Stricter Criteria for Continuing Education Time
The further education time as a more effective successor model for educational leave from 2026 is now finalized. The costs recently amounted to around 650 million euros per year, but now the government has only reserved around 150 million euros. Social Minister Korinna Schumann (SPÖ) has sent the draft law for review, with the review period running until September 29.
Educational Leave Ended in March
First, the Ö1 "Morgenjournal" reported on the draft law on Tuesday. The Court of Audit and Wifo have previously advocated for a reform of educational leave to increase the effectiveness of the further education measure. The old educational leave ended in March. However, there are still cases during a transition period. It was accepted if the agreement was concluded by the end of February and the educational measure started by May 31, 2025, at the latest.
Stricter Criteria for Eligibility for Further Education Time
As with educational leave, there is no legal entitlement to further education time. The Public Employment Service (AMS) remains responsible for processing. Unlike the old regulation, companies will have to make a financial contribution in the future. If the salary exceeds a certain threshold (currently 3,225 euros), the employer will have to contribute 15 percent to the further education allowance, according to the draft law.
The criteria for receiving further education time have been significantly tightened compared to educational leave. For example, those who already have a master's degree must have worked in a job subject to social insurance for at least four years. A direct connection to parental leave is also no longer possible. Unlike the old model, the AMS also checks whether the further education is labor market-relevant and promising. The further education must be at least 20 hours per week or 16 hours with caregiving responsibilities. To receive the allowance, one must have worked for at least 12 months with the current employer, while three months are sufficient in seasonal businesses.
Financially Attractive for Low-Income Earners
For low-income earners, the successor model to educational leave is significantly more financially attractive than the old version, which was only based on unemployment benefits. From 2026, the minimum further education allowance will be 1,212 euros per month - which is almost three times as much as before, according to the Ministry of Social Affairs. Depending on how high the previous income was, the allowance can be up to 2,038 euros.
With the new further education time, "those who have formally low qualifications or a low income can now be more easily brought into higher qualification while maintaining their employment relationship," said the Social Minister on ORF radio. Due to the significantly higher minimum allowance, "the decision will be much easier, especially for this group of people." Previously, educational leave was mainly used by already highly qualified employees.
(APA/Red)
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