educational Services (61), Educational Support Services (611710), All Other Schools and Instruction (61169)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Online/Hybrid Lifelong Learning Platforms & Open Enrollment Programs (EDAAAEAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Online/Hybrid ASE Programs & Virtual Classrooms (EDAAABAG), Language Learning Media (Audio Labs, Pronunciation, Interactive) (EDAGALAE), Note-Taking, Reading & Comprehension Strategies (EDANADAC)

Keywords

• Adult education services
• Language courses
• Vocational training
• Continuing education
• Professional development

Headquarters

HQ city

Atlanta

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices12 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Course Fees: Fee-based courses for general public including language courses, professional development, hobby courses. Discounts available for mobility pass holders (1€/UE), social reductions (1€/UE for welfare recipients), and sibling discounts (-10% for children's courses).
2. Government-Funded Projects: Projects funded by public bodies including AMS Wien, Fonds Soziales Wien (FSW), Wiener Arbeitnehmer*innen Förderungsfonds (waff), European Social Fund (ESF), and various federal ministries. These cover employment integration, refugee integration, youth coaching, and basic education programs.
3. Free Educational Programs: Some offerings are free including Wiener Lernhilfe (for Vienna schoolchildren), StartWien integration courses (for asylum seekers), and various basisbildung courses. Funded through ESF, City of Vienna, and federal government.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

VHS (Die Wiener Volkshochschulen GmbH) is the largest adult education provider in the German-speaking world, operating 31 physical locations plus a comprehensive digital learning platform (Moodle-based) integrated with BigBlueButton and Zoom. It delivers language courses (German A1-C2 and other languages), professional credential preparation (Berufsreifeprüfung, Studienberechtigungsprüfung, Pflichtschulabschluss), basic literacy, vocational training, integration courses for migrants/refugees, youth coaching, hobby and personal development courses, and certified testing (ÖSD, ÖIF). Core customers are individual learners enrolling via course fees, with additional capacity delivered through subsidized public-sector programs.

Product overview

VHS (Wiener Volkshochschulen) is the largest adult education institution in the German-speaking world, operating as an integrated educational services platform. The core offerings include VHS Digital (the overarching online learning platform utilizing Zoom and BigBlueButton), the VHS elearning-Plattform (Moodle-based LMS), and a comprehensive range of in-person and blended courses. Key product lines include German language courses (DAZ) at levels A1-C2, professional certification programs (Berufsreifeprüfung, Studienberechtigungsprüfung, Pflichtschulabschluss), basic literacy education (Basisbildung), and the Wiener Lernhilfe tutoring program. The institution also operates specialized sub-brands including VHS Jugendcoaching, Bildungsberatung in Wien, College 25+, StartWien, Erasmus+ projects, and lernraum.wien. Supporting infrastructure includes MyVHS customer portal, a course catalog system, and gift voucher offerings. With 31 locations and 9 specialized facilities across Vienna, VHS serves diverse target audiences from students to professionals to migrants.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• VHS Digital: Digital learning platform offering online courses, webinars, and blended learning programs for adult education.
• GB Schule (Wiener Lernhilfe)
• lernraum.wien
• College 25+
• AMARO DROM
• BiDe – Bildungscoaching und berufsbezogenes Deutsch B2
• BBE Deutsch Clearing
• VHS Jugendcoaching
• Sichtbar!
• PROFUND

Products and services

• VHS Digital VHS Digital is the umbrella digital education platform that hosts all VHS online learning offerings — synchronous online courses, webinars, blended learning, and "courses with home advantage" — integrating with BigBlueButton and Zoom for live video sessions. It serves individual adult learners, migrant-integration clients, and partner-funded cohorts across Vienna.
• VHS e-learning Platform (Moodle-based) The Moodle-based learning management system at elearning.vhs.at that hosts course materials, online assignments, and supports both fully online and blended-learning courses across the VHS catalog.
• German Language Courses (DAZ) German-as-a-second-language courses covering CEFR levels A1 through C2, including specialised vocational German and preparation for ÖIF (A1-B2) and ÖSD (A1-C2) certification exams. Customers include migrants, refugees, and adult learners seeking to enter the Austrian labour market or obtain citizenship.
• Wiener Lernhilfe Free tutoring program for students attending Vienna elementary schools (Volksschule), middle schools (Mittelschule), and AHS lower level, providing academic support across subjects and delivered at VHS locations and in schools. The target audience is Viennese schoolchildren whose families cannot afford private tutoring.
• Berufsreifeprüfung (BRP) preparation Vocational-maturity examination preparation program enabling participants to obtain a formal school-leaving certificate equivalent to the Matura. The package covers German, Mathematics, English, and a specialised subject, targeting adults who lack secondary credentials.
• Studienberechtigungsprüfung (SBP) preparation University-entrance qualification examination preparation that gives access to Austrian universities, pedagogical universities, universities of applied sciences, and colleges. Aimed at adults without a Matura seeking higher-education access.
• Pflichtschulabschluss Compulsory school-leaving certificate program allowing adults to complete their 8th-grade education, with optional health and care tracks and, at the VHS Brigittenau location, free accompanying childcare. Funded by ESF and City of Vienna.
• Basisbildung Basic literacy and numeracy education for adults covering German as a second language, digital competencies, mother-tongue literacy, and specialised programs for mothers (Mama lernt Deutsch) and youth, delivered at multiple VHS locations.
• VHS Jugendcoaching Free career counseling and coaching service supporting youth and young adults transitioning from school to work, including career orientation, internship and apprenticeship placement, and application coaching. Funded by Sozialministeriumservice.
• Bildungsberatung in Wien Free educational and career counseling network operated with six other Viennese institutions, providing advice on education and career decisions for adults. Funded by the Bundesministerium für Frauen, Wissenschaft und Forschung and the waff.
• College 25+ Free integrated educational program for adults aged 25+ combining German-language learning, literacy, school completion, career orientation, and job placement support, with on-site childcare. Delivered in partnership with Caritas Wien and Volkshilfe Wien and funded through ESF/ESF+.
• AMARO DROM Career and education support program specifically for adult Roma and Romnja, offering educational and career counseling, perspective planning, and application coaching in multiple languages. Funded by the Bundesministerium für Arbeit, Soziales, Gesundheit, Pflege und Konsumentenschutz.
• BBE Deutsch Clearing Language assessment and referral service for migrants registered as unemployed with AMS Wien, providing placement testing and referral to appropriate German courses across a network of providers (FAB, best training, Volkshilfe Beschäftigung).
• BiDe – Bildungscoaching und berufsbezogenes Deutsch B2 Combined program of B2-level vocational German language courses and educational coaching for 15–29-year-olds from third countries, including individual and group coaching sessions, targeting young migrants preparing for skilled employment in Austria.
• BOA – Bildung, Orientierung, Arbeit Educational and career support program for adults aged 25+ who have been involved with the criminal-justice system, offering skills assessment, career orientation, and job-search assistance through a dedicated BOA project office in Vienna's 7th district.
• AusbildungsFit BOK Vocational-readiness training program for youth needing additional preparation, featuring practical training in gastronomy and crafts, knowledge workshops, coaching, and sports activities. Delivered at the VHS Ottakring site.
• CONNECT – Mangelberufe Pflege Program preparing participants for healthcare and nursing professions by combining 9th-grade completion (Pflichtschulabschluss) with sector-specific introduction to the Austrian healthcare system.
• StartWien – Integration ab Tag 1 Free German-language courses (A1-C1) for asylum seekers in basic welfare provision, delivered at multiple VHS locations and accompanied by childcare services. Funded by Fonds Soziales Wien (FSW).
• Lernförderung (Nachhilfe) Academic tutoring services for upper-secondary students (AHS and BHS) in subjects including Mathematics, German, English, French, Latin, Russian, and Spanish, available as individual instruction, holiday courses, and online-supported formats.
• Legasthenie/Dyskalkulie Training Specialised support programs for individuals with dyslexia or dyscalculia, including assessment testing, reading and spelling training, and memory and concentration exercises, delivered at VHS locations.

Quantifiable outcome

• 270,000+ annual course offerings across all programs
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Caritas WiencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCooperation partner in College 25+ project, providing education, counseling, and job placement support for adults 25+ from refugee and migrant backgrounds. VHS leads the program with Caritas and Volkshilfe.
• Volkshilfe WiencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCooperation partner in College 25+ project, providing social services and support for adults 25+ from refugee and migrant backgrounds.
• Verband Wiener VolksbildungcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOwns 74.9% of Die Wiener Volkshochschulen GmbH. Umbrella organization for adult education in Vienna providing governance and support.
• Wiener Bezirksvorstehung (District Governments)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal district governments support VHS locations and fund various community programs including Bezirks Business Awards.
• Universität KlagenfurtminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerErasmus+ partner in PROFUND project for developing assessment frameworks for literacy and basic education with adults.
• Die Kärtner VolkshochschulenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerErasmus+ partner in PROFUND project for developing assessment frameworks for literacy and basic education with adults.
• Volkshochschule der Stadt WormsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerErasmus+ partner in PROFUND project for developing assessment frameworks for literacy and basic education with adults.
• FAB (FAB - Die Fabrik)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNetwork partner in BBE Deutsch Clearing project for language assessment and course referral services.
• best trainingminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNetwork partner in BBE Deutsch Clearing project for language assessment and course referral services.
• Volkshilfe BeschäftigungminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNetwork partner in BBE Deutsch Clearing project for language assessment and course referral services.
• Dokumentationsarchiv des österreichischen Widerstandes (DÖW)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch partner for projects on VHS history during NS regime and integration award-winning 'Ruth Maier' exhibition project.
• Österreichischer Integrationsfonds (ÖIF)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCertification partner for integration exams; VHS is ÖIF certified testing center offering A1-B2 integration exams.
• Österreichisches Sprachdiplom (ÖSD)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVHS is recognized ÖSD testing center offering officially recognized German language diplomas at all levels (A1-C2).

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Berliner Volkshochschulen: The municipal adult education network of Berlin, operating the same Volkshochschulen model as VHS Wien with broad course catalogs, integration programs, and public-funded adult education. Directly comparable on business model, target learner, and government-affiliated structure in another major DACH capital city.
• Volkshochschule Zürich: The municipal adult education institution of Zurich, operating a near-identical Volkshochschulen model across languages, integration, and professional development. Direct cross-border peer showing how the VHS model translates into the German-speaking Swiss market.
• Frankfurter Volkshochschulen: Frankfurt's municipal adult education provider with comparable program breadth, language offerings, and public-funded integration programs. Direct structural peer to VHS Wien in another major DACH city.
• Hamburger Volkshochschulen: Hamburg's municipal adult education network operating the same VHS model: public-funded, district-based locations, broad program catalog including integration and basic education. Closely comparable to VHS Wien in structure and learner segments.
• BFI Österreich (Berufsförderungsinstitut): Austria's leading vocational adult education and labor-market training provider, partnered with AMS and ESF. Directly comparable to VHS Wien in mission, public funding model (AMS-led employment programs), and Austrian geography, but with a more vocational/training tilt.
• Münchner Volkshochschule (MVHS): Munich's municipal adult education provider, delivering language, professional, and integration courses under the same Volkshochschulen framework. Closely comparable in scale, public-private funding mix, and program breadth to VHS Wien.

Broad incumbents

• Coursera: Global online learning platform partnering with universities and companies to deliver adult professional development, language, and credential courses. Comparable to VHS Wien's digital catalog (VHS Digital / Moodle LMS) as a scale digital incumbent in adult upskilling, though without physical locations.
• Goethe-Institut: Germany's global cultural and German-language teaching institution with a much broader international footprint than VHS Wien. Overlaps with VHS on German language instruction (A1–C2) but operates as a national-scale incumbent across cultural diplomacy and exam/certification beyond adult education.
• Berlitz: Global private language instruction and intercultural training provider with physical and digital channels. Overlaps with VHS Wien in fee-based adult language learning but operates as a global commercial incumbent rather than a public-funded municipal institution.

Emerging players

• Duolingo: Leading consumer-facing language learning app with global reach and freemium/subscription pricing. Direct competitor to VHS Wien's fee-based German DAZ and other language courses, especially for the self-directed learner segment that increasingly bypasses classroom offerings.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/wienerVHS
• Facebookfacebook.com/vhs.wien
• Instagraminstagram.com/vhs_wien

Compliance7 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Subsidiaries3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about VHS