Bildungskarenz (Educational Leave)
AMS (Arbeitsmarktservice)
What is this?
Take unpaid leave from work for 2-12 months to study or train, and receive Weiterbildungsgeld (further training allowance) from AMS equal to your unemployment benefit rate.
Am I eligible?
Employed workers in Austria who have been with their current employer for at least 6 months. Your employer must agree to the leave. You must train for at least 20 hours per week.
Target audience:
Eligible sectors:
What do I get?
EUR 900-1,400/month allowance during educational leave
Benefit details may vary based on your eligibility and location.
How to apply
Agree on the leave with your employer, then apply at your local AMS office at ams.at.
Visit Official WebsiteRelated programs
Federal Work-Study
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Gives you a part-time job (on or off campus) to help pay for school. Your wages are partially funded by the federal government, so employers are more willing to hire you.
Weiterbildungsgeld
GermanyBundesagentur fur Arbeit (Federal Employment Agency)
An additional monthly payment of EUR 150 on top of your regular benefits while you are in an approved training program. Meant to offset the extra costs of training and incentivize participation.
Omstallningsstudiestod (Transition Study Support)
SwedenCSN (Swedish Board of Student Finance)
Provides generous income support (up to 80% of your salary, capped) while you take time off from work to study and change careers. Much more generous than regular student aid.
AMS Training Programs
AustriaAMS (Arbeitsmarktservice)
Funds a wide range of training programs from short courses to multi-month qualifications. You receive a training allowance during participation and continue receiving unemployment benefits.
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