Stricter rules: training time replaces educational leave

The  Training time as a more effective successor model for educational leave started and can can now be applied for at the Employment Service (AMS). Compared to the old model, there are stricter criteria and For higher earners, the employer must contribute financially. At the peak of educational leave, the measure cost the state over 500 million euros annually – now they are Expenses capped at 150 million euros per year.

As with educational leave, the new training period has time no legal claim. The AMS is still responsible for processing. In contrast to the old regulation, companies will have to make a financial contribution in the future. If the gross salary is above half the ASVG maximum contribution base (2026: 3,465 euros per month), the employer must contribute 15 percent of the further training allowance.

Criteria are much stricter

The criteria for receiving further training time and part-time training have been significantly tightened compared to educational leave. For example, anyone who has already completed a master’s or diploma course must have worked for at least four years subject to compulsory insurance. It is also no longer possible to directly link the further training measure to parental leave.

When it comes to further training, the AMS only supports training and further education that is relevant to the labor market and usable across companies. This restriction did not apply to educational leave. The continuing education period must be at least 20 hours per week (in the case of a degree course, 20 ECTS per semester) or 16 hours with care responsibilities. In order to receive the allowance, you must be employed with your current employer in Austria for twelve months on full salary and subject to full insurance. A training period agreement must also be concluded with the employer.

Further training time is financially attractive for low earners

For low earners, the educational leave successor model is significantly more financially attractive than the old variant, which was only based on unemployment benefits. In 2026, the minimum further training allowance is 1,286 euros per month (31 daily allowances). The amount of the aid is based on an income-dependent step model and amounts to at least 41.49 euros per day (value 2026). You can receive a maximum of up to 2,163 euros per month during the training period, including the employer’s contribution.

In the past, the Court of Auditors and the economic research institute Wifo, among others, advocated a reform of educational leave in order to increase the effectiveness of further training measures. The old educational leave could still be applied for until spring 2025.