The training leave program, set to replace the current education leave (Bildungskarenz) starting in 2026, has now been finalized. Costs had most recently amounted to around 650 million euros per year, but the government has now reserved only about 150 million euros. Social Minister Korinna Schumann (SPÖ) has sent the draft law for review, with the consultation period running until September 29.
The Ö1 “Morgenjournal” first reported on the draft law on Tuesday. The Court of Audit and the Austrian Institute of Economic Research (Wifo) had previously called for a reform of education leave in order to increase the effectiveness of the training measure. The old education leave program expired at the end of March. However, during a transitional period, cases are still accepted if the agreement was concluded by the end of February and the training measure begins no later than May 31, 2025.
As with education leave, there is no legal entitlement to training leave. The Public Employment Service (AMS) will continue to be responsible for implementation. Unlike the old regulation, however, companies will now be required to make a financial contribution. If the salary exceeds a certain threshold (currently 3,225 euros), the employer must contribute 15 percent toward the training allowance, according to the draft law.
Stricter Criteria Introduced
The criteria for receiving training leave have been significantly tightened compared to education leave. For example, anyone already holding a master’s degree must have worked in insured employment for at least four years. Direct continuation after parental leave will no longer be possible. In contrast to the old model, the AMS will also examine whether the training is relevant and promising from a labor market policy perspective. Training must amount to at least 20 hours per week, or 16 hours for those with caregiving responsibilities. To qualify for the allowance, employees must have worked at least 12 months with their current employer, or three months in seasonal businesses.
For low earners, the new training leave model is significantly more attractive financially than the old version, which was based solely on unemployment benefits. Starting in 2026, the minimum training allowance will be 1,212 euros per month—almost three times higher than before, according to the Ministry of Social Affairs. Depending on previous income, the allowance can amount to up to 2,038 euros.
“With the new training leave, we can now more easily enable those with low formal qualifications or low incomes to pursue further training while maintaining employment,” the social minister said on ORF radio. Due to the significantly higher minimum allowance, “the decision will be much easier for this group in particular.” Previously, education leave had been used mainly by already highly qualified employees.
