The Bundesrat also used its 24 October session to overhaul Austria’s flagship training leave. The long-standing Bildungskarenz – often criticised for subsidising yoga diplomas and extended parental breaks – will disappear on 1 January 2026. In its place comes the “Weiterbildungsbeihilfe”, a daily cash grant worth €40.40-€67.94 that workers can draw while upgrading their skills, but only under far tougher conditions.
Key changes include a mandatory 15 % employer co-payment for staff who earn at least half the maximum social-insurance base and a binding AMS counselling session to ensure courses match labour-market demand. The grant will remain tax-free for both employee and employer, but misuse will trigger repayment obligations.
For mobile professionals and expats, the tighter rules mean fewer opportunities to use training leave to extend Austrian assignments informally. Employers will need to justify the upskilling with clear business cases and should budget for the company contribution. On the upside, the reform is expected to channel public funds into recognised shortage skills such as cybersecurity, AI and advanced manufacturing, potentially boosting Austria’s attractiveness for knowledge-based investment.
Social-partner reactions have been mixed: trade unions welcome the higher minimum rate but worry about access for low-income workers; the Chamber of Commerce praises the focus on relevance but warns of red tape. HR teams should revisit internal policies now to align with the new framework, especially for international staff who plan to combine study and work.
Key changes include a mandatory 15 % employer co-payment for staff who earn at least half the maximum social-insurance base and a binding AMS counselling session to ensure courses match labour-market demand. The grant will remain tax-free for both employee and employer, but misuse will trigger repayment obligations.
For mobile professionals and expats, the tighter rules mean fewer opportunities to use training leave to extend Austrian assignments informally. Employers will need to justify the upskilling with clear business cases and should budget for the company contribution. On the upside, the reform is expected to channel public funds into recognised shortage skills such as cybersecurity, AI and advanced manufacturing, potentially boosting Austria’s attractiveness for knowledge-based investment.
Social-partner reactions have been mixed: trade unions welcome the higher minimum rate but worry about access for low-income workers; the Chamber of Commerce praises the focus on relevance but warns of red tape. HR teams should revisit internal policies now to align with the new framework, especially for international staff who plan to combine study and work.
