Austria is once again reshaping its Bildungskarenz (educational leave) scheme - a programme for workers to take paid time off for study purposes.
The government has presented the law that will replace the old model from 2026, bringing tougher rules, fewer entitlements, and more targeted financial support. Here’s what’s changing, and how it could affect you.
No more legal entitlement
Under the new rules, educational leave will no longer be a guaranteed right, even if you meet the requirements. The allowance, officially called the Weiterbildungsgeld (continuing education allowance), will be one of several subsidies offered by the Public Employment Service (AMS). That means it will depend on the available budget.
The government has reserved €150 million for 2026. For comparison, the old version of educational leave cost between €400 and €670 million per year, Der Standard reported.
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Stricter conditions for parents and academics
A major criticism of the old system was that many people used educational leave to extend parental leave. This loophole will close. In the future, anyone wanting to go on educational leave must work at least 26 weeks (six months) in a job subject to unemployment insurance between the end of parental leave and the start of further training.
The employment history requirement is also getting tougher: you must now have been employed for a full year before applying, instead of just six months.
For people with higher incomes, the rules are also changing. If your gross monthly income is above half the maximum contribution basis (currently €3,225), your employer will have to cover 15 percent of the allowance. The AMS payment will be reduced accordingly.
Those with a completed master’s degree will only be eligible after at least four years of employment subject to unemployment insurance.
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Tougher proof of study
The education component is also becoming stricter. University students will have to prove 20 ECTS credits per semester, up from eight previously. For other training, the requirement remains 20 hours per week, reduced to 16 for people with children under seven.
These rules are intended to ensure that educational leave is used for serious training linked to labour market needs, not loosely related or casual courses, according to the government proposal.
More support for low earners
While the rules are getting stricter overall, the reform raises the floor for low-income workers. The minimum daily allowance will rise to €40.40, with a maximum of €67.94. Previously, the minimum was under €15 per day.
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For most people, the allowance will still equal unemployment benefit, but this higher minimum is designed to make further training financially feasible for low earners.
When does this take effect?
The legislative proposal has been sent to parliament for review. If approved, the new model will take effect in 2026.
For now, employees planning further training should be aware that access is no longer guaranteed, the bar for eligibility has been raised, and employers may be required to contribute in some cases.
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